New Rough Installment - Walther, the American Calvin - A Synod Build on Felonies

Pietism, Good and Bad

Pietism was a reaction against the dry, philosophical, and belligerent arguments of Calvinists against Lutherans. This period of time is unfortunately called Orthodoxy, and its Lutheran authors are called Orthodox Lutherans, a misleading term. The best of Biblical theology took place during the Reformation – the German Reformation. The movements in other countries were called reformations but they were secondary and often at odds with the Reformation itself.

The Reformation included Luther, Melanchthon, Andreae, Chemnitz, Chytraeus, Selnecker, and finally Gerhard, who was late and yet worked with Chemnitz on the Harmonies. Afterwards, the Lutheran authors became influenced to some degree by the non-Lutherans. Orthodoxy became what Luther warned against, a return to elaborate dogmatic arguments using Latin terminology, far removed from the Scriptures.

Spener caught the spirit of the times by emphasizing individual piety, Biblical study, prayer, and good works. His worst mistakes, which came from his ecumenical outlook, were the promotion of the cell group and the demotion of doctrinal correction. Spener was truly an ecumenical theologian, so popular that no one dared to criticize him directly.

The Twin Monsters

The cell group, now universally promoted by the LCMS-WELS-ELS, is the cow bird egg laid in the Lutheran nest. As ornithologists know, the cow bird avoids the hard work of nest-building. Instead, she lays her egg in another’s nest. The baby hatches early and the other eggs are destroyed. The adoptive mother raises a cow bird, not her own children. Thus we have the “conservative” Lutherans criticizing Pietism at every opportunity while foolishly promoting Pietism in its cell group programs, largely copied by the Calvinists teaching at Fuller Seminary. Cell groups are also quite popular among the Pentecostals, charismatics, and Roman Catholics.

Cell group members consider themselves to be the Real Church. The congregation exists only to serve as a host and gathering place for the cell groups.

The existence of a cell group, especially one led by laity, is certainly going to be unLutheran and anti-Lutheran. Cell group material is generated by cell group leaders, by many denominations, and they are energized by a spirit of all faith confessions being equal. One cell group promoting pastor – a conservative Lutheran - said of his congregation, “I don’t care what they are studying, but they must be in a cell group.” He was notorious for copying his sermons verbatim from other denominations and posting them on the Net as his own.

When I warned one woman against attending a “Lutheran” cell group, she became angry. I said, “Ask more about infant faith and infant baptism,” which was being discussed. That Lutheran cell group leader refused to let anyone discuss infant baptism, which she opposed. She closed the discussion by saying, “I am in charge here.”

Walther Myth – Against Cell Groups

CFW Walther and his older brother were involved in cell groups from the beginning. In the rationalistic church of their father, they felt a need for something closer to the Bible. Their university training was largely rationalistic and Pietists were called “mystics,” a derogatory term.

The Walther circle consisted of men who gathered in a cell group and were led by two Pietistic gurus. The first one was very strict; he moved away and died. They looked for another Pietistic leader and affiliated with Pastor Martin Stephan, Dresden. The Stephanite escape to America makes no sense apart from the unified sense they gained from their cell group identification.

Being a Pietist in a rationalistic state church gave them unity in being a minority, a persecuted minority. They were refused divine calls and in some cases refused to accept one.

Even the Weeds Are Parched - No Rain Yet. Is That Thunder or My Stomach Rumbling?

California Dreamin' Rose

Our weather reports seem to be what we want and need, but not what we get. I see days filled in with rain symbols, but nothing so far. "Midnight will be our storm," I told Mrs. Ichabod.

"Nothing happened," as ELDONA and WELS like to say.

Poke Weed plants have drooped so badly, they look like they have been sprayed. I kept our pet Poke going with mulch and extra rainwater. It branches out gracefully with berries for the birds. Apart from the very late Beauty Berries and Crepe Myrtle seeds, we are low on natural food.

So why is the Rose Garden not dead? some ask.

1. The garden has been mulched with cyprus, leaves, and cardboard for years. Organic matter stores moisture.
2. A lively soil population is involved in a constant exchange of water and minerals as generations grow and die. Tiny critters are storage units for plant nutrition and hydration.
3. Fungus is the main route for exchanging carbon from the plants to give plants nutrition and water.
4. Deep roots take water much lower for storage.
5. I save rainwater and put it on needy plants.
6. I use the sprinklers to supplement.

