Everyone Is a Minister, So No One Is a Minister

Catechesis has left a new comment on your post "Fraud and Peculation in Modern Theology. Future Bo...":

Yes, the WELS confuses the so-called "Priesthood of believers" (Did Luther ever use that term? Or is that term in the BOC?) with the Office of the Holy Ministry.

Thomas P. Nass: "Even the physical education professors at Martin Luther College are called into the public ministry, because they are expected to use the Word of God with students." - The Revised This We Believe of the WELS on the Ministry [This article was published in LOGIA, vol. 10, no. 3 (Trinity 2001): 31-41.]

Seriously? So, let's see: Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,...the physical education professors...to equip the saints for the work of ministry..."

Now, at least Naas did write in that same article (begrudgingly): "The WELS would say that it is at least a possibility that the deacons were public ministers who were helpers in some way to the elders or overseers in a subordinate office of the public ministry of the Word that did not include the full use of the keys. This is how the office of deacon often showed itself in church history. If this were granted, it seems a small step to make a comparison with the school teachers or staff ministers of our modern congregations. Here then is a form of public ministry distinct from the office of overseer that helps in the gospel ministry of the congregation."

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GJ - The NIV is anti-Sacramental and blends well with Fuller Enthusiasm.

KJV Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the aints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Midland Michigan - E. Free Church

pastoral team

Home < about us < meet the staff and elders < pastoral team

Responsible for pastoral leadership by proclaiming the Word of God and serving on the Elder Board.

Jay Childs, Senior Pastor

Pastor Jay grew up in Southern California, and in then in Northern Michigan - Big switch! He is a graduate of Cornerstone University (B.A. in Comparative Religion and Philosophy), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.Div and D.Min). Jay is married to Becky and they have three (incredible) young adult children. Before coming to Midland Free in 1990, Jay and Becky pastored a church in rural Minnesota for three years and loved it.

Besides their passion for the local church, Jay and Becky love to walk, rollerblade, and read.

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 23
10:00 am

The entire community is invited to an Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of Midland Free, rain or shine! You won't want to miss the hot air balloons and great prizes - ipod, SpringHill Day Camp Scholarships, cash prizes, Little Tyke and more. Don't forget your Easter Baskets!

Children will be hunting eggs in age categories.

• 0-4 years old - must be accompanied by an adult during the egg hunt
• 5-8 years old
• 9-12 years old

Vision

IMPACT

To be a church of IMPACT for Christ in our communities, our region, and the world.

I - Intentional Evangelism - Deliberate and spontaneous sharing of the Gospel with those who don't know Jesus Christ

M - Mentor the Next Generations - Teaching and training men, women, children and youth to love and serve Jesus Christ

P - Passionate Worship - Enthusiastic gladness in the glory of God

A - Authentic Christian Living - Genuine obedience demonstrating the character and priorities of Jesus Christ

C - Compassionate Care - Providing for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people

T - Take Christ to the Nations - Carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the least reached peoples

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GJ - Does anyone else think the WELS/LCMS/ELS congregations are following this model?

This sounds just like The CORE, except The CORE is much tinier and exists on subsidies from a rich dude and skimming members from local WELS congregations.

I wonder if this pastor plagiarizes sermons too. He does list them on his website, unlike Ski and Glende.

She did not marry him for his looks.
And he failed to realize he was marrying the Witch of Endor.

Lutheran CORE - News and Discussion: Lutheran CORE Connection and NALC News for April are now online

Henry Eyster Jacobs should be taught today, a great theologian for any Lutheran synod.


Lutheran CORE - News and Discussion: Lutheran CORE Connection and NALC News for April are now online

SATURDAY, APRIL 09, 2011
Lutheran CORE Connection and NALC News for April are now online
CORE Connection - News from Lutheran CORE - April 2011 is now online.

Here is what you can read in this month's newsletter:

+ What Shall We Do? Reflections from the Lutheran CORE Moderator.

+ Help Lutheran World Relief Assist Japan.

+ Relief fund to aid Ethiopian Lutherans.

+ Association for Church Renewal Examines Church Trends, Leadership Training, Membership.

+ Five Challenges to Church Growth.

+ Scriptural Authority Crisis History Available.

Luther Quotations on Faith « Light from Light

Justification without faith, without the Word.
Grace without the Means of Grace.
Universal salvation, as taught by Wurstmeister Jon Buchholz.


Luther Quotations on Faith « Light from Light

Luther Quotations on Faith

April 14, 2011 by Rick

The following are five quotations from Martin Luther on the subject of faith.  They are taken from What Luther Says, compiled by Ewald M. Plass, Volume I, pages 477-479, paragraphs 1412-1415, and 1420.

Luther contended that salvation is the free gift of God, and therefore could be received only though faith, and that faith itself is a gift of God.  Says Plass regarding paragraph 1412: Faith is “a work performed in us rather than by us.”  Faith is a divine work that produces all the other works below it.

Paragraph 1412:

Faith is full of life and power.  It is not an idle thought.  It does not float on the surface of the heart, as a goose does on water; but it is as water that has been warmed by fire.  Although such water remains water, it is no longer cold but warm and, therefore, an entirely different sort of water.  So faith, which is the work of the Holy Spirit, makes the mind and the thinking of a person different and thereby makes an entirely new man of him.  Faith, then, is an active, independent (difficilis), and powerful thing; and if we want truly to evaluate it, we should call it an influence (passio) on us rather than an act (actio) performed by us.  For it changes our souls and our views.

Paragraph 1413:

Do not think lightly of faith.  It is a work that is of all works the most excellent and the most difficult.  Through it alone you will be saved, even though you were obliged to do without all other works.  For it is the work of God, not of man, as Paul teaches (Ephesians 1:19).  The other works He performs with our co-operation and through us; this alone He works within us and without our co-operation (sine nobis).

