A number of people have asked about my library downsizing. I will compile a list of available Lutheran books and send it this weekend, with prices, on Excel.
Thanks for the great response.
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.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Library Sale Update
Contributions of The CORE in Appleton
Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "From The CORE":
1. The Core has shown that it's acceptable, in the (W)ELS, to use titillating sermon themes to peak the interest of the "already saved". Example: Satan's Sex Ed
2. The Core has clearly shown what's beyond the "edge of the envelope" when it comes to witnessing to the lost. Example: publishing a photo of The Core's (W)ELS Pastor with a practicing satanic porn star in an intimate embrace.
3. The Core has demonstrated that members of the (W)ELS are allowed to worship with the Baptist New Age Emergent churches. Example: The Core's pastor enjoyed Excellent worship at Baptist Andy Stanley's church.
4. The Core has demonstrated that the oversight of doctrine and practice in the (W)ELS is catastrophically lacking by the synod administration and certainly on the part of the lethargic and comatose laity.
5. The Core has been a visual aid in understanding the progressive apostasy that the false central doctrine of UOJ is having on churches and synods that claim a heritage in the Orthodox Lutheran Confession.
Robert Benne - On ELCA's Predictable Decline
Lutherans in Search of a Church
May 27, 2010
Robert Benne
In its August 2009 Churchwide Assembly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church decided formally to leave the Great Tradition of orthodox Christianity for a declining and desiccated liberal Protestantism. The decisions it made—accepting a weak and confused social statement on sexuality, allowing blessings of gay unions, ordaining gays and lesbians in partnered relationships, and requiring Lutherans to respect each other’s “bound conscience” on these issues—crossed the “line in the sand” that separates revisionist Christians from orthodox.
That result was a foregone conclusion for critical observers who had been watching the ELCA carefully since its inception in the late eighties. (Among them, of course, was Richard John Neuhaus, who saw clearly the trajectory yet to unfold.) What had been the promise of a renewed and robust Lutheranism in the merger of the American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church in America was aborted before its birth, in 1988. The planners of the new Lutheran church saw to it that those who provided theological guidance to predecessor churches—then almost exclusively white and male—were marginalized from the real decision-making centers of church life.
One of their instruments was a quota system that insured that the more “progressive” elements of the church would be overrepresented. Every committee, task force, and voting body must be comprised of 60 percent laypeople of whom half must be female and 40 percent of clergy of whom half must be female. 10 percent must be people of color or people whose first language is other than English, of whom half must be female. This scheme dramatically reduced the role of white, male pastors in the church.
Other instruments were: making the Bishops merely advisory; categorizing theologians as only one interest group among others; and locating final authority in lay-dominated, semiannual assemblies that could vote even on doctrinal matters, as one fatefully did in August 2009. These bodies made sure there would be “many voices” in the life of the ELCA, and we now have “many voices,” but no authoritative ones. What is left of classical Lutheranism in the ELCA is a mere “aroma in the bottle.”
But church organizations abhor a vacuum. In the absence of a genuine confessional teaching authority, the ELCA has followed liberal Protestantism in adopting a working theology sharply different from its classical confessions. It has substituted the “Gospel of inclusion” for the classic “Gospel of redemption” that emphasizes repentance, forgiveness, and amendment of life. The former diminishes the importance of the Law as the source of both repentance and guidance for Christians. The god of self-esteem promises everyone acceptance just the way they are.
But the ELCA is far more interested in pressing forward the liberationist themes issuing from feminism, multiculturalism, anti-imperialism, and environmentalism. These themes constitute the non-negotiables in ELCA church life. The ELCA bishops recently participated in a workshop that featured a presentation titled “Power, Privilege, and Difference.” Being therefore educated about their propensities to be oppressive, the worthy bishops resolved to have “observers” at all their meetings to monitor for “PP&D” thinking. One might note that they employed no monitors for confessional theology, perhaps because there was nothing of significance to monitor.
The decision to allow the blessing and ordination of gays and lesbians in partnered relationships was the flash point for those who had observed these deep-running liberationalist trends operating in the church for many years. That flash point, however, illuminated the deeper problem of authority in the church. Scripture and its Lutheran confessional interpretation seemed to have been cast aside for the voting process of a Churchwide Assembly that was shaped more by contemporary experience, highly-organized interest groups, and the scarcely veiled agenda of ELCA headquarters.
The ELCA’s proclamation that it held no clear teachings on homosexual conduct, yet allowed the blessing and ordination of partnered homosexuals, individualized and congregationalized the church in one fell swoop. Each individual and congregation has to exercise their own “bound conscience” on these matters. Some individuals may simply leave for other churches or press their congregations to leave the ELCA, while some divert their offerings to purely local causes or participate in organized efforts to renew the church. Most members, however, try to act as if nothing has happened.
Some congregations have left the ELCA for other Lutheran bodies, while others have publicly proclaimed orthodox beliefs and practices and allowed their members to divert their offerings into “bound conscience” funds that cannot be sent on to the ELCA. Most try to avoid these controversies like the plague. Pastors know the tension will cost them membership and support no matter what direction they go.
The national church has a budget far less than the one it began with in 1988, even if one does not account for inflation. Sixty-four of the sixty-five synods have diminished their giving to the national church. All the synods have less to work with.
However, the most interesting fall-out is the organizational changes.The two organizations formed to resist the direction of the ELCA—the Word Alone Network and Lutheran CORE—have redefined themselves. Neither desires to continue organized resistance within the ELCA, which they regard as futile. Both have turned their attention to building new organizations independent of the ELCA, as they seek to provide harbors for those in search of a church beyond their congregations.
The Word Alone Network has become Word Alone Ministries, which provides educational and worship materials, mission opportunities, and theological education for the church that it founded earlier. That church, or better, that “association of congregations,” is the Lutheran Congregations in Ministry for Christ. The LCMC was formed during the fracas over an agreement, between the ELCA and the Episcopal Church, Called to Common Mission, which required ordination to the historic episcopacy for Lutheran pastors and bishops. That requirement was anathema to the mostly Midwestern, low church Lutherans. The LCMC now lists 410 member congregations, with 191 having joined since last August. Among them are some of the largest Lutheran churches in America.
Representing the “evangelical catholic” or high church wing of the church, Lutheran CORE redefined itself after the fiasco of August 2009 as a coalition for the renewal and reconfiguration of Lutheranism in North America. Though it had no initial desire to start yet another Lutheran church, CORE responded to the wave of churches wanting to leave the ELCA for a more “churchly” organization than Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ, and hopes to facilitate the birth of the new North American Lutheran Church next August. It is uncertain just how many congregations will be on board at its founding.
