ICHABOD, THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED - explores the Age of Apostasy, predicted in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, to attack Objective Faithless Justification, Church Growth Clowns, and their ringmasters. The antidote to these poisons is trusting the efficacious Word in the Means of Grace. John 16:8. Isaiah 55:8ff. Romans 10. Most readers are WELS, LCMS, ELS, or ELCA. This blog also covers the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Left-wing, National Council of Churches denominations.
From WELS Together:
COP addresses important issues
From the office of President Mark Schroeder
The Conference of Presidents (COP) held its quarterly face-to-face meeting last week. Here's a recap of the most important matters discussed.
Doctrine and practice
One of the most important roles of the COP is to oversee doctrine (what we believe and teach) and practice (what we do in applying our beliefs). When it met, the COP had a lengthy discussion about the importance of retaining our unity in both areas.
Some congregations, in a desire to reach as many people as possible with the gospel, have been considering some new and different approaches and methods, especially in the areas of worship and outreach. Cautions and concerns have been voiced about some of these trends. Expressing the commitment to maintain our synod's faithfulness to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, the COP concluded that "the underpinnings of 'non-traditional' type of worship cannot be ignored" and that we need to be careful to "walk the 'narrow Lutheran road' between legalism—and ignoring and failing to admonish where practices are contrary to or dangerous to the principles of gospel proclamation and the efficacy of the means of grace."
As a result of this concern, the COP resolved that "an ad hoc committee be convened in consultation with the [COP] doctrine committee that can . . . address this issue and produce a study document that can be shared with circuits and also congregations for study and careful evaluation of practices in worship, sacraments, outreach, organization, music selection, etc."
Convention essays
The theme of the 2009 synod convention will be "Christ's Love, Our Calling." The COP directed that two essays be presented to the convention expanding on this theme. The first essay dealing with Christ's love will focus on the efficacy of the means of grace, in which God conveys his grace to us through Word and sacrament. The second essay, dealing with our calling, will have an emphasis on the many aspects of the Christian's calling, including a focus on the call to faith, the call to proclaim the gospel, the call into the public ministry, and the Christian's vocation. These essays, in keeping with the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Commission, will form the basis for two years of synodwide Bible studies in circuits, conferences, and congregations.
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GJ - Hey convention essayist guys. You are welcome to hook a few hundred quotations from this blog or from http://www.gljackson.com/books.htm to get links without the pop-up ads.
Yes, I published about this topic in 1991. Wally Oelhafen, Fred Adrian, and Roger Kovaciny went ballistic at the pastors' conference when I gave the Cure chapter from Liberalism: Its Cause and Cure. And yes, there was a concerted effort to boot me from WELS the moment the book came out. For some reason, NPH kept delaying the printing. Backroom brawling? I think not. All the WELS pastors agree about doctrine - that is what John Seifert and John Lawrenz told me.
And I published more in Thy Strong Word, with hundreds and hundreds of quotations. That was 2000 or so. The reception was, shall we say, frigid. Once I had to help a CLC (sic) pastor give a paper on the Means of Grace. He did not learn anything about it at their plywood seminary, where each seminary class of one can graduate summa cum laude.
The WELS essays are significant in turning away from the icky and silly Reformed-Pentecostal themes of the past ("Going, Growing, Glowing").
The Biblical message of the Word alone being effective is long overdue.
WELS has the chance to invite its synodical conference partners back to sound doctrine.
"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
1. Ist Gott für mich, so trete
Gleich alles wider mich,
Sooft ich ruf' und bete,
Weicht alles hinter sich.
Hab' ich das Haupt zum Freunde
Und bin geliebt bei Gott,
Was kann mir tun der Feinde
Und Widersacher Rott'?
2. Nun weiß und glaub' ich feste,
Ich rühm's auch ohne Scheu,
Daß Gott der Höchst' und Beste,
Mein Freund und Vater sei,
Und daß in allen Fällen
Er mir zur Rechten steh'
Und dämpfe Sturm und Wellen
Und was mir bringet Weh.
