Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Bon Voyage Anonymouse - For Now


Synod President Wendland and the newest DP celebrate
the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation,
at a special ceremony attended by several dozen members.



Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "As Predicted - Another Quitter - Or the Same Quitt...":

Interesting how when each Church Growth apostle attacks Ichabod they always attack Baptism, Holy Communion and the Holy Spirit's work through the efficacious Word. This last coward was the same way, mocking Baptism as though it was one way to damage Ichabod. What a shame and disgrace. Out of the fullness of their hearts they speak and act. It greatly clarifies the stated problems when they openly attack. It exposes their false doctrine and practice for anyone willing to test it against Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions (also funny to see how the false teachers and mini wolves hate to read anything of length and complexity ~ Luther or the Lutheran Confessions).

***

GJ - One of my regular readers said my posts made him angry, but he had to agree I was right when he read the comments.

I probably post more antagonistic comments than any other Lutheran blogger. The opponents prove my case. I linked Church and Change, but they do not link me. I link The CORE, and St. Peter's Freedom, CrossWalk, Willowcreek's Little College, Mary Lou College, The Sausage Factory, and many other sites. They do not reciprocate.

I am only too happy to quote people and refute them, offering their original links. Most prefer to attack anonymousely.

California wrote today:

Posting comments from readers of blogs serves a similar purpose as letters to the editor. Both serve as thermometers indicating the health of the respective body (institution) under discussion.

I recall instances where the WELS and ELS magazines have deliberately falsified letters to blunt a point made or to twist the original point. When a layman asked Moldstad about UOJ, the letter became headlined as "How can someone question UOJ and call himself a Christian?" I know the layman who wrote the letter.

When a pest-blogger states the same thing repeatedly, to borrow a readership he has not developed, lacking both skill and wit, I block the comment.

Several failed blogs tried to prove UOJ, but those comments are gone now. I did notice the fake Ichabod still trying to promote UOJ. Did I mention the UOJ Stormtroopers are all Shrinkers? On the same page the fake Ichabod whines about the liar Valleskey being picked on. When Valleskey is done with UOJ, Law and Gospel, the tangled threads of his thought are best left alone - what a mess.

Here is the UOJ post. <--Mequon grads, left-click.

The fake, who is too scared to list his name, cites DP Buchholz at length. Buchholz is halfway there. At least he acknowledges the Means of Grace. He is still an Enthusiast because he separates the Holy Spirit from the Word.

Joe Krohn, a Church and Change fellow traveler, has posted his objections to UOJ.

Extra Nos quoted Krohn with approval. I think Joe is still stuck on the OJ/SJ categories, which were invented by Woods translating Knapp, but he has seen the basic problems.

Perhaps the Stormtroopers will take him to a re-education camp and enlighten him until he recants. I have seen that happen on LutherQuest (sic) with Heidenreich - really pitiful.



On June 30th, The First Lutheran Martyrs Were Burned at the Stake




And yet, Lutherans today will not address the doctrinal issues, rebuke false doctrine, or uphold the truth of the Means of Grace.

Book of Concord:

"We have no intention of yielding aught of the eternal, immutable truth of God for the sake of temporal peace, tranquility, and unity (which, moreover, is not in our power to do). Nor would such peace and unity, since it is devised against the truth and for its suppression, have any permanency. Still less are we inclined to adorn and conceal a corruption of the pure doctrine and manifest, condemned errors. But we entertain heartfelt pleasure and love for, and are on our part sincerely inclined and anxious to advance, that unity according to our utmost power, by which His glory remains to God uninjured, nothing of the divine truth of the Holy Gospel is surrendered, no room is given to the least error, poor sinners are brought to true, genuine repentance, raised up by faith, confirmed in new obedience, and thus justified and eternally saved alone through the sole merit of Christ." (Closing of Formula of Concord, Triglotta. p. 1095) Francis Pieper, The Difference Between Orthodox And Heterodox Churches, and Supplement, Coos Bay, Oregon: St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1981, p. 65. Tappert, p. 632. Heiser, p. 294. FC SD XI, #94-96.



The Sheep Are Seeing Their Own Lambs Punished - The Price of Silence




Thirty years ago, the ELS, WELS, and LCMS were rather prosperous and their educational systems were relatively inexpensive.

In spite of the Schwan gusher, or because of it, all three groups are strapped for funds. Their tuition costs are gigantic and offer little at the end of the road. Teachers and pastors have to spend or borrow a fortune to qualify for a lack of positions.

The children of those pastors who ran away from the doctrinal battle are now graduating with huge debts and no jobs. Many of the ovine shepherds no longer have a call. Afraid of the consequences of speaking up, they are paying the price now. More accurately, their own children are paying the price.

---

bruce-church (https://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "The Sheep Are Seeing Their Own Lambs Punished - Th...":

From what I've seen, the congregations don't send as much money to synod--and it's the synod which is supposed to subsidize the synodical schools.

On this blog and others I've seen comments complaining about how Lutherans don't have large families anymore, and this is the reason for the decline in membership. The synodical schools don't help in this regard, though. Their tuition is pricey, and while there is a small break for a 2nd and 3rd child enrolled, it barely put a dent in the total bill. The message sent by the synod and society is don't have large families, hence the synod is at fault for its own declining membership.

Remember that pastor in west-central Wisconsin that died falling off a ladder while trimming a tree? A month later the church posted a letter saying that he sent his sons through synodical schools, and thus left his wife penniless.
The letter was asking for donations so she could at least put down a down payment on a house. Fortunately, housing is cheaper in rural parts of Wisconsin (and Minnesota.)

What really troublesome is the synod doesn't pester congregations don't send money in to synod. Not only do I know this is the case from my familiarity with one WELS congregation that paid its pastor according to synodical guidelines, but then didn't send a dime in to synod, but when the synodical budget tanked at the start of the Great Recession, people were saying for the first time, that we have to put the screws to those congregations that don't give anything, or nothing. So the synod is at fault for its own budget predicament. Moreover, it makes the student and pastors rather cynical. They paid their dues for getting into the pension plan via tuition and years of study, and so they deserve higher wages and a pension, the thinking goes.

***

GJ - WELS is certainly large enough to have a group life policy on every church worker, payable to the spouse. They could even bill the congregation if they had to do it. Ministers and teachers are long-lived as a group. I had a group life policy in the LCA. The results were so good that the coverage went up over the years. Accidental death, which is more likely at an earlier age, could be included for a tiny amount of money. There is something in the Bible about leaving widows penniless, but there is nothing about the need to attend Fuller Seminary. The priorities are wrong in that flint-hearted sect.




Pietist - A Sheep in Sheep's Clothing


The fake blogger took time to pose for a formal portrait.
An Icarus he isn't.


The WELS Church and Money Changers are bleating and crying for help. Their last few blog departures are examples of their method - to be a sheep in sheep's clothing. Boxers call it "rope-a-dope," letting the opponent swing until exhaustion stops the fight.

Everyone is expected to view the Money Changers as victims, because they try to keep their nastiness tucked inside where no one can see it.