Paragraph 1414:

Faith is a divine work which God requires of us; but He Himself must give us the strength to do it.

Paragraph 1415:

It is a mistake to place faith and its work alongside other virtues and works.  Faith should be elevated above all and regarded, as it were, as a sort of constant and general influence above all works, through the movement and activity of which everything that is in man is sent into motion, works, is vigorous and pleasing.

Paragraph 1420:

A Christian modestly says to God: Dear Lord, although I am sure of my position, I am unable to sustain it without Thee.  Help Thou me, or I am lost. — He is indeed certain of his position, as Peter was on the water (Matthew 14:29).  Peter could not be more certain than he was.  The water was supporting him.  He saw no obstacle in his way.  But when the wind came rushing on, he saw what was lacking in him.  This must be taken well to heart.  For although we are sure of our position, have Scripture, and are covered and armed with clear passages in the very best way, yet our security depends on the power, the will, and the might of God, who protects us and defends us against the devil, our adversary and greatest enemy.

But this happens that God may make us determined and yet keep us fearful, so that we are always filled with concern and cry to Him: O Lord, help us, and increase our faith (Luke 17:5); for without Thee we are undone.  At heart we should always feel as if we were just beginning to believe today, and every day we should feel as if we had never heard the Gospel before.  We must believe anew every day.

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Posted in quotes, religion | Tagged Martin Luther, Luther, faith, faith and works,Lutheranism, grace, sola fide, by faith alone | 1 Comment

1. on April 15, 2011 at 12:02 pmRev. Paul Rydecki

   I agree with you, Rick (and with Luther, of course), and am privileged to be in fellowship with you and with all who believe and confess as you do.

When Will Tim Glende, Jay Webber, and Rolf Preus Tar and Feather Gausewitz For Teaching Justification by Faith?

14. For what purpose did God give us His Word? To make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

15. How should we use the Bible? We should diligently read it. And we should seek the Lord Jesus, our Savior, therein, that we may find salvation through faith in Him.

18. What do we learn from the Gospel? The Gospel tells us the love of God toward sinners, and saves us through faith in Jesus Christ.

19. Hence, what is the substance of the Bible, or God’s Word? Jesus Christ, our Savior. For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believeth (Rom. 10:4). (Comp. Gal. 3:24)

34. What blessings do we derive from this obedience of our Savior? He that believes in Him is justified in the sight of God, and learns to follow him. (Rom. 10:4 Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. Rom. 5:19 By the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Ps. 119:32 I will run the way of Thy commandments when Thou shalt enlarge my heart. Jerem. 32:40 I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 8:1; Eph. 2:10; Ps. 86:11)

86. And how shall we be cleansed and kept from unchastity? Only through faith in our holy and spotless Savior, who cleanses us from all sin. 1 Pet. 1:19,22 Ye were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot; --seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. 1 John 1:7 The blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin. (Comp. Col. 2:9)

116. Then, how can we stand accepted in the sight of God? Not by the works of the Law; but only through faith in Jesus Christ. Rom. 3:20,23,24,28 By the Law is the knowledge of sin. For there is no difference; for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. Rom. 10:4 Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. Gal 3:24 Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

128. But what must we all confess and pray in view of these commandments, threats, and promises of God? O Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. (Ps. 143:2) Is. 64:6 We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
132. Why is it necessary to learn the Gospel? 1. The Law tells us only what we are to do; but the Gospel tells us what God does for us, and what He gives us. 2. By the Law we cannot be saved; but the Gospel saves us through faith. 3. What the Law requires of us, that God gives us through the Gospel. (Comp. Q16-19,34,116) (Rom. 3:23,24,28; Rom. 10:4; Rom. 1:16; Ps. 119:32, Rom. 8:3,4 What the Law could not do (in that it was weak through the flesh), God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us.)

140. What are you through this trust, called faith? A Christian. For faith distinguishes Christians from all unbelievers, who reject the Word of God, and from all superstitious persons, who have no Word of God for their superstition (Comp. Q44) 2 Cor. 6:14-18, Eph. 2:11,12 Remember that ye, being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Is. 8:19,20; Micah 3:7; Col. 2:8; John 8:31; 2 Thess. 2:12; Rev. 22:15)

141. But are there not also believers outside of Christendom? No; though they believe and know that there is a God, they do not trust in Him and His Word. Rom. 1:19-23, Jas. 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou dost well; the devils also believe, and tremble. Ps. 78:22 They believed not in God, and trusted not in His salvation. Gen. 15:1 Fear not, Abram; I am thy Shield, and they exceeding great Reward. Is. 57:21 There is no peace to the wicked, saith my God. Rom. 8:15 Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Mark 5:36; Ps. 27:1; Ps. 73:26)

142. Which words of the First Article in particular bid us to believe in God? The words, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

143. What do Christians confess by saying, I believe in God the FATHER? That God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; And that we are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. (Gal. 4:4 When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman. Gal. 3:26 Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Rom. 8:15 Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

154. Hence, how does God preserve you? By natural means.* (*Footnote: Those who imagine that God preserves them without natural means we call enthusiasts, or fanatics. The word “therefor” in our Catechism rejects all enthusiasm. See Matt. 4:5-7; Is. 38:21.)

166. What has God done according to His great love toward sinners? He promised and sent the Savior, who justified us before God and saved us. (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4,5; Gal. 3:13,14; John 3:16; Rom. 3:24; 1 John 3:8 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Matt. 18:11 The Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 1 Tim. 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.) (My notes—none of the UOJ proof passages are used here to cite a universal forgiveness of the world.)