3. Der Grund, da ich mich gründe,
Ist Christus und sein Blut,
Das machet, daß ich finde
Das ew'ge wahre Gut.
An mir und meinem Leben
Ist nichts auf dieser Erd';
Was Christus mir gegeben,
Das ist der Liebe wert.
4. Mein Jesus ist mein' Ehre,
Mein Glanz und helles Licht.
Wenn der nicht in mir wäre,
So dürft' und könnt' ich nicht
Vor Gottes Augen stehen
Und vor dem strengen Sitz;
Ich müßte stracks vergehen
Wie Wachs in Feuershitz'.
5. Mein Jesus hat gelöschet,
Was mit sich führt den Tod;
Der ist's, der mich rein wäschet,
Macht schneeweiß, was ist rot.
In ihm kann ich mich freuen,
Hab' einen Heldenmut,
Darf kein Gerichte scheuen,
Wie sonst ein Sünder tut.
6. Nichts, nichts kann mich verdammen.
Nichts nimmet mir mein Herz!
Die Höll' und ihre Flammen,
Die sind mir nur ein Scherz.
Kein Urteil mich erschrecket,
Kein Unheil mich betrübt,
Weil mich mit Flügeln decket
Mein Heiland, der mich liebt.
7. Sein Geist wohnt mir im Herzen,
Regieret meinen Sinn,
Vertreibt mir Sorg' und Schmerzen,
Nimmt allen Kummer hin,
Gibt Segen und Gedeihen
Dem, was er in mir schafft,
Hilft mir das Abba schreien,
Aus aller meiner Kraft.
8. Und wenn an meinem Orte
Sich Furcht und Schwachheit find't,
So seufzt und spricht er Worte,
Die unausprechlich sind
Mir zwar und meinem Munde,
Gott aber wohl bewußt,
Der an des Herzens Grunde
Ersiehet seine Lust.
9. Sein Geist spricht meinem Geiste
Manch süßes Trostwort zu,
Wie Gott dem Hilfe leiste,
Der bei ihm suchet Ruh',
Und wie er hab' erbauet
Ein' edle, neue Stadt,
Da Aug' und Herze schauet,
Was er geglaubet hat.
10. Da ist mein Teil, mein Erbe
Mir prächtig zugericht't;
Wenn ich gleich fall' und sterbe,
Fällt doch mein Himmel nicht.
Muß ich auch gleich hier feuchten
Mit Tränen meine Zeit,
Mein Jesus und sein Leuchten
Durch süßet alles Leid.
11. Wer sich mit dem verbindet,
Den Satan fleucht und haßt,
Der wird verfolgt und findet
Ein' harte, schwere Last
Zu leiden und zu tragen,
Gerät in Hohn und Spott,
Das Kreuz und alle Plagen,
Die sind sein täglich Brot.
12. Das ist mir nicht verborgen,
Doch bin ich unverzagt.
Dich will ich laßen sorgen,
Dem ich mich zugesagt,
Es koste Leib und Leben
Und alles, was ich hab';
An dir will ich fest kleben
Und nimmer laßen ab.
13. Die Welt, die mag zerbrechen,
Du stehst mir ewiglich,
Kein Brennen, Hauen, Stechen
Soll trennen mich und dich,
Kein Hungern und kein Dürsten,
Kein' Armut, keine Pein,
Kein Zorn der großen Fürsten
Soll mir ein' Hindrung sein.
14. Kein Engel, keine Freuden,
Kein Thron, kein' Herrlichkeit,
Kein Lieben und kein Leiden,
Kein' Angst und Herzeleid,
Was man nur kann erdenken,
Es sei klein oder groß,
Der keines soll mich lenken
Aus deinem Arm und Schoß.
15. Mein Herze geht in Sprüngen
Und kann nicht traurig sein,
Ist voller Freud' und Singen,
Sieht lauter Sonnenschein.
Die Sonne, die mir lachet,
Ist mein Herr Jesus Christ;
Das, was mich singen machet,
Ist, was im Himmel ist.
