Wednesday, November 30, 2011

VirtueOnline - News - Exclusives - The Fictional Future of Frank Griswold's Denominational World

Frank Griswold was the previous presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church.
Katharine Jefferts Schori is building (destroying) upon his sorry legacy.



VirtueOnline - News - Exclusives - The Fictional Future of Frank Griswold's Denominational World:


"Whatever and wherever Griswold was grounded (and he seemed to enjoy Sufi the Rumi over St. Paul), he definitely felt more at home among gay and lesbian Episcopalians. He was SUPPOSED to have been grounded in Scripture and to declare the "mighty works of God" and "sound doctrine". He did neither."

'via Blog this'

ELCA, Episcopal presiding bishops remember lives lost to HIV, AIDS - News Releases - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson,
Episcopal Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

I tell you, 'tis incredible to believe
How much she loves me: O, the kindest Kate!
She hung about my neck; and kiss on kiss
She vied so fast, protesting oath on oath,
That in a twink she won me to her love.
Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew. Act 2, Scene 1.



ELCA, Episcopal presiding bishops remember lives lost to HIV, AIDS - News Releases - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

CHICAGO (ELCA) - Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Episcopal Primate Katharine Jefferts Schori said World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 is "an opportunity for us to remember the 30 million lives that have been lost to the deadly pandemic."

'via Blog this'

"Kindness in women, not their beauteous looks,
Shall win my love."
Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew, Act IV, Scene 2.

Midweek Advent Service, November 30, 2011

Norma Boeckler,
The Flight into Egypt



Advent, November 30, 2011

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson


Mid-Week Advent, Thursday, 7 PM Central

The Hymn # 61             Comfort, Comfort                  221
The Order of Vespers                                             p. 41
The Psalmody            Psalm 100                             p. 144
The First Lection                      
The Second Lection           
 The Sermon Hymn # 76            A Great and Mighty             2.2

Miraculous Christmas Events

The Prayers and Lord’s Prayer                         p. 44
The Collect for Peace                                           p. 45
The Benediction                                                   p. 45
The Hymn # 558     All Praise to Thee               2.9

KJV Isaiah 7:10 Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

KJV Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

KJV Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

Miraculous Christmas Events


The events of Christmas are simply full of miracles, but the greatest miracle of all is God becoming man.

This is expressed in many ways. The virgin birth of Christ represents both aspects of this great mystery. By mystery Christians mean a teaching revealed by the Holy Spirit in the Word. A mystery cannot be explained by human reason or reasoned by logic. That is why people who begin with human logic end up missing the divine teaching of the Word. One can get as much from an engineering book, which is certainly valid but empty of life-changing truths.

The virgin birth of Christ expresses the Two Natures in a clear and vivid way.

KJV Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

One is often emphasized today, because it has been under attack – the divinity of Christ as expressed in conception by the Holy Spirit. Ancient art had God’s angel whispering in Mary’s ear. I said on Facebook this was good, because God’s Word comes to us from hearing. When God said it, His Word accomplished it.

Just as important is the birth of Christ – His human nature. Although His birth was remarkable and attended with many stupendous wonders, the greatest wonder was the God-man Jesus lying in swaddling clothes.

Much is said about His poor circumstances, and they are true on a human level. We would not want them. Yet God was not absent. God’s power was manifested in the miracle itself and visible in the presence of the angels.

We should remember the same, because Christ is always with us, no matter how poor the circumstances might be at the moment. Another way to see the manger is realize, “This is how God works – not with human power, but with divine mercy, doing far more than we can ever imagine.”

The first Isaiah virgin birth passage is an example, which we find throughout the Bible. Ahaz is too proud to ask for a miracle, so one is offered him anyway, the greatest of all.
The effect of the Gospel is not lacking because someone is blinded and hardened by it. He has another chance as it is spoken to him.

And yet people have railed against this ever since the Age of Rationalism. They do not like it, which means they question the power of God’s Word. If that is true, why do they bother themselves with it? The Promises leave them restless and they have to re-interpret them into an alien philosophy that fits their noble image of themselves. They will fix the world with that philosophy, they imagine.

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel

This three-fold Gospel promise is remarkable. Centuries before the event, the miracle is described. Mary, before she lived with her husband, conceived by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to a Son. His name – Immanuel – God with us.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

The titles of Jesus in the second passage point only to Him. Only the Savior can be the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, and yet have a government traced to the throne of David.

This is the only kingdom that will be endless – the Kingdom of God, ruled by the Prince of Peace.





Intrepid Lutherans: The LORD (no longer) Our Righteousness in NIV 2011



Intrepid Lutherans: The LORD (no longer) Our Righteousness in NIV 2011:

'via Blog this'

GilroyDispatch.com | Religion Today: Church changes affiliation



GilroyDispatch.com | Religion Today: Church changes affiliation:

"For many years our congregation has been operating, in theology and practice, in a much more open and inclusive manner than allowed by the Missouri Synod," he said. "Holy Communion open to all, ecumenical cooperation and worship, greater inclusion of women and non-discrimination toward gay and lesbian Christians are some of the practical ways this has become manifest."

'via Blog this'

Stan Olson's Hometown Congregation Left ELCA.
His Job Disappeared after the 2009 Convention.
He Now Heads the Bankrupt Wartburg Seminary


His job at ELCA headquarters disappeared.
His daughter is living with her female partner, as reported in the YDS alumni magazine.
He is from Eagle Grove, Iowa.
A prophet is not without honor, except in his own farm town.

ALPB link for Bruce Foster:

Two more Iowa congregations joining the NALC:

Emmanuel Lutheran, Grafton:  2nd vote passed Sun Nov 27 94-15.  Then voted to join the NALC 104-6.

Samuel Lutheran, Eagle Grove:  They left the ELCA 2 years ago and were independent.

As soon as they are officially received by the NALC Executive Council, the Iowa Mission District will be up to 28 congregations.  And there are more on the way.

Ken

They will also bring the total of NALC congregations to 299.

Marshall Hahn




Them Eagle Grove farmers must know more about nature than ELCA.

