McCain Back on ALPB

Fifteen posts a day!
CPH pays him to blog on LaughQuest and ALPB?
And Intrepid Lutherans, Steadfast Lutherans, and other forums?
And his own blog?

Not a Good Year To Own TWO Headquarters Buildings. WELS 2011 CMO contributions and 2012 commitments. 2011 Income and 2012 Pledges Down

"You call that a pledge?"

2011 CMO contributions and 2012 commitments | Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS):


The 2011 Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO), monetary commitments from congregations to support the work of the synod, came in 1.6 percent, or $340,000, less than the $20.8 million that had been committed by congregations. CMO subscriptions for 2012 are also slightly lower than the actual offerings in 2011. The ministry plan is based on a three percent increase for 2012.

CMO, which covers about 75 percent of synod operating support, provides funding for ministerial education, home and world missions, congregation and district ministry, as well as ministry support services.

The Synodical Council will review planning amounts versus giving for the first half of the fiscal year at its meeting later this month to determine what, if any, adjustments need to be made to ministry programs or services. To sustain the current work of the synod, CMO offerings need to keep pace with the synod’s cost drivers, like wages, benefits, and utilities, which equates to a four to five percent increase annually, explains Todd Poppe, chief financial officer at WELS.


'via Blog this'

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grumpy has left a new comment on your post "Not a Good Year To Own TWO Headquarters Buildings....":

Give it up Dr. Jackson.

No WELS schools are closing....

The coffers are flush with the green.

And of course....PACZKI !!!!

Oops...I mean BAZINGO !!!!

Grumps

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GJ - Grumpy, you are reacting to the ipsissima verba of the Synod President, whom God called to  establish fiscal sanity at The Love Shack.

Gurgle is probably saying, "At least we didn't own two $3 million buildings at once.

A tale of two churches - News - The Moose Jaw Times Herald

Anonymoose Warned This Split Was Coming in Canada, eh?

A tale of two churches - News - The Moose Jaw Times Herald:


What would Jesus do? Amazingly, there can be more than one opinion on the subject.

When the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCC) passed motions at last summer’s national convention in Saskatoon, permitting homosexual ordination and same-sex marriages, it did so while also empowering each congregation to adhere to the new doctrines as each sees fit.

Moose Jaw’s Central Lutheran Church chose not to adhere. Rev. Bill Cantelon said ELCC had to allow individual congregations to decide whether they would accept the motions passed in 2011. Otherwise, he said, the results would have been dire for this branch of Lutheranism.
“If they said every congregation had to do it, it would have split the church,” he said, adding his congregation made what it felt to be the moral choice — recognizing homosexuality as a sin.

While Central Lutheran Church has chosen not to endorse gay or lesbian ministers, nor conduct same-sex marriages, Cantelon said gays and lesbians are still very much welcome within the walls of his church as members of the congregation, as are all sinners.

In the Jan. 27 edition of the Times-Herald, Central Lutheran Church ran an advertisement stating at its annual general meeting on Jan. 22 the church passed a motion opposing the calling of pastors or diaconal ministers who are self-declared gays or lesbians.

As well, the advertisement stated the local congregation had voted to oppose the “conducting of legal marriages or blessing of same-sex civil unions in the church or by a pastor authorized by this congregation.” The church ran radio advertisements of a similar bent.

In response, representatives from St. Andrew’s United Church submitted a letter to the editor in the Times-Herald (appearing in today’s edition) expressing disappointment with those recent decisions of Central Lutheran’s congregation.

“As followers of Christ we can only pray for those who feel hurt and abandoned by the actions of this church,” the letter states, which is signed by 27 members of the local United Church, including Rev. Lynne Clarke.

“Our interest was just to say that this is hurtful for gays and lesbians, and we stand beside them,” Clarke said.
But Clarke understands just what an emotional issue this is within all Christian denominations. A minister since the early ‘90s, Clarke said she remembers the United Church of Canada (UCC) struggling with the same issues of homosexual ministers and same sex marriages in 1988.

In fact, she said while the church as a whole allows gay and lesbian ordination, individual churches within the UCC family are still permitted to decide whether they will allow same-sex marriages within their chapel walls. As for St. Andrew’s, it has chosen to support such marriages.

“The way this world is must be very difficult for them,” Clarke said in regards to gays and lesbians. She said it must have been very painful for homosexual Moose Javians to see and hear the recent Central Lutheran Church advertisements.

“Maybe someone needs to speak up for them.”

However, Cantelon said he finds it frustrating this single issue regarding one of the 667 sins mentioned in the Bible receives so much focus in society. He said his church is also concerned with the sins of alcoholism, gambling and adultery (among others), but loves those who practice these sins no less because they are sinners, which is the same with homosexuality.

The way gay and lesbian marriage and homosexual ordination has been allowed to become so divisive within and between church denominations, Cantelon said, is what he considers a possible example of Satan’s work in the world, trying to turn Christian against Christian.

“We still love our neighbour.”

ELCiC Bishop Johnson

Rev. Susan Johnson, national bishop for ELCC, told the Times-Herald the motions passed at the recent Saskatoon national convention only came after lengthy contemplation, discussion and debate.
“This was years in the making,” she said, adding ELCC recognizes how controversial gay marriage and ordination is for its members. She said believers on either side of this debate could be angered by the national body’s decision.

Therefore, Johnson said the church decided what was best was allowing each congregation to choose what it would allow in this regards, and those who took a formal vote submitted the results to regional Synod offices.
Johnson said she does not have, at this time, any figures as to what percentage of ELCC congregations have rejected the motions passed by the national governing body.

How does Johnson think the church’s stance will impact the organization in the years ahead? “I think it’s too early to say at this point,” she said.

The female bishop noted that 35 years ago ELCC was debating the ordination of women. Several decades later, and with many women having built careers as Lutheran ministers within the denomination, Johnson said there are still those in her church who would not support the ordination of those women.
“It just takes time for things to settle out.”



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Internet Kid Reads Ichabod

Annual Shrove Tuesday Miracle of the Pancakes

The Church of the Lutheran Confession (sic) was threatened with an outbreak of Shrove Tuesday Pancake Suppers. Paul Tiefel engaged two of the more unbalanced CLC members--not in his parish--to wage war against the pancake threat. It was immoral! It introduced Roman Catholicism! They even had a softcore book to prove it!

CLC Visitor Steven Kurtzahn, a Dan Fleischer lapdog, was only too happy to ride the rescue, to save poor maidens from the hellish lure of the pancake supper.

However, he was indifferent about adultery and incest.

The Wisconsin Sect got him back. Now he fills LaughQuest with his pearls of wisdom.

"First we'll get them to eat Shrove Tuesday pancakes.
Next we will grab their maidens for our convents.
Holy Father will be so proud of us."