179. Why is He called our High Priest? He reconciled us to God, offering up Himself for our sins. (Lev. 16; John 11:49-52; Heb. 9:1-12; Matt. 27:50,51; Col. 1:19-22; Heb. 7:26,27 Such an High Priest became us who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s; for this He did once when He offered up Himself. 2 Cor. 5:19 God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Eph. 5:2 Christ hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God. Rom. 5:10 We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. 1 Pet. 2:24; Rom. 5:18,19; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; John 10:17,18)

182. With which words of the Catechism do you confess that you too trust in Jesus Christ, your Savior? With the words, I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature.

183. What do you confess with these words? The great fundamental truth of the Gospel and Christian doctrine: Christ justified me in the sight of God. (My sin forgiven; God imputes it to me no more; He has saved me.) (Comp. Q164 and 165.) (Zeph. 3:14-20; Is. 53; Ps. 103; Rom. 5; Is. 53:6 The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Rom. 3:24 All have sinned, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Eph. 1:7 We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 2 Cor. 5:19-21 God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Rom. 10:4; Rom. 8:1 There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Rom. 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Is. 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation; He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.) (Comp. Rom. 5:19; Gal. 3:13,14; Zeph. 3:15; Rom. 8: 31-34; Matt. 18:11)
184. What does Holy Scripture call this great blessing of the redemption through Jesus Christ? Justification. Rom. 5:18 As by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation, even so by the righteousness of One the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Comp. Luke 18:14.)

185. How did Christ redeem, justify, and save us? He purchased and won us, humbling Himself to the death of the cross. (State of humiliation.) Phil. 2:7,8 He made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Rom. 5:19 As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous. Mark 10:45 The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. 1 Cor. 6:19,20; Acts 20:28.

203. Of what does the resurrection of Christ assure you? 1. That Christ is the Son of God. 2. That He did redeem and justify me before God. 3. That He will raise up me also from death. Matt. 26:62-66 and John 20:19-28; Rom. 1:4; Rom. 4:25 Jesus was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Rom. 8:33,34; John 6:40; John 14:19; John 10:27,28; Phil. 3:21; John 16:22; 1 Cor. 6:14; 2 Cor. 4:14.

211. Christ having redeemed us, what do we need for our salvation? That we believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and at last come to Him for evermore. Acts 16:30,31 What must I do to be saved?—Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Mark 1:15 Jesus said, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Rom. 10:4; John 3:16; John 17:24 Jesus said, Father, I will that they also whom Thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which Thou hast given me. John 1:12; Matt. 10:22; Rev. 3:21; Ps. 16:11.

212. But what must you and all sinners confess? I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, nor come to Him. 1 Cor. 12:3 No man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost. Eph. 2:1 Ye were dead in trespasses and sins. 1 Cor. 1:18 The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. Eph. 2:8,9 By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. Rom. 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. 1 Cor. 2:14; 1 Cor. 1:23.

213. What more has God, therefore, done according to His great love toward sinners? He promised and sent the Holy Ghost, who appropriates salvation to us through faith, and keeps us unto everlasting life. (Comp. Q166) Ezek. 36:26,27; Joel 2:28 seqq; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13,14; Rom. 8:14-17; Tit. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 1:21,22.

218. What do we call that work of the Holy Ghost whereby He appropriates salvation to us through faith and keeps us unto everlasting life? Sanctification. 2 Thess. 2:13,14 We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth; whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

219. Whereby does the Holy Ghost do His Work of sanctification? By external means; namely by the Gospel which we hear and read, and which is sealed to us by the visible sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. (Comp. Q153 and 154.) Acts 2; Acts 8:26-39; Acts 10:34-48; Acts 16:13-15; Rom. 10:17 Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. 2 Tim. 3:15 (Q13); 1 John 5:13 (Q14); Acts 2:38 Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Comp. Gal. 3:2,5; Rom. 15:4; Acts 26:17,18; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 Cor. 11:24-26)

220. What do we, therefore, call the Gospel and the sacraments? The means of grace.

224. Hence, who is converted, or regenerate, or a true Christian? Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

229. Mention some gifts with which the Holy Ghost has enlightened and blessed you! The knowledge that Jesus Christ is my Savior; the assurance of faith that I am justified before God through Christ; peace with God; the hope of heaven; the witness that I am a child of God; comfort in all tribulation; confidence to pray; and all blessedness which Jesus Christ, my Lord, obtained for me. Rom. 5:1-5; Rom. 8:14-17,26,27; Ps. 51:10-12; Is. 61:1-3; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 12:3; 1 Cor. 6:11 Ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Rom. 14:17 The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 8:16 The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. (Comp. Rom. 8:15, Q141) Tit. 3:5-7.

230. What do you mean by saying, The Holy Ghost has sanctified me in the true faith? The Holy Ghost has separated me from the ungodly world in order to cleanse my heart through faith. 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Deut. 7:6 Thou are an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. 1 Pet. 2:9; Eph. 1:4 God hath chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him. 1 Thess. 4:7 God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. Jerem. 31:3 I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. John 17:17 Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth. Acts 15:8,9 God gave them the Holy Ghost, purifying their hearts by faith.

241. What is the tie by which the Holy Ghost unites the saints? Not anything external, but the one true faith in Jesus Christ. Eph. 4:3-6; Luke 17:20-21; John 10:27,28; John 17:20,21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word, that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us.

245. Whereby does the Holy Ghost call, gather, enlighten, sanctify, and keep the Church? By the means of grace: the Gospel and the sacraments. (Comp. Q219 and 220) Eph. 5:25,26; Acts 2:38,39,41; John 10:16.