Dark night of the stole | StarTribune.com

Dark night of the stole | StarTribune.com:

'via Blog this'

***

GJ - This story was linked on SpenerQuest and followed by this remark from David Jay Webber, who had no problem with having Floyd Luther Stolzenburg as one of his sponsors of Thoughts of Faith in the Ukraine, with a matching grant from the adulterous Marvin Schwan:


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

David Jay Webber (Djw)
Intermediate Member
Username: Djw

Post Number: 451
Registered: 12-2004

Posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - 11:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post


Various forms of sexual misbehavior among ELCA clergy will become an ever increasing problem, I fear, now that the misbehavior of homosexual conduct is officially permitted. If this is now allowed, then why not other previously forbidden behaviors? Remember, too, that the new "inclusiveness" is more broadly aimed at the "GLBT" community, not just homosexuals and lesbians more classically defined. The last two letters of that acronym stand for bisexual and transgendered. If a bisexual lifestyle is no longer considered to be naughty, then why is offering money to a woman for sex still considered to be naughty? At least in that scenario it would just be one man and one woman having a trist.

ELCA has opened a Pandora's box. Who knows what will eventually crawl out of it? And I can tell you what they can also expect more of in the future: lawsuits!



Various forms of sexual misbehavior among ELCA clergy will become an ever increasing problem, I fear, now that the misbehavior of homosexual conduct is officially permitted. If this is now allowed, then why not other previously forbidden behaviors? Remember, too, that the new "inclusiveness" is more broadly aimed at the "GLBT" community, not just homosexuals and lesbians more classically defined. The last two letters of that acronym stand for bisexual and transgendered. If a bisexual lifestyle is no longer considered to be naughty, then why is offering money to a woman for sex still considered to be naughty? At least in that scenario it would just be one man and one woman having a trist. 


ELCA has opened a Pandora's box. Who knows what will eventually crawl out of it? And I can tell you what they can also expect more of in the future: lawsuits!


---


Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Dark night of the stole | StarTribune.com":

Misbehavior…naughty

Could the voice for UOJ in the ELS choose any less condemning language to describe the sodomy in the synods which the (W)ELS and LCMS financially support?

Considering Pastor David Jay Webber has publicly confessed that all those actively practicing the sodomy of men, women and children are the recipients of Christ's righteousness and are by God's divine verdict forgiven and justified, the words may even be too harsh.

Jay Webber could start the tongue-clucking about
his work with Floyd Luther Stolzenburg.
 

Preus Family Tree




Herman Amberg Preus came to America in 1851 from Norway.

Herman begat Christian and other sons and daughters.

Christian begat Jacob and other sons and daughters.

Jacob begat Jacob (Jack) and Robert.

Robert begat Daniel, Klemet, Katy, Rolf, Peter, Solveig, Christian, Karen, Ruth, and Erik.

Rolf begat Daniel, David, Paul, John, Mark, Stephen, Christian, Andrew, James, Mary, Samuel, and Peter.

The children of Rolf who have posted on Luther Quest are: David, John, Mark, Stephen, Christian, Andrew, and James. I think.

More later.

The Age of Hypocrisy in Lutherdom
And Other Dark Places

"We do what we say, Brett.
Give us that much...
And stop taking notes."


The Age of Apostasy, predicted in the pastoral epistles, could also be named the Age of Hypocrisy.

KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away [apostasy] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

I was reading about a large ELCA congregation voting to leave, so I asked Mrs. Ichabod about it. Her instant recall and photographic memory relayed some details immediately, since she grew up in Indiana. The congregation has 1300 baptized members, so I looked up the website. In the news section I found that 22 youth were coughing up $1,000 each to attend a youth rally in New Orleans. I thought, "No, it cannot be. They are leaving ELCA and sending 22 youth to the ELCA youth rally, where they promote homosexuality as a gift from God?

Every Lutheran synod leader is a sock puppet.
Don't get too close.


As far as I can tell, since the parish article is not specific, that gathering is the ELCA youth rally. I can find no other youth rally in New Orleans on that date.

Why would a congregation leave ELCA over its gaity while organizing and funding an ELCA youth extravaganza?

Let's say that $22,000 youth trip is a terrible mistake, made by the parish or by me.

At the same time, the alternative denomination, LCMC, is crying  "FOUL!" over being kicked out of the ELCA Board of Pensions benefit plans - which cover abortion for any reason. I imagine ELCA also included domestic partners health coverage as well, after the 2009 convention.

The two alternative denominations leaving ELCA--the LCMC and NALC--are stuck like dog-fur on Velcro to ELCA.

Besides that, all the Lutheran sects are owned and managed by Thrivent as marketing centers. Thrivent is the pimp and they are the crack whores, weeping about their poor lot in life while counting on Big Daddy in Appleton to fund their addictions.

SP Harrison admitted to $50-60 million a year from Thrivent funds. ELCA must get far more than that.  WELS, the ELS, the LCMC, and the NALC all get their portions from the bowl of lentil soup. All the groups work together at various levels and attend the same religious functions.

The non-ELCA groups would have more credibility if they actually distanced themselves from the obvious apostates. Not doing so makes the rest hypocritical apostates - hardly a title fitting "confessional" Lutherans.

---

 LCMC, is crying  "FOUL!" over being kicked out of the ELCA Board of Pensions 

It's the NALC not LCMC that is being dropped because they are breaking a part of the agreement with BOP to only use their health plan. If NALC can use two plans then they could send all their high risk pastors to BOP and cherry pick others at a lower cost.

If my sarcasm is juvenile, what adjective do you use for this statement?

Thrivent is the pimp and they are the crack whores.

Bruce Foster

***

GJ - I didn't go to the first gay Lutheran seminary - Seminex - your bailiwick, Bruce. I try to use language that Seminexers can grasp.

Lighthouse shines for inner-city youth | Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
Excommunication Clarified

Is that James Buske with Babtist Andy Stanley - Drive 08?
Lutherans can learn so much from men who deny
infant faith, infant baptism, and the Means of Grace.




Lighthouse shines for inner-city youth | Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS):

"It has been five years since Rev. James Buske opened the doors to the Lighthouse Youth Center, in Milwaukee, Wis. Now, the youth center ministry is expanding with a second location."