LCMS Works with ELCA? Don't Tell Missourians. ELCA and Missouri Synod leaders continue conversations. ELCA News Release.

SP Harrison is on the extreme left.
PB Mark Hanson is sporting the beard.
Thrivent supports their work together,
finances Habitat for Humanity, and Lutherans Concerned.

ELCA and Missouri Synod leaders continue conversations together - News Releases - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:


ELCA and Missouri Synod leaders continue conversations together


CHICAGO (ELCA) - Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod met Feb. 8 as the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation to discuss church-to-church cooperation and to share denominational updates.

Although leaders of both church bodies have agreed to continue communication and information sharing as the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation, leaders from the Missouri Synod said they have ended their participation in cooperative work, particularly in areas of support for chaplaincy, response to HIV and AIDS and national coordination of recovery after disaster.

According to the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop, the ELCA has been committed to being engaged in conversation with the Missouri Synod.

"Participating in the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation has been a continued commitment of the ELCA since its formation. We share the Lutheran confessional witness, an identity of being Lutherans in this culture, and we have historically shared a commitment to respond to human need together -- be it the need of refugees or those in the world who are experiencing disaster and the challenges of development," Hanson said in an interview.

"Our history, great capacity and generosity as Lutherans in response to the cries of our neighbors should not be diminished because of our theological differences," said Hanson.
   
According to the Rev. Donald J. McCoid, who serves as assistant to the ELCA presiding bishop on ecumenical and inter-religious relations, "It has been important for the ELCA that the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation provide the opportunity for us to engage in theological conversations on topics such as law and gospel, the authority and interpretation of scripture, natural law and the confessional basis for ELCA ecumenical agreements."

While Hanson said he "regrets that The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has taken action to discontinue our shared ministries, that work will continue to be a priority for us as the ELCA with existing partners, and we will continue to look for ways to serve our neighbors with Lutherans and ecumenical partners," said Hanson.

At the meeting, Missouri Synod President Matthew C. Harrison said the conclusion of church-to-church work "is very sad." He said there may be opportunities for engagement at the local level as circumstances allow, but cooperation on a national level "is no longer possible."

In light of the Missouri Synod's action, the committee appointed a subgroup to draft a charter for how it will constitute future meetings of the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation.

Hanson said he is "thankful that the commitment to being in conversation about our respective church bodies will continue."

 The leaders also shared updates regarding their denominations' ecumenical endeavors, budget and finance, areas of concerns and ministry focus, and international developments. The committee also received written reports from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and Lutheran Services in America.

The ELCA is a 4.2-million-member church [GJ - was 5.3 million in 1987] based in Chicago. The 2.3-million-member Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is based in St. Louis.


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What is Habitat? - Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity

What is Habitat? - Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity:

What is Habitat?

Open AllClose All

Q: What is Habitat for Humanity International?

A: Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Habitat has built more than 500,000 houses around the world, providing more than 2 million people with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife, Linda.

Q: How does it work?

A: Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build still more Habitat houses. Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a down payment and the monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor—sweat equity—into building their Habitat house and the houses of others.

Q: What are Habitat affiliates?

A: Affiliates are community-level Habitat offices that act in partnership with and on behalf of HFHI. Each affiliate coordinates all aspects of Habitat homebuilding in its local area. Habitat for Humanity International’s operational headquarters, located in Americus, Georgia, USA, and its administrative headquarters, located in Atlanta, Georgia, provide information, training and a variety of other support services to Habitat affiliates worldwide. All Habitat affiliates are asked to "tithe"—to give 10 percent of their contributions to fund house-building work in other nations. Tithing provides much-needed funds for international building, and it also gives affiliates the opportunity to demonstrate the spirit of Christian partnership. In 2001, U.S. affiliates tithed $9.04 million to support Habitat’s work overseas. Some affiliates in developing countries also receive funding grants from Habitat for Humanity International.

Q: Where does Habitat for Humanity operate?

A: Habitat is a worldwide, grassroots movement. Habitat has a presence in more than 90 countries, including all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Q: How are the partner families selected?

A: Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates. The affiliate’s family selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to become partners in the program and their ability to repay the loan. Every affiliate follows a nondiscriminatory policy of family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing the families who receive Habitat houses. If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, contact the Habitat affiliate nearest you. If you're not sure where a local Habitat affiliate might be, visit Habitat's website to find the names and phone numbers of affiliates in your area, or contact the Habitat help line at 800-422-4828, ext. 2551 or 2552. Your local affiliate can give you information on the availability, size, costs and sweat-equity requirements for Habitat houses in your area, as well as information on the application process.

Q: How are donations distributed and used?

A: Donations, whether to a local Habitat affiliate or to HFHI, are used as designated by the donor. Gifts received by HFHI that are designated to a specific affiliate or building project are forwarded to that affiliate or project. Undesignated gifts are used where most needed and for administrative expenses. HFHI’s most recent audited financial statement is available online.

Q: Who controls and manages Habitat for Humanity International?

A: An ecumenical, international board of directors determines policy and oversees and guides the mission of Habitat for Humanity International. Board members are dedicated volunteers who are deeply concerned about the problems of poverty housing around the world. The HFHI headquarters office operates with an administrative staff, assisted by a core group of professional and support employees and supplemented by long-term and short-term volunteers. Each Habitat for Humanity affiliate is managed by its own local volunteer board.

Q: How does Habitat work with the government?

A: Habitat realizes that local and national partnerships with governments are important in creating affordable housing. Habitat accepts government funds for infrastructure, utilities, capacity building or training, and house building, so long as the funds have no conditions that would violate Habitat’s principles or limit its ability to proclaim its Christian identity.

Q: How does a Habitat for Humanity affiliate get started?

A: Habitat affiliates start when concerned citizens of diverse backgrounds come together to address the problem of poverty housing in their community. These volunteers research the community’s affordable housing needs and resources, and evaluate the potential success of Habitat’s self-help model in their community. The group then applies to HFHI to become an official Habitat affiliate. If you are interested in eliminating poverty housing in your community, please contact HFHI headquarters for information on establishing a Habitat affiliate. Persons calling from inside the United States can call (800) HABITAT or (800) 422-4828. Those calling from outside the United States may contact HFHI headquarters at 01-229-924-6935.

Q: How can I get more information?

A: For additional information, write or phone: Habitat for Humanity International 121 Habitat Street Americus, GA 31709-3498 U.S.A. 229-924-6935 Contact Habitat for Humanity International

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Thrivent Financial commits $9.2 million to Habitat for Humanity

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ total contributions to Habitat over seven years exceed $160 million

MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 5, 2011) – For the seventh straight year, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is committing millions to stabilize, strengthen and secure communities by creating affordable housing in partnership with low-income families through its unique partnership called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced that in 2012 it will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 142 Habitat for Humanity homes in 32 U.S. states through a $9.2 million contribution. Thrivent Financial’s total seven-year support of Habitat for Humanity, helping families achieve the dream of homeownership, will surpass $160 million in 2012.