They will not fight in the open, because everyone would see their true nature. They dread anything being discussed in public. That is why a few people decided to produce daily personal attacks in the form of comments. One blogger I know got so tired of of such behavior that he turned off the comments.

I let them roll along to measure impact. More bleating comes in the form of hysterical comments and numerous short-lived blogs.

If WELS members or pastors try to deal with issues, in the manner ordered by Money Changers, they find the leaders being sheep rather than shepherds. Like my dogs, they are impossible to find when they suspect they are in trouble. Someone has to arrange a meeting with the alpha sheep, who will either load the meeting with his clones or disappear like Doug the Unready, the DP who guards Fox Valley and leads the sheep into the wilderness.

Anyone who buys their load is more foolish than the purveyors of false doctrine themselves.

The Doctrinal Pussycats, Sausage Factory professors, and college deceivers are all walking self-contractions. What I write about WELS is just as true about the Little Sect on the Prairie and the Legion of Mary* (formerly known as the Missouri Synod).

They claim a quia subscription to the Book of Concord while promoting the double-justification scheme of George Christian Knapp, constantly using the wording of his English translator, whose translation is still in print. Luther? They despise him and warn those who would quote the Reformer.

Their quia claim contradicts their constant evasion of the issues.

Their publications reveal their love for 19th century Pietism and the illusion that Midwestern sect founders have the final say on doctrinal issues (so forget the BOC). Harmonious (a nice pun on Concordia, eh?) with their real concerns, they adore the Pietism of Fuller, Willow Creek, and assorted scoundrels of the Evangelical Left, too numerous and tedious to name.

Because they do not love or fear the Word of God, they get their way by shunning and extending the Left Foot of Fellowship. They worship money so they think the worst punishment is to hurt someone financially. They also think the best reward is money, so they award themselves all the money in the name of mission, reaching out to the lost, using enough scams to land a banker in federal prison for life.

They are not wolves. They are sheep. Like true sheep, when one gets out through a hole in the fence, the rest of them follow until the sheepfold is empty. The alpha sheep went to Fuller 30 years ago and began to promote their school meekly while others followed.

Did Valleskey go to Fuller? Eyes open in fright. No. Avoid all future discussions. Yes he did (to David Koenig) and why did you tell the truth (to David Koenig).

Did Bivens go to Fuller? Yes and no. Let's stick with a firm "no" until the coast is clear.

Did Larry Olson go to Fuller? No, he went to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. How do you know he didn't? His Fuller paper in the MLC library? Are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?

The First Vice President of WELS went to Fuller to be a Shrinker consultant - along with Kelm and Olson? That could never happen so Jim Huebner did not go and this conversation never happened.

Click your heels together three times and chant with Wayne Mueller:

"There is no Church Growth in WELS."

"There is no Church Growth in WELS."

"There is no Church Growth in WELS."

Now you are back in Kansas. Go to sheep, meek ones. Your fellow sheep will lead you to green pastures. They are not much for fighting predators, but there is safety in numbers. Making noise will just disturb the rest.









*For examples, see the LCMS defections to Rome and Eastern Orthodoxy, the feigned shock of Paul McCain MDiv, the toxic blog of Kilcrease (writing from a Roman school), the genuflections of Weedon, etc.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

As Predicted - Another Quitter -
Or the Same Quitter Again


He scampered away, again.



The Anonymouse blogger--with his cat eating from a toilet and tales of vomit--has quit.

He was not content to attack me alone. He had to vilify others by name, but what is his name? He is so careful to deny he is an Appleton pastor. Did Doug the Unready finally put his foot paw down and say, "Find some way to deny this"?

Anonymouse removed his posts. What passes for GA humor does not amuse the general population. Most adults have outgrown the scatological obsessions of the typical four year-old.

Here is his Schwan song, which sounds so familiar:

---

Monday, June 28, 2010

The Jackson Tactic

Dear Readers;

I apologize for my tardiness. I had not signed up for e-mail notification about comments posted to this blog, but in the last few days have received a few from readers. I'm told that after testing the waters with a number of specifics (pastor, Appleton, Mac user, etc.) and eliciting no reaction from me, Jackson decided that it was time to make an assertion, and implicated Pastor Joel Lillo as being myself. He is wrong on all counts.

To any readers from Appleton:

Please forgive me if I have in any way caused you to raise eyebrows at one another or your pastors. As mentioned previously, I was foolish to start the blog from the beginning. It was also foolish to leave it up while not attending to it. Maybe my deletion of the posts will wane Greggy's anger, at least to the advantage of the victims I created by him. I will be apologizing to Pastor Lillo by e-mail very soon.

To random stumblers and searchers:

I refer you to this blog on the issues at hand. It is well-written and scholarly. My blog was never intended to be such -- it was meant for jokes and satire.

I probably won't be checking back any more.

-Anonymouse L. Shrinker, PhD.
0 comments



---

GJ - It takes a strong man to read his post and not break down into tears...of howling laughter.

The sanctimony tops the deception, reminding me of the prelate who claimed the Church of Rome brought morality to the world. That is true, if your taste runs to homosexual cardinals warning people about sin.

Notice that Anonymouse links to his own fake Ichabod blog, which is "scholarly." Yes, by WELS standards!

Did you know that I agree with everything Reu ever wrote, even though he changed his mind about the Scriptures? Yes, that what the fake Ichabod claims because I linked an important but difficult to find document. The horror. The horror.

This is a little insight I have been saving for some time. I got my copy of Schmid at a Mequon book sale. He was a favorite among WELS pastors for decades. This is just between you and me, if you can keep a secret. That is how the WELS grapevine works. NPH is publishing Schmid at this very moment. That means everyone in WELS/ELS agrees with everything Schmid ever wrote, using fake Ichabod's logic.

Audience: "The horror. The horror."

I think the fake Ichabod will quit soon, too. That wannabee author is afraid of being discovered. A blog may be superficially anonymous, but the name, address, email, are all registered and relatively easy to find. The problem arises when someone engages in defamation, which is a crime punishable by the law, even if the broadcaster is a sanctimonious Mequon graduate.


I love the smell of burning blogs in the morning. It smells like...victory.


Four anti-Ichabod blogs have started and sputtered to a stop. All of them have been tepid copycats of this modest production. They pretend to rectify all that is evil, but, as Samuel Johnson said about Chesterfield's books: "They teach the morals of a whore, and the manners of a dancing master."

A WELS observer said this about Anonymouse:

Unbelievable. They all end (all, being probably the same guy) with some sort of claim like "having their conscience pricked because they're acting like Jackson," and with a confession of some sort of pious enlightenment allowing them to rise above the sin of others by quitting their endeavor. The fact is, they are not motivated by love -- love for God, for God's word, and concern for the souls of men -- but from bitterness. Perhaps their consciences rightly are pricked as a result. They don't know what righteous indignation is, since their weak theology won't permit them to be indignant over error. Good riddance.



Harrison Appears To Be Winning,
The Kieschnickians Are Frantic


A mustache is the new black, even when it is white.



Pastor Harrison's parents knew their baby was headed for a special role in life.