'via Blog this'

***

GJ - James Buske is one of many WELS workers who attended the Drive Babtist Andy Stanley worship conference, including Cardinal Tim Glende, Archbishop Ski, and Bishop Katie.

Buske is presenting at the upcoming Men of His Word (aka Church and Change conference).

This clarifies the WELS position on excommunication. If a layman dares to ask a pastor questions about doctrine and practice, he is excommunicated and cut off from all parish activities. Forced to leave the synod, even though he was encouraged to follow Matthew 18, he is then condemned all over the cult for leaving the synod.

However, if a pastor worships with various heretical sects--as Buske, Patterson, Ski, and Glende have done--he is given grants, synodical honors, and leadership positions for being an outstanding WELS pastor.

Yes, I think that was James Buske at Drive 08.
Ski was on the board of Church and Change, so he would know Buske quite well.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Weakened Calvinism is no Calvinism: Arminius, Amyraut and the Marrowmen « Churchmouse Campanologist

John Calvin.
Persecution of French Protestants led part of my family to come to America.


Weakened Calvinism is no Calvinism: Arminius, Amyraut and the Marrowmen « Churchmouse Campanologist:

"After John Calvin’s death and the expansion of his theology in France, the Netherlands and the British mainland, theologians began to parse his teachings more closely."

'via Blog this'

***

GJ - Many glib Lutherans talk about Calvin at the PowerPoint level - at least the parts they remember. We need to understand the movement from Calvin to Pietism to UOJ in order to comprehend the debacle of forgiveness without faith. Knowing about Calvinism is a good start.

My advisor at Notre Dame, Tjaard Hommes, was a Dutch Remonstrant (Arminian). His favorite theologian was Paul Tillich.

Luther Rocks: My Critical Spirit

Luther Rocks: My Critical Spirit:

Some of these practices that were questioned go against what is said in the Book of Concord; a rendering of what Lutherans believe to be the correct understanding of Scripture and swear an oath to uphold.

'via Blog this'

Episcopal bishop cleared of ‘abandonment’ charge - The Washington Post

"Drat! How did that happen?
I will get you, and your little dog too."


Episcopal bishop cleared of ‘abandonment’ charge - The Washington Post:


The Episcopal bishop of South Carolina, who has distanced his diocese from the national denomination since its sanction of openly gay bishops, has not “abandoned” the Episcopal Church, a church committee announced Monday (Nov. 28).

Bishop Mark Lawrence, an outspoken conservative, has said that he wants to remain part of the Episcopal Church, even as he decries its “false gospel of indiscriminate inclusivity.”

The Episcopal Church consecrated an openly gay priest as bishop of New Hampshire in 2004, and a lesbian priest as an assistant bishop in Los Angeles last year.

In protest, the South Carolina diocese, which covers the eastern portion of the state, has declared itself “sovereign” within the national denomination, rejected the leadership of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and withdrawn from some governing committees.

However, the church’s Disciplinary Board for Bishops “was unable to make the conclusions essential to a certification that Bishop Lawrence had abandoned the communion of the church,” said Bishop Dorsey Henderson, the panel’s chairman.


'via Blog this'

---

Virtue Online

The Episcopal Church's Disciplinary Board for Bishops concluded this week that South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence has not abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church and dropped all charges against him.

It was a revelatory moment that most orthodox Episcopalians, including this writer, thought would never happen.

The Rt. Rev. Dorsey Henderson, President of the Disciplinary Board for Bishops, said the eighteen-person Board could not muster a majority to charge the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence of South Carolina with "abandonment of the Communion of this Church." Under Title IV, Canon 16, a bishop is deemed to have abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church by an open renunciation of the doctrine, discipline or worship of the church; by formal admission into any religious body not in communion with the church; or by exercising episcopal acts in and for a religious body other than the church or another church in communion with the church.

"Applied strictly to the information under study, none of these three provisions was deemed applicable by a majority of the board," Henderson said in his statement.

Canon Law Attorney A.S. Haley called it a clumsy attempt to take seriously the allegations of "abandonment" lodged by dissidents from Bishop Lawrence's own Diocese, who tried to turn his steadfast insistence on the central importance of Holy Scripture to the life of the Church into a case for his abandonment of it. Haley called the charges "childish."

Bishop Henderson, stung by the vehemence with which his initial announcement of "serious charges" against Bishop Lawrence was greeted, appears to have been unable to refrain from letting loose a parting shot, even as he retreated from the fray in ignominy, declaring, "I speak for myself only at this point, that I presently take the Bishop at his word, and hope that the safety he seeks for the apparent majority in his diocese within the larger Church will become the model for safety-a "safe place"- for those under his episcopal care who do not agree with the actions of South Carolina's convention and/or his position on some of the issues of the Church."

You should know that the language of "safe place" is pansexualist code in The Episcopal Church for letting them believe and act out their sexual fantasies and behaviors without fear of retribution. TEC is not a "safe place" by and large for orthodox Episcopalians except for this diocese (and one or two others) that has established a beachhead for evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics who may need a safe diocese when they are pushed out of dioceses like Newark, Massachusetts and Los Angeles.

It is doubly ironic that Henderson used the term "safe place" because the minority Forum crowd who number a mere 1,000 in the diocese (of 25,000) and who oppose Bishop Lawrence are not homosexuals looking for a "safe place", but liberals who erroneously believed that Lawrence was going to take the diocese out of The Episcopal Church.

Henderson talked about the orthodox as an "apparent majority." What "apparent" is there? They ARE the majority in the diocese. Would Henderson have been so caustic in his comments if the majority were liberals, progressivists, gays and lesbians and the minority were orthodox? Would he say to a liberal/revisionist bishop, "Please model for safety-a "safe place"- for those under your Episcopal care." Don't hold your breath. Henderson is as pro gay as you will find in the HOB. The fact he could not muster a majority to sink Lawrence doesn't mean he and they won't try again.

Bishop Lawrence repeatedly stated that he had no intention of leading the diocese out of The Episcopal Church - that he only sought a safe place within the Church to live the Christian faith as that diocese perceived it.