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GJ - Remember that $160 million figure when your congregation gets a check for $136.44 for sponsoring a Thrivent Branch #234 Junk for Jesus rummage sale, putting a Thrivent PR ad in the newsletter and bulletin.

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Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "What is Habitat? - Thrivent Builds with Habitat fo...":

Thrivent is using (W)ELS, LCMS and ELCA money to advance the United Nations New World Order religion under the United Religions Initiative.

MONEY & SOUL. In our culture, more of anything and everything is considered better. Join us for a provocative evening of re-examining our relationship to money. Lynne Twist, Author of The Soul of Money and Founder of The Pachamama Alliance will join in conversation with Charles Gibbs, Executive Director of URI. Lynne Twist's extensive work as a worldwide fundraiser offers unique perspectives on the purpose of money and its use in the community. When infused with expressions of our heart and soul, our money and its use can become a truly meaningful part of our lives and communities. Lynne & Charles will discuss the intersection of money and spirit as a rich and fertile place, suggesting new ways for giving and receiving money in the social-profit arena. Dessert, coffee and tea will follow. Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, Presidio Main Post Interfaith Chapel. RSVP to Erica Ernst at ebernst.sfic@gmail.com or call (415) 474 - 1321 $20 Suggested Donation Sponsored by: Interfaith Center at the Presidio The Presidio Trust San Francisco Interfaith Council Thrivent Financial for Lutherans United Religions Initiative
http://www.interfaith-presidio.org/BAIC/baic11.htm

United Religions Initiative (URI) is a satanic binding of all world religions into one mandatory religion.

URI was started by Episcopal bishop Swing:
The Right Rev. William E. Swing
URI Founding Trustee
San Francisco, CA, USA.

Bishop William Swing is the President and Founder of the URI. Bishop Swing had the original vision of URI in 1993 in response to an invitation from the United Nations which asked him to host an interfaith service honoring the 50th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter.

For a thorough review of the satanic New World Religion which Thrivent and the Lutheran Synods are creating:
http://www.green-agenda.com/unitedfaith.html

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Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "What is Habitat? - Thrivent Builds with Habitat fo...":

Bishop Swing promotes the same transformational religion as the New Age Emergent leaders in the Lutheran Synods. (Why not, since Thrivent is leading the eager Lutherans by the nose - Change or Die)

As suggested by Swing, the United Religions Initiative is intended to be to religion what the United Nations has become to global politics, unifying the world’s religions as the UN is unifying the world’s nations. Bishop Swing confirmed these plans, "The URI will be a spiritual United Nations. And what better place to give it birth than the Bay Area, which gave birth to the present UN."

Bishop Swing also states, "The URI will offer the world a powerful new vision of hope - the vision that the deepest stories we know can now cease to be causes of separation between people, and become instead the foundation for a reunited humanity. Religions need the URI. Bombs are exploding in the name of God in cities throughout the world, religious persecution is more prevalent now than ever before, religious extremists are demanding and obtaining nuclear weapons, and still there is no neutral arena where all of the religions can engage each other. The URI, in time, aspires to have the visibility and stature of the United Nations. It will have global visibility and will be a vital presence in local communities all over the world."

The United Nations has granted the URI official ‘liaison status’, which means that in return for UN financial support the URI will “co-operate closely with the U.N. and its organisations to complement the U.N.’s political, diplomatic and social mandates, influence U.N. policy and support its programs.” At a recent UN-sponsored Interfaith Conference, Bishop Swing issued a challenge for a new global civilisation, “We stand on the threshold of a new world order that may be defined either by an increasing polarisation that fuels a spiral of escalating conflict and violence, or by growing global cooperation that calls the human race to work across national, ethnic and religious boundaries to serve a larger global good.”

Bishop Swing recently apologised for two millennia of Christian evangelism. His apology not limited to ‘religious violence’ committed by Christians, it also includes regret for "proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all" and for seeking "to make the whole world Christian". The URI strongly condemns all forms of religious fundamentalism; in fact the need for a new spirituality is often based on the intolerant attitude of evangelical Christians and radical Muslims’. Swing states “Because some day, the ascendancy of militant fundamentalist voices of politically aspiring religions might be so pervasive that a United Religions will need to be created in order to save religions from these fundamentalists.”

The URI arose out of, and is the culmination of, the interfaith movement that began with the 1893 Parliament of World Religions. It is inextricably tied to the quest for a new spirituality that would unify the planet in a ‘transformed global society’. The URI is the fullest expression of this movement now. The current model of unity in diversity will characterise the United Religions Initiative for a while. However, the final phase of the Global Green Spiritual Agenda will be the "full end to the great heresy of separateness."

The final green religion will be the blending of all religions into one unified expression of spirituality based on reverence for our shared planet and human interconnectedness with all living beings. No doubt anyone one who refuses to accept this new spirituality will be labelled an intolerant radical fundamentalist. In the wake of an earth-shattering crisis, such as the one described in A United World, ‘fundamentalists’ are likely to be blamed for all the world’s problems. A new world religion, in addition to a new world order, will be gratefully received by most given a crisis of sufficient magnitude.


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Jimmy James has left a new comment on your post "Spare Me the Hosannas about Harrison Testifying in...":

Let us not forget Thrivent's ties to Planned Parenthood!

Karoline “Kari” Gittus, Thrivent - Dakota Valley Board Member, proudly displays as her "Benevolent Interests and Personal Passions": PLANNED PARENTHOOD!

http://www.lutheransonline.com/servlet/lo_ProcServ/dbpage=page&mode=display&gid=20101264872858903701111555&pg=20101264872865637701111555

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Goodsoil, LNCA, and Thrivent

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California wrote:

Brett Meyer does a good job of putting into perspective the New World Religion Agenda which Thrivent and Lutheran Synods are creating.  His account of UN complicity it well taken.  Commenting that "Thrivent is leading the eager Lutherans by the nose--Change or Die", it should be recognized that the "leading" is finding followers of a well tilled mind set in WELS which has been prepared for thirty five years to think favorably of the UN.

A letter to the editor in Christian News (January 3, 1977) documented  from The Lutheran Educator  (December 1972-page 16) "UNESCO's being  recommended as a good source for social studies material".  The letter documented thirteen signs of beginnings of Humanism in WELS.  In a subsequent letter in Christian News, the writer of the original letter was taken to task by Prof. Joel Gerlach of WELS Seminary, as espousing "invalid conclusions".  The groundwork has been laid for decades to accommodate UN agenda while warnings were rebuffed.