Characteristics of Pietism


Start them young.


Below are characteristics of Pietism:

1. Because the Holy Spirit is separated from the Word, little or nothing is said about the efficacy of the Word or the Means of Grace.
2. Following Spener's program, there is a hostility toward sound doctrine and the Confessions, an animus expressed by such mocking terms as - legalism, Luther complex, head religion (compared to their heart religion), lovelessness, unbrotherly attitude, divisiveness.
3. Sermons often express gratitude toward God for being separate from and superior to the sinners out there. That often includes synods in fellowship, although that is expressed in conversation rather than sermons.
4. Because the given synod is perfect, anyone doubting this has broken fellowship.
5. Thanks to Enthusiasm and its works-righteousness, people are motivated by the Law, because sinners go to Hell from their lack of generosity and witness. "Every hour - 5,000 souls are going to Hell. What are you going to do about it?"
6. Lack of trust in the Word leads pastors and vicars into dramatizing whatever liturgy they have not removed. Nothing is more pathetic that a passionately delivered benediction botched when the vicar forgets where he is.
7. The sacraments divide, so baptismal regeneration is forgotten and Holy Communion is hidden. Infant baptism may be turned into a cute little spectacle.
8. Evil-doers (who have questioned Holy Mother Synod) are shunned. This practice keeps the body pure and sinless.
9. Uriah Heep confessions of generic sin are accompanied by an Antinominan attitude - there is no Law. Paradoxically, the Antinomian Pietists are the worst legalists of all. Horror is reserved for those who break the unwritten rules, not for doctrinal or marital infidelity.
10. As Augustine noted about all false teachers, Pietists demand tolerance until they are in power. Once toleration has established them, they purge all the Lutherans, delighting in their evil, relishing their vindictiveness.



Your Guide to Pietism


WELS Church and Change children enjoy the latest electronic tools,
like flat screen TVs.
Another TV is Timotheus Verinus.


Several have asked me about Pietism. Anyone can do research using Wikipedia for background reading and the links at the end of the article. Google Books is an excellent resource for theology, because most of the old books can be converted to text mode and copied into an essay.

We all have the same library now, bigger than Harvard's, so no one can say, "I did not know that."

Northwestern Publishing House offers both the History of Pietism and T. Verinus. Both books are challenges to read but worth studying.

This is the trail I would follow if I were a newbie to the topic of Pietism. Check out the linked words. Wikipedia is flawed, but it is a place to start:

1. The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of the French (Calvinist) Protestants led to the exile and exodus of these noble Huguenots (my kin). Many settled in the German territories and influenced an amalgamation with German Lutheran doctrine, leading to union efforts.
2. Spener borrowed the cell group method from Labadie, a Calvinist who had been Roman Catholic.
3. Francke vastly expanded the Pietist network, which Spener had begun with great energy.
4. Halle University was founded to provide a mandatory Pietistic education. It was one of two major centers of Pietism but clearly the citadel for the movement. UOJ came verbatim from the Woods translation of George C. Knapp, Halle professor, one generation before Tholuck, who was Hoenecke's mentor.
5. Zinzendorf became a key influence upon the Methodists and all union mission societies. His son founded a Party-in-the-Black-Forest group, if you catch my drift.
6. H. Muhlenberg graduated from Halle and came to America, founding what became the General Synod, which was unionistic and Pietistic.
7. Walther was profoundly influenced by the Pietist Stephan and became the leader of the Perry County group after driving out Stephan.
8. Midwestern Lutheran groups of the 19th century were Pietists.
9. A. Hoenecke graduate from Halle University.
10. The Wisconsin Synod began as a unionistic, Pietistic sect, but several leaders like Bading influenced the group away from its mission society origins, Hoenecke being the best known.

Follow the trail, fellow students.



Monday, June 28, 2010

Laity Disgusted - No Struggle in WELS




Two WELS members gave this report of the district meeting they attended:

"One of the most "UN-pretty" things is that as a result of attending and observing the entire 2010 Convention of the District my spouse is saddened and has been driven away from joining any WELS congregation. He/We had high hopes of hearing some public outcry or at least acknowledgment regarding the disunity within WELS. Had we witnessed some public outcry my husband was seriously considering joining. He was hoping it would happen. We never witnessed it. There were numerous opportunities where men could have spoken out but their lips were sealed. I don't know why. The silence indicates approval to us.

He has been driven away from joining and I feel like I was punched by the delegates, pastors and teachers. I am the odd one out. I must have some weird kind of perspective on things. I was confirmed as an adult. They are driving away the very ones they once evangelized. I don't want to hear one complaint about Kelm, Jeske, Parlow, Ski, etc. The District obviously is happy and content with what they are doing. There are no issues in WELS. My husband is in disbelief. He took 3 vacation days from work so that he could attend this with me.

He really thought he might be able to join a local congregation after hearing some public speaking-out. The District Convention was like a bad dream, a bad joke. I'm sorry."

***

GJ - All the district meetings were equally quiet. All the Changers are secure in their positions. CrossWalk and CORE are not problems. Leonard Sweet-hearts: ditto.

I agree with a pastor who thinks nothing will ever happen. There is a heart-felt desire for a false peace, an imaginary unity. The pastors, leaders, and delegates do not really value the Word of God. They hardly know the Confessions and remain content with their own ignorance.

Perhaps many have simply given up and no longer wish to work through the organization itself.

---

west59wy (http://west59wy.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Laity Disgusted - No Struggle in WELS":

District Convention agendas are carefully constructed to attend to the business at hand without allowing for the slightest deviation off course. Those who presume District Conventions would provide a forum for thorough discussion of a doctrinal nature from the convention floor convention are at best naive or worst not sufficiently jaded. It pains one to have say that because that's exactly what a District Convention ought to allow for. But, alas, dissent is not to be voiced lest it give the impression we are not walking lock-step together. If there is any forum in WELS which might possibly offer a no-holds-barred discussion concerning the obvious departures in doctrine and practice, it could most likely be found at the circuit-level pastoral study groups. And that possibility is tendered with the proviso that the "brethren" are actually sticking to a course of study which is confessional, exegetical, and historical in content. But if the "guys" are into raving about books with the next best sectarian methodology from who knows where, then abandon hope all ye who enter there. At the end of the day, courage is demanded. What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?

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viewpoint (http://viewpoint.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Laity Disgusted - No Struggle in WELS":

Almost any member of the laity attending a WELS conference gets to see the same thing. WELS has made a practice of expecting representatives of the churches and laity to rubber stamp the decisions of the synod leaders. This has gone on for at least thirty or forty years, maybe a hundred.

WELS leaders do not want any real input from the member churches and laity. The synod leaders presume to know best, and want things their way. This closed minded and incestuous approach has led to most of the problems being experienced today – including monetary problems and the debasement of doctrine.

***

GJ - When they vote for someone like Englebrecht, who skips out on meetings, they deserve what they get. Ditto for Pope John the Malefactor. At least with the California-AZ yahoo, they asked him to step down as DP. And that man was the designated Church and Change candidate for Synod President - Paul Janke!