One of the more spurious charges (the 12th) is the allegation surrounding the circumstances of the ordination of Lawrence's son. The truth is, he did not lay hands on his son; that was done by Bishop Alden Hathaway witnessed by retired Bishop of South Carolina C. FitzSimmons Allison.

At all times, Lawrence stood on the sacred ground of Holy Scripture in his pronouncements, not canons making his position inviolable. He never hounded the Forum crowd or told them to leave (as countless liberal bishops have done to minority orthodox in their dioceses). Unlike liberal bishops who won't even allow graduates from Trinity School for Ministry into their diocese, Lawrence made no such stipulation. He and other orthodox bishops are living proof that they are far more "liberal" in allowing priests who disagree with them to find a "safe place" in their dioceses. Just ask Albany Bishop William Love how he has had to contend with liberals in his diocese. My God, the man even allowed Mrs. Jefferts Schori to celebrate recently in his diocese. At other times HOD President Bonnie Anderson has done nothing but make trouble whenever she comes into his diocese.

Please note that the action by the Disciplinary Board did not include the quitclaim action. This was not included in the original material submitted to the board. Lawrence told the "Living Church' on Nov. 23 that he issued the quitclaim deed in part because "the threat of property disputes" should not be "the only thing that holds us together." Diocesan Chancellor Wade Logan on Nov. 16 sent a quitclaim deed to every parish in the diocese. A quitclaim deed generally transfers ownership of the property from the party issuing the deed to the recipient.

"Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom, not the keys to the building," Logan said at that time.

So there is the possibility that the national church will find another way to get back at Lawrence. God forbid he should get a good night's sleep.

The truth is TEC's pansexual steamroller will brook no opposition. The passage of General Convention resolutions D025 and D056 make it almost mandatory for the church's revisionists to muster faux outrage at the Disciplinary Board's decision and ponder action of their own.

(Resolution D025 affirms "that God has called and may call" gay and lesbian people "to any ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church." Resolution C056 calls for the collection and development of theological resources for the blessing of same-gender blessings and allows bishops to provide "a generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this church.")

There is little doubt that there is much gnashing of teeth at 815 2nd Avenue in New York over the Disciplinary Board's decision, but as Mrs. Jefferts Schori has repeatedly said, she has had no decision of influence in making the claims and therefore had nothing to do with whatever the outcome might be. She can hardly complain, at least publicly.

For the moment, Lawrence can breathe easily. He has beaten the Dennis Canon in the courts and his parishes are free to make whatever decisions they like about their future without fear of retribution from him. There will be no lawsuits being dealt out like cards in a poker hand as they have been in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

We await the next shoe to drop.

In a letter to the diocese following the decision Bishop Lawrence said the the statement leaves many questions unanswered - "frankly, to my mind it appears to read like a complex statement of a complex decision in a complex time within a complex church.

"Nevertheless, I believe it is best to take it at face value (even while noting that this diocese has not recognized the constitutionality of the new disciplinary canon). For now given no more allegations from anonymous sources within the diocese it is my hope we can all get back to focusing our full attention on proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit and to Glory of God the Father that the Church here in the Diocese of South Carolina may add daily to its number those who are being saved."

A Reader Has a Few Comments,
But No Love for UOJ, the NNIV, and Jeske


I love the photo of the Church and Change baboon on Ichabod.

I think every sunday service should at the very least have a confession and absolution. The sacrament should at the very least be offered twice a month, but it would be better every Sunday.

I think we should try to be as close to the way things were done at worship like Luther and the confessors. Instead of all these goofy love fest articles in FIC, SP Schroeder should devote the entire magazine to studing the Book of Concord from cover to cover, with all the history included.

Oh I am sorry he is too busy covering forgiven porn/homo activity to cover the Lutheran confessions which are solidly biblical.

Luther Rocks: It's What We Do



Luther Rocks: It's What We Do:

"The one statement that really got my attention followed by that question was in regard to Holy Communion...It is not required to have or go to Communion every Sunday or have it part of the Divine Service for that matter...ouch; or we don't need an OT reading, Epistle lesson or Gospel reading (the very Word of God); or we don't have to have the confession and absolution every Sunday; or recite one of the creeds...the list goes on and on."

'via Blog this'

Intrepid Lutherans: The Gender Gutting of the Bible in NIV 2011

The wheels fell off the NNIV machine,
but they will try again and again.


Intrepid Lutherans: The Gender Gutting of the Bible in NIV 2011:

'via Blog this'

Daily Page-Reads Almost Double Last Year's.
Please Keep Banning Ichabod



I want to thank the synodical drones for telling students, pastors, and laity "not to waste their time on Ichabod." Nothing motivates people more than a ban, and nothing demotivates more than required reading.

In the last month the average daily page-reads were 2,000. Many days the total was 4,000 to 4,500 - doubtless because people know where to get the news - and it is not from headquarters.

Here is a FAQ you will not find on the fabulously expensive WELS.net website, mismanaged by Martin Spriggs.

Q - Did WELS know about Joel Hochmuth's obsession with homosexual child pornography?
A - Yes. Wisconsin Child and Family, a synod agency, counseled Joel and his wife about it, when she caught him viewing it. The official line is she caught him, which sounds better than being caught at work.
Q - Was he in trouble before?
A - He is 52. His employment record suggests abrupt changes, including leaving CNN, having almost no employment, and then leaving a tenured teaching position to be a flack for WELS.
Q - Did Synod President Gurgel know this when Joel was hired?
A - Definitely. The WELS KGB knows - or think it knows - when someone changes toothpaste brands.
Q - Did SP Schroeder know?
A - Yes. That is why he is not giving up the details about Joel being counseled.
Q - Did the counselor and synod violate the law?
A - Yes. Here is one link.
Q - Did the Chief Technology Officer of WELS, Martin Spriggs, with a "Mind Like Water," know about child pornography being viewed on the WELS local area network?
A - Yes. There are many ways it would show up, especially since the network has to be monitored against spam and hacking attempts. Almost all email is spam, most of it dealing with contraband. Proxie files would show the use of the computers.
Q - Did the staff at WELS headquarters know?
A - Most likely they did. The mutual blackmail atmosphere promotes the keeping of secrets.
Q - Is Hochmuth repentant?
A - He admitted his crimes to the police at his home, where the warrant was served. The details are in the Criminal Complaint. He told them far more files were at his office at WELS headquarters, and the police found them there, too - hundreds of them. But his lawyer claimed this was just an adult pornography case - a lie. The lawyer speaks for the client, so the story has changed, in spite of the facts.
Q - I find it hard to believe that WELS would do nothing about a federal crime. How can that be?
A - The pastors knew about DP Ed Werner molesting little girls in his own congregation. That went on for decades. When he started on a new generation of children, the mothers reported him and he went to state prison. Likewise, Fred Adrian knew about his married vicar's love affair with a minor girl. Nothing happened until the girl's family went to the police.
 Q - What is the best way to protect our children?
A - Leave WELS.