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ChurchMouse is one of the few bloggers who
is willing to address these issues.
He has two links on the left:
one solo and one joint effort.

churchmousec (http://churchmousec.wordpress.com/) has left a new comment on your post "What is Habitat? - Thrivent Builds with Habitat fo...":

Hello, everyone!

We're so Neanderthal in not climbing on board here! ;)

The line about UNESCO reminded me of my schooldays, when the UN popped up frequently in social studies class. The nuns loved it: 'This is about the UN, boys and girls -- the United Nations!'

As one lay teacher explained to me a couple of years ago: 'We didn't know then; it was all new and exciting.' She's such a good person (and conservative), as were the nuns (tho less conservative), but I think of all the thousands of kids they taught and how most of us hung on every word.

UN = a lot of good work for humanity.

We also all had the UNICEF trick or treat boxes for Hallowe'en (back in the late 1960s). Did we use them and hand them back in the next day with lots of loose change we'd collected? Yes. 'We didn't know then; it was all new and exciting.'

About Pachamama, I wrote a post on this last year which briefly addresses the business, religious and social aspects of this goddess's movement:

http://churchmousec.wordpress.com/2011/05/03/the-church-of-gaia-where-pachamama-and-industry-meet/

As for the religious bit, you'll see Roman Catholic nuns, Fordham University and Augsburg Fortress are waxing lyrical.

Also, Bron Taylor -- with an MA in Religious Ethics from Fuller (he teaches Religion and Nature at the University of Florida) says:

'a terrapolitan earth religion (or civil earth religion) is beginning to emerge, which is promoting kinship ethics ...'

(More at the link.)

Churchmouse

20% Off - Deadline, February 23rd

I just ordered some books on the current free shipping sale.

This new one appeared in email, so I ordered more at 20% off.

The banner ads do not cut into my revenue. Lulu offers the reductions to encourage new customers. Like many, I wait for the next offer to come along.

Free Martin Chemnitz Press PDFs are here, so you can look over each title first.

Success Kid Has Another Win. "Like Water Tossed on an Oil Fire," He Says.

2,400 today - like a boss.

Spare Me the Hosannas about Harrison Testifying in DC. ELCA Bishop Hanson and Mark Jeske Are Running the Show. Thrivent Financed Gay Ordination

PB Mark Hanson, ELCA
and PB Jefferts-Schori, Episcopal.
Thrivent supports Mark Hanson's agenda:
Hanson ordained Anita Hill.

I suggest looking over the profiles on the Thrivent Insurance board and figuring out how many members are ELCA. Quite a few. Some are Missouri, I imagine. Mark Jeske is nominal WELS.

Thrivent is a major source for funds in the ELCA, WELS, and LCMS. I am not sure of the smaller groups, but the money spent is a good investment for Thrivent. Why? Thrivent gives money in exchange for publicity, constant mention in bulletins and periodicals, and access to membership lists.

Your synodical  "Planned Giving Counselor" is an insurance agent, paid by Thrivent and also paid a commission to sell insurance products. Isn't it sweet when Thrivent donates money to send "Planned Giving Counselors" to your church? How charitable, to give a pittance in exchange for grabbing an estate or two.

Thrivent gives money to congregations like Parlow's WELS-Willowcreek operation.

Thrivent gives money to Leftist causes like Lutherans Concerned in North America. That particular lobby was instrumental in approving homosexual ordination in ELCA in 2009.

Daddy Jeske gave WELS the NIV.
Brother Tom is promoting the NNIV.
Mark Jeske is on the Thrivent board and exhorting  the church:
"Change or Die!"

Thrivent is behind the latest Change or Die! conference, managed by Thrivent board member Mark Jeske, and hosted by a Thrivent Insurance saleswoman.

Thrivent is giving a fortune for Habitat for Humanity, so it is no longer a "Lutheran" fraternal benefits society, plowing the money back into Lutheran congregations and causes.

Thrivent gave some WELSians money for a milk program run by the Salvation Army, Fox Valley, so any religion in a good religion for Thrivent.

Thrivent has the money and doles it out according to its Leftist, pan-religious, pro-abortion, gay-friendly agenda.

Those who have their little Thrivent chapters, as so many do, making a little money on the side, and get their little Thrivent matching funds, and hail the grants given their favorite causes - you are all working with ELCA and helping their agenda.

Anything said about LCMS or WELS being "conservative" is PR. The money men know it.

Goodsoil, ELCA. Megan is second from the right.
Thrivent made it happen.
Change or Die!

Megan got confetti and a magic wand wave
for his installation at HerChurch.
Thank you, Thrivent Insurance.
Change or Die!

GoodSoil at the ELCA convention.
They have a much better chance for a Thrivent grant
than a humble congregation in Mushroom Flats, Kansas.
LCNA has matching money from Thrivent:
that is why they are all smiling.

Megan can be seen in the large group photo above, third row the middle. Above him is Anita Hill, whose ordination by Mark Hanson helped propel Hanson into the job of ELCA Presiding Bishop.

HerChurch was once the mother church for all Augustana congregations in the West.
Thrivent Financial is there to support their ministry.
Change or Die!

Pastor Anita Hill's ordination was a turning point for Lutherdom
and for future Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson.
Anita is another happy, smiling Thrivent supporter.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/us/26lutheran.html

ELCA apologized and re-instated these ministers.
Change or Die!

Goodsoil, LCNA, and Thrivent

Mark A. Jeske - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Credit - The Smoking Gun.com

Mark A. Jeske - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans:


The Rev. Mark A. Jeske, Milwaukee, Wis., was appointed to the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Board of Directors in May 2011. He serves on several board committees.

A Milwaukee native, Jeske has served as senior pastor of St. Marcus Lutheran Church, an innercity congregation, since 1980. Today, St. Marcus is a thriving, multicultural congregation of more than 1,000 members. The congregation operates numerous outreach ministries, and its elementary school serving more than 400 students is nationally recognized for its Christ-centered focus and academic excellence.

Jeske has hosted the Time of Grace television program since November 2001. From just one station in Milwaukee, the program today is aired on more than 50 stations, numerous cable networks, five satellite channels, Armed Forces television and via the Internet.

Prior to becoming senior pastor of St. Marcus, Jeske spent a year in Colombia (South America) starting a mission church as part of his internship assignment while attending Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis. He also spent two years teaching at Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown, Wis., prior to beginning his ministry at St. Marcus.

Jeske has written a Bible commentary, more than two dozen daily devotional booklets and Time of Grace (Concordia Publishing House), a collection of 365 devotional messages. He is also an accomplished instrumentalist and passionate about understanding history and culture.

He and his wife, Carol, have four children and reside in Milwaukee.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/26/us/26lutheran.html

'via Blog this'

Mug File - Thrivent Board of Directors - From The Smoking Gun.com. Mark Jeske Is Now in Charge of Your Funds. ELCA. LCMS. WELS. ELS. CLC (sic).