Both CORE and the NALC see themselves as instruments of a reconfiguration of Lutheranism in North America—CORE as an ongoing convocation of Lutheran teaching theologians, and the NALC as an ecclesia embodying those teachings.
Whatever comes of these ventures remains to be seen. If the Holy Spirit blesses them they will flourish and provide new beginnings for Lutheranism in America. For many they are the last, great efforts to live out the promise of Lutheranism as a church on this continent. If they fail, the only remaining option may be a bracing swim across the Tiber.
Robert Benne is Director of the Center for Religion and Society and Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion Emeritus at Roanoke College. His Good and Bad Ways to Think About Religion and Politics will appear this summer.
From The CORE
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: May COREspondence
From: "The CORE"
To: SomeoneWeThinkWeCanFool
CC:
_What a Difference a Year Makes_
April 18, 2010 marked the one year celebration of the official launch of The
CORE. Though we started having informal worship gatherings on Sunday
evenings in February of 2009, we officially launched with full worship on
April 19th.
God has truly blessed the ministry here at The CORE. In a year we have seen
regular attendance double. Eight people, children and adults, have been
baptized, and we have 68 official members including children and adults. At
the end of the day those numbers are important only because they represent
people. They represent people whom God created and loves. People who have a
story to tell that brings glory to their Savior and His gracious love.
This year God has given us the opportunity to be his hands and feet in
Appleton and the surrounding community. A chance to be a city within the
city that loves the city for Him. Thank you for your support of this
ministry and being a part of what God is doing here at The CORE. It is our
prayer that we can continue to partner together to bring the Gospel to
Appleton and beyond for many more years to come.
_First Annual "In the Know" Event_
Join us on Saturday,
June 12th at 11:00am for The CORE’S very first
“In the Know” event. Lunch and beverages will be provided. “It’s our
congregation’s opportunity to get to know other members and serves as a
celebration for completing 1 year together,” says Pastor Ski.
Get to know us so we can get to know you! All are welcome.
_Looking Ahead_...
_"Religion Bytes"_
June 6th- June 27th
_"Miracles"_
July 4th - July 28th
_Miss a sermon? No worries. Click here to listen to the podcasts or
subscribe in iTunes._
_Join us on Facebook _
"How quickly we forget what it's all about.
We can get so strategic that we worship so our church will grow, not because
He is worthy. But we're doing all this because God is worthy and we want to
worship Him."
- Tommy Walker
We are excited to welcome Mara Donnan to the staff at The CORE! Mara will be
filling Katie's position. We know what you may be thinking, but there is no
drama here! God is simply calling Katie to serve the Kingdom elsewhere.
Mara was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She recently moved to Appleton
after marrying her husband, Jonathan.
Mara comes to our team from the Brady Corporation where she worked as the
E-Business Content Specialist. In 2006, she graduated from Alverno College
with a degree in English. She has a passion for writing, helping others, and
most importantly... Jesus.
“I know the miracles that He has done for me and I am excited share my
passion with others,” Mara says.
_Do you know someone who might be interested in hearing about what God is
doing at The CORE? Foward this newsletter to them today._
The CORE 215 E Washington St. Appleton, WI 54911 920-364-0200
_Check us out online! _[1]www.gotocore.com
Links:
1. http://www.gotocore.com
***
GJ - Readers are invited to contributed what The CORE has accomplished in plagiarizing Groeschel
---
diet-o-worms (http://diet-o-worms.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "From The CORE":
God *must* be blessing the Muslims too at the rate they're growing. {facepalm}
***
GJ - Sheep-stealing from local WELS congregations is outreach, according to a non-Lutheran entertainment center.
Downsizing the Library
Most of my reading is on the computer now, and that is true for the family.
I am going to greatly reduce my library in the next few months.
Many books are Lutheran and include volumes from Luther's works.
I have a beautiful set of Dickens' best novels, leather-bound, now out of print.
Others are classics from Easton Press (leather-bound), Folio, and Limited Editions. I have children's literature classics, various histories, etc. For instance, the three-volume Norwich history of the Byzantine Empire is almost as good as Gibbon.
I am not going to sell one book at a time. I prefer a box at a time. Almost everything is in new condition, even though most have been read or used.
The best thing about breaking up a collection is that new people get to enjoy it. These books are beautifully bound and made to last.
Those seriously interested can email me at gregjackson1948@qwest.net
WELS Quiz
1. Which sin will disqualify someone from getting a promotion?
a. Adultery
b. Teaching false doctrine
c. Unionism
d. Embezzlement
e. Hinting that WELS may have been wrong about something
2. Which school is unacceptable by WELS standards?
a. Fuller Seminary
b. Gordon Conwell
c. Trinity in Deerfield
d. Denver Seminary
e. Willow Creek
f. Concordia Seminary
3. If I join WELS Church and Change, which positions can I still hold?
a. Love Shack Staff
b. FIC editor
c. Sausage Factory professor
d. MLC professor
e. WLC professor
f. Doctrinal Pussycat
g. Vulpine Pussycat
h. Circuit Pussycat
i. All of the above
4. Under what conditions can I lead worship in WELS and Missouri?
a. If I am about to be kicked out.
b. If my name is Mark Jeske.
5. Name the Means of Grace.
a. Thrivent
b. Marvin Schwan
c. Foundations
d. The family tree
6. Pastors who criticize the Church Growth Movement are:
a. Rare
b. Lazy
c. Hurting the synod
d. Not creative
e. Ineligible for a call
7. Pastors who support the Church Growth Movement are:
a. Full of costly but exciting plans
b. Creative
c. Hard-working
d. Winsome
e. The salvation of the synod
8. Founders and leaders of Church Growth in WELS are:
a. Ron Roth
b. Robert Hartmann
c. Paul Calvin Kelm
d. David Valleskey
e. Frosty Bivens
f. Waldo Werning
g. Jim Aderman
h. John Parlow
i. Steve Witte
j. John Lawrenz
k. Jim Huebner
l. Larry Olson
m. H. Hagedorn
n. Wayne Mueller
o. There is no Church Growth Movement in WELS.