All I need to do is follow what God established in the Six-Day Creation. Every creature and plant has a purpose. If I let them do their work, my work is largely done. I do not need to till the soil. I can provide soil improvements by keeping the dead leaves and borrowing my neighbor's. Insect pests are thwarted by beneficial insects

• feeding their young with the bad bugs, 
• by spiders, and 
• by companion planting.

The worst part of August, now departing, is the heat that shortens the bloom life of the roses. They open and wilt fast. However, autumn rains may leverage their maturity and extra care. 

Each rose will get its collar of cardboard (egg crate egg holders, cardboard boxes) and fresh mulch, either cyprus, peat humus, or both. This eliminates weed competition and allows the few strands vying for sunlight to get snipped.

Contrite and humble, I will consider what I did wrong in 2020 and improve the results, though I only do .0000001% of the work.

The weather will be cooler, making pruning and harvesting the flowers a lot more fun.

 Red Knock Out Rose on a Lincoln Town Car hood


Lo! - Boomage

The moment I posted this on Facebook - BOOM! I looked outside and saw heavy rain in the darkness, lit by our big backyard light (LED, seldom on). I stepped into the rain to kick more cans into the waterfall from the roof!

Philippines - Bethany Lutheran Rice Mission. It's Going To Be a Rice Day

 Is anyone else hungry for some rice dishes? Rice Krispies?

Lutheran Cowboys - Philippines

Despite the difficulties of travelling due to strict checkpoints and endless permits,  the rice donated by Bishop Gregory L. Jackson and his friends  finally arrived and was distributed in the mountain. 

Thanks to our friends for caring and sending rice to our members who are in need of food during these trying times.

Last week, unfortunate things happened because one jeep travelling from the city fell in a very high cliff. One died, however; a miracle still happened because most of the passengers survived and are now recovering. Five Lutheran members [from another congregation] were included in that accident. We ask everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters for their fast recovery. Hoping to visit them soon if weather and my health condition is okay.

I am planning to go home to distribute rice also to my relatives and to preach the Gospel too.  I should have traveled today but I felt sick and the weather is not favorable this time. 

God bless to all the donors and more power to Bishop Jackson.

***

September Is Rice Month

"NATIONAL RICE MONTH

We celebrate National Rice Month throughout the entire month September. With over 40,000 kinds that grow on every continent, except on Antarctica, we have 30 days to discover as many varieties as possible!

Rice is the oldest known food still consumed today. Rice was first grown about 130 million years ago in the south-eastern part of Asia.  The Chinese word for rice is the same word used for food. However, rice is more than food; it’s part of the national culture. Many cultural customs date back to the days of wet rice cultivation. The historic commitment to group harmony is a predominate custom of the original culture for communal rice cultivation. In China, young girls are told that they must eat all the rice on their plate because each grain of rice represents a pockmark on the face of their future husband!  Interestingly, Chinese and Japanese heritage both cultivate rice as a part of their culture.

Rice-n-Roll

Rice is the second highest grain produced worldwide after maize (corn). Nearly 85% of rice consumed in the U.S. is grown domestically is six states: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. Rice is a complex carb, low in fat, making it very healthy to eat!

There are four types of rice and each is different from one another:

• White rice is the most common and the inferior rice of the four. So, unlike other rice varieties, white rice has little nutrients, making it the least healthy.
• Brown rice is a whole grain rice rich in thiamine, iron, and zinc. Because of this, brown rice has a chewy texture and gives a fuller feeling after eating.
• Black rice full of rich nutty, earthy flavors. Interestingly, scientists classify black rice as a different species from white and brown rice. On a nutritional level, black rice is an excellent choice for diabetics, as it has a very low glycemic index.
• Red rice is similar to black rice on the nutrient scale, except it provides more antioxidants to the body. The antioxidants found in red rice attribute to the rich red color of the rice.

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are several ways to celebrate National Rice Month. Preparing some jambalaya, fried rice or rice pudding for the family is a great way to celebrate at the kitchen table! While shopping for rice, look at what varieties available. Mix and match to create your own delight!

Use #NationalRiceMonth in social media correspondence.