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)



Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS):

"WELS Communication Services Director, Joel Hochmuth, speaks with Mark Neumann about living his faith as he served in the U.S. Congress."

'via Blog this'

Monday, November 28, 2011

Mr. Squirrel Smiled at Me.
Squirrels 11, Humans 0



I was looking for snack food at Sam's Club and saw an enormous bag of peanuts in the shell. I thought that might be fun to eat, a little at a time. Once home, I was tempted to put a few peanuts on the window ledge.

Every so often I put a few out and closed the window. Birds and squirrels quickly adapt to random food and come looking for it. Soon I had three small squirrels stopping by to look for food. Sassy Sue got used to the traffic.

I was careful to open the window a little bit, push some peanuts out, and close it again. I was concerned about the squirrel getting into the room, revving Sassy, and racing around the house in a panic. I was even more concerned about my wife's reaction to such an event and the inevitable growth of the tale afterward.

I saw a lot of squirrel traffic one day, so I edged the window up an inch. Just as I pushed a peanut out, a squirrel came by and grabbed it. The saucy little thing sat on the ledge and ate it, smiling. The picture above is not mine. I really saw the squirrel smile.

They are all laughing at me. I got the squirrel-proof bird feeder to prevent them from looting the seed. I added the baffle for $13.50 to keep them from climbing the pole, once they learned to get at the feeder and pump the bar. Soon they stood on the baffle to pump the bar.

This squirrel is demonstrating how to use the bar to jiggle seed.
Why sit on it and close off an abundant supply of sunflower seeds?

I let the worthless baffle slip down to the ground. Now the squirrels climb the pole, hold on with one front leg, and pump the bar with the other front leg. I have also seen them pump the bar with both front legs. Rather that keep them from eating, the bar serves to jiggle seed into their mouths.

They are more entertaining now. First the bar jiggle is fun to watch. Squirrels are athletic and inventive. They can get at the feeder from every angle. The second part is fun, too. They get a few seeds, jump over to the ledge, and eat while keeping an eye on me while I work or watch.

A chipmunk has climbed up to the ledge to eat, but he simply stuffs his mouth with as many seeds as possible, and leaves. He must have figured out that the ledge was more productive than the ground where he got the scattered seed.

Sassy Sue's window is next to me and behind the bed. She parks at the window and watches over her neighborhood. She is quite upset when a chipmunk comes up to the secondary feeder below her window. She also watches for the fox that seems to appear from time to time. Then Sassy bays like a German Shepherd, "The fox is here, come to kill us all." The Shelties join the chorus, "Kill us all. Kill us all."

Treasure smiles when she is looking for food,
for attention she lifts up one front paw.

If the UPS truck drives up, Sassy bays again, "The UPS driver is here, come to kill us all." The Shelties add to the noise. "All, All. He will kill us all."

If someone rings the bell and waits for me, Sassy runs to the door and barks at it, warning whoever is ringing that she will defend the entire house. She races to me, "Hurry. Hurry. You open the door. I will attack at once." I open the door and Sassy wiggles outside for petting and a greeting. Everyone loves her at once.

At the dog park I warn people that she is loud but gentle. The only problem has been with large, intimidating dogs. I have decided to leave when a pit bull is present. Those dogs are gifted with muscle and no brain.

Sassy is just starting to learn dog racing. Most breeds love to chase around the park, but they cannot catch a ball or bring it back. One mutt spent about 30 minutes deciding what a ball was before stealing Sassy's. The bright orange ball is magical to the other dogs, because Sassy catches it, gets applause, and brings it back while everyone talks about her. The dogs ignore 10 balls on the ground for Sassy's magical toy.

Sassy Sue watches me while I work, clamping down on my
right arm when she wants attention.
When I give up, she rolls over and laughs.
"Tummy rub time."

Drum major who died in hazing was 'Mr. Band' - CBS News

Drum major who died in hazing was 'Mr. Band' - CBS News:

Hazing is a product of the WELS mentality, and the WELS mentality comes from hazing, bullying, secrecy, and deception  - when they are caught being themselves.

God have mercy on the person who objects or even questions the hazing, because WELS will have no mercy and never forget, never forgive. Hazing is their orthodoxy. Lying is their sacrament.

'via Blog this'

Bad Vestments: PAGANIANITY



Bad Vestments: PAGANIANITY:




To connoisseurs of ecclesiastical goofballism like me, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest and believe it or not, that name is not connected with the Episcopal Church. It is a San Francisco Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregation officially called Ebenezer although, as you can see by the link, it has begun to refer to itself as herchurch.

Why does herchurch exist? According to the web site:

The Christian-Lutheran Feminist/Womanist/Mujerista Movements exist to celebrate the feminine persona of God/dess and dimensions of the sacred as expressed in faith, worship, learning, mutual care, and acts of justice.

How do they do that? One of the ways is illustrated by that picture, something you can order through their web site if you've decided that Christianity just isn't cutting it for you anymore. That's what those folks call a Goddess rosary.


'via Blog this'

Episcopal ICHABOD

They glory in their shame.
Budde's consecration as Washington DC bishop.