Lutheran Books Shipped


Arkansas take pride in its Priority Mail service.


I shipped four boxes of books today. I asked if they could send them faster. Max is doing fine, but Morris is down with hoof-in-mouth disease.

The Lenski will be sent soon. I am looking for the Romans volume.

Phase II will be the rest of the Lutheran books, history, literature, and some classic children's literature.

I will let people know on the blog first, then Facebook. I have to get the list ready.



New Ager Leonard Sweet Advises LCMS, WELS, ELS


New Ager Leonard Sweet is delivering a new load.
Paul Calvin Kelm--DMin, Concordia, St. Louis--
is the ideal man to lead the Synodical Conference into the 21st century.
WELS has recognized his genius
with many divine calls.

---

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "New Ager Leonard Sweet Advises LCMS, WELS, ELS":

Leonard Sweet teaches a Satanic New Age cosmic christ which is being consumed by the Emergent Church ~ horns and all. WELS is now teaching this to your children.

From the Church and Change discussion concerning Kelm's invitation for Sweet to teach the WELS.

One of the church’s most important and provocative thinkers.
No church leader understands better how to navigate the seas of the 21st century. A writer of vast imagination, poise and charm. I can’t imagine a Christian leader in America who hasn’t read one or more of _______ _______'s books.
Some statistician-types will drown you in doom and gloom. _______’s
message is uplifting, hopeful and relevant.

John Huebner


Thanks for the hint. I heard _____ speak at an "emerging church" conference this year and he didn't disappoint. Great choice!

Michael Borgwardt

How about Galatians two and Acts 15? Unless it can be demonstrated that inviting Sweet or Hunter is contrary to clear Scripture, may it be that those who are "hurt" and suffering "consternation" are like the Jewish Christians who wanted to impose their religious culture on the Gentiles? The reason to ask how someone outside our fellowship sees the mission field is that we may be viewing reality through the narrow window of our own church culture. Our church's theology, based on Scripture, must remain unchanged. Our church's culture, the product of our history and experience, narrowed by homogeneity, may benefit from an outside perspective.

Why are some offended when Church and Change invites an author to speak on contemporary culture, but NOT when the World Mission Board and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary invite a Baptist seminary professor to TEACH a method of communicating the Gospel for two+ days at our seminary. Which has the greater likelihood of influencing our pastors? Is there another agenda here?

Paul Calvin Kelm

I issued no personal attacks. I raised questions ("May it be. . " "Is there. . .") Contrast this with the letter I responded to, which makes the charge "knowingly cause offense." Why is it permissible to question the love and theological integrity of those who believe there is value in hearing an expert from outside our fellowship describe the culture that is our mission field, but not permissible to question the legitimacy of these charges or the spirit that prompts them? I appreciate your passion. Try to appreciate mine.

I'm not on the Church and Change list serve. Others have forwarded SOME postings to me and posted my comments for me. You'll understand, therefore, if I'm no longer responding.

Paul Calvin Kelm

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viewpoint (http://viewpoint.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "New Ager Leonard Sweet Advises LCMS, WELS, ELS":

While the WELS leadership turns a deaf ear to parish pastors and the laity, it eagerly chases after heresy from outside WELS. Then they wonder aloud why people like me hold them in such disgust.

***

GJ - I hear you, Viewpoint. These moronic leaders touted statistic growth and took their own church body into a fast reverse, not even keeping up with normal population trends. Gurgle was still yakking about how everyone had to evangelize when he left office for a secure undisclosed location. Now he is back, stealing a mission location from a fellow pastor.



Sunday, June 27, 2010

Historic Photo from DMLC, New Ulm,
Before Amalgamation


Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight...
Run, mateys, they are going to trample us!
Run for your lives!


Someone sent me this historic photo, from one of those special days when Northwestern College students from Watertown visited the Dr. Martin Luther College campus in New Ulm.

I had to crudely write over the Buffalo Crossing sign which one NWC wit had placed in the background.

The day was a success and many marriages ensued.





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grumpy has left a new comment on your post "Historic Photo from DMLC, New Ulm,Before Amalgamat...":

Never attended DMLC (got burned out after elementary school and prep), but I recall a friend who went to NWC referring to the female students at DMLC as "buffalos". I asked why they were called that, and he mentioned something about them coming to NWC from the western plains (for Geo-idiots, Minnesota is west of Wisconsin) in a big herd to attend football ganes (and seek a more prestigious pastor versus a lower status teacher). NWC men would sometimes serenade them with the song "Buffalo Gals Would You Come Out Tonight".

Back in ancient times, most pastors married DMLC graduates. That way, they could count on their wives as being able to play the organ for church.

---

Garrett has left a new comment on your post "Historic Photo from DMLC, New Ulm,Before Amalgamat...":

Indeed. One MLC professor told me a humorous story of a traveling acting troup that stopped at DMLC to perform a rendition of Buffalo Gals. During one scene, the protagonist cowboy was sitting with his cowgirl, admiring "the herd of buffalo out in the distance." Guffaws ensued in the auditorium.

It wasn't until after the performance that the poor confused actors were informed of the 'buffalo' nickname.


bruce-church (https://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Historic Photo from DMLC, New Ulm,Before Amalgamat...":

What's ironic is that many (most?) of the men who attended Northwestern were maternal sons of DMLC graduates, so for them to refer to DMLC women as buffaloes was tantamount to calling their mother a buffalo. But that thought never occurred to most Northwestern students since thinking matters through to their logical conclusion was never encouraged at Northwestern, lest one come to some un-orthodox conclusions.

***

GJ - It says a lot about their view of women in general.

Does anyone want to volunteer The Score Reports?

Mexican Fan at the World Cup Match




I was shocked, too.



WELS Leaders Suggest Babtist as Expert on Lutheranism


Your WELS Church and Change Expert on Lutheranism is Babtist Brian Tubbs.


Go to this link,
http://www.churchandchange.org/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=4872&sec_id=2691

and click on the Lutheranism link.

It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

Protestantism

Protestantism Feature Writer: Brian Tubbs

Welcome to Suite101 Protestantism. If you're looking for a site that covers issues, beliefs, and personalities pertaining to Christianity and Protestantism, you've found it. Topics here include Creation, the Bible, the life of Jesus Christ, evidence for the Christian faith, the growth of the Christian church, the Protestant Reformation, and beliefs of the major Protestant denominations.

We will also provide tips for homeschoolers, information on Christian education, movie and book reviews from a faith-based perspective, and analysis of cultural issues, such as the sanctity of human life, marriage, and the traditional family.

The feature blogs and articles are written from an evangelical perspective, but all views are welcome in our discussion forum.

---

Brian Tubbs





Feature Writer
- Protestantism

Need a Speaker?

If you or your organization are looking for a speaker on communication skills, self-esteem, facing adversity, or student success, you can find Brian's contact information and a list of his programs by visiting BrianTubbs.com.

Looking for More Info on Brian's Ministry?

Brian is currently the pastor of Olney Baptist Church in Olney, Maryland. His pastoral blog can be found at PastorTubbs.com, and you can find information on Olney Baptist by visiting the church website at OlneyBaptistChurch.com.