HISTORY

U.S.A. Rice designated September National Rice Month to encourage the use of the small but mighty grain in our daily dining."

The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 2020. Mark 7:31-37

The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 2020

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

https://video.ibm.com/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central  Daylight Time

The Hymn #175                When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (Hamburg)

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

Almighty and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true and laudable service, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so faithfully serve Thee in this life that we fail not finally to attain Thy heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

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 #126             Arise and Shine in Splendor

 Miracles, Faith, and Love        

The Communion Hymn #297    The Gospel Shows the Father's Grace - Loy          

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 Closing Hymn #123                       Our God Our Help   

 Norma A. Boeckler

In Our Prayers and Announcements

• Andrea Anderson's second birthday is next Sunday.
• Active treatment - Mary Howell, Randy Anderson, Christina Jackson, Rush Limbaugh
• Diagnosis - Kermit Way, Pastor Jim Shrader
• God's blessings on the Philippine Rice Mission with Pastor Palangyos
• Those recovering from Hurricane Laura and storms in the South and Iowa.

                        

Norma A. Boeckler

KJV 2 Corinthians 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

KJV Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. 33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. 35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. 36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it; 37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Twelfth Sunday After Trinity

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast created all things: We thank Thee that Thou hast given us sound bodies, and hast graciously preserved our tongues and other members from the power of the adversary: We beseech Thee, grant us Thy grace, that we may rightly use our ears and tongues; help us to hear Thy word diligently and devoutly, and with our tongues so to praise and magnify Thy grace, that no one shall be offended by our words, but that all may be edified thereby, 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.

Luther on the Epistle text - Here

Luther’s Sermon on the Gospel text - Here

Background for the Gospel Lesson, Mark 7:31-37

Medical doctors may have a better grasp of miracles than others, since they experience them, beyond all hope. I told our MD-PhD friend at Yale Medical School that certain theologians would not believe a miracle happened unless it could be reproduced in a lab. Dr. Wenger said, "That is the very definition of a miracle - it cannot be reproduced in a lab!"

The Gospels clearly connect the miracles of Jesus with His divine Word. The miracles demonstrated to the disciples and the crowds His divinity. His teaching of the Word had a powerful effect, and still does, and His miracles gave thousands a concrete example of what the Word can do.

Paul wrote specifically about the efficacy of the preached Word. 

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

The Word itself has the power to change people forever, the miracles encourage us to consider how much God can do and how quickly He can accomplish His will.

Miracles, Faith, and Love

KJV Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

This Gospel lesson is an example of faith and love, how the two go together. Our world is saturated with talk of love without faith. When that prevails, it is sanctimony - a pose of holiness based upon certain criteria at the moment. That cannot be true love for others, because the good fruit only grows on good trees - faith. That would be clear to a country where most people raise their own food, but it is less obvious for those who think of food as sections in the grocery store.

We have Butterfly Bushes, which are known for shade and attracting butterflies. I looked at one and it seemed to be something else. Right in the midst of the genuine branches was a hardy, six-foot Mimosa, looking very much like its surroundings but not quite. I despaired of pulling it out, so I went to the base and cut it there.

So many came to Jesus that sometimes He had to stay away from the crowds. Why did they come to Him from all over? They heard His words of mercy and forgiveness through faith in Him. They saw Him heal others, and great multitudes were fed where no supply of food was available. 

I read a classic book called the Sand Arabs, about a British man who lived among the Arabs in the driest, most empty part of the world. Many suffered from eye problems, so they came to him from all over to be treated with his salves. He did not do this as a requirement of his job. He was filled with wonder about the needs of these people. Anyone with dry eyes from glaucoma or allergies can imagine how much that relief meant to those who flocked to him.

In this case, the man was deaf and could not speak well, so he could not easily find his way to be healed, so certain people took him, based upon their faith in Jesus and their love for him as a friend or relative.

They begged Jesus to lay His hands on their deaf friend. That phase alone unites their faith in the Savior with their kindness toward their friend. Who knows exactly how this came about! The land was filled with stories about Jesus' spiritual and healing power. He was the ultimate Sower and the Seed, planting faith in the hearts of many and seeing the fruits of faith spring up many times over.