Comment on Bad Vestments:

Nickie...from what I can tell, "ICHABOD" is written on The Episcopal Organization. I grieved, but I finally had to leave it. Some organizations don't want to be saved...and sometimes I believe the Lord says to churches, especially the leaders..."Okay...fine...go your own way if you wish...but it's not My way...you'll regret it."

Anglican Bishop Robinson and his wife.












Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
 A nation turns its lonely eyes to you, 
(Woo, woo, woo)
 What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson?
 Joltin' Joe has left and gone away,
 (Hey, hey, hey...hey, hey, hey).

My list of Calvinists for the non-Calvinist « Churchmouse Campanologist

Turretin - part of my Calvinist graphics collection.


My list of Calvinists for the non-Calvinist « Churchmouse Campanologist:

"This post is in response to my Lutheran cyberfriend Dr Gregory Jackson at Ichabod and his readers.

Questions about who or what constitutes a Calvinist sometimes arise on Ichabod and, to date, I have been able to make only brief comments here and there because of time constraints."

'via Blog this'

Eastern Orthodoxy - The Modernist Cure



churchmousec (http://churchmousec.wordpress.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Roman Catholics Not Happy with New Liturgical Lang...":

Yes, Eastern Orthodoxy ticks all the boxes as a 21st century theology. It will probably become more popular because:

1/ It is ancient and mystical.

2/ You can make of it what you wish (e.g. Luther was wrong).

3/ It looks good and photographs nicely (elaborate, aesthetically pleasing).

4/ You can pretty much call the shots on your own 'island of righteousness', since Christ did not come to redeem but to pass on part of His divinity.

Sorry, had to unload these thoughts as we were on topic.

No one who considers himself to be a Protestant should flirt with EO.

BTW, I'll have some posts coming up for you this week, Dr Jackson, on Calvinism and Universalism.

Churchmouse

***

GJ - I am looking forward to those posts.

Luther Rocks: Something Different

Luther Rocks: Something Different:


In 2004 or 2005 I had the pleasure of playing along with a group led by Valerie Floeter (keyboards) and Patricia Backhaus (Trumpet).  They are a duo group that has delved into the rich hymn history of the church and present them in mini concerts around the country.  Valerie has put a lot of these hymns into more contemporary settings.  I am hoping to present some of them here in the future.

This particular selection appeared in video form here a couple of years ago.  When I saw it I thought it would be fun to do so I bought the music with the intent of adapting it for pre or post service in church (sans electric bass and drums) on trumpet and organ.  It is currently on my list of projects.

I took the liberty of grabbing the audio from the video and put the trumpet part over the top of it.  It was nice to 'perform' with Valerie again.  It reminds me of some of the pop-rock-classical stylings done in the 70's.






'via Blog this'

Luther Rocks: Adventide 2011

Luther Rocks: Adventide 2011:


The contrast of Lent against Advent and vice versa has always been appealing to me musically.  Here is 'My Song is Love Unknown'.

My song is love unknown
My Savior's love to me
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be
Oh, who am I that for my sake
My Lord should take
Frail flesh and die?

GZ - Check out the music he posted.

'via Blog this'

VirtueOnline - News - Exclusives - TAC Archbishop John Hepworth Can Return to Roman Catholic Fold as Layman.
Rome Wants To Absorb the Church of England



VirtueOnline - News - Exclusives - TAC Archbishop John Hepworth Can Return to Roman Catholic Fold as Layman:


This ends years of speculation that the Archbishop would be reinstated into the priesthood in the Ordinariate, bringing an alleged, but never confirmed, 700,000 Anglo-Catholics with him.

Hepworth had hoped that recent revelations that he had been sexually abused by three priests would be mitigating circumstances to allow him to return to Rome as a priest. That did not happen. He revealed that he had been seduced by a Roman Catholic monsignor who denied the charges.

The Catholic Church in Adelaide says an investigation found no substance to allegations made by Hepworth against Fr. Ian Dempsey. You can read the story here: http://tinyurl.com/7uvtl3n


'via Blog this'

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bernie Fine fired by Syracuse amid molestation allegations - ESPN


bernie fine 2
Bernie Fine fired for abusing boys.

AP


Bernie Fine fired by Syracuse amid molestation allegations - ESPN:


SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse University fired associate head basketball coach Bernie Fine on Sunday in the wake of an investigation of child molestation allegations against him.



"At the direction of Chancellor Cantor, Bernie Fine's employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately," Kevin Quinn, the school's senior vice president for public affairs, said in a statement.



The 65-year-old Fine was in his 36th season at his alma mater. He had the longest active streak of consecutive seasons at one school among assistant coaches in Division I.




'via Blog this'

Roman Catholics Not Happy with New Liturgical Language

"Well, I do not like wearing a logo,
but the insurance company promised some matching grants
for our next Assisi conference."



New Mass translation launches in American parishes - Yahoo! News:



CLAYTON, N.C. (AP) — English-speaking Roman Catholics who have regularly attended Mass for years found themselves in an unfamiliar position Sunday, needing printed cards or sheets of paper to follow along with a ritual many have known since childhood.



"I don't think I said it the right way once," said Matthew Hoover, who attends St. Ann Catholic Church in Clayton, a growing town on the edge of the Raleigh suburbs. "I kept forgetting, and saying the old words."




'via Blog this'

Roman Catholics Following WELS Joel Hochmuth Case

Time for reflection, instead of distraction, President Schroeder.


Lutheran Official Charged with Three Counts of Child Porn Possession, TMJ4, November 17, 2011:

GJ - This website focuses on the crimes of the Roman Catholic bishops. Their conspiracy of silence reminds me of the cover-ups for:

  • Al Just murdering his wife (even though he was convicted), 
  • the murder of Pastor William Tabor's wife by his mistress, 
  • the Scott Zerbe molestation, 
  • DP Ed Werner's conviction for child abuse, 
  • and the promotion of Floyd Luther Stolzenburg as an evangelism expert and pseudo-pastor. 

There are many more cases in WELS alone.

Look at the main address here, for examples of how bishops cover up.

Members and pastors will have to do their own homework and bring the deception and criminal behavior of the leaders to a stop.

SNAP is another resource to use. They issued a statement about the Joel Hochmuth case.