9. Which will hurt a congregation's growth?
a. The name Lutheran
b. The word church
c. The historic liturgy
d. Creeds
e. Law and Gospel sermons
f. Liturgical garments
g. Lutheran hymns - better known as funeral dirges
h. Less than friendly ushers
i. Your attitude of standing in the way of progress
10. An ideal pastor will spend his time:
a. Planning for growth
b. Attending the conferences of creative denominations and exciting outreach organizations
c. Listening to audio from Fuller, Willow Creek, and Ed Stetzer
d. Deciding on the best sermons to use, whether from Mars Hill or Groeschel or Andy Stanley
e. Visiting the sick and shut-in
f. Visiting prospects
g. Studying the Word and Confessions for sermons, youth and adult education
11. Which authors cannot be named favorably, but must always be warned against?
a. Leonard Sweet
b. Ed Stetzer
c. Waldo Werning
d. Kent Hunter
e. Andy Stanley
f. Craig Groeschel
g. J. P. Meyer
h. Martin Luther
i. Lenski
j. Any Concordist, if I can remember their names.
12. Which one on this list does not belong?
a. Pneumonia
b. Scarlet Fever
c. Strep Throat
d. Church Growth Pastor
Answers to WELS Quiz
1. Which sin will disqualify someone from getting a promotion?
e. Hinting that WELS may have been wrong about something. Even thinking that is equivalent to breaking fellowship with Holy Mother WELS and must be punished.
2. Which school is unacceptable by WELS standards?
f. Concordia Seminary - Unless one obtained a DMin in Church Growth from Concordia.
3. If I join WELS Church and Change, which positions can I still hold?
a. Love Shack Staff
b. FIC editor
c. Sausage Factory professor
d. MLC professor
e. WLC professor
f. Doctrinal Pussycat
g. Vulpine Pussycat
h. Circuit Pussycat
i. All of the above
I made that one easy because a lot of tough questions are coming up.
4. Under what conditions can I lead worship in WELS and Missouri?
a. If I am about to be kicked out.
b. If my name is Mark Jeske.
Both answers are correct, which means, "It all depends on who your relatives are."
5. Name the Means of Grace.
a. Thrivent
b. Marvin Schwan
c. Foundations
d. The family tree
WELS trusts in these Means alone for forgiveness and salvation.
6. Pastors who criticize the Church Growth Movement are:
a. Rare
b. Lazy
c. Hurting the synod
d. Not creative
e. Ineligible for a call
Now you are starting to catch on. All of the above are true.
7. Pastors who support the Church Growth Movement are:
a. Full of costly but exciting plans
b. Creative
c. Hard-working
d. Winsome
e. The salvation of the synod
The only problem is - there are not enough of them.
8. Founders and leaders of Church Growth in WELS are:
o. There is no Church Growth Movement in WELS.
That was a trick question. Wayne Mueller, as First VP, published a statement in the denominational magazine, solemnly declaring with utmost clarity - "There is no Church Growth Movement in WELS." If you dispute that, you have broken fellowship with WELS.
9. Which will hurt a congregation's growth?
a. The name Lutheran
b. The word church
c. The historic liturgy
d. Creeds
e. Law and Gospel sermons
f. Liturgical garments
g. Lutheran hymns - better known as funeral dirges
h. Less than friendly ushers
i. Your attitude of standing in the way of progress
Now you know why WELS is hurting.
10. An ideal pastor will spend his time:
a. Planning for growth
b. Attending the conferences of creative denominations and exciting outreach organizations
c. Listening to audio from Fuller, Willow Creek, and Ed Stetzer
d. Deciding on the best sermons to use, whether from Mars Hill or Groeschel or Andy Stanley
If God could only grant more of these!
11. Which authors cannot be named favorably, but must always be warned against?
h. Martin Luther
i. Lenski
j. Any Concordist, if I can remember their names.
That was another easy one, because the last one is tricky indeed.
12. Which one on this list does not belong?
d. Church Growth Pastor
You can get rid of pneumonia, scarlet fever, and strep throat, but you cannot get rid of a Church Growth Pastor.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Art Linkletter Died Today, Age 97
"Linkletter was born Gordon Arthur Kelly in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. In his autobiography, Confessions of a Happy Man (1960), he revealed that he had had no contact with his natural parents or his sister or two brothers since he was abandoned when only a few weeks old. He was adopted by Mary (née Metzler) and Fulton John Linkletter,[4][1] an evangelical preacher." From Wikipedia.
We all knew he was from Moosejaw. That was mentioned all the time, but he was always accepted as an American. A famous theologian was told by his father, "If you move to Canada, you will be Swiss. If you move to America, you will an American."
Another ELCA College Prez gone
| ELCA NEWS SERVICE
Texas Lutheran University President Ann Svennungsen Resigns
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Citing "professional and personal considerations," the Rev. Ann M. Svennungsen resigned as president of Texas Lutheran University (TLU), Seguin, according to a May 25 news release from the university. Svennungsen's resignation is effective May 31.
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Why Would Anyone Leave ELCA?
the Rev. Dawn Roginski, the Rev. Sharon Stalkfleet, the Rev. Ross Merkel, the Rev. Steve Sabin, the Rev. Paul Brenner and the Rev. Jeff Johnson.
Not pictured: the Rev. Craig Minich and the Rev. Megan Rohrer.
May 25, 2010
Two Dismissed Pastors, Others Welcomed to ELCA Clergy Roster
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Two dismissed pastors have been welcomed back to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The candidacy committee of the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod, Oakland, Calif., met May 24 and unanimously approved the reinstatement of the pastors to the ELCA clergy roster, and it also approved for reception six pastors from Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM).
According to the synod, a formal Rite of Reception for the pastors will be offered this summer.
The Rev. Ross D. Merkel, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oakland, and the Rev. Steven P. Sabin, Christ Church Lutheran, San Francisco, have been approved for reinstatement.
In 1998 Sabin was removed from the ELCA clergy roster for being in a committed, same-sex relationship while serving as pastor at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Ames, Iowa. His removal by an ELCA discipline committee drew national attention.
"I am relieved and happy that a long and painful episode in my relationship with my church family is ending. I look forward with hope to the restored partnership and opportunities for service that the actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly and the Sierra Pacific Candidacy Committee have made possible," said Sabin.
"For two decades, many have been grieved and alienated by the ELCA's exclusion of gay and lesbian pastors blessed with loving spouses. I hope and pray that they can, like me, lay aside the hurts and take hope from the gracious power of God to renew and direct the church into evermore faithful and effective proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope that this will be the beginning of a new period of evangelical outreach for the ELCA aided by our new witness to the forgiveness and grace of God truly being for all people," said Sabin. "Like the psalmist, I can only observe with awe and gratitude: 'This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.'"
ELM pastors approved for reception to the ELCA clergy roster are:
+ the Rev. Jeff R. Johnson, pastor, University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif.