Faith in Jesus is so powerful that it shoves aside the evil and temptations of this world. God scorns what the unbelieving world covets. And the unbelieving world scorns what delights God. Jesus says very clearly in John - God loves those who love His Son. This by itself is a great blessing and teaches us that we are surrounded by the power and goodness of God. Then we have the spiritual vision and wisdom to discern between good and evil, right and wrong, love and sanctimony (holier-than-thou fake love). 

The scorn, insults, and even vendettas of the unbelievers are only proofs of their hatred of faith in Christ. The worst of it comes from those who strike the pose of religious experts. But their faces twist in mirth when they hear someone express sincere faith in the Scriptures. They say something like, "I used to be like that, in Sunday School! But I grew up."

What chance did this man have, since he could not hear and could not express himself? His life was nothing but frustration and humiliation from those who mocked him and treated him as worthless. Our sainted member in a wheelchair said, "People think I know nothing because I am in a wheelchair. That is how I reported a number of crimes to the police. People acted like I was not there or not able to understand, even when they were busted for their crimes." That was a real burden for someone so bright, to feel the scorn and hear the ignorant words of those who lacked faith and love.

33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

"Oho!" say the rationalists. "Here is Mark treating Jesus as a magician. That is something we can call historically accurate." Yes, there are lots of contradictions among the rationalists there, and the scorn leads people to feel squeamish about this miracle. 

1. Jesus took the man aside from the multitude. He lived in a world of confusion, and the crowd was bound to wave, shout, and make faces at him. I have experienced that in group photos. Everyone wants to help and it distracts everyone, without any special problems.
2. Jesus put His fingers into the man's ears. Since the man could not hear, this was an indication of what Jesus was going to do. Likewise, we know from the words that we are justified by faith in Him alone, but the visible Gospel of baptism and communion make that real visually and in our sense.
3. and Jesus spit, and touched his tongue; this is the other indication - Jesus would heal the man's speech problem. Someone who never heard properly would have problems shaping his words, a delicate matter for brain-to-voice coordination. Anyone who has made a verbal slip - and I know this well - realizes how delicate this connection is.

The isolation from the crowd made it clear that this is Jesus' miracle alone, not to be mixed with someone else saying, "I did it." Or - "The man did it alone." 

Miracles are very important, and they should dwell on our minds just as much now as then - perhaps more. We are too willing to grant all power to science when we still profess that we do believe God is in charge of all things, and always for the good.

34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. 35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

The man suffered all his life and felt a great blessing from being relieved of his maladies, which made him no less a leper than the lepers were, outcast, lonely, ridiculed.

God's miracles are abundant, and we should trust in them and see how He chooses to work. How many miracles do we need to realize they can happen at any time and in the most remarkable way? We pray for others because we know God intervenes and helps, often beyond all human reason and science.

Meanwhile, the everyday miracles should be treasured as well. Baptism places the Gospel Word in our hearts and seals us as members of God's Kingdom. Holy Communion is receiving the body and blood of Christ in the common elements of bread and wine.

They are symbols, true, but more than symbols. They are the active work of the Word in visible form. 

Today Sassy and I walked out route and saw how Ranger's Bob lawn was brown from the drought. We do not water lawns in our neighborhood, so we see bare clay appear in some places - like our backyard former lawn, which was once solid clover.

On our walk, I looked at the house being fixed up, where no one had watered anything for weeks and saw color. Can that be? We walked over and saw three roses in bloom, three more than the entire Jackson Rose Farm. One was perfect and two were starting to fade. 

Notice that Jesus spoke the divine Word - "Be opened!" Whatever is not, can be, through the Word. The Logos spoke the Word in Creation and nothing was made apart from Him, Jesus, the Logos.

In great and small ways, the Word is always at work. The Gospel Word -

• Speaks our forgiveness, received through faith;
• Protects us against spiritual opposition;
• Strengthens us against temptation;
• Shows fruitfulness in all we do.

36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

Luther:

20. The people bring the poor man to the Lord, the Lord takes him to a special place, lays his fingers into the man’s ears, spits, and touches his tongue with the spittle, looks up toward heaven, and sighing, says, Ephphata, that is, Be opened! This is a lovely picture, and its meaning is good. For by those who here bring the deafmute to the Lord, the office of the ministry is meant. Ministers and the Apostles lead the poor consciences of men to God. This is done in three ways, by preaching, by a godly life, and by intercession. With the Word and preaching, they are brought to God; a godly life serves to show the Word so much the mightier in its power. But the Word itself leads to Christ, though it be preached by a sinner. Yet, a good life serves as an emphasis and a furtherance of the Gospel; while a wicked life dulls its edge. Their third duty, to pray for the people, likewise leads them on the road both to faith and to works.