Who is Brian Tubbs?

A pastor, writer, and speaker living in the Washington, DC area, Brian is the Protestantism Feature Writer for Suite101.com. He has written extensively on Christianity and American history, including a previous stint with Suite101.com as the Feature Writer for the American Revolution & Founding Era. (He has resurrected this topic as a blog). His articles have appeared online as well as in print outlets, including Insight and The Washington Times. He is also the founder and course manager for ChristianMarriageHelper.com.

Brian serves as the pastor of Olney Baptist Church in Olney, Maryland, a Southern Baptist congregation nestled in Montgomery County, Maryland. Brian served for three years as the pastor of Sligo Baptist Church in Wilmington, Ohio, and as the administrator of Wilmington Christian Academy. Prior to entering pastoral ministry, Brian taught high school Bible and social studies at a private Christian school in Northern Virginia.

In addition to ministry and teaching, Brian's background includes several years as a lobbyist, project manager, and/or public relations professional in the Washington, DC area non-profit community.

Brian holds a M.A. in Theological Studies from Liberty Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Government and Politics from George Mason University (Go Patriots!). He is an avid reader, whose favorite authors include David McCullough, Jeff Shaara, Charles Colson, Gary Habermas, Winfried Corduan, and Ravi Zacharias. He also enjoys chess, PC strategy games, and seafood buffets.

For more on Brian, follow this link to his personal blog.




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Joseph Schmidt has left a new comment on your post "WELS Leaders Suggest Babtist as Expert on Lutheran...":

Gee, thanks Church and Change for pointing us to a Babtist to learn about Lutheranism. Maybe you should put up a link to the Book of Concord on your site, but that might be too Lutheran for you.

***

GJ - That shows what morons these people are. They are not only morons for doing it, but even more so for revealing their colossal ignorance on their precious website.

Just remember, all you loyalist spending money on benevolence. Gurgle said he was getting rid of Church and Change years ago. Yes, I know, that was another SP. When he said that, Church and Change was signing up people for their next conference on the WELS.net website. Schroeder ended the link.

Nevertheless, the head of WELS technology is a Willow Creek zombie - used to give Hybels sermons verbatim. The same Martin Spriggs, featured in the Radloff propaganda magazine, gave his presentation at the Arizona-California-Las Vegas district meeting just held. The title is "Brains Running Out Like Water" or something like that.

WELS - standing firm against the inroads of false doctrine. See the graphic below, supplied by a come-outter.



ELCA News Report - Not a Satire

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 26, 2010

Stephen Marsh Resigns as Bishop of ELCA Southeast Michigan Synod
10-175-JB

[Click for larger image] The Rev. Stephen G. Marsh CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Stephen G. Marsh, bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), informed the synod June 25 that he is resigning as bishop effective June 28. Marsh said he is "personally dealing with a number of emotional health issues, including addiction issues" and must enter an inpatient treatment facility.

"The counsel I have received from my therapists and from my own heart is that my healing in a safe environment and building a firm foundation on a road to recovery need to be my primary concerns for as long as it takes," Marsh wrote in his resignation letter. "Unfortunately, with that agenda, I will not be able to faithfully execute my duties as bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod in ways that are needed in the present and the immediate future."

Marsh expressed his thanks to the synod, the synod staff, the synod council and its executive committee, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, and the ELCA Conference of Bishops.

"I am deeply sorry that my personal issues are now causing our synod to go through another period of trauma, anxiety and concern. I will continue to pray for the forward and missional movement of the Southeast Michigan Synod, and I ask that you continue to pray for me in my healing and my future ministry," Marsh wrote.

Marsh, 55, was elected bishop of the synod in 2009. He succeeded the Rev. John H.K. Schreiber, who died in August 2008. The Rev. Kenneth R. Olsen, former bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod, served as interim bishop until Marsh took office.

Synod leaders have made preparations for "continuity of leadership in the office of the bishop," Hanson and Dr. Will Scott, synod vice president, wrote in a letter to the synod. They added that Olsen "has expressed willingness to serve again in that capacity."

According to Hanson and Scott, this is not the first time Marsh has sought treatment for addiction issues. In 2009 they said Marsh was admitted to inpatient care for addiction issues.

"Following almost 30 days of treatment, he was released, and he returned to the synod," wrote Hanson and Scott. "In the ensuing months, we were prayerful for a successful recovery. Unfortunately, however, we learned recently that Bishop Marsh's condition requires another extended period of inpatient treatment."

Both wrote that the synod was greatly concerned about Marsh's need for additional care.

"As he departs, we graciously thank Bishop Marsh for his time of service. We also ask for your individual and collective prayers for his full recovery," Hanson and Scott wrote. They also wrote that they hoped Marsh "will be healed in body and spirit so that he can look forward to an early resumption of his service as an ordained minister."

The ELCA Southeast Michigan has 58,597 members in 128 congregations. The synod office is in Detroit.

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PS (PSanafter-thought) has left a new comment on your post "ELCA News Report - Not a Satire":

We should be glad that this bishop, who is the pastor for the pastors of a synod, has sought help for his problems and that the synod will allow him to seek this help without the pressure of the job.

Now we might also wish for a support group or time away for those pastors addicted to being judgmental.

There but for the Grace of God go we all.

***

GJ - PS is just full of accusations today, in the name of being non-judgmental. No one is more sanctimonious than a liberal Pietist, but Someone has to stand up for the drug-addicted bishops.



New Gurgle-Patterson Site
Less Than Three Bunny Hops from WELS Mission


Gurgle and Patterson are moving next door to a new WELS mission.
Left-click the picture for enlightenment.
Church and Change did the same in Love's Park, Illinois.


bruce-church (https://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Holy Word WELS, Austin, Going Multi-Site":

I bet the multi-site is attractive to the CGers because then all those people who don't want communion but once a year, or never, could watch the service on-screen (like they watch TV in a sports bar), and no one around them takes communion. If they are in the main church, though, they'd feel uncomfortable if they stayed in the pews while others file up and down the rows.

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maahes (http://maahes.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Spread the False Doctrine! Holy Word WELS, Austin,...":

Here's another example of the WELS numbers game. Gurgel says Pflugerville has grown 200% to 300% in the last ten years in the target area, and "That's a lot of opportunities to SPREAD the WORD!"

That means getting out and talking to people about Christ – not starting another church and waiting for people to invite themselves. Look at Christ’s examples for ideas instead relying upon the puny, selfish interests of “trained pastors.”

If they really cared, they would leave their citadels of false doctrine, and make contact with the lost.



***

GJ - There are several good reasons for locating in Round Rock.
1. It is closer to Patterson's posh home.
2. Gurgle cannot spell Pflugerville.
3. They already have a group of WELS members worshiping in Round Rock.


Borrowin' some sheep,
Borrowin' some sheep,
We'll go on safari,
Borrowin' some sheep.