256. Which is the most precious gift that the Holy Ghost bestows on the Church by the Gospel? The forgiveness of sins, or the righteousness of God. (Justification) Rom. 4:7,8 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. Rom. 1:17 In the Gospel is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

257. Why is this a needful and precious gift? Because by our sins we are lost and condemned creatures. But where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation. (Comp. Q164, 165, 183 and 192)

258. Why do even the saints still need forgiveness of sins? Because we daily sin much and deserve nothing but punishment. Rom. 7:18-25; Ps. 143:2; Phil. 3:12; Rom. 7:18.

259. But what may we according to the Word of God confess with the Christian Church in the Third Article? I believe in the forgiveness of sins. Ps. 103; Exod. 34:5-7; Micah 7:18,19.

260. What do you confess with these words? I believe that the Holy Ghost in the Christian Church on earth daily and richly forgives all sins to me and all believers. Lament. 3:22,23; Rom. 5:20 Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Is. 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Ps. 103:2,3 Bless the Lord, O my soul; who forgiveth all thine iniquities. Micah 7:18,19 Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us, He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

261. What does that mean that God forgives your sins? God does no more look upon my sins, but justifies me; that is, He acquits me from all guilt and punishment. (Comp. Q183 and 184) Luke 18:9-14; Rom. 5; Rom. 8:33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Rom. 8:1; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24; Rom. 4:8; Col. 2:13,14 He hath forgiven you all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us. (Comp. Rom. 3:25; Rom. 5:18)

262. Why do we say that the HOLY GHOST forgives our sins, whereas we are justified before God through the redemption of Christ? The Holy Ghost by the Gospel awards the righteousness of Christ to us, and gives our faith assurance thereof. 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:19; Acts 2:38; Is. 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness; but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back. (Comp. Is. 40:1,2; Is. 61:1,2; Luke 24:47; John 20:21-23; Matt. 9:2,6; Matt. 26:28; Is. 61:10.)

263. To whom does God forgive sins? To me and all believers. “Our works are all rejected, all claims of merit pass for naught.” Luke 18:9-14; Matt. 18:23-27; Rom. 3:21-28; Rom. 4 and 5. Acts 10:43 To Jesus give all the prophets witness that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law. Rom. 10:4; Rom. 4:5,6; Is. 53:11; John 3:18,36; Mark 16:16.

264. Where are sins forgiven? In the Christian Church on earth.

265. Why do we say, In the Christian Church on earth? Because Christ gave the Gospel to His Church on earth: in the Gospel we have the forgiveness of sins. (Ministry of the Keys) Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; 1 Pet. 2:9; Luke 10:16; 2 Cor. 5:19; Luke 24:47; Matt. 16:19; Matt. 18:18; John 20:22,23; Eph. 4:10-12; Luke 5:18-26.

286. How are we the children of God? By faith in Jesus Christ. (Comp. Q143 and 144.) Gal. 3:26.

287. In whose name must we, therefore, pray? In the name of Jesus; that is, believing in Him who reconciled us to God. (Comp. Q179 and 183) John 16:23; Is. 1:15; Is. 59:1,2.

338. After instruction in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and Prayer, whereof does our Catechism also treat in particular? Of the means of grace. (Comp. Q219 and 220.)

339. Why is it necessary to learn about these? Because the Lord, our Savior, deals with us by these means only. (Comp. Q154 and 265.)

340. What is the benefit of this particular instruction? That we surely know how the grace of God appropriates salvation to us also. Ps. 80:3

390. What, then, is the ministry of the Keys? The ministry of the Keys is the peculiar authority of the Church, given by Christ to His Church on earth, to forgive the sins of penitent sinners unto them, but to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent.

392. Who, then, in fact has forgiveness of sins from the Gospel? All penitent sinners. (Comp. Q263 and 379.)

393. But who has no forgiveness? All the impenitent as long as they do not repent. Is. 26:10 Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.

406. Why should we at Confession first confess our sins? Because we desire that absolution, or forgiveness, be pronounced on us personally. But forgiveness is for those who confess their sins. Prov. 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Ps. 32:5 I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord. And Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. 1 John 1:8,9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

450. How do sinners make this forgiving grace their own? Not by their own unworthiness; but by faith alone. “Our works are all rejected, all claims of merit pass for naught.” (Comp. Q263)

These People Run Stewardship Seminars? WELS Needs To Study Stewardship at the Love Shack

Delivering salmonella right to your door!


bruce-church (http://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Asking the Money Question - Why Dump a Load of Ca...":

Here's the real kicker--they paid $8 million for that chapel and it doesn't even have A/C?!

***

GJ - WELS and the ELS took many millions from the Schwan Foundation--and still do--but they cannot host their own conferences?

The Gustavus Adolphus ELCA venue assumes that people will stay in motels and hotels in the area - commuting from Bethany, too.

How rich, to have GA right in the midst of MLC and BLC, but the big bucks go to ELCA for this.

Sausage Factory graduates - this GA* will not knock out any teeth, nor break any bones. Best of all, you get to keep your clothes on. Show them Party in the MLC and they will be friends with you for life.

They may even rent out your college after they see the video.

The Love Shack is being sold. Ba-zing.

*GA is the nickname for the college and also for the secret hazing ritual, still being hosted, at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.

Asking the Money Question - Why Dump a Load of Cash on ELCA?

Biblical leadership in WELS: The blind leading the blind.

A large conference generates and spends a lot of money. Once I got to arrange for a tiny missions conference, which meant a bunch of couples met at a hotel and paid for rooms and food. The hotels loved me after that. They phoned me every so often, even when WELS leaders refused to speak to me or answer my letters.

That missions conference alone was a pile of money, but nothing like a national conference - even for a Midwestern sect like WELS.

The congregations will probably pay for members to attend. Pastors often spend their own money as well, even though their members do not pony up for similar events at their secular jobs.

WELS is paying rent to use the facilities.