21. Now if the Word go on its way in this threefold manner, it cannot fail to bring forth fruit, as God says, Isaiah 55:11: “My Word, that goeth forth out of my mouth, shall not return to me void.” This is indicated by the action of the pious persons who carry the mute into Christ’s presence; this signifies the ministers, who bring forward the sinner; then God appears, giving growth and increase, as Paul says, 1 Corinthians 3:7, He opens the sinner’s eyes, ears, and mouth. This happens in a wink of the eye, for God’s Word is like lightning, which in a moment passes from sunrise to the ends of the earth. Thus when such persons are brought to God, he gives them grace to believe.

Tell no man

This is often debated. The Gospel of Mark emphasizes Jesus hiding Himself because the crowds were do great. He also had a divine duty to train the disciples. Even the disciples say to Jesus, "Stop praying. We have work to do." One student said, "I never head that; where is it?" And I told him.

Mark 1 - 35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.

So the charge of silence can be seen as slowing down the masses coming to Him to perform miracles. Others see it as paradoxical intention, to initiate more speaking of the miracles. However, it is plain and simple - someone who saw or experienced such a miracle would have to speak about it. That is true of our own miracle baby in the congregation. And I have seen many more examples in various ways. Faith does not cause the miracle - faith moves us to trust in miracles. God gives miracles to unbelievers, but they do not see them. 

Jesus fed the multitudes more than once. Paul gathered support for the poor in Jerusalem.
The Word causes miracles so that people thank God for their blessings.

37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

I appreciate the miracle summaries because they are markers to show us the reason why ferocious opposition built up against Jesus. Everyone talked about the miracles, and those miracles confirmed the divine power and glory of Jesus' sermons. In contrast, the rabbis of the time had some miracles to the credit, but their teaching was nothing like Jesus' Word. 

When we consider how God has helped us, through prayer in the Name of Jesus, we can see how much He accomplishes over time. No matter what we ask, He supplies far more than we imagined. Trials and troubles are overcome, and the things we cannot solve are solved by God alone, against our human wisdom, strength, and judgment.

Here is a funny little example. The moment I began teaching at a university, I wondered how soon I would be too old for them. That was 18 years ago. I kept wondering where the cut-off would be. Suddenly, online was required of every institution this year and the universities lined up courses in advance. Often we are like the statement in The Joys of Yiddish - "I know God will provide. But will He provide until He provides."

Nobody could have been a vision-caster to imagine what a small group of people could do, scattered around the country. God has done it through His Word, and the upshot of this is people thanking God for food from heaven, giant bags of rice, their staple of life.

The Feeding of the Multitudes continues through the Word.

Luther's Sermon about Faith and Love

TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.


Text. Mark 7:31-37. And again he went out from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to lay his hand upon him. And he took him aside from the multitude privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphata, that is, Be opened. And his ears were opened, and the bond or. his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it. And they were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well; he maketh even the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Norma A. Boeckler

PART 1. THE STORY OR EXAMPLE ITSELF.

2. First, the story or example before us is good in itself, for here we see that many persons received the poor man, as though his distress were their own, bringing him to Jesus to be helped. By this, both faith and love are shown to us. Faith, in that they had heard of the Lord before, that he was kind and compassionate, and helped all those who came to him. For the Word must first have been heard, and must first have entered the human heart, showing us the mercy of God in such a way that we depend upon it.

Therefore the Word of Christ must here also have taught these people this; otherwise, where it does not come, there faith and works are all in vain.

3. And though this gospel lesson, like the preceding one, does not state that they had previously heard the tidings of the Gospel, yet we must nevertheless conclude, and the fact proves it, that they must have previously heard the good tidings and Gospel of Christ the Lord, through which they believed. For that is properly the Gospel which is called good tidings, a good report, not that which is written on paper, but that which is proclaimed in the world and becomes known by the living voice. Thus doubtless they had heard that Christ was kind, friendly, and helpful, willing to aid everybody; this was the beginning of their faith. Thus you must earnestly search the Gospel, and you will always find, that the tidings must first go forth and lead us to God, in order that he may’ lay the first stone; otherwise, all is lost. In the next place, you will learn that because they have clung to the tidings and trusted them for their comfort, they went thither, and hoped to receive of him what they had heard.