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GJ - Thank you, Norman Teigen, for finding this great hymn and posting it.
The Arizona Cardinals shocked everyone at the University of Phoenix Stadium by defeating the Eagles. Leonard Pope played an important role in the victory.
"The purest and best part of the human race, the special nursery and flower of God's Church, is tender youth. Youth retains the gift of the Holy Spirit which it received in Baptism; it learns eagerly the true doctrine about God and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ; it calls Him God with a chaste mind and with a simple, pure faith; it thanks Him with a quick and joyful heart for the blessings received from Him; in its studies and the other parts of life, it carries out the duties commanded it; and it obeys God and parents reverently. Particularly God-pleasing, therefore, are the studies of one's earliest age: prayer, obedience and praises which honor God, regardless of how weak and stammering its voice may be."
David Chytraeus, A Summary of the Christian Faith (1568), trans., Richard Dinda, Decatur: Repristination Press, 1994. p. 9.
"Emphatically does Scripture state that the action of the Spirit covers the whole life from first to the last. He is the Spirit of Life for regeneration (John 3:5, 8): the Spirit of Sonship for adoption (Romans 8:15): the Spirit of holiness for sanctification (Romans 8:5): the Spirit of Glory for transfiguration (2 Corinthians 3:18); the Spirit of Promise for the resurrection (Ephesians 1:13). Only through the Holy Spirit are men drawn to the Author and Finisher of their salvation." Arthur H. Drevlow, "God the HS Acts to Build the Church,"
God The Holy Spirit Acts, ed., Eugene P. Kaulfield, Milwaukee: Northwestern Publishing House, 1972, p. 15. John 3: 5,8; Romans 8:5; Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 1:13
"On the contrary, with the Anabaptists and the Reformed Church in general, the Mennonites are Enthusiasts, lay great stress on the immediate working of the Holy Ghost, who is said to 'guide the saints into all truth.' In his Geschichte der Mennonitengemeinden John Horsch, a prominent Mennonite, states that the Holy Spirit is the 'inner word,' who enables Christians to understand the Scriptures. Without the inner word, or the light, the Scripture is a dead letter and a dark lantern."
The. Engelder, W. Arndt, Th. Graebner, F. E. Mayer, Popular Symbolics, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1934, p. 260.
"It is God the Holy Ghost who must work this change in the soul. This He does through His own life-giving Word. It is the office of that Word, as the organ of the Holy Spirit, to bring about a knowledge of sin, to awaken sorrow and contrition, and to make the sinner hate and turn from his sin. That same Word then directs the sinner to Him who came to save him from sin. It takes him to the cross, it enables him to believe that his sins were all atoned for there, and that, therefore, he is not condemned. In other words, the Word of God awakens and constantly deepens true penitence. It also begets and constantly increases true faith. Or, in one word, it converts the sinner."
G. H. Gerberding, The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church, Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1887, p. 145f.
"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 popular idea about the Word] "He sees that he must repent and believe, but by his own reason and strength he cannot. He learns further, that he needs the Holy Spirit to enable him to repent and believe, but, according to the current opinion, that Spirit is not in the Word, nor effective through it, but operates independently of it."
G. H. Gerberding, The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church, Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1887, p. 131.
"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.
"To the Lutheran the sermon, as the preached Word, is a means of grace. Through it the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth. It is a constant offer of pardon; a giving of life, as well as a nourishing and strengthening of life. In the Reformed churches the sermon is apt to be more hortatory and ethical. It partakes more of the sacrificial than of the sacramental character. The individuality of the preacher, the subjective choice of a text, the using of it merely for a motto, the discussion of secular subjects, the unrestrained platform style, lack of reverence, lack of dignity, and many other faults are common, and are not regarded as unbecoming the messenger of God in His temple. Where there is a properly trained Lutheran consciousness such things repel, shock, and are not tolerated."
G. H. Gerberding, The Lutheran Pastor, Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1915, p. 278.
"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.