A hoard of people will buy their own food at the ELCA cafeteria and buy ELCA gifts at the ELCA campus gift shop.

This event is one more cash gift to ELCA, not unlike continued participation in Thrivent by WELS, Missouri, and the ELS. Vast sums of money given to Thrivent are used to fund ELCA, the Salvation Army (a religion), and Habitat for Humanity.

A WELS Conference at an ELCA College Is Outside the Framework of Fellowship

bruce-church (http://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Because Stoeckhardt Was an Idiot":

ELCA group receives money for gay activism in church:

Pro-homosexuality foundation pours millions into Catholic and mainline Protestant dissident groups

http://methodistthinker.com/2011/04/08/pro-homosexuality-foundation-pours-millions-into-catholic-and-mainline-protestant-dissident-groups/

Nazarenes Infected with Rob Bell Virus

Rob Bell studied at Fuller Seminary, just like the leadership of WELS and Missouri.


bruce-church (http://bruce-church.myopenid.com/) has left a new comment on your post "Because Stoeckhardt Was an Idiot":

'Mysticism' infecting Nazarene beliefs

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=1328690

Silva adds that many of the Nazarene universities have featured emergent church gurus in recent years, including Donald Miller, Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, and Dallas Willard.

Justification by Faith Is an Old Heresy - Says WELS - Whose President Taught It in Their Catechism for 65 Years

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Insights from Gausewitz - By Brett Meyer":

Hi Lito, you're right, they don't respond. Truth is that UOJ is another gospel that is not compatible with Christ's Gospel which teaches Justification by Faith Alone (JBFA). Having rejected the Gospel promise in the Word (WELS Pastor James Humann stated JBFA was an old heresy) they've gone about to establish a righteousness outside of the work of the Holy Spirit through the Means of Grace. Their faith and trust is in a righteousness given them before and without faith. In fact they disparage faith which Scripture declares is the righteousness of Christ. They war against Christ and His Word and subsequently they will continue to war against Christ's Church.

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Christ's continued blessings and mercy to you my Ausie brother in Christ,
Brett

Because Stoeckhardt Was an Idiot

Making a hero out of a false teacher has been the modus operandi of the Shrinkers for decades.
They are eager to condemn Lenski for a doctrine they cannot comprehend - justification by faith.



LutherQuest (sic)

Pr. Jess Knauft (Jess)
Advanced Member
Username: Jess


“Never in this sense do we hear it presented: I believe; I am conscious of the fact that I believe on my Savior. Therefore I am justified in the sight of God. A believing Christian does not make the pulse of his faith-life the criterion of his state of grace… The believer rather makes this conclusion: O, how godless I still am. Out of my heart godless thoughts continue to arise. There is no doubt but that I am a poor, unworthy sinner. My sin is ever before me. But now God’s Word tells me, that God has already declared godless Sinners righteous. Thus I belong without any doubt whatsoever in the number of those whom God justifies.” (St. Römerbrief, p. 185).

See
http://www.charis.wlc.edu/publications/charis_wint er04/braun.pdf

WAM Jr. was clearly influenced more by Lenski than by Stoechardt (sic) and it shows in some of his other theological writings.

***

GJ - Notice the heading - 

Dr. Robert Preus' "repudiation" of OJ...

 

Maybe they discussed Preus' actual repudiation of UOJ earlier, but the current discussion that I saw was another exercise in repeating the talking points of Pietism, from Knapp (Halle University), the arch-theologian of mainline Universalism today.

Dr. Cruz and Others

LPC has left a new comment on your post "Fraud and Peculation in Modern Theology. Future Bo...":

Dr. GJ,

A PhD costs around $32,000 a year. A DMin is close to that, but the program only runs a short time since it is not a doctorate,

Wowser, I would never be able to do a PhD with that expense. If DMin is that close in expenses, it would be to the student's interest to recover that expense when he graduates, no?

LPC

---

Catechesis has left a new comment on your post "Fraud and Peculation in Modern Theology. Future Bo...":

"The pastors who want to be known as Dr. are....."

That's interesting. The WELS teaching on the Office of the Holy Ministry is that pastors are teachers and teachers are pastors. Case in point. Check out the presenters listed in the "WELS National Conference on Worship, etc." mailer. No "Rev.", nor "Dr." either. Just us good ol' boys.

---


LPC has left a new comment on your post "Insights from Gausewitz - By Brett Meyer":

Brett,

I wanted to add what does the power of the keys effect, if sins have been already remitted

Perfect argument, but do the UOJers have anything to say on this point?
Nothing, they just ignore this point and go on promoting UOJ.

LPC


---

LPC has left a new comment on your post "Insights from Gausewitz - By Brett Meyer":

Brett,

Over here we still hear the pastor say "I absolve the sins of you who repent and believe".

This thankful inconsistency happens despite some pastors here being influenced by Walther's UOJness.

Your Icha-bud,

LPC

Catechesis has left a new comment on your post "The 99 Cent Kuske Catechism.Overpriced.":

Here's one for ya:

"Wir sind von dem Wisconsin Synode; wir machen kein 'show.'" We're from the Wisconsin Synod; we don't make a show. - August Pieper

Sounds like "emerging church" thinking to me.

Ben Wink Destroys the WELS Arguments For Worshiping at an ELCA College

Ben Wink has left a new comment on your post "Why Does WELS Crave Worship ConferencesAt ELCA Col...":

Staffing is not an issue. Why not have a conference like this act as early field experience hour credits for students? Four days and you've earned hours. If you can find volunteers for other synodical events, you can find plenty of music focused students or others who would be able to help out at MLC so the idea of a lack of manpower doesn't hold water.