'via Blog this'

The First Sunday in Advent, 2001:
Matthew 21:ff




The First Sunday in Advent, 2011

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson


Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time


The Hymn # 245     God Loved the World  4:6
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 # 290            We Have A Sure            4:89

The Village Over Against You

The Hymn # 305:1-6           Soul Adorn Thyself            4.23
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 # 657            Beautiful Savior            4:24

KJV Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering [lewdness] and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

KJV Matthew 21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. 3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

First Sunday in Advent - The Collects of Veit Dietrich

Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee, we bless and praise Thee forever, that Thou didst send Thy Son to rule over us poor sinners, who for our transgressions did justly deserve to remain in the bondage of sin and Satan, and didst give us in Him a meek and righteous King, who by His death became our Savior from sin and eternal death: We beseech Thee so to enlighten, govern and direct us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may ever remain faithful to this righteous King and Savior, and not, after the manner of the world, be offended with His humble form and despised word, but, firmly believing in Him, obtain eternal salvation; through the same, Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

The Village Over Against You

KJV Matthew 21:1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

Luther made a point about this verse, which another pastor promptly corrected for me. The pastor missed what Luther was saying.

Often one point in a Luther sermon is worth another sermon by itself.

Luther said –  go to the village over against you means this – The apostles and all Christians were to take the Gospel where the opposition was, the most difficult areas, not the easy ones.

The minister said, “The preposition does not mean that kind of opposition – it’s just directional.”

Luther’s sermons have several levels of interpretation, which are often noted in the Baker series. He used the Medieval system where the actual content was examined; next the spiritual and allegorical interpretations were added.

Luther read the Scriptures as a whole, which is the intention of the Holy Spirit. Every passage connects to every other one.

KJV Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

There the opposition is expressed quite clearly.

Paul said it too.

KJV Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

We see the example in the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus traveled to Jerusalem, where the religious opposition was greatest and the Roman governor ruled. Pilate was so cruel that the Roman Empire replaced him later. And yet, in the midst of this opposition, where Jesus was executed as a blasphemer (Jewish opposition) and rebel (Roman opposition), the Gospel thrived. Thousands converted to the Faith shortly after. Likewise, the Gospel also prospered in pagan Rome, where they tolerated every god except the one true God – Jesus Christ.

The Gospel and the cross go together.

Ministers like to have it easy. LCA pastors called the Twin Cities paradise, because anyone could start a mission in the suburbs and have hundreds of members. Each part of the country has places where a denomination thrives without effort, but other areas where it seems almost impossible to get by.

God told Jonah to preach in Ninevah, so Jonah got in the ship that was traveling in the opposite direction, as far as he could.

KJV Jonah 1:1 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. 3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. 4 But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. 6 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.

The preacher in Moby Dick made a point about Jonah paying the fare. It was like this. God told Jonah to preach in Paris, France. Jonah went to the airport and asked for a flight to Hong Kong. And he paid the fare! No questions asked. Get me out of here.

Opposition is good for the Gospel and the believer, but unpleasant and painful in many different ways.

Writers on the Net say that wolves are one of the few creatures that kill for sport. They enjoy ganging up on a victim, even when they have no need of the food. Wolf-huggers – please do not write. I am no expert on four-footed lupines.

Whether that is true in Creation or not, church wolves certainly travel in packs, hunt down victims, and kill for sport. There is nothing like the prospect of promoting evil to unify a pack of ecclesiastical wolves.

That brutality is what makes ministers and laity avoid opposition. There is always the smoother path to take. Wolves ask for just  a little compromise, a little tolerance. However, they are the best example of doctrinal discipline, because they never compromise and always excommunicate in a flash. Demanding grace and forgiveness, they offer none.

Only a fool would oppose them, they think.

I see that at work in blogging, where the opposition has nothing good to say. They frequently erupt in tantrums and name-calling. Does that hamper the Word of God? Not at all. The most frequently read post in the last month is not scandal, but a list of orthodox quotations. I suspect it is being linked and copied a lot.

Many people read the blog just to find fault with it. One ELCA pastor just demanded a link for a synodical statement that I provided. When I gave him a link to back up what I quoted, he got quite sarcastic because it was not an exact match. His daily opposition means he is always exposed to Luther’s sermons and quotations, plus many orthodox Lutheran quotations in the graphics.

Opposition makes people come back for more, if only to argue. The Holy Spirit works through the Word, so we should rejoice in the hatred, even thought we do not feel like rejoicing. The Old Adam wants to be clapped on the back for being orthodox, but that will never happen in this life. The heretics and blasphemers thrive – although the Gospel never thrives in their hands, simply because they offer their man-made law and call it Gospel.
The only way to understand this opposition is to start with Jesus. In His public ministry, He was perfect, sinless, gentle, meek, and immensely popular with all classes and groups. And yet the opposition was furious. Luther explained it well, and that should remain in our minds at all times.

Jesus said throughout His ministry, “Your righteousness does not come from within you, from your works, but from believing in Me as your righteousness.” That simply destroyed the religious pretensions of the religious opponents.

That same grace, conveyed by the Instruments of God’s grace (the Word and Sacraments) irritates the works salesmen of today. They alone are going to transform their communities. They have a whole series of works that will accomplish this. Once they promise something that they can never deliver on their own, they forget the promise and focus on those who sincerely resist their deceptions.

The Olde Synodical Conference refuses to take the Book of Concord seriously or to study it as they should. But what they need, they claim, is more cell groups, where people study the ickiest works of Enthusiasm. They actually breed opposition to the Means of Grace in cell groups, as one woman agreed. I made her furious earlier by saying that cell groups promote heresy. Later, she came back to me to say that her “Lutheran” cell group leader was against infant baptism and that she refused to listen to a Lutheran minister address the group.

I have pointed out to those who will listen (precious few) that cell groups destroy the doctrinal foundation of a Lutheran congregation, replacing the Means of Grace with the supposed holiness of individuals who perform certain works, as if ordering God around guaranteed their sainthood.

This is where opposition is good for us. The more people oppose the truth, the more we want to study it. For instance, someone may know there is a section of the Formula of Concord called The Righteousness of Faith.