"For just as we are born again through the Sacrament of holy Baptism, so also we are nurtured for eternal life through the Sacrament of this holy Supper. Just as we were taken into God's covenant of grace through the former Sacrament, so also through the latter Sacrament we are preserved in the very same covenant of grace. Just as the Holy Spirit awakens faith in us through the former, so also He strengthens and increases it through the latter. Just as circumcision typifies the former, so the Passover [paschal] lamb of the Old Testament typifies the latter."
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. 209.
"The efficacy of the Bible is that property by which the Bible has indissolubly united [Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13] with the true and genuine sense [Ephesians 3:3-4; Acts 8:30, 31, 34] expressed in its words the power of the Holy Spirit, [Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:5] who has made it for all times the ordinary means by which He operates [Psalm 19:8; Psalm 119:105, 130; 2 Peter 1:19; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17] on and in the hearts and minds of those who properly hear and read it [Revelation 1:3; Ephesians 3:3-4; John 7:17].
A. L. Graebner, Outlines of Doctrinal Theology, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1910, p. 12. Romans 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 3:3-4; Acts 8:30f; John 7:17.
"The New Testament is the inerrant record of the revelation of Jesus Christ in word and deed, and of the truths and principles proceeding, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, from that revelation. The Old Testament is in like manner an inerrant record, having the express and often repeated testimony and authority of Christ, of the preparatory and partial revelations made concerning Him before His coming. Hebrews 1:1."
Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 3. Hebrews 1:1.
"What testimony is given to the presence of the Holy Spirit in and with the Word? The words of Scripture are repeatedly cited as the words of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:16, 28:25; Hebrew 3:7; Psalm 10:15."
Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 288f.
"Is it the office of the Word simply to afford directions that are to be followed in order to obtain salvation? It is more than a directory and guide to Christ. It does more than 'give directions how to live.' It brings and communicates the grace concerning which it instructs. It has an inherent and objective efficacy, derived from its divine institution and promise, and explained by the constant presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in and with it. Romans 1:16; John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23; Matthew 4:4; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 10:5-10; Isaiah 55:10."
Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 288.
"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.
(1) "He that believes and is baptized Shall see the Lord's salvation; Baptized into the death of Christ, He is a new creation. Through Christ's redemption he shall stand Among the glorious heavenly band Of every tribe and nation. (2) "With one accord, O God, we pray: Grant us Thy Holy Spirit; Look Thou on our infirmity Through Jesus' blood and merit. Grant us to grow in grace each day That by this Sacrament we may Eternal life inherit."
Thomas Kingo, 1689, "He That Believes and Is Baptized" The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941, Hymn #301. Mark 16:16.
"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.
"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
Risen Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church
Milwaukee, WI 53224
Media Transparency Profile
Total Grants to Risen Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church
Total $ Granted: $ 75,000
For Years: 2005 2004
# Grants: 3
Grants to Risen Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church
Date Amount Purpose Funder
7-10-2005 25,000 To support outreach ministries The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
8-10-2004 25,000 To support urban outreach ministries The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
4-13-2004 25,000 To support urban outreach ministries The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
There are many more grants. The pastor teaches grantsmanship (note the new label) at Church and Change conferences.
THOSE SERVING GOD'S PEOPLE AT RISEN SAVIOR
Rev. Kenneth J. Fisher
Senior Pastor -- pastor@risensavior-luth.org
C and C: "105...... Grant Writing 101–Ken and Kim Fisher."
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Englewood, FL 34223
Media Transparency Profile
Total Grants to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Total $ Granted: $ 2,000
For Years: 2005 2004
# Grants: 2
Grants to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Click date for grant details.
Date Amount Purpose Funder
1-10-2005 1,000 To support general operations The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
4-20-2004 1,000 To support general operations The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
Here is the link.
Total Grants to Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Total $ Granted: $ 320,000
For Years: 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
# Grants: 8
Grants to Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
Click date for grant details.