Board Members

Brad Hewitt President and Chief Executive Officer
Kurt M. Senske Chair of the Board	Mark A. Jeske Board Member
Addie J. Butler Board Member	Kirk Farney Board Member
Frederick G. Kraegel Board Member	F. Mark Kuhlmann Board Member
Richard C. Lundell Board Member	Paul W. Middeke Board Member
Frank H. Moeller Board Member	Bonnie E. Raquet Board Member
Alice M. Richter Board Member	James H. Scott Board Member
Albert K. W. Siu Board Member	Allan R. Spies Board Member
Adrian M. Tocklin Board Member

Contact our Board of Directors

To contact the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Board of Directors, send a letter addressed to:

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Jimmy James has left a new comment on your post "Mark and Avoid Jeske Sits on the Thrivent Board:"I...": 

I see Mark is seated right next to the beloved Addie Butler. Yes, the same Addie Butler who started up the Delaware Chapter of 'Lutherans Concerned' and was also a VP in ELCA. 

What is 'Lutherans Concerned' you ask? Well....it's a homosexual advocacy organization for homosexual 'Lutherans'.

Oh! Did I mention that Thrivent for Lutherans (aka: 'The Lutheran Knights of Columbus') is in a business relationship with the folks at LC? Here's a couple of links:

http://www.lcna.org/lcna/donations

http://www.lcna.org/images/stories/downloads/evergreen_giving_form.pdf 

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Evergreen Giving allows you to support LC/NA by periodic withdrawals from your checking, savings, or credit card account. It helps us plan our revenue and meet our goals from a more predicable income stream. And you don't need to remember to write those checks each month! Just download and print the PDF authorization form, fill in the personal information and institutional donation sections, attach a voided check or savings deposit slip and mail it all to LC/NA, PO Box 4707, Saint Paul, MN 55104-0707.

Evergreen Giving utilizes the Simply Giving® program of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

"Simply Giving" is a registered trademark of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Quinquagesima Sunday. Matthew 6 - Treasures

Quinquagesima Sunday, 2012

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

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

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time

The Hymn #657               Beautiful Savior                    4:24

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 # 364               How Sweet the Name  4:18

Treasures

The Hymn # 304                             An Awful Mystery             4:6

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 # 462                 I Love Thy Kingdom                         4:21               

KJV Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? 18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. 19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:

KJV Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Quinquagesima Sunday

Lord God, heavenly Father, who didst manifest Thyself, with the Holy Ghost, in the fullness of grace at the baptism of Thy dear Son, and with Thy voice didst direct us to Him who hath borne our sins, that we might receive grace and the remission of sins: Keep us, we beseech Thee, in the true faith; and inasmuch as we have been baptized in accordance with Thy command, and the example of Thy dear Son, we pray Thee to strengthen our faith by Thy Holy Spirit, and lead us to everlasting life and salvation, through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Treasures

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

This Gospel lesson is especially appropriate, just before Lent. I laughed to read that the Roman Catholic Church got rid of the “gesima” names, because the Lutherans have followed the Church of Rome in this regard. But Rome has retained the names for the traditional Latin mass.

In other words, it is a matter of marketing for Rome. The Lutherans are like the businesses that build near a McDonad’s hamburger stand – the marketing has already been done for them.

The seasons of the church year developed through tradition, but they reflect the liturgy of true Judaism. Genuine Judaism is not another religion but the foundation and first proclamation of the Christian faith. All those who worshiped before the Incarnation had a chance to see the Christ in the Scriptures, from Genesis to the Psalms. Those who hear Judaism today also hear about Christ.

This lesson contrasts the works of man with the gifts of God. The first sentence is a humorous commentary on human behavior –

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Rare are those princely gifts which are donated in secret these days. Every clever university has categories of gifts, so someone can give in the measly category, the so-so category, and the Awesome category. Board members come from the Awesome list. It is a good way to network with others too, and to gain the respect of others.

17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Jesus points out that people engaged in real fasting would hide the fact from others, since it should not be done to gain the admiration of the public. Those who gain their rewards from man will not get them from the Father in heaven.

That teaches the concept of good works based on the Gospel rather than the Law. The Scriptures urge good works, but not to earn God’s favor, not to placate Him. Good works are the fruit of the Gospel; they flow from faith. Many people do good works without thinking of it, since everything done in faith glorifies God. The baby who nurses or soils his diaper is glorifying God, since he has faith through Holy Baptism.

This should not be downplayed or disdained, since this lesson wants us to focus on God’s wisdom rather than man’s vanity. There is a constant struggle to avoid worldly wisdom and instead listen to the teaching of Holy Spirit in the Word.

Some signs of that struggle are the clergy’s insistence that they  - and only they – can interpret the Word of God, because they have a degree in the field (only a learner’s permit) and have actually studied Greek. That would make every person in Athens a New Testament professor, since they are fluent in Greek. No?

And many play the role of clever politician – clergy and laymen alike – seeking the favor of man by rejecting the revealed wisdom of God.

But what the world loves, God despises. What God loves, the world despises. The ignored, forgotten minister in Mustard Flats, Kansas, faithfully teaching the Word, is far more important than the glorious hero of the media who is introducing his flock to various toxins, a little at a time.

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

The Moliners were comparing notes about our last reunion. Two of the ladies got out their class rings, after 45 years, and lost them in the festivities. They marveled about how they kept them all that time and managed to lose them in such a short time.

I pointed out what someone recently said, “Everything we own will belong to someone else in the future.”

So I added that other things have far more value.

These words of Jesus should bear down upon us each day, as Law to show us the temporary nature of material things, but as Gospel to remind us of what lasts.

Every single thing we own – owns us. If we really love one particular object, that object has a grip on us. There is nothing wrong with loving art, or clothes, or books, or any other delight God gives us. Jesus is not saying, “Give it all away, wear a long face, and be a monk.”

He is saying, “Do not pile up those things which are temporary anyway. The fact of corruption and theft is reason enough to look elsewhere.

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

I had a favorite woolen shirt, which we stored in the apartment house’s storage room, a rather bizarre place full of antique furniture and boxes. When we got out our possessions, moths had eaten holes all through the wool, rendering it impossible to fix.

This metaphor is impossible to forget. Treasures in heaven do not share in three-way decay:

1. Vermin cannot destroy them.
2. Rust cannot consume them.
3. Thieves cannot steal them.

These treasures are often mentioned in the Book of Concord. Later I will look up the treasure quotations and post them. Below are many of the best quotations about the efficacy of the Word, which is openly rejected by many so-called Lutherans today.

The treasures are the Promises of God – not only justification by faith, forgiveness through Christ, but also all those blessings and comforting messages through the Word.