+ the Rev. Craig Minich, pastor of youth ministries, Oakland-Berkeley Lutheran Youth Program
+ the Rev. Dawn Roginski, pastor of parish programs, St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco
+ the Rev. Megan Rohrer, executive director, WELCOME, San Francisco
+ the Rev. Paul R. Brenner, St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco
+ the Rev. Sharon Stalkfleet, Lutheran Ministry to Nursing Homes, Oakland.
ELM is an organization that credentials qualified candidates of "all sexual orientations and gender identities" for ordained ministry.
"Twenty years ago when I was ordained, we could dimly imagine that Lutherans would one day fully recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people," said Johnson in a May 24 ELM news release. "I'm very thankful for all who have helped to carry this struggle forward and for our church which has finally opened up to the new and exciting future God has in store for us," he said.
"I was very pleased by how the candidacy committee came together," said the Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, bishop, ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod. "This was a special meeting of the committee. We in the synod felt it was important to move forward with this process in a timely manner, so the committee agreed to this special meeting," he told the ELCA News Service.
"I am deeply grateful to the ELM pastors, and the two pastors who were removed from the ELCA roster, for their grace and good will in being a part of this process; to the members of the (Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary) faculty who made arrangements to be at this meeting, and to the candidacy committee for their faithful deliberations which have made it possible for these pastors to be brought onto the roster of the ELCA," said Holmerud.
"One of the things that was lived out yesterday was the sense that we were not examining the candidates but rather hearing stories of ministries from pastors who were already actively carrying out the gospel mission. That set the tenor of the meeting," said the Rev. Nancy Feniuk Nelson, bishop's associate, ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod.
"This was by no means an examination. It was a sharing about ministry and a celebration of ministry. We had a worship service that included the former ELM candidacy committee, the present ELCA candidacy committee, the ELM pastors and faculty from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, including the seminary president, the Rev. Phyllis B. Anderson. It was a very moving worship. Bishop Mark and I did the first interviews of all the candidates, and I became profoundly aware of how grateful I am to be a part of this process in this time of the church," Nelson told the ELCA News Service.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is one of eight ELCA seminaries.
Earlier this month at the synod assembly Holmerud lifted a public censure and admonition placed on University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley in 2000 for calling the Rev. Jeff R. Johnson, who was not a member of the ELCA clergy roster. Johnson was also elected at the assembly to the serve on the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod Council.
In a May 6 letter to the congregation, Holmerud said by "lifting this censure, the members of the congregation of University Lutheran are hereby welcome into full participation in the mission and ministry of the Sierra Pacific Synod" and the ELCA.
Holmerud wrote that the actions of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly "have brought us to a new day."
The 2009 assembly called for revisions to ministry policy documents, making it possible for Lutherans in committed, publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships to serve as ELCA clergy and professional lay leaders. The ELCA Church Council adopted the revisions to ministry policy documents April 10.
"This is another important day for so many in the church," said Amalia Vagts, ELM executive director. "It is wonderful to have leaders like Bishop Mark Holmerud and Bishop's Associate Nancy Feniuk Nelson and the members of the Sierra Pacific candidacy committee demonstrating holy hospitality to all," she said.
ELCA Parish with 1100 Voters - Exiting
Affiliations Assessment
Calvary, Golden Valley, Minnesota
The aim of our affiliations assessment process is to assess which current and potential affiliations can help us best "lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ."
UPDATE (5/17/10 - 10:30 p.m.) - At tonight's special congregational meeting, the resolution passed--800 in favor, 310 opposed (72 percent to 28 percent). Watch here for more details on the meeting proceedings and next steps.
Pray. Prepare. Participate.
SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Monday, May 17, 2010
7 p.m.
Sanctuary
Childcare provided--make reservations at 763.231.2949 by May 13
It's time to take action! Your vote is needed on the resolution approved by the church council on April 13.
NOTE: Only Calvary members will have the opportunity to vote on the resolution. To be defined as a Calvary "member," an individual must be classified as "Active" or "Associate" under "Member Status" on Calvary's current membership roster.
Ichabod Goes Wide-Body, Thanks to Joseph Schmidt
Joseph Schmidt reworked the template for me. His blog is linked on the left.
Gurgle's Email Was Modified by Some Witty WELSian Person - Not Poor Ichabod
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CGM Dropout - Lyrical Advice for Lutheran Clergy
All that synod offering money - wasted!
Your story sad to tell,
A pastor ne'er do well,
Most mixed up non-Reformed kid on the block!
Your future is so clear now,
What's left of your career now?
Can't even get a job that’s worth a hoot!
Angels: (La lalala lalala lalala...)
CGM dropout,
Your handshake is like ice,.
CGM dropout,
A mistress would be nice.
Well at least you could have taken time, to fix and pad your vita,
After spending all that dough to go to Pasadena.
Reverend get moving (Reverend get movin),
Why keep your feeble hopes alive?
What are you proving (What are you provin)?
You're not loyal to the hive.
If you market what we have, you could be our new fool.
Forget the Book of Concord and go back to our School. (Fuller)
CGM dropout (CGM dropout),
Hanging around the conferences.
CGM dropout (CGM dropout),
It's about time you knew the score.
Well they couldn't teach you anything,
You think you’ve got a D.Min.
But no call will come to you unless you think and talk like vermin!
Reverend don't sweat it (Don't sweat it),
You're not cut out get a call.
Better forget it (Forget it),
Church Growth is all in all.
Now your Luther’s old, your Chemnitz’ bold, your doctrine is outrageous.
You still won’t get our nod until your parish is contagious.
Junior don't blow it,
Don't put my good advice to shame.
Junior you know it,
Even Valleskey’d say the same!
Now I've called the shot, get off the block, I really gotta fly!
Gotta be going to that beehive, in the sky!
CGM dropout (CGM dropout)
Go back to Fuller
CGM dropout (CGM dropout)
At least to Willow Creek
CCM dropout (CMG dropout)
Go back to Fuller.
Why the Money Changers Are My Business and Yours - They Disgrace the Christian Church
Copied verbatim from the Holy Word, Austin, Texas website:
This site is designed to provide resources to help pastors and lay people grow as leaders. It is connected to a leadership institute called "A League of Leaders".
Here you will find leadership insights, devotions, curriculums (sic), webinars, seminars and other opportunites (sic) to grow as a leader. Leadership in the church is first of all a spirtual (sic) aptitude created in the heart by Christ.
Our mission is to help you grow in Christ centered, servant leadership. Jesus is our strength and our model for leadership along with his Apostles.