Date Amount Purpose Funder
9-20-2005 10,000 To support the Model ESL and First Language Literacy Training Programs The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
9-10-2004 10,000 To support the Model ESL and First Language Literacy Training Programs The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
9-10-2003 50,000 To support neighborhood development The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
4-11-2003 50,000 To support neighborhood development The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
9-10-2002 50,000 To support neighborhood development The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
4-10-2002 50,000 To support neighborhood development The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
9-10-2001 50,000 To support neighborhood development The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
4-10-2001 50,000 To support neighborhood development The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, Inc.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Sound Advice from Freddy Finkelstein":
Typical Church and Change resentment when given reproof and correction. Unless they get the respect that they think they richly deserve they react with vindictiveness and nastiness.
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GJ - Yes, there was an interesting event involving the Florida WELS experiment, which became a Roman Catholic parish. They actually built an attractive building, threw all kinds of money at it, and put their most unstable Church Growth pastors in it, all at once. Randy Catter and Mark Freier were involved; neither one is Lutheran now.
At a nearby parish someone made a chance remark during a church council meeting. It was mild and factually true. Well, he had to apologize. And he did. That was not enough. This went on forever. I received a stack of papers in the mail. Otherwise it would not be believable that grown men could wig out and stay wigged out for so long.
I have noticed that WELS DPs want a triple-scoop of apologies, too. I have never known that a DP apologized for wrecking parishes, for ruining the lives and families of pastors, for promoting known adulterers and false teachers.
The Theology of the Cross: Reflections on His Cross and Ours
by Daniel M. Deutschlander
Are you living under the theology of the cross or the theology of glory? This new book looks at Christian doctrine and reminds readers that all biblical doctrine relates to Scripture's central teaching that God sent his Son to save lost sinners. However, it also deals with the seeming paradox between the theology of the cross and the theology of glory. Sinful people tend to overlook the cross and its demands. As a result they take their eyes off Jesus and turn their attention to themselves. It is a rich study of a weighty theological issue and a worthy addition to a professional or personal library.
For further comment on this volume, from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Professor James Korthals, click HERE.
Paper cover, 292 pages
CC15N0746, $17.99
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GJ - I do not have this book yet, but I know Deutschlander is one of the most respected teachers in WELS. Readers may recall that Ski skipped the Deutschlander presentation to WELS pastors in Atlanta in order to worship with the Babtists and John Parlow. Deutschlander, at the late Northwestern College, had no use for the Church Growth Movement.
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Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Deutschlander's New Book: The Theology of the Cro...":
I was able to page through a preview of this book at a bookstore, and it seems quite interesting. I happened upon a section entitled "Lutheran Worship reflects the theology of the cross, not the theology of glory" (or similar). Looks like this will be good reading.
The public school students had to take "remedial" doctrine class at MLC, and Deutschlander taught it. But contrary to the 000-level numbering, the class was likely the most rigorous, focused, and confessional class I have taken while in attendance at any Lutheran college. Many future WELS pastors who "escaped" by attending parochial school audited the class anyway. Hopefully some of it rubbed off on them.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Joe Krohn, Rock and Roller--Previously Retired for...":
JW said..."Some insight on me before I elaborate…I’m a PK (Pastor’s Kid) from Mequon but not from the Seminary. That narrows down my identity significantly. I’ve been WELS educated from Kindergarten to Undergrad."
Uhhh, GJ, there is a Pastor Stanley Weinrich in Mequon. I think there is a pretty good chance this is his son. It's not Krohn. You have just discredited yourself and this whole blog by not addressing this. A previous poster brought this to your attention.
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GJ - I don't think this post proves anything. It is anonymous. It has no blogger ID attached to it. It could be from anyone. If people do not use their real names, I feel free to speculate.
Joe Krohn has posted anonymously or semi-anonymously. He is free to say on his blog whether he is this person or not.
This blog focuses on Lutheran doctrine, not on critics who hide behind "Anonymous."
I understand why genuine Lutherans use another name, because the vindictiveness and spite of the Church and Changers is boundless. Look at how they treat the Office of the Synod President, which they think is their collective doormat.
If you want proper identification, use it in your posts. If not, switch to de-caff.
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