All the assurances of God’s love are treasures. Every passage that begins with “do not be afraid” also includes those reasons why we should not fear.

The passages about the cross are treasures too, because they are the truth of God’s order, the truth our Old Adam loathes. However, the New Creation (faith sparked by the efficacy of the Gospel) blesses the cross. The ultimate expression of the cross is a believer accepting death as a blessing. Uncle Roy, who served n WWII, told his hospital staff, “I don’t want any more treatment. I will be with Jesus soon.” And he died in peace, not in fear or doubt (unlike media heroes Paul Tillich and Pope Pius XII).

The Gospel that comforts us also brings out the worst in apostates. Unbelievers seldom care. There is no more certain mark of the apostate than a loathing and persecution of the Gospel. Since that happens within the visible church, the immediate effect is especially difficult to bear. But that is why it is called “The Cross” rather than “The Bother.”

In time, we see the apostates reacting against the cross as their blessing upon the pure Word of God. What they cannot comprehend (although they say the words at times) they do not want others to have. They give themselves away, as our pets do. When there is a mess in the house, I look around and find a dog watching me. I have learned that a word is not even necessary. I simply point toward the evidence (which cannot be seen, given our home’s construction). The dog slinks down and creeps away. “The guilty runs when no one pursues.” Likewise, the apostate raves when someone teaches the Gospel. And no one does the holier-than-thou routine better than the apostate.

Chytraeus was one of the great genius theologians of the Lutheran Reformation, overlooked today. He said wisely that one proof of teaching the pure Word was “opposition.” So the cross is good.

Even family tensions are part of God’s plan, because questions make people study the Word, on both sides.

Quotations

"Is it not a limitation of God's sovreignty and power to affirm that these acts are accomplished only through means? Theology does not deal with divine possibilities, but with what God has revealed concerning Himself and His various forms of activity. Not only have we no promise of His intervention otherwise, but He constantly turns us away from any expectation of such aid to the simple means, in and through which He promises to be always found with His entire efficacy."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 265.       

"But in extraordinary cases, does He not dispense with means? Even there, means are employed; but in an extraordinary way. At Pentecost the multitudes were converted through the Word, although this Word was given under extraordinary conditions and circumstances, just as the multitudes in the wilderness were sustained not without bread, but with bread furnished in an extraordinary manner."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 266.        

"Spirit and Word, or Word and Spirit are never separated."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 271.   

"Is it the office of the Word simply to afford directions that are to be followed in order to obtain salvation? It is more than a directory and guide to Christ. It does more than 'give directions how to live.' It brings and communicates the grace concerning which it instructs. It has an inherent and objective efficacy, derived from its divine institution and promise, and explained by the constant presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in and with it. Romans 1:16; John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23; Matthew 4:4; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 10:5-10; Isaiah 55:10."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 288.      Chapter Four.

"What testimony is given to the presence of the Holy Spirit in and with the Word? The words of Scripture are repeatedly cited as the words of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:16, 28:25; Hebrew 3:7; Psalm 10:15."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 288f.

"'When the Word is read at home it is not as fruitful or as forcible as in public preaching and through the mouth of the preacher whom God has called for this purpose.' (Luther, Erlangen edition, 3:401)."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 290. 

"'The Word is in itself the living seed of regeneration; the hand which does the sowing can add to it no further efficacy.' (Philippi, V, 2:15)."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 291.  

"Is the success of preaching as a means of grace conditioned by the observance of similar principles by the preacher? Undoubtedly. For it is not preaching itself, but the Word as preached which is a means of grace. This demands not only that nothing be preached but what comes directly or indirectly from Holy Scripture, but also that the contents of Holy Scripture be preached in due proportion and in the proper order."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 293.       

"The New Testament is the inerrant record of the revelation of Jesus Christ in word and deed, and of the truths and principles proceeding, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, from that revelation. The Old Testament is in like manner an inerrant record, having the express and often repeated testimony and authority of Christ, of the preparatory and partial revelations made concerning Him before His coming. Hebrews 1:1."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, J-29 p. 3. Hebrews 1:1.       

"For it is not the sacramental action, but the Word that accompanies the action, which communicates saving grace; and this Word received, not by the body, but by the heart and mind, so as to awaken faith. Without faith, 'sine bono motu utentis,' no benefit is received from the Sacraments." Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 319. "When the efficacy of Word and Sacraments encounters man's unbelief and persistent resistance, their efficacy is not destroyed; but it is transformed from an efficacy of grace to one of judgment (2 Corinthians 2:16; 1 Corinthians 11:29)."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 320.

"'The more purely the Word of God is preached in a Church, and the nearer the preaching and doctrine comes to the norm of the Holy Scripture, the purer will be the Church; the further it recedes from the rule of the Word, the more impure and corrupt will be the Church.' (Gerhard)"

Henry Eyster Jacobs, A Summary of the Christian Faith, Philadelphia: General Council Publication House, 1913, p. 383f.

"Nor even does the efficacy of the Word depend upon man's faith. Faith is always necessary to the reception of the efficacy, but not to its presence. There is no lack of efficacy in the medicine which is not taken by the patient. If his symptoms grow worse, he could not tell his physician that there was no efficacy in the prescription."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, Elements of Religion, Philadelphia, Board of Publication, General Council 1919 p. 154. 1 Thessalonians 2:13        

"The efficacy of the Word, unlike that of the seed, always has a result. The man to whom the Word of God comes, and who repels it, is not as he was before. Where long and persistently refused, hardening at last comes, Exodus 8:15; 9:12; John 12:40; Hebrews 4:1, and the Word becomes a 'savor of death unto death,' 2 Corinthians 2:16. Every word heard or read, every privilege and opportunity enjoyed, leaves its impress either for good or for evil. It is not so properly the Word, as man's abuse of the Word; not so much the efficacy of the Word, as the sin taking occasion of the efficacy that produces this result, Romans 7:8."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, Elements of Religion, Philadelphia, Board of Publication, General Council 1919 J-220 p. 155. Exodus 8:15; 9:12; John 12:40; Hebrews 4:1; 2 Corinthians 2:16; Romans 7:8. Chapter Four.   

"Thus the Holy Spirit works only through the Word. But the Word of the Gospel comes to man in two different modes."

Henry Eyster Jacobs, Elements of Religion, Philadelphia, Board of Publication, General Council 1919 p. 161.  

"There is no efficacy or value in a sacrament, except as it is an organ for applying the Word...The Word outside of and the Word within the Sacrament, are equally precious and efficacious. Nor can any contrast be made concerning different forms of efficacy, as though the Word without an element had a different effect to accomplish within the economy of grace from the Word when joined with the element." [Note Apology - "The effect of the Word and of the rite is the same, as it has been well said by Augustine that a Sacrament is 'a visible Word.'" p. 276]

Henry Eyster Jacobs, Elements of Religion, Philadelphia, Board of Publication, General Council 1919 p. 162.