If you have three years to plan, you have three years to get the word out and plan for staffing. So some foresight can solve staffing problems and since they would be working for EFE hours, they would be working for free or for a small amount because they are actually working for the credit. Better yet, make it a mandatory part of the program!

If you have the cafeteria open enough, you can accommodate everybody and schedule accordingly. Just have it done like it is during the school year because the cafeteria manages to serve everyone in the course of a night without having standing room only. (Except for steak night of course.)

If it is nice enough outside have picnic tables set up and people can be seated. Have seating extend into the gymnasium if that isn't enough. Why not go into town and hit up the local restaurants that would appreciate the summer business on a random Wednesday in July.

Adapt, adopt, improve and don't just throw your arms up and say, "Oh, there's just no way that would work let's go somewhere else." That way of thinking is just as asinine as having your synod's conference within spitting distance of your own synod's campus. That way of thinking also led to an $8 million chapel, but I digress.

Frankly having it at Gustavus you could treat it as a Travel Canvass Witness because those people haven't heard the Word in a loooong time.

Also I guess why have the conference in Minnesota at all? Why not have it at WLC in Milwaukee? They have facilities as well. And at least the WLC campus is kinda sorta somewhat affiliated with WELS. Their dorms are even air conditioned.

Finally the letter I received yesterday from WELS President Schroeder said that the reasons that the conference was not held at MLC were that the chapel was too small and that there was no air conditioning.

Can't get more official than that I suppose.

***

GJ - I see the Ichabod effect at work again. The SP has to defend this anti-confessional and wasteful event in writing. These ELCA-based events have been going on for a long time.

When I mentioned this while in the CLC, about 18 years ago, that Prof Tiefel was having a pan-denominational worship event at Carthage College (ELCA), Tiefel's cousin in the CLC went Medieval on me. First he accused me of making it all up. I pointed out to the CLC guillotine committee that I had the poster on my desk as I wrote it up. That was a temporary setback for them, but they soldiered on.

When I asked Otten to publish some information about it, he spiked the story. I kept after him until it was finally included as a minor note in the back of the paper (as I recall). I was attacked by the CLC for publishing in Christian News, because that was "fellowship." But they could, because they wrote letters while I wrote articles. Yes, someone can flatline and still serve as a pastor. There is hope for many.

Eventually, Otten refused to publish anything by me or anything positive about my writing. I was honored to have several apostate sects wanting me silenced at once, and the very independent pastor in New Haven was only too happy to oblige them.

Looking back over 18 years, WELS has had plenty of time to work out details for a less obnoxious worship venue, one that does not have to be boring or stilted, as SP Schroeder was eager to say.

Every event that gives ELCA credibility is a disgrace to all Christians.

A sect shameless enough to post a gay college video (WELS - Party in the MLC) is also shameless enough to make excuses for showing solidarity with ELCA while denouncing ELCA.

ELS And WELS Are Dead, Not Asleep

One Eponymous Archon (https://me.yahoo.com/oneeponymousarchon) has left a new comment on your post "Missouri Synod Has Dropped Lawsuit Against the Cal...":

Dear Dr. Jackson,

It's not a matter of "waking up" for ELS & WELS. It's a matter of rising from the dead! The vast majority of their Pastors are completely dead in both the head and heart. They have no brains anymore to see the heresy in their synods, and even if they did they have no heart - no guts - to attack it.

A few - very few - are fighting, but even they do not understand that the battle to turn their synods from heresy is already over and already lost. They still hold out hope for a return to confessionalism. Sorry, such is not possible as long as the District officers and headquarters administrator and seminary professors are all mind-numbed cowards who only want to get paid for no work and keep that up until they can retire out here to sunny S. CA. WELS and ELS are not asleep, they are dead. And only God can wake the dead! Or so I see it. I'm just -

One Eponymous Archon

***

GJ - With the Sword of the Spirit, the dead in Christ can be raised. But the vast majority tremble at the sound of COP hooves, not at the Word of God.

Missouri Synod Has Dropped Lawsuit Against the California Women. Stealing Church Property Getting Tougher

Some of us remember congregational property rights.

California/Hawaii has dropped their lawsuit where they tried to steal a multi-million dollar property from a few elderly members.

ELCA congregations are leaving with their property.

When will the WELS/ELS congregations wake up and leave their cults?

Fraud and Peculation in Modern Theology. Future Book Reviews

I owe a few book reviews. One post will take a look at several modern theologians. Here I am, vowing not to read modern theologians or buy catechisms, yet having them arrive by mail daily.

This is a thumbnail or preview. Modern theology, like modern Lutheranism, is full of fraud and peculation.

Fraud - the theologians have no "theo" in them. They use Christian terminology without the content, without knowing God or trembling at His Word.

Peculation is a nifty word I learned from obsessive reading. Peculation means embezzlement. I looked up the tuition charges at Duke University - for a PhD or a DMin. A PhD costs around $32,000 a year. A DMin is close to that, but the program only runs a short time since it is not a doctorate, just a fake one for preening pastors.

Mrs. Ichabod was offended that someone wrote to me and used Mr. instead of Dr.

I said, "The pastors who want to be known as Dr. are DMin Larry Olson, DMin Rich Krause, DMin Paul Calvin Kelm, DMin Steve Witte, DMin John Parlow. They have diminished the title as much as they have the word Lutheran. That's why we are Church of the Augsburg Confession."

The under-worked theology faculties (at Lutheran seminaries too) are demanding huge salaries from students who must borrow enormous sums of money to support their untheological professors. The Lutheran ones, too, are engaged in massive faud. They may believe in God, and have a sentimental attachment to the Bible, but they are not Lutheran.

The difference between an ELCA seminary professor and a Syn Conference seminary professor is slight in both respects. ELCA pays better, but its system is also imploding.