You will also find here practical advice and networks to other leadership associations.
Leadership is a spiritual gift as well as a fruit of faith. By having you join our league we will help you hone your gift and grow in your faithful use of it.
***
GJ - Didn't I help him with his spelling 9 days ago? The same mistakes are still there. That is the kind of leadership the Money Changers offer - long on manipulative emotion, short on labor. The announcement drips with Pietism and lacks Lutheran content, but that is the point.
Why should write about WELS or any other synod? The reason is simple. The Lutheran apostates are disgraceful in their slobbery copying of the worst Enthusiasts.
The Church and Money Changers entire agenda is to feed the Fuller/Willow Creek/Leonard Sweet agenda into the Lutheran Church, to destroy it from within. This process is easy to measure.
Here are some noted, proven WELS plagiarists:
- Paul Calvin Kelm
- John Parlow
- Limmer
- Ski
- Tim Glende
- Matt Doebler
What do they have in common, besides four of them working in Fox Valley at some time?
They are all members of WELS Church and Change.
At any university, plagiarism is addressed with discipline, usually expulsion. Some expel the student the first time it is detected. Others allow for warnings first.
This is an issue of plagiarism and false doctrine.
The WELS Doctrinal Pussycats do nothing - except support it.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Another Successful ELCA Vote To Leave - Round 1
More like a few every day, every week, every month!
Oh, my aching head."
Church's first vote goes against ELCA
Immanuel Lutheran Church of Crosby
By JENNIFER STOCKINGER
Staff Writer
Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby voted Sunday to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The congregation made a decision more than two months ago to vote on whether to stay or leave the ELCA after the ELCA's decision in August to allow non-celibate gay clergy into its churches.
A total of 282 parishioners voted. There were 213 in favor of leaving the ELCA and 69 who voted to remain with the ELCA.
But the congregation is not officially out of the ELCA yet. The ELCA has a process for churches to go through if they want to leave. The congregation first needed a two-thirds majority vote in order to leave the ELCA, which was accomplished Sunday. Then there is a 90-day window where the bishop and/or his delegate will consult with church members. Then there will be a second vote where again two-thirds is needed to leave. If the second vote is successful, the congregation then needs approval from the Northeastern Minnesota Synod.
Sociological Techniques
L P has left a new comment on your post "WELS DP Version of Matthew 18: "Talk To Me First, ...":
Church Growth is nothing more but the use of sociological techniques to grow an organization. This comes from the idea that the church can be studied as a social phenomenon and based on this idea, one can conjure techniques to gather a crowd.
It is wicked because it boils down to mass manipulation.
LPC
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GJ - LP, I attended a CG presentation where the leader kept saying, "Do this and you will have happy campers."
Ski would call that a "takeaway."
The CG leaders have said that congregational activity should be planned solely to keep members involved and happy. They need to be involved. It is all about felt needs, or, addressing the Old Adam to keep the Old Adam unconverted.
Mary Lou College Graduates and Calls
Some have disputed what Bruce Church wrote about jobs for Mary Lou College graduates.
I thought the bureaucratic language in the WELS Report was opaque and open to various interpretations. BC often comments on the Lutheran education scene and digs up interesting statistics about it. For example, he has posted about the imaginary LCMS pastor shortage, which is used to manipulate people into going to seminary.
I heard a similar story about librarian students being yanked out of school because of the shortage of librarians. A library school professor told the story, which has yet to be verified, 23 years later. Mrs. Ichabod got a fine job as a researcher, before she was done with library school. School helped because she saw a part-time job offered on the library school bulletin board. The Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska soon after, and the job became full-time. The firm dealt with hazardous transport of chemicals and such matters as oil spills and platform blowouts.
For decades, anyone in the Syn Conference who has objected to Reformed doctrine, Reformed Bible translations, Reformed "worship," and synod rah-rah has been:
- Ignored.
- Slandered.
- Pushed out.
- Ridiculed.
- Silenced.
- Mocked.
Some would like a Gloryhalleluiawels blog. This is a blog where another viewpoint, refreshingly different, is offered. Three blogs have started to quash this one. Two disappeared. One sputtered to a stop.
The only reason the apostates have succeeded in the last 30 years is the passivity of the clergy. They may have elected DPs who lied about their actual position. After all, even secular politicians deceive people. Synod Presidents can do a lot of harm, but they cannot much good unless laity and clergy join in opposing falsehood.
Voting an official in or out is a small matter and not likely to make much of a difference. Constant, persistent opposition is impossible to ignore and will always have an effect. Look at how well it has worked to destroy Lutheran doctrine, in spite of all the votes, vows, solemn ceremonies, incense, albs, and Fifty Years of Grace
WELS DP Version of Matthew 18: "Talk To Me First, So I Can Ignore You"
Translation = Paying jobs for lazy apostates.
Anything attaching even a fluff of lint to Holy Mother WELS is greeted with "Matthew 18" and the beloved Eighth Commandment.
However, when someone follows WELS Talmudic Law and contacts the Doctrinal Pussycat directly, personally, and individually, the result is - No response at all. The contact is not even acknowledged.
That happens so frequently that I can only conclude they are trained to deal with doctrinal issues that way. Trained by whom? I do not know. That is why I used the passive voice.
It was true in the 1980s. I asked future DP Seifert about all the rot going on in Columbus. He suggested writing a letter to the DP. I did, and it was not even acknowledged. Next I wrote one to everyone, including the ELS SP, Orvick. DP Bob Mueller was outraged that I wrote to everyone. I said, "You never responded or even acknowledged receiving the letter."
The WELSian Matthew 18 approach allows the DP to keep the issue a secret, ignore the matter altogether, and get out his "Find him! Kill him!" stamp, to activate his hatchet-man. Everyone can view the DP as a harmless, likeable, somewhat confused man while the dissenter is confined to the nether regions, attacking him through the beloved WELS grapevine and through his own members.
Anyone can figure out that re-visiting the issue is a red flag to the easily irritated DP. The DP can then dredge up such comments as:
- "Martin Luther complex,"
- "hurting the Church" (meaning the Wisconsin sect),
- and other irrelevancies.
Laity have said to me, many times, "They won't listen to me, because I am just a layman." The laity think it is because they are not highly trained clergy. I tell them, "Don't worry. They ignored me the same way, and they ignore everyone who does not agree with them."
If high priests want to cite Matthew 18, they should also welcome "Tell it to the church."
But that is wrong too. The current president of Bethany's Little Seminary said it was wrong to deal with the disgraceful conduct of a wannabee CG expert, because "It hurts the face of the church."