Church and Money Changers Feminist Conference





Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Holy Word WELS, Austin, Going Multi-Site":

And while the (W)ELS is sleeping their women are preparing to lead as equal partners in the ministry:

http://www.welswomen.net/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=180009471&sec_id=180002756&nc=1263239640093

National WELS Women's
Leadership Conference
Leading with a Christ-like attitude

Keynote Address

Leading with a Christ-like Attitude: Kathie Wendland
We all envision ourselves being led by a Christ-like leader. After all, wouldn't that be the best situation possible? Do we fully comprehend though what it means to BE the Christ-like leader? Philippians 2 is a treasure chest of practical guidances for Christian leaders. The keynote will be holding the "attitude" of Christ as the example to encourage each of us as women Christian leaders to "conduct (ourselves) in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ," as we "shine like stars in the universe as (we) hold out the word of life," for those around us.

Group Presentations

Because You Are My God...Whatever: Valerie Johnson

Lord, I Shall Seek Your Face: Prof. Richard Gurgel

Break Out Sessions

Christian Leadership in the Secular World – Marilyn Sievert
Our faith doesn’t stop at the church doors, it follows us out into the world. We are a “royal priesthood, a chosen people.” We are meant to stand out and use our gifts to God’s glory and in His service. What does that mean for those gifted to be leaders? Let Christ be our guide. Explore the differences/similarities in the world’s ideas of leadership compared to following Christ as our guide.

Defining Your Leadership Style – Dr. Stacy Hoehl
Just as everybody has different gifts or callings, some gifts can be used differently. Leadership can take on many forms and strengths. It can lead in a variety of ways. Evaluate your strengths and style in order to make the most of your leadership opportunities.

Evaluating Bible Studies – President Paul Wendland
As Solomon said, “of making many books there is no end.” The same can be said for doctrinal materials and Bible studies. But which materials are valuable for building up faith and encouraging spiritual growth? Learn how to distinguish the quality study materials from the rest.

Overcoming Conflict in Service – Marilyn Miller
Although conflict can be an opportunity for growth, we may find that conflict is not always gracious. It doesn’t kindly remain outside when Christians are working together. As we serve our Lord faithfully, disagreements and discontent can creep in. We can address these issues in a loving way, remembering that we serve the same Lord and the same blood has redeemed us all.


Powerful Prayer – Ellen Cook
As in breathing, faith-filled Christians take in God’s grace and love through scripture and exhale to Him our praise and thanks through prayer. Examine the intimacy and power of prayer, trusting fully as we confidently pray, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Cont...

Reaching Women in the Church – Sally Valleskey
How is your women’s ministry wrapped? Still on the shelf, not yet chosen? Carefully planned, opened and being used to the full? Or all tied up in knots? Whatever your situation, we’ll open the gift of women’s ministry. We’ll look at how to reach various groups of women— some easy and some not so easy but still vital to the life of the congregation. Come with your challenges; come with ideas!


Sharing With a Servant's Heart– Sarah Owens
As Christian female leaders, we desire to serve Jesus, and well. We know He wants us to share His love everywhere we go. Jesus’ words that tell us to go and share with others may at times feel like a requirement we are not able to sufficiently accomplish, a task we cannot do perfectly. In this breakout session, we will hear Jesus’ assurances, turning His commission from a burden to an awesome privilege in which we are able to walk on holy ground, sharing His love.

Too Young To Serve?– Dr. Cynthia Whaley
Are you wondering whether you're ready to serve in your church? Do you feel like you have God-given gifts but you're not sure how to use them to further God's kingdom? Sometimes young people may doubt their value in the church, but God has a plan for you. Attend this session to help discover your God-given gifts and how to use them to His glory here on earth


http://www.welswomen.net/home/180002756/180002756/Guiding%20Principles.pdf

Women's Ministry Committee Members

Pastoral Advisors
Pastor Dave Kehl - Church and Change
Professor Rich Gurgel - Church and Change

Executive Team:
Marilyn Miller*
Kathie Wendland
Linda Buxa
Carolyn Sachs
Naomi Schmidt

Publications Team:
Linda Buxa*
Amanda Maresh
Melissa Bock
Franceska Wendland

Congregational Ministry Team:
Sally Valleskey*
Su Hanson
Edie Hintz
Jane Eddinger

National Conference Team:
Amanda Bourman*
Val Johnson
Laurie Starr
Vera-Ellen Cook
Sarah Owens
Mary Clemons

Web page Team:
Naomi Schmidt*

*Chairwoman

To contact the Women's Ministry Committee, please email carolyn.sachs@sab.wels.net




Saturday, June 26, 2010

The Fourth Sunday after Trinity





The Fourth Sunday after Trinity


Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

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

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time


The Hymn # 452 The Son of God 1:10
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
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #531 Come Ye Disconsolate 1:15

The Firstfruits of the Spirit

The Communion Hymn # 308 Invited Lord 1:63
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 # 413 I Walk in Danger 1:67

KJV Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

KJV Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

Fourth Sunday After Trinity
Lord God, heavenly Father, who art merciful, and through Christ didst promise us, that Thou wilt neither judge nor condemn us, but graciously forgive us all our sins, and abundantly provide for all our wants of body and soul: We pray Thee, that by Thy Holy Spirit Thou wilt establish in our hearts a confident faith in Thy mercy, and teach us also to be merciful to our neighbor, that we may not judge or condemn others, but willingly forgive all men, and, Judging only ourselves, lead blessed lives in Thy fear, through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

The Firstfruits of the Spirit

Romans 8: 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.


Lenski on this passage: “We come to the final result of justification by faith as it is depicted by Paul. This is the great consolation section of Romans.
It presents a world view that is at once so lofty and so profound as to leave behind all non-scriptural conceptions. The whole creature world is made to depend on what God does with his children. Going back to the fall of Adam which plunged the creature world into vanity and corruption, the Christian hope is made nothing less than the fulfillment of the expectation of even this creature world. In the midst of a groaning world we pray, but one far greater, the Spirit himself, makes our prayers what they should be. For above this vast whole, so sadly deranged, is the hand that makes all things work together for good to us according to his eternal purpose, the realization of which is sure. Paul is stirred into asking triumphant, challenging questions, the answer to which is Christ and the love from which no power whatever is or will be able to separate us. With this triumphant assurance Paul closes.”


The problem many think about and discuss is the evil of this world. In the 19th century, the entire world was going to become Christian, so there was great optimism. But we are back to the perspective of the Apostolic Age, where Christians were a minority in a decline, corrupt empire.

People would like to believe everything will be rosy because they believe in Christ the Redeemer. However, two forms of evil remain.

Two Forms of Evil
One is the corruption and pain of this present world because of the sinfulness of man. Evil produces even more evil, and nothing seems to be too base to promote, sell, and spread for the corrupting of others. For instance, the methamphetamine trade in this country is completely destructive yet continues to grow and spread its effects. I have had students with meth acne is class, another one with bad teeth who had a student walk up to her and ask where to buy more meth. The assumption stated was – you have bad teeth so you must know where to buy meth.

An individual could also talk about the senseless violence in the world, the acts of greed and selfishness. Man’s sinfulness finds many ways to express itself, and we remain sinful ourselves.