But a Missouri Campus Would Be Anathema

Catechesis has left a new comment on your post "Why Does WELS Crave Worship Conferences At ELCA Col...":

The craziness of it all is that there would have been more criticism if the conference had been held on a Missouri Synod campus. Go figure.

http://www.welshistory.org/files/Vol18No1pp21-32.pdf

***

GJ - The COP got their Depends in a knot only when a WELS conference was going to feature Kent Hunter (LCMS Shrinker) and Waldo Werning (LCMS Shrinker). When Paul Calvin Kelm hosted Leonard Sweet (Methodist New Ager) for Church and Change, his own list-members went Medieval on him - but the conference went ahead and the COP did not nix it. WELS officially hated Martin Marty in one of their publications, when he was LCMS - reason enough for split. But the same WELS loved the same Martin Marty when he was an ELCA member and spoke at a joint ELCA-WELS-LCMS evangelism conference and at WLC.

WELS breeds a peculiar hatred of the Missouri Synod in each and every Sausage Factory graduate. A typical WELS story will have Missouri hopelessly behind in Biblical languages and sadly lacking in other areas. Or they have a Missouri visitor at a conference expressing awe at the wonderfulness of the Wisconsin Sect, concluding with misty eyes, "You don't realize what you have." Cue violins. Get out hankies. Pause in humble thankfulness that God still has WELS doing the heavy-lifting.

Back to Bach

Insights from Gausewitz - By Brett Meyer

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "The 99 Cent Kuske Catechism.Overpriced.":

My Gausewitz Small Catechism arrived today. It was owned by M. Zima and comes with most pages taped and a half dozen four leaf clovers pressed between, what seems to be, random pages.

Reading through it I noted that on page 18, The Ministry of the Keys it states, What is the Ministry of the Keys? The ministry of the Keys is the peculiar authority of the Church, given by Christ to His Church on earth, to forgive the sins of penitent sinners unto them, but to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent.

What do you believe according to these words? I believe that when the called ministers of Christ deal with us according to His divine command (especially when they exclude manifestly impenitent sinners from the Christian congregation, and again, when they absolve those whho repent of their sins and are willing to amend), this is as valid and certain, in Heaven also, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.

This leaves no room for UOJ which falsely teaches that upon Christ's death for the sins of the world and resurrection God absolved the whole world of their sins and declared them justified and righteous in Christ.

First how can Christ's Church retain the sins of the impenitent when God the Father has already forgiven them by the sacrificial blood of Christ?!

Second, in John chapter 20 Christ gives the Keys to His Church which includes the authority to retain the sins of the impenitent but to also absolve those who repent of their sins and are willing to amend as the Gausewitz Catechism wrote. But the (W)ELS clergy, called workers and laity blatantly teach against Christ and His divine command in Our Great Heritage "And yet many Lutherans still labor under the delusion that God does not forgive us unless we believe. Instead of seeing faith as nothing more than the spiritual hand with which we make the forgiveness of God our own, they see it as a reason why God forgives us. They believe that Christ has indeed provided forgiveness for all men, that God is willing to forgive them, but before he really forgives he first of all demands that we should be sorry for our sins and that we should have faith. Just have faith they say, and then God will forgive you. All the right words are there. The only thing wrong is that the words are in the wrong order. God does not forgive us IF we have faith. He has forgiven us long ago when he raised his Son from the dead." (p. 59)

No wonder the Lutheran Confessions exclaim, "6] Let any one of the adversaries come forth and tell us when remission of sins takes place. O good God, what darkness there is! They doubt whether it is in attrition or in contrition that remission of sins occurs. And if it occurs on account of contrition, what need is there of absolution, what does the power of the keys effect, if sins have been already remitted?…" http://www.bookofconcord.org/defense_10_repentance.php

Why Does WELS Crave Worship ConferencesAt ELCA Colleges?Twice the Chance for a Date?

Prof Mouse wants us to know: "There are more and better bars near Gustavus Adolphus!"


Slogo has left a new comment on your post "Trying To Explain Why WELS Is Having A Worship Con...":

The reason the conference is at Gustavus instead of MLC is one of logistics. Gustavus has a full time summer staff whose specific job it is to host conferences of this size. MLC does not. Dining at the busiest time during the last convention was standing room only. MLC's cafeteria is about half the size and cannot accommodate that kind of traffic. It's not about air conditioning, it's about manpower, plain and simple. Some of your comments on this site are truly thought-provoking. Others, such as this article are simply asinine.

***

GJ - This is far beyond the realm of adiaphora. WELS is ganz-hypocritical in sneering at ELCA while coveting their colleges. To have a worship conference, of all things, at an ELCA college - that is truly an abomination.

Slick Brenner used to say, "Judgment is coming to WELS."

Lenski wrote, "Resist the beginnings," but WELS cannot resist anything - except the Book of Concord.

Mid-Week Lenten Service

The Lord's Supper, by Norma Boeckler



Mid-Week Lenten Vespers, April 13, 2011


Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

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

Bethany Lutheran Worship, 7 PM Central Time

The Hymn # 291 Lamp of Our Feet 4:3
The Order of Vespers p. 41
The Psalmody Psalm 23 p. 128
The Lection The Passion History

The Sermon Hymn #364 How Sweet the Name 4:18

The Sermon – The Sword of the Spirit

The Prayers
The Lord’s Prayer
The Collect for Grace p. 45

The Hymn # 285 How Precious Is 4:59

KJV Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Lenski:

Do not Underestimate the Word of God, v. 12, 13.
12) This appendix is vital as the concluding word of both the warning voiced in chapter 3 and the promise given in 4:1–11. It is so essential because not only the warning and the promise are based on the Word of God as being “my voice,” Ps. 95 (see 3:8–11), but also because all that this epistle contains from 1:1 onward (“God spoke”) and will contain in the following chapters is based directly on God’s Word. So the writer says: Let there be no illusion in you, my readers, regarding this Word of God and what it says about Jesus; let no one think that disbelieving or disobeying this Word is a light matter. The writer has dwelt especially on Ps. 95:11 (3:8, 11; 4:3, 4), God’s oath, a most terrible Word of God. He now stresses the full power of the Word in its damning force. He has likewise dwelt on Ps. 95:7b plus 11: “Today” and “my rest,” with all the promise that lies in this Word (3:8, 15; 4:3–8). This, too, leads him to stress the power of the Word, the blessed promise of which is so mighty.
Lenski, R. C. H.: The Interpretation of the Epistle to the Hebrews and of the Epistle of James. Columbus, O. : Lutheran book concern, 1938, S. 139

There is a major gulf between the Lutheran interpretation of the Scriptures and the Pietistic/Reformed view of the Scriptures.

Many people overlook it because the difference has been obscured by those who favor un-Lutheran and anti-Lutheran theology.

Here is the difference.

Luther, following the plain, clear truth of the Word, always emphasized the Word of God accomplishing His will. That is why he and the Lutheran Reformers always fought for the pure Word, because it belongs to God alone and not to man. We are privileged to have the Bible, but we do not have a license to change its meaning to suit ourselves.

The Reformed view, from Calvin, is this – God’s Word is dead by itself. We must make it come alive and be relevant (real, relational) to others. That places the burden on man to make the Word of God reasonable and attractive. Man’s effort is absolutely necessary. That obviously leads to compromise with others, since each person becomes a little pope, deciding what God really meant originally – or in the cafeteria style – deciding what applies to us.

One woman said to me, when I said re-incarnation was not Biblical – “But I like the idea!” That settled it for her.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight:
but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

The 99 Cent Kuske Catechism.Overpriced.

Until 1982, WELS taught justification by faith in its Gausewitz catechism, both the original and the revised version of 1956. Suddenly, in 1982, WELS taught UOJ in its Kuske catechism, the largest and most expensive, with the added advantage of the Reformed NIV Scriptures instead of the Sacramental KJV citations.

I never bought catechisms before. Now I have the original Gausewitz, the revised version, and the LCMS 1943 catechism (justification by faith, KJV - still in print). The Kuske will arrive soon. I paid 99 cents for it. The others cost me $10 each.

I wonder if readers are starting to see the scope of this massive fraud. Today the Fuller-hugging leaders of the Olde Syn Conference act as if UOJ has always been taught. But no, that is a blatant lie.

Walther taught UOJ, and his chosen disciple F. Pieper did as well. Stoeckhardt and Kretzmann were UOJ Stormtroopers. The Norwegian Pietists adored UOJ.

As LP Cruz will tell you, UOJ is just like Calvinism in confusing justification with the Atonement.

I am going to do more reading about Wauwatosa. Those WELS leaders were trained by the UOJ leaders of Missouri.

Readers will have to do more research into their own synodical history and documents. I do not have the time and eyeball power to read it all and comment.

Where's Elmo

Augustana Ministerium (not the original one) To Deal With Justification

WELS has its own Stormtrooper farm at its portable Asian seminary.
They also teach Church Shrinkage there.
The two ideologies go together well, or WELS.

The Sixth Annual Augustana Ministerium Theological Conference and Plenary Meeting

May 9-11, 2011

Our Sixth Annual Theological Conference and Plenary Meeting is scheduled for May 9-11, 2011, hosted graciously by the Rev. Dr. Kent Heimbigner and Charity Lutheran Church, Burleson, TX. This year’s theological conference will be dedicated to exploring the central article of the Christian faith - Justification – how it should and should not be preached and taught. We will examine challenges to a truly biblical and Lutheran understanding of justification over against challenges to it - some old and some more recent. It will be dedicated to exploring and discussing the great challenges that our people face today in preserving a truly biblical and reformational understanding of the central article of the Christian faith. Appropriately, our theme this year is Justification: Challenges Old and New. How should the justification of the sinner be proclaimed and taught?  What are contemporary as well as more enduring pitfalls and challenges that can derail and pervert this proclamation of the Gospel? The following theme and topics will address these important questions as delivered by an impressive lineup of very capable Lutheran pastors. And again as with our presentations last year, more formal essays will be delivered with discussion time to follow. And again as in past years, the topics intentionally overlap. Don’t miss this important the timely conference on the central article of the Christian Faith. You can register at our website, www.augustanaministerium.org.

Justification: Challenges Old and New

·       Predestination revisited: Is the sinner predestined unto salvation unto faith or in view of faith: What are the implications of this for preaching and teaching, absolution, and liturgy? How shall we peach predestination or election when we are addressing sinners with the Gospel? Essayist, Rev. Timothy Tolar

·       Is the Justification of the sinner objective? What does this mean and how does this understanding shape the preaching of the Gospel and evangelism. What happens to the preaching and teaching of the Gospel when the existing reality of justification it is denied? Essayist,  Rev. Michael Simminger

·       Justification: How a Lutheran Distinctive Shapes the Ministry of the Gospel Absolution (Public and Private), Preaching and Teaching - and what tragic things happen if it doesn’t, And Lutheran distinctives in the Doctrine of Justification: Their impact on Baptism, Conversion, and Sanctification vis-a-vis the Protestant World  (Reformed, Armenian, and Holiness Theology) Roman Catholic. Essayist, Rev. Dr. Steven Hein

·       Justification Distorted: How sloppy, trite, and imprecise language distorts the Ministry of the Gospel. Watch your language, son! Essayist, Rev. Kurt Hering