Until justification by faith is attacked, that part of the Book of Concord will remain dormant in the mind. So will key passages in the Bible. But once the opposition begins, each relevant passage in the Book of Concord or the Bible will become very significant and comforting.

Even more so, when trying to offer these insights to others, we get ignored, ridiculed, and made the target of direct, public rebuke. Our Old Adam says, “I paying too high a price for this. I did not sign up for the cross.” But the believer should say, “Aha. They are going over the passages in their own minds and boiling over with rage. Maybe they are making themselves blinder. Maybe they are becoming convinced. The Word is at work and will not leave them alone.”

"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.

Each experience of opposition makes us more studious and more appreciative.
Who loves sound doctrine the most? Those who have gone through this in several denominations and more than one flavor of Lutheranism.

Who is most blasé about sound doctrine? Those who claim they were born Lutheran, born in the synod, raised in the parsonage, formed by parochial schools, trained only in synodical schools.

The Shrinkers love the word disciple, but not in this verse:

KJV Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Bearing the cross is being a disciple, following Jesus who bore the cross, who faced the wrath of the Roman Empire and his fellow rabbis.

KJV John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 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.


Luther on the Cross


"If, here upon earth, the body is unwilling, not capable of grace and Christ's leading, it must bear the Spirit, upon which Christ rides, who trains it and leads it along by the power of grace, received through Christ. The colt, ridden by Christ, upon which no one ever rode, is the willing spirit, whom no one before could make willing, tame or ready, save Christ by His grace. However, the sack carrier, the burden-bearer, the old Adam, is the flesh, which goes riderless without Christ; it must for this reason bear the cross and remain a beast of burden."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, I, p. 53. First Sunday in Advent Matthew 21:1-9.

"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

"On the other hand, we are outwardly oppressed with the cross and sufferings, and with the persecution and torments of the world and the devil, as with the weight of heavy stone upon us, subduing our old sinful nature and checking us against antagonizing the Spirit and committing other sins."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VIII, p. 145. Sixth Sunday after Trinity, Romans 6:6 John 16:20 –

"Such people, however, do not understand divine things, they think they will suddenly enter death with Christ, whom they have never learned to know except in words. Thus was Peter also disposed, but he stood before Christ like a rabbit before one beating a drum. Notice, how the old Adam lacks courage when under the cross! The new man, however, can indeed persevere through grace."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed. John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 85. Third Sunday after Easter John 16:16-23

"But wine is sharp and signifies the holy cross that immediately follows. A Christian need not look for his cross, it is always on his back. For he thinks as St. Paul says, 2 Timothy 3:12: 'All that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.' This is the court-color in this kingdom. Whoever is ashamed of the color, does not belong to this king."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, V, p. 30. Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, Luke 10:23-37; 2 Timothy 3:12

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

"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.

"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.

"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

"O Lord, look down from heaven, behold And let Thy pity waken; How few are we within Thy fold, Thy saints by men forsaken! True faith seems quenched on every hand, Men suffer not Thy Word to stand; Dark times have us overtaken. (2) With fraud which they themselves invent Thy truth they have confounded; Their hearts are not with one consent On Thy pure doctrine grounded. While they parade with outward show, They lead the people to and fro, In error's maze astounded. (3) May God root out all heresy And of false teachers rid us Who proudly say: 'Now, where is he That shall our speech forbid us? By right or might we shall prevail; What we determine cannot fail; We own no lord and master. (5) As silver tried by fire is pure From all adulteration So through God's Word shall men endure Each trial and temptation. Its light beams brighter through the cross, And purified from human dross, It shines thru every nation."
The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941, Hymn #260. Psalm 12.


"But now, since the prince of this world and the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of the devil, are directly opposed to one another, and the Holy Spirit is not willing that anyone should parade his own deeds and praise himself on account of them, the holy cross must soon follow. The world will not consent to be reprimanded for its blindness. Therefore one must willingly submit and suffer persecution. If we have the right kind of faith in our hearts, we must also open our mouths and confess righteousness and make known sin. Likewise we must condemn and punish the doings of this world and make it known that everything it undertakes, is damned."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 120. Fourth Sunday after Easter John 16:5-15.

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

"This a true definition of marriage: Marriage is the God-appointed and legitimate union of man and woman in the hope of having children or at least for the purpose of avoiding fornication and sin and living to the glory of God. The ultimate purpose is to obey God, to find aid and counsel against sin; to call upon God; to seek, love, and educate children for the glory of God; to live with one's wife in the fear of God and to bear the cross; but if there are no children, nevertheless to live with one's wife in contentment; and to avoid all lewdness with others."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols., ed., Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 884. Genesis 24:1-4.

"This is a true definition of marriage: Marriage is the God-appointed and legitimate union of man and woman in the hope of having children or at least for the purpose of avoiding fornication and sin and living to the glory of God. The ultimate purpose is to obey God, to find aid and counsel against sin; to call upon God; to seek, love, and educate children for the glory of God; to live with one's wife in the fear of God and to bear the cross; but if there are no children, nevertheless to live with one's wife in contentment; and to avoid all lewdness with others."
What Luther Says, An Anthology, 3 vols. ed. Ewald Plass, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1959, II, p. 884. Genesis 24:1-4

"Human works and doctrines at all times yield much revenue and carnal gain, while the doctrines of God and the work of Christ bring the cross, poverty, ignominy, and all kinds of calamity, which the holiness of Herod cannot endure. Thus it happens always, that they who have ensnared and oppressed the poor with an erring conscience and with human doctrines, do not like to hear that poor, miserable consciences receive instruction, attain a right understanding, and seek the simple pure Word of God and faith."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, I, p. 376. Epiphany Matthew 2:1-12.

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

"This, mark you, is the peace of the cross, the peace of God, peace of conscience, Christian peace, which gives us even external calm, which makes us satisfied with all men and unwilling to disturb any. Reason cannot understand how there can be pleasure in crosses, and peace in disquietude; it cannot find these. Such peace is the work of God, and none can understand it until it has been experienced."
Sermons of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholaus Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, VI, p. 111. Fourth Sunday in Advent, Philippians 4:7