The Catholic bishops and the pope himself said the same thing, and look where that got them.
KJV Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
PS - Those who cite Matthew 18 do not feel hindered in any way by it.
Monday, May 24, 2010
WELS Church and Money Changers Takes Their Cues from John 2
KJV John 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
WELS Report to the Twelve
I knew that Jeff Davis, board member of Church and Change (photo but no bio) was the co-author of Heart in Focus, a money management seminar.
They have their own website - Training, Heart in Focus.
The WELS Commission on Adult Discipleship (Education, until Wayne Mueller became boss) features Heart in Focus in the new report. Rave review. Get it a NPH.
Dave Kehl was also in Adult Discipleship - another Changer.
Lookee Here - Davis Is Also a Fund-Raiser
Hi, I’m Jeff Davis, one of the authors of Heart in Focus. I’m glad that you are learning more about this special program. I always believe it is good to challenge oneself and learn new things each day. Heart in Focus offers a challenge not usually found in today’s resources. It helps the reader to answer, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here on this earth?” Answers to these questions give our lives purpose and a reason for living. By enrolling in a Heart in Focus course, I believe you will find help in responding better to these questions.
You may also know me through Cornerstone Stewardship Ministry, Inc., a firm that raises dollars for Lutheran ministries by growing God’s joyful stewards. Visit our web site at www.joyfulgiving.net.
Or, drop me a note to let me know what you think: jeff@heartinfocus.com. May your day be a blessing for Jesus!
Joyful Givingis a WELS-Missouri fund-raising business. Mark Jeske is not the only Money Changer with feet in both synods (and trotters in the trough).
I was trying to find out about the other author of Heart in Focus. Perhaps someone can trace that down. I am googled out at the moment.
Conflict of Interest
Some may see a conflict of interest. WELS sends in overpaid Fuller-trained consultants to help a congregation. They recommend a pop band and a multi-million dollar building program. Somehow Fuller-trained Cornerstone gets called in, and they charge fees plus a commission on the loot taken in. The congregation ends up with a big mortgage, and the Money Changers make a killing on both sides - overcharging for boilerplate consulting (using the same template, too lazy to get the church name right in some cases) and overcharging for money-raising.
The common thread here is WELS' own in-house beehive of apostasy: Love Shack Church and Changers, Fuller-trained consultants who are Changers, and a board member of Church and Change raising money for the improvements urged by a fellow-Changer. NPH sells a product urged by Adult Discipleship, a CGM renaming of Adult Education. Thus the money circulates among the same people, congregations are impoverished, and nothing good comes of it.
The Gurgle clan is thoroughly Church and Change. Look at what they have done for
Brett Meyer asked if I changed my mind about SP Schroeder's leadership. I just look at the outward symptoms, which tell me nothing has changed. Magic is misdirection of the eyes. The magician gets everyone to look at the exploding ball of flame while he tucks a rabbit under his cloak. If he is quick and smooth, and no one notices, the rabbit disappears. Poof. Gone in a flash.
It is not the fault of one person, but 1000 enablers - the clergy, who think they have nothing to lose by remaining silent.
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EastCoast wrote:
In the brochure WELS Pastors received a while back, Ron Roth and Jon Mahnke were the featured WELS guys, along with Wayne Mueller, and then the two (or three) LCMS fellas. The WW DP was confronted about this obvious fellowship in ministry, but has not, to date, responded - at least not publicly. So goes the WELS.
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WELS church lady has left a new comment on your post "WELS Church and Money Changers Takes Their Cues fr...":
Here are two paragraphs taken from Prof. Mark Paustian's More Prepared
To Answer:
"The usher is looking decidedly uncomfortable. The offering basket has hit a snag in the pew ahead of you. A boy is clutching a nickel in his chubby fist, which Mom is shaking over the basket. She peals back one finger at a time, whispering the sort of whisper that echoes around the sancuary, "Let go!" Finally, the boy, desperate to know why God wants his money, releases the treasure. The nickel drops home, the usher relaxes...and God is five cents richer."
"Just as there was a Judas among the first disciples of Jesus, there are those within the visible church who will do anything they can to get your nickel into the plate. Though I pray they are few, there are those who will lie to you, pressure you, and shame you for the sake of money. I make no apology for them. These things are shameful."
Will do anything they can to get your nickel into the plate? Prof Paustian, you might be right on this point. Another thing that is shameful: Church and Change along with its partner Cornerstone Ministries. Mark, you attended a chruch and Change conference. Do you make an apology for them and are their things shameful? If you are telling the greatest story ever told, how about standing against the Church and Money Changers!
In Christ,
from WELS church lady
WELS - Church and Money Changers Party On
Report to the Twelve Districts
The long, dark tea-time of the soul is not over for WELS. Everyone should read the Report, to get a glimpse of what is going on.
The Church and Money Changers are still doing well, rewarded in many ways, never short of a job. If you want a call in WELS, go to Fuller Seminary or Willow Creek for training, preferably both. Add Groeschel, Drucker, Stanley and more for a DP who will defend your false doctrine to his death. Or for a VP who gets calls to the Sausage Factory and advises them how to teach the Kinder. Leonard Sweetheart? - Kingdom Workers will love ya.
Remember Randy Hunter, Latte
The Report lists the Money Changers who were let go from the Love Shack, only to be hired a few minutes later: Kehl, Kelm, Becker, Stroh. These are not bad times for the Money Changers. Kudu Don Patterson is expanding his empire, Emerging Church style, and he has a free vicar again.
On the world missions scene, WELS adopts a posture of a global church. ELCA is one, and they recently fired 44 staff. WELS has something going on in every corner of the world, a great way to maximize opportunities for travel.
The schools are going downhill rapidly. WELS once had four prep schools. Now they have two failing preps. Tuition is stratospheric while enrollment drops and staffmembers are cut - even at Luther Prep. Michigan Lutheran Seminary once had 300 students. Now they claim 180.
Mary Lou College has an $8 million chapel and declining enrollment. I heard they needed 1000 students, a very small number for a college today. They have 700. There is no longer a reason for MLC, except to produce obnoxious student videos. WLC could easily take over, and they are also run by Shrinkers.
Here is a case to consider. The area Lutheran high schools grew while the plum preps turned into raisins from under-funding. One area school went from 300 students to 100, and the shrinkage is not done. Parochial schools are closing everywhere. MLC no longer has a reason to exist.
The Sausage Factory is suffering from the advice given by Patterson and Kelm. Yes, they gave papers on how to improve seminary education. That is like inviting Dr. Kevorkian to lecture on nursing home care. "No, doc, leave your equipment at your office. Thanks."