"The Law of God is good and wise And sets His will before our eyes, Shows us the way of righteousness, And dooms to death when we transgress. (2) Its light of holiness imparts The knowledge of our sinful hearts That we may see our lost estate And seek deliverance ere too late."

Matthias Loy, 1863, "The Law of God Is Good and Wise," The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941, J-136 Hymn #295. Psalm 19:8.        

"The Gospel shows the Father's grace, Who sent His Son to save our race, Proclaims how Jesus lived and died That man might thus be justified. (2) It sets the Lamb before our eyes, Who made the atoning sacrifice, And calls the souls with guilt opprest To come and find eternal rest. (3) It brings the Savior's righteousness Our souls to robe in royal dress; From all our guilt it brings release And gives the troubled conscience peace. (4) It is the power of God to save From sin and Satan and the grace; It works the faith, which firmly clings To all the treasures which it brings. (5) It bears to all the tidings glad And bids their hearts no more be sad; The heavy laden souls it cheers And banishes their guilty fears."

Matthias Loy, 1863, "The Gospel Shows the Father's Grace" The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941, Hymn #297. John 3:16.

(1)   "An aweful mystery is here To challenge faith and waken fear: The Savior comes as food divine, Concealed in earthly bread and wine. (2) This world is loveless--but above, What wondrous boundlessness of love! The King of Glory stoops to me My spirit's life and strength to be. (3) In consecrated wine and bread No eye perceives the mystery dread; But Jesus' words are strong and clear: 'My body and My blood are here.' (4) How dull are all the powers of sense Employed on proofs of love immense! The richest food remains unseen, And highest gifts appear--how mean! (5) But here we have no boon on earth, And faith alone discerns its worth. The Word, not sense, must be our guide, And faith assure since sight's denied."

Matthias Loy, 1880, "An Aweful Mystery Is Here" The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941, Hymn #304. 1 Corinthians 11:23. 

"So confident now should every preacher be, and not doubt, that possesses and preaches God's Word, that he could even die for it, since it is worth life to us. Now there is no man so holy that he needs to die for the doctrine he has taught concerning himself. Therefore one concludes from this that the apostles had assurance from God that their Gospel was God's Word. And here is is also proved that the Gospel is nothing else than the preaching of Christ."

Martin Luther, Commentary on Peter and Jude, ed. John N. Lenker, Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1990, p. 245. 2 Peter 1:16-18.      

"Besides, it is an exceedingly effectual help against the devil, the world, and the flesh and all evil thoughts to be occupied with the Word of God, and to speak of it, and meditate upon it, so that the First Psalm declares those blessed who meditate upon the Law of God day and night. Undoubtedly, you will not start a stronger incense or other fumigation against the devil than by being engaged upon God's commandments and words, and speaking, singing, or thinking of them. For this is indeed the true holy water and holy sign from which he flees, and by which he may be driven away."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #10, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, J-110 p. 570f.     

"Now, for this reason alone you ought gladly to read, speak, think and treat of these things, if you had no other profit and fruit from them than that by doing so you can drive away the devil and evil thoughts. For he cannot hear or endure God's Word; and God's Word is not like some other silly prattle, as that about Dietrich of Berne, etc., but as St. Paul says, Romans 1:16, the power of God which gives the devil burning pain, and strengthens, comforts, and helps us beyond measure."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #11, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 002 p. 571 Romans 1:16.     

"And what need is there of many words? If I were to recount all the profit and fruit which God's Word produces, whence would I get enough paper and time? The devil is called the master of a thousand arts. But what shall we call God's Word, which drives away and brings to naught this master of a thousand arts with all his arts and power? It must indeed be the master of more than a hundred thousand arts. And shall we frivolously despise such power, profit, strength, and fruit--we, especially, who claim to be pastors and preachers? If so, we should not only have nothing given us to eat, but be driven out, being baited with dogs, and pelted with dung, because we not only need all this every day as we need our daily bread, but must also daily use it against the daily and unabated attacks and lurking of the devil, the master of a thousand arts."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #12, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 003 p. 571. Chapter 4. 

"Since, therefore, so much depends upon God's Word that without it no holy day can be sanctified, we must know that God insists upon a strict observance of this commandment, and will punish all who despise His Word and are not willing to hear and learn it, especially at the time appointed for the purpose."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #95, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 007 p. 607. Exodus 20:8-11.      

 "Note, therefore, that the force and power of this commandment lies not in the resting, but in the sanctifying, so that to this day belongs a special holy exercise. For other works and occupations are not properly called holy exercises, unless the man himself be first holy. But here a work is to be done by which man is himself made holy, which is done (as we have heard) alone through God's Word. For this, then, fixed places, times, persons, and the entire external order of worship have been created and appointed, so that it may be publicly in operation."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #94, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 006 p. 607. Exodus 20:8-11.    

"On the contrary, any observance or work that is practised without God's Word is unholy before God, no matter how brilliantly it may shine, even though it be covered with relics, such as the fictitious spiritual orders, which know nothing of God's Word and seek holiness in their own works."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #93, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 005 p. 607. Exodus 20:8-11.       

"For the Word of God is the sanctuary above all sanctuaries, yea, the only one which we Christians know and have. For though we had the bones of all the saints or all holy and consecrated garments upon a heap, still that would help us nothing; for all that is a dead thing which can sanctify nobody. But God's Word is the treasure which sanctifies everything, and by which even all the saints themselves were sanctified. At whatever hour, then, God's Word is taught, preached, heard, read or meditated upon, there the person, day, and work are sanctified thereby, not because of the external work, but because of the Word, which makes saints of us all. Therefore I constantly say that all our life and work must be ordered according to God's Word, if it is to be God-pleasing or holy. Where this is done, this commandment is in force and being fulfilled."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #91-2, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 004 p. 607. Exodus 20:8-11.

"For these words are not inoperative or dead, but creative, living words. And even though no other interest or necessity impel us, yet this ought to urge every one thereunto, because thereby the devil is put to flight and driven away, and, besides, this commandment is fulfilled, and [this exercise in the Word] is more pleasing to God than any work of hypocrisy, however brilliant."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #102, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 012 p. 609. Exodus 20:8-11.       

"For let me tell you this, even though you know it perfectly and be already master in all things, still you are daily in the dominion of the devil, who ceases neither day nor night to steal unawares upon you, to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against the foregoing and all the commandments. Therefore you must always have God's Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle, and the Word does not sound, he breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware.  On the other hand, such is the efficacy of the Word, whenever it is seriously contemplated, heard, and used, that it is bound never to be without fruit, but always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness, and produces a pure heart and pure thoughts."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #100-1, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 011 p. 609. Exodus 20:8-11. 