"Therefore God must lead us to a recognition of the fact that it is He who puts faith in our heart and that we cannot produce it ourselves. Thus the fear of God and trust in Him must not be separated from one another, for we need them both, in order that we may not become presumptuous and overconfident, depending upon ourselves. This is one of the reasons why God leads His saints through such great trials."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 21. Luke 2:41-52.

"Therefore, such a trial of the saints is as necessary or even more necessary than food and drink, in order that they may remain in fear and humility, and learn to adhere alone to the grace of God."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 40. Luke 2:41-52.

"Secondly, God permits His saints to suffer these trials as an example for others, both to alarm the carnally secure and to comfort the timid and alarmed...But when we see and hear that God has in like manner dealt with His saints and did not spare even His own mother, we have the knowledge and comfort that we need not despair in our trials, but remain quiet and wait until He helps us, even as He has helped all His saints."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 40f. Luke 2:41-52.

"Nor does He send such trial upon you in order to cast you off, but that you may the better learn to know and the more closely cling to His Word, to punish your lack of understanding and that you may experience how earnestly and faithfully He cares for you."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, II, p. 44. Luke 2:41-52.

"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. John 10:11-16.

"We should take to heart and firmly hold fast to these words and keep them in mind when in sorrow and distress, that it will not last long, then we would also have more constant joy, for as Christ and His elect had their 'a little while,' so you and I and everyone will have his 'a little while.' Pilate and Herod will not crucify you, but in the same manner as the devil used them so he will also use your persecutors. Therefore when your trials come, you must not immediately think how you are to be delivered out of them. God will help you in due time. Only wait. It is only for a little while, He will not delay long."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed. John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 77. John 16:16-23

Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy "This is spoken to all Christians, for every Christian must have temptations, trails, anxieties, adversities, sorrows, come what may. Therefore He mentions here no sorrow nor trial, He simply says they shall weep, lament, and be sorrowful, for the Christian has many persecutions. Some are suffering loss of goods; others there are whose character is suffering ignominy and scorn; some are drowned, others are burned; some are beheaded; one perishes in this manner, and another in that; it is therefore the lot of the Christian constantly to suffer misfortune, persecution, trials and adversity. This is the rod or fox tail with which they are punished. They dare not look for anything better as long as they are here. This is the court color by which the Christian is recognized, and if anyone wants to be a Christian, he dare not be ashamed of his court color or livery."
Martin Luther, Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed. John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 79. John 16:16-23.

Apparent Evil – The Cross
Another form of evil is the pain associated with bearing the cross. No matter where the Gospel is taught in its truth and purity, it is persecuted. And this persecuted is most difficult when it comes from the great, saintly, and wise.

"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."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, I, p. 357. Large Catechism


KJV Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

This cross is blessed, the great irony of the Gospel. Those who seek the praise of everyone will not experience the cross, but they will also lose the Gospel in small steps.

"But when our good work is followed by persecution, let us rejoice and firmly believe that it is pleasing to God; indeed, then let us be assured that it comes from God, for whatever is of God is bound to be crucified by the world. As long as it does not bring the cross, that is, as long as it does not bring shame and contempt as we patiently continue in it, it cannot be esteemed as a divine work since even the Son of God was not free from it--(suffering for the sake of the good He did) --but left us an example in this. He Himself tells us in Matthew 5:10, 12: 'Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake.. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.'" Commentary on Romans, trans. J. Theodore Mueller, Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1976, p. 55. Matthew 5: 10, 12.; Romans 2:6-10

"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." 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.

Fallen Corrupt World
There are many perspectives about pain, suffering, and evil in this life. I get to teach about humanism, pantheism, naturalism and other isms in a philosophy class. There are many ideas but only one viewpoint is correct – the Biblical one.

Man cannot redeem himself or the world, although God provides for all believers being a blessing to others.

Christ paid the ransom for our souls. Lenski thinks “redemption” is too weak in English today, because the word used was also applied to slaves being purchased and set free.

The purchase price was the cross, the suffering and humiliation of Jesus for the sake of the world. God so arranged this so that man would understand a blood sacrifice and see that the perfect Son of God made that sacrifice for us, as the spotless Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

For that reason, no one has to ask, “What else do I need to do?” or “Am I worthy to be forgiven?”

Christianity is the only religion where man receives from God instead of giving to Him or appeasing Him. That affects our worship, where we receive grace through the Means of Grace.

Here is an interesting anecdote of someone receiving from God. The jail was sprung open by an earthquake, so Paul and the others could have escaped. The jailer was terrified he would be killed over this, and he realized it was an act of God.

KJV Acts 16:30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

What must I do?
The answer is “Believe on Christ” – trust in Christ alone for forgiveness and salvation. They taught him the Word of God. He and his entire household (all his) were baptized, even the children and babies.

Believing is not “doing” so much as receiving. However, this passage is deadly for all those who would have Paul say, “You are already forgiven.”

In fact, the Universal Objective Justification fanatics use the jail cell as their analogy. Their message is “The cell is already unlocked. You just have to walk out.” Notice how that parallels Decision Theology with a little twist. UOJ is close to Universalism while sounding like Decision Theology.

"Objectively speaking, without any reference to an individual sinner's attitude toward Christ's sacrifice, purely on the basis of God's verdict, every sinner, whether he knows about it or not, whether he believes it or not, has received the status of a saint. What will be be his reaction when he is informed about this turn of events? Will he accept, or will he decline?" J. P. Meyer, Ministers of Christ, A Commentary on the Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, Milwaukee: Northwestern Publishing House, 1963, p. 103f. 2 Cornithians 5:18-21. [GJ – Does anyone wonder now why the UOJ fanatics love Baptist theology and worship?]
Because of our fallen nature, we are naturally inclined to add works to faith, to guarantee the forgiveness of sin or our worthiness. But then the Gospel is no longer the Gospel but the Law.

This justification by faith continues in the life of the believers. We are in constant need of forgiveness and the message of God’s grace. We are not forgiven because we promise to be good or because we can refrain from sin. God’s forgiveness produces the fruit of the Spirit, which strengthens us against temptation and makes us holy. Luther often used justification and sanctification together because forgiveness necessarily leads to the consequences of forgiveness – all coming from God, Who creates faith through the Word, strengthens faith through the Gospel, and moves us through His grace to lead God-pleasing lives and to do God-pleasing works.

Luther and Lutherans have been condemned for not emphasizing good works, but that is a false charge. It all depends on the order and the implications of that order. If someone is forgiven because of good works, which can including praying hard enough or having outward manifestations like tongue-speaking, then the assurance of forgiveness must come from man’s work rather than God’s Instruments of Grace.

So we have hardships from the sinful, fallen nature of the world and also from bearing the cross. But our groaning is not like those who have no faith. We have the first fruits of the Spirit and enjoy the blessings of the Gospel.

Surely the greatest of all is knowing that Jesus is our Savior, Who has taken away our sin and pronounces forgiveness upon us through the Gospel. All other blessings follow from this, and those blessings show in our families and friends, our network of believers across the world.
KJV Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is
1. love,
2. joy,
3. peace,
4. longsuffering,
5. gentleness,
6. goodness,
7. faith, 23
8. Meekness,
9. temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.