Following Patterson's example, the seminary faculty should take all the students to an Exponential gathering, as Kudu Don did with a group of church workers. Or they should arrange a Leonard Sweet conference, as Paul Calvin Kelm did. (Missourians - don't be smug. Your St. Louis sem prez slobbered all over Sweet and put the video on their websty. Kieschnick, of course, adores Sweet too.)
In 1987, Mequon was graduating 60 students a year. Now they are in the 30s with a class of 16 coming up soon. Here is where the gallows humor comes in, making satire so easy to write. From the Report -
1. Good news - now there will not be an oversupply of seminary graduates.
2. Good news - now the faculty have time to complete their graduate degrees.
The schools all represent fixed costs at a time when tuition money is decreasing rapidly. Huge Missouri has considered closing one or both seminaries. WELS will need some solutions for its creaky school system.
I cannot figure out why Henry Hagedorn still has a job, let alone staff. His fiefdom has destroyed more churches than the Chicago Fire. They pretend to have lots of action going on, but they are just watching over the remains of their manifold failures. They have more mission districts than there are districts!
WELS supposedly cut $8 million from a $38 million budget, with more to come in the future. Going Galt is not so bad. The Means of Grace are free. The Instruments of God's Grace have not failed the church. The church has failed to use them.
If you think WELS has turned the corner, read the Report and also check out who writes for FIC (another dinosaur). The Shrinkers remain. The Church and Money Changers have not been chased out of the Temple. They are leasing the Temple - temporarily.
More ELCA Fugitives
Knudson
Faith Lutheran Church where I belong and work very part time on a contractual basis voted for the second time today. The vote was 172 to 7, a 96% majority. There was a good spirit and the synod rep was very gracious in his remarks, which our longest time pastor noted to him appreciatively and publicly. The other ELCA congregation in Hutchinson, MN. voted also for the second time to leave but by the very thinnest of margins, .667%. Have not yet heard a report on the aftermath of that. It is hard to see that level of division. [GJ - Does he mean 66.7% or a margain of .667%?]
Yesterday we held the constituting convention of the Augustana District of LCMC. That meeting was held here at Faith with 141 in attendance from 35 congregations, some from Wisconsin and Nebraska. Most were from Minnesota. There were another ten participating over an internet link. Again a positive spirit was present and a sense of anticipation. This is not saying all 35 congregations will join. Three groups of folk were there from Marshall, Morris, and Alexandria, Minnesota representing LCMC congregations in various stages of being formed.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Philadelphia Organ Quartet
More fun than a rock band, and a lot more talented.
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EastCoast wrote:
Ah. "Hi-Ho Silver. Away!"
Those were the days! Listening to the Lone Ranger on my grandfather's old Philco 78 record player/radio, with tubes as big as a yellow squash, and just as bright. What a wonderful glow they made on the ceiling, as the masked man went about his deeds of daring do! Oh, that the world would return to those days of "yesteryear." Boy, we had it all on those big beautiful radios, and we let it slip away. For what? TV?! OK, "Howdy Doody," and "Father Knows Best," fine and well. But "Two and a Half Men?" gimme a break! We blew it! Kind of like the good ol' 1941 hymnal. We should have stuck with what was good. Too late. More's the pity!
Say "Goodnight," Gracie!
The Feast of Pentecost
The Feast of Pentecost
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship
Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time
The Hymn # 236 Creator Spirit 1:9
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 #237 All Glory Be 1:12
The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Communion Hymn # 341 Crown Him 1:70
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 #261 Lord Keep Us Steadfast 1:93
KJV Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
KJV John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Pentecost
O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou almighty Son of God: We beseech Thee, send Thy Holy Spirit into our hearts, through Thy word, that He may rule and govern us according to Thy will, comfort us in every temptation and misfortune, and defend us by Thy truth against every error, so that we may continue steadfast in the faith, increase in love and all good works, and firmly trusting in Thy grace, which through death Thou hast purchased for us, obtain eternal salvation, Thou who reignest, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
There are many ironies in the Christian Church today, and the Day of Pentecost is a good way to remember them.
The Pentecostals do not recognize this day. It is a Jewish holy day. It was then and remains so today. Therefore it is Biblical to recognize the Day of Pentecost in the Christian Church, but the Pentecostals do not honor the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles. That would be Catholic, in their opinion.
The Baptists have an interesting name, because that implies they have a high opinion of baptism. But they do not. They consider baptism symbolic, an ordinance, and not the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Lutherans should have this right, but they do not. The Holy Spirit works only through the Word and never apart from the Word.
Therefore, only God-pleasing work will be done with the Word and nothing worthwhile can be done apart from the Word.
Lenski said many years ago, “Fads come and go, but only the Word will build up the Kingdom.”
If people had confidence in the Holy Spirit working through the Word, they would rebel against all the bad ideas foisted upon them. For example:
1. The entertainment model has been the focus of church fads for 30 years or more. The result is more bizarre efforts and worse results. They do not worship God but man, so their work is all man-centered.
2. People are sure something is wrong if the Word of God brings the cross, God said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways.” Isaiah 55.
3. Everyone forgets that people abandoned the Lutheran Reformation in droves, as soon as things got rough. Did that make it a failure, based on numbers? Why are people trying to subject the invisible church to Frito Lay marketing standards?
Holy Spirit Equals the Word of God
Many times the Scripture names the Father/Son relationship without mentioning the Holy Spirit. That is implied because we can substitute the Holy Spirit for the Word or the Word for the Holy Spirit in almost all cases.
Another way of expressing this is to say, If you want God to act, you need the Holy Spirit, that is, the Word of God. If you want God to be more effective, then the purer the Word, the more God’s wisdom and power are involved.
Too many want a Methodist style of Lutheran doctrine – gentle, irenic, never mentioning differences, full of love, absent of Law. Condemnation of false doctrine is always Law teaching, so many people say – “No more teaching against false doctrine.”
The most indolent parent will say, “Look both ways before crossing the street and don’t be careless (Law). I love you and worry about you (Gospel).”
All Gospel (which is really no Gospel) would be, “I love you, so you can do no wrong.”
Merging everything together is popular and bound to bring about praise and glory. I have college students who imagine that any sincerely held belief is valid. So I asked them, “Are you parting with – No one comes to the Father, except through Me?” and “By no other Name is anyone saved”?
Once someone enjoys the tepid waters of universal religion, Islam is just like Christianity (heard it in class once) and someone can be a Zen Christian (famous basketball coach).