"Likewise those fastidious spirits are to be reproved who, when they have heard a sermon or two, find it tedious and dull, thinking that they know all that well enough, and need no more instruction. For just that is the sin which has been hitherto reckoned among mortal sins, and is called akedia, i. e., torpor or satiety, a malignant, dangerous plague with which the devil bewitches and deceives the hearts of many, that he may surprise us and secretly withdraw God's Word from us."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #99, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 010 p. 609. Exodus 20:8-11.      

"Know, therefore, that you must be concerned not only about hearing, but also about learning and retaining it in memory, and do not think that it is optional with you of no great importance, but that it is God's commandment, who will require of you how you have heard, learned, and honored His Word."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #98, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 009 p. 609. Exodus 20:8-11.        

"Therefore not only those sin against this commandment who grossly misuse and desecrate the holy day, as those who on account of their greed or frivolity neglect to hear God's Word or lie in taverns and are dead drunk like swine; but also that other crowd, who listen to God's Word as to any other trifle, and only from custom come to preaching, and go away again, and at the end of the year know as little of it as at the beginning. For hitherto the opinion prevailed that you had properly hallowed Sunday when you had heard a mass or the Gospel read; but no one cared for God's Word, as also no one taught it. Now, while we have God's Word, we nevertheless do not correct the abuse; we suffer ourselves to be preached to and admonished, but we listen without seriousness and care."

The Large Catechism, Preface, #96-7, The Third Commandment, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, 008 p. 609. Exodus 20:8-11.  

"For let me tell you this, even though you know it perfectly and be already master in all things, still you are daily in the dominion of the devil, who ceases neither day nor night to steal unawares upon you, to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against the foregoing and all the commandments. Therefore you must always have God's Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle, and the Word does not sound, he breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware. On the other hand, such is the efficacy of the Word, whenever it is seriously contemplated, heard, and used, that it is bound never to be without fruit, but always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness, and produces a pure heart and pure thoughts. For these words are not inoperative or dead, but creative, living words."

The Large Catechism, #100, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 609.  

"Therefore it is not a Christian Church either; for where Christ is not preached, there is no Holy Ghost who creates, calls, and gathers the Christian Church, without which no one can come to Christ our Lord. Let this suffice concerning the sum of this article."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #45, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 689.

"For where He does not cause it to be preached and made alive in the heart, so that it is understood, it is lost, as was the case under the Papacy, where faith was entirely put under the bench, and no one recognized Christ as his Lord or the Holy Ghost as his Sanctifier, that is, no one believed that Christ is our Lord in the sense that He has acquired this treasure for us, without our works and merit, and made us acceptable to the Father. What, then, was lacking? This, that the Holy Ghost was not there to reveal it and cause it to be preached; but men and evil spirits were there, who taught us to obtain grace and be saved by our works."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #43-44, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 689.     

"For, in the first place, He [the Holy Ghost] has a peculiar congregation in the world, which is the mother that begets and bears every Christian through the Word of God, which He reveals and preaches, [and through which] He illumines and enkindles hearts, that they understand, accept it, cling to it, and persevere in it."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #42, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 689.        

 "For neither you nor I could ever know anything of Christ, or believe on Him, and obtain Him for our Lord, unless it were offered to us and granted to our hearts by the Holy Ghost through the preaching of the Gospel. The work is done and accomplished; for Christ has acquired and gained the treasure for us by His suffering, death, resurrection, etc. But if the work remained concealed so that no one knew of it, then it would be in vain and lost. That this treasure, therefore, might not lie buried, but be appropriated and enjoyed, God has caused the Word to go forth and be proclaimed, in which He gives the Holy Ghost to bring this treasure home and appropriate it to us. Therefore sanctifying is nothing else than bringing us to Christ to receive this good, to which could not attain ourselves."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #38, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 689.   

"For now we are only half pure and holy, so that the Holy Ghost has ever [some reason why] to continue His work in us through the Word, and daily to dispense forgiveness, until we attain to that life where there will be no more forgiveness, but only perfectly pure and holy people, full of godliness and righteousness, removed and free from sin, death, and all evil, in a new, immortal, and glorified body."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #58, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693.        

"But outside of this Christian Church, where the Gospel is not, there is no forgiveness, as also there can be no holiness [sanctification]. Therefore all who seek and wish to merit holiness [sanctification], not through the Gospel and forgiveness of sin, but by their works, have expelled and severed themselves [from this Church]."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #56, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693.         

"Everything, therefore, in the Christian Church is offered to the end that we shall daily obtain there nothing but the forgiveness of sin through the Word and signs, to comfort and encourage our consciences as long as we live here. Thus, although we have sins, the [grace of the] Holy Ghost does not allow them to injure us, because we are in the Christian Church, where there is nothing but [continuous, uninterrupted] forgiveness of sin, both in that God forgives us, and in that we forgive, bear with, and help each other."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #55, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693.       

"We further believe that in this Christian Church we have forgiveness of sin, which is wrought through the holy Sacraments and Absolution, moreover, through all manner of consolatory promises of the entire Gospel. Therefore, whatever is to be preached, concerning the Sacraments belongs here, and in short, the whole Gospel and all the offices of Christianity, which also must be preached and taught without ceasing. For although the grace of God is secured through Christ, and sanctification is wrought by the Holy Ghost through the Word of God in the unity of the Christian Church, yet on account of our flesh which we bear about with us we are never without sin."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #54, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693.     

"I am also a part and member of the same, a sharer and joint owner of all the goods it possesses, brought to it and incorporated into it by the Holy Ghost by having heard and continuing to hear the Word of God, which is the beginning of entering it. For formerly, before we had attained to this, we were altogether of the devil, knowing nothing of God and of Christ. Thus, until the last day, the Holy Ghost abides with the holy congregation or Christendom, by means of which He fetches us to Christ and which He employs to teach and preach to us the Word, whereby He works and promotes sanctification, causing it [this community] daily to grow and become strong in the faith and its fruits which He produces."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #53, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693.    

"Behold, all this is to be the office and work of the Holy Ghost, that He begin and daily increase holiness upon earth by means of these two things, the Christian Church and the forgiveness of sin. But in our dissolution He will accomplish it altogether in an instant, and will forever preserve us therein by the last two parts."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #59, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 693f.          

"Therefore we believe in Him who through the Word daily brings us into the fellowship of this Christian Church, and through the same Word and the forgiveness of sins bestows, increases, and strengthens faith, in order that when He has accomplished it all, and we abide therein, and die to the world and to all evil, He may finally make us perfectly and forever holy; which now we expect in faith through the Word."

The Large Catechism, The Creed, Article III, #62, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 695.