Holy Word WELS, Austin, Going Multi-Site


The idea is to set up alternative pastors,
like this at at St. Andrew Latte (WELS).



WELS church lady has left a new comment on your post "Spread the False Doctrine! Holy Word WELS, Austin,...":

Viewpoint is correct. We need to be God pleasers instead of people pleasers. First of all, it was NOT me who sent the information about Holy Word. Second, these multi-site churches are disturbing! Have you ever heard of Leadership Network? The web-site is leadnet.org, and they promote emergent church/church growth ideas. These organizations (even Willow Creek and Exponential) are not known for their Orthodox Lutheranism. It is my understanding (correct me if I am wrong) that the deal with the multi-sites is that the actual services is held at the "main" church and the sites view the sermon via web-cam or similar mode.

How Christ The Rock plays into this only raises more questions than answers. A more accurate description of Pastor Matt Doebler would have been to Photoshop a purple oxford shirt paired with some straight-leg jeans. How many Confessional WELS pastors are reading this post? Any number of them could reach out to Brother Matt. You 'gots' to have Lutheran in your title, and this business about hiding the communion 'ain't' what the Reformation leaders had in mind. Older pastors are responsible for shepherding the younger pastors.

***

GJ - I understand Doebler and Patterson are not speaking, even though Gurgle and Kudu Don will soon be a bunny hop away from Rock and Roll.

If you think the Church Shrinkage Movement has been bad, wait until Emerging Church steps in to ramp up the radicalism. Nothing has been done to stop the Grow-ti-vational pastors, so why would they step back from the next stage of apostasy?

After all, Patterson recruited a bunch of WELS workers to attend Exponential together.

It will be interesting to watch Missouri's response to the same leaven when they throw Pope Jerry K. out of office and replace him with Harrison. Shape-shifter Paul McCain will have to refashion himself as a conservative again.

At the rate Lutherans are going, nothing will be left to barter away at the 2017 rah-rah, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.



No More Blogging for Lillo - Ski's Defender



He denied being the mystery blogger, but he is done blogging.
One anonymous quitter.*
Another anonymous quitter.
Both of them are extremely nasty.


Greg--
My wife has told me I get way too upset when I deal with all this stuff. She's right. This is the last time I'm communicating with you. This is the las (sic) time I blog. My visits to Ichabod are done. I've wasted too much time and energy in this. Have a good life. I hope you find peace some day. Any further emails from you will be deleted without reading.

I guess I mistakenly thought that "defending, speaking well of, an (sic) putting the best construction on everything" (as I have done with Ski) was not a sin.

Sadly,
Pastor Joel Lillo


***

GJ - As I pointed out to Lillo, defending false doctrine and unionism IS a sin against the First Table. Where are earth did he go to seminary? They must have taught that.

Lillo denied being the mystery blogger, but above he said he was done blogging.

That reminds me of the woman who pleaded innocent to stealing from a store. On the witness stand they asked her why she was in that store. She said, "I just stopped by to do a little shop-lifting."

Case closed.

The earlier Anonymouse commenter had a lot of trouble spelling, and he was always jumpy when I discussed the obvious false doctrine and unionism of Ski, Glende, and Bishop Katy.

Recently Lillo left a gratuitous comment on Intrepid Lutherans about spelling and being afraid I would give him another (sic). I do not produce Intrepid. I do not ghost for Intrepid. It is strictly a WELS operation, and the people involved use their own names.

Lillo's comment shows how hyper he is about this blog, even when it has nothing to do with what he is discussing on another blog.

Joel Lillo said...
Oops, I meant to write "too 'high falutin''" instead of "to 'high falutin.''" That would have earned me a "sic" by the esteemed Dr. Jackson.

People give away their personalities when they write, which is unfortunate for Lillo. He also gives away his support for false doctrine. Deputy Doug will protect him, I am sure.

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Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "No More Blogging for Lillo - Ski's Defender":

Pastor Lillo appeals to the Eighth Commandment to excuse his support of Jim Skorzewski (Ski) the pastor who is currently in good standing and full fellowship with the pastors and laity of the ELS and WELS. A pastor who has embraced the Satanic New Age Emergent Church Growth doctrines and practices, posts pictures of himself with Satan worshiping porn stars, brags about engaging in excellent worship with Baptist preachers and the multitude of denominations that attend the anti Christian training camps etc. etc etc

The Eighth Commandment.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

What does this mean?--Answer.

We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.

http://www.bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php#tencommandments

A deceptive understanding of this explanation in the Small Catechism would lead a person to ignore all false doctrine, obscene actions and heretical practice in order to place the best construction on everything.

Fortunately we have an expounded explanation in the Large Catechism where it states the following:

274] Thus you see that it is summarily forbidden to speak any evil of our neighbor, however, the civil government, preachers, father and mother excepted, on the understanding that this commandment does not allow evil to go unpunished. Now, as according to the Fifth Commandment no one is to be injured in body, and yet Master Hannes [the executioner] is excepted, who by virtue of his office does his neighbor no good, but only evil and harm, and nevertheless does not sin against God's commandment, because God has on His own account instituted that office; for He has reserved punishment for His own good pleasure, as He threatens in the First Commandment,-just so also, although no one has a right in his own person to judge and condemn anybody, yet if they to whose office it belongs fail to do it, they sin as well as he who would do so of his own accord, without such office. For here necessity requires one to speak of the evil, to prefer charges, to investigate and testify; 275] and it is not different from the case of a physician who is sometimes compelled to examine and handle the patient whom he is to cure in secret parts. Just so governments, father and mother, brothers and sisters, and other good friends, are under obligation to each other to reprove evil wherever it is needful and profitable.

284] All this has been said regarding secret sins. But where the sin is quite public so that the judge and everybody know it, you can without any sin avoid him and let him go, because he has brought himself into disgrace, and you may also publicly testify concerning him. For when a matter is public in the light of day, there can be no slandering or false judging or testifying; as, when we now reprove the Pope with his doctrine, which is publicly set forth in books and proclaimed in all the world. For where the sin is public, the reproof also must be public, that every one may learn to guard against it.

http://www.bookofconcord.org/lc-3-tencommandments.php

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Scott E. Jungen has left a new comment on your post "No More Blogging for Lillo - Ski's Defender":

Wait a minute here! Pastor Lillo, didn't you say the other day there would be no more posting on Ichabod? Then what is this I read? GJ, I predict he will be back. Let's see if I can keep my record intact.
Scott

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Scott E. Jungen has left a new comment on your post "Could This Be The Shrinkers' Problem?":

Well kids, you want proof of what was said above? Read Pastor Lillo's post above. Notice the sarcastic use of the Explanation to the Eighth Commandment when confronted with his defense of false teachers? Just another example of a WELS pastor hiding behind the Eighth Commandment.


*"I don't agree with you on the inutiu fide [Ha! sic!] and 1000 year reign thing. I don't think he holds these views." GJ - The people who cannot spell or make sense have a place they can go - until he erases all the files again.