Clarity – The Documents
We have this great privilege of listening directly to God speaking.
Jesus promised the apostles that the Holy Spirit would come to “teach all things and to bring all things to remembrance.”
The apostles lived in an era where most things were committed to memory, because the printed book was yet to be invented. Written documents were very expensive and quite rare.
They had sharp memories, but that was enhanced by the Holy Spirit’s work in keeping Jesus’ teaching fresh in their minds and clear in His intention. That is why Paul spoke of “no other Gospel.”
Whatever we read in the Bible is God speaking to us directly. That is also true of the liturgy, which is from the Scriptures, and faithful hymns, which are often confessions of faith during a time of crisis.
God saw to it that His Word and will were directly communicated to His people, from Old Testament times on. The New Testament is from the same era as the apostles, and many documents are eye witness accounts:
1. The Gospel of John – written by Jesus’ favorite disciple.
2. Paul’s letters – written during his missionary journeys and from prison.
3. Luke’s Acts of the Apostles, including his travels with Paul.
Trivial things show how precise the Word of God is. For example, there are many historical details which had no evidence behind them until recently. Then, when evidence was dug up, it matched the Bible exactly. That is true, even down to such obscure things as “missing cities” named in the Old Testament. Invented by man? No, discovered by man again when the Ebla tablets – a lost civilization – were dug up.
Noah’s Ark has been found – again. I think this is the tenth one. There must have been a fleet of them. Perhaps it is. We do not need the timbers of the ark to prove it happened. Genesis tells us it did.
This certainty is important because God tells us that, through Christ, our sins are forgiven. Trust is everything. Someone can hear that message and not trust it.
“But in addition to what is thus preached, something else is needed; for even though I hear the preaching, I do not at once believe. Therefore, God adds his Holy Spirit, who impresses this preaching upon the heart, so that it abides there and lives.” Luther, Pentecost Sermon.
The Holy Spirit is the source of that divine energy which opens our hearts to trust in the Gospel promise of forgiveness. Truth itself does not convert people. If it did, the intricate structures of the cell, revealed by a scanning electron microscope, would convert every scientist to Creation. And they would wage war against evolution. But that does not happen. Nor will logic make people believe in Creation or the Trinity or the Sacraments.
God has bound His work to the Holy Spirit working through the invisible Word of preaching and teaching, the visible Word of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.
We are surrounded by heathen, and not all of them are ordained ministers. Therefore, the evangelism programs make me smile a bit because the opportunities present themselves without a program, without an outreach chairman.
The Gospel necessarily bears fruit, so any contact between faith and unbelief is itself a witness to God’s work in Christ. For example, I asked one apostate (CG guru) – “If an evangelism program fails to bring about visible results, is it because it was done wrong?” He immediately said “Yes!” and he was joined by the district VP, agreeing with him. Both were corrected at once, and the VP stuttered his continued confusion.
Therefore, the Word of God confronted two apostates who placed their trust in man’s alleged wisdom instead of God’s revealed wisdom. The Word can either convert or harden, enlighten or blind. Kindly old Methodist-Lutherans want to offend no one, but showing up the Shrinkers will offend the hardened hearts of unbelievers. That is an effect. The Word is effective and often brings hatred and revenge. But it also works to convert, as shown by the example following:
The Holy Spirit works through the Word at His own pace. Here is a good example. Two Hong Kong natives went to my church in Midland. Both of them went to a private Lutheran school in Hong Kong, because the Lutheran school was considered the best there. They had to take religion class, so they did, but hid comic books in their religion textbooks. They mocked Christianity the whole time in school. First the husband (before they were married) and then the wife went to a Billy Graham Crusade there in Hong Kong. They were individually converted and remained faithful Christians after that, even though their families thought they had turned their backs on Buddhism. That is a very big concern in Asia - the family. Leaving Buddhism meant they left the family and shamed them.
They realized afterwards that they were absorbing lessons about the Christian faith even while they were mocking it. They were the kindest people and very attentive during the sermons. They nodded when I talked about the inerrancy of the Scriptures. Two council members frowned during those same passages. Was the Word effective? You betcha.
The couple doubtless chose the Lutheran church first because they went to a Lutheran school. Their families had intended a first-class education, and the result was God working through the Word, first to annoy and amuse them, later to convert them.
Many people invoke the Holy Spirit without the Word. They are the Enthusiasts, who ascribe all kinds of activity to the Holy Spirit, apart from the Word and Sacraments.
1. He has declared the sins of the world forgiven (where is this recorded?) – UOJ.
2. He drifts in and out of the church’s work, sometimes helping a sermon and sometimes not – Calvinism.
3. He is only present when people speak in tongues, dance around, and fall off their chairs laughing – Pentecostalism.
4. He works through marketing methods – Church Growth.
5. He may not accomplish anything, but it is important to be radical about trying – Emerging Church.
John 15:1-10
KJV John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
This passage shows how the Holy Spirit works through the Word. Those who abide in the Word and Sacraments are fruitful. The only way we can abide with Jesus is through His Word, because He comes to us only through the Word.
A short time ago I planted fragrant rose bushes. I dug a hole and planted them. It rained two days, helping them get started. Rosemary B. asked, “Why is that one slanted?” I said, “Because I planted it that way and couldn’t straighten it out.” She thought it was some special secret. I was racing against the thunderclouds.
We have had consistent rain, so I watered only once. The result from two bushes is four roses in bloom and two more ready to bloom.
The rose bushes were fruitful, so I pruned them. That will promote more growth on top and additional root growth. Roses love to be pruned. The more they are pruned, the more they want to grow and be fruitful.
Grapes are the same. When the fruit is pruned away, and the deadwood removed, they grow even better. Grapes only grow on the vine, and God-pleasing results only come from the Word.
It may be God-pleasing to divide a congregation or a synod. The issue is not the results but the method. The only God-approved method is applying the Word. The cost of not applying the Word, not remaining with the True Vine, is deadwood, which will be thrown away, withered, removed, gathered, and burned.
This image from Luther should always be remember about the Means of Grace.
The Word conveys Christ to us, whether in preaching, teaching, or the Sacrament. When Christ is brought to us, we are also brought before Him. Each one of us has a Christian name, a believing soul. Is it possible to come before the King of Kings and not be changed by that experience? Is He not even more aware of us when we meet Him through the Means of Grace?
That is the great work of the Holy Spirit in the Word. He conveys Christ to us, creates and sustains faith in us, and daily forgives all our sins through the Gospel.
Quotations
"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