4. Now you here observe the nature of faith which grows out of the Word.

For the Word first sets forth to us the mercy and goodness of God; then faith causes us to cleave unto it with a firm confidence, and to obey the Word. For we are now conscious of this in our hearts, and are satisfied; for as soon as we believe, we are already with Christ in this inheritance, and are justified.

5. In the third place, this Gospel lesson describes the works of love in this, that these people go and care for the poor man, just as Christ, without their merit, and without their doing, sends forth his Word, and spreads abroad his goodness and mercy. Thus as they have :laid hold and drank from the fountain, they again flow forth freely, and also impart themselves to their neighbor freely and without any merit. Thus love should do its work, not as though it needs it, but devotes itself solely to the benefit of its neighbor, as Paul, among other things, speaks to the Corinthians about love, Corinthians 13:5: “Love seeketh not its own”; and to the Philippians he says, Philippians 2:4: “Not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.”

6. This we may also learn here in these good people. They do not need this work themselves, nor do they look to themselves, but to the poor man, and think how they may help him; they seek no reward, but act independently and freely. Thus you should by right do likewise; if not, you are no Christians. Therefore consider carefully how love is here described, that it takes upon itself the care of others. If we accept this lesson, it will be well for us; but if not, then God will punish us with blindness, as he has been doing, to our grief, for nearly four hundred years. This much we say briefly concerning faith and love. Furthermore, we must now, in the fourth place, treat of the faith of other persons.

7. You know the fundamental truth is, that man cannot be just and acceptable before God, save alone by faith. So that they have lied and spoken falsely who have taught heretofore that we may deal with God through our works. Moreover it was much more foolish that they taught us to rely upon the works and faith of other persons, pretending that nuns, monks and priests can help other persons by their wailing which they perform in their cloisters at night, and that in this manner they can help other people and distribute their treasures. Therefore, let everyone here remember, that no one dare undertake to be saved by the faith, or by the work of another person; in truth, it cannot be done by the faith or work of Mary, or of any saint, yea, not even by Christ’s work and faith, but through your own personal faith. For God will not permit Mary, or any other saint, not even Christ himself, to take your place, in order that you might be godly and righteous, unless you believe for your own self. If Christ’s faith and work will not do it, you will much less accomplish it by the work or faith of all the monks and priests. Hence our Gospel lesson gives us an occasion to speak of the faith of others.

For here we read that they led this person to Christ in their own faith and work; the man did nothing toward it, but merely suffered it to be done.

8. Therefore let everybody mark well, that he can never be saved through another person’s faith. But it of course may happen, that by the faith of other persons you may be brought to a faith of your own. Likewise the good works of other persons may be of service to me to obtain works of my own. Therefore those lie, who declare that we may be saved through the works or faith of other persons, whether we ourselves believe or not.

No, this is not so! Unless you yourself draw out from God’s kindness and mercy a faith of your own, you will not be saved. Thus it must be; otherwise no other person’s faith or works avail, not even Christ, though he is the Savior of all the world; his kindness, his help will do you no good whatever, unless you believe in it, and are enlightened by it.

9. Therefore, by all means beware of the preachers whom you have often heard among the monks, who approach a dying person and say: “Behold, my brave fellow, do not despair; if you have committed sins, be sorry for them; but in order that you may fare so much the better, I will make you a present of my righteous life and my good works.” If now, the dying person accept such a gift, he is as much a fool as the other, and with all these works, he ‘will go to the devil. Therefore, beware of such consolation, and say: If you are willing to serve me with your good works, approach God and speak thus: O heavenly Father, by thy grace I am now believing; therefore, I pray thee, my God, give also unto this poor man a faith of his own. This might help me; but that you would give me your own faith, this you cannot do, neither would it help me. You will have enough to do to be saved by your own faith.

10. This you may see in the case of the foolish virgins, who, when their lamps went out, said unto the wise virgins: “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.” Then did the wise ones answer and say: “Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you.” Matthew 25:8-9. In that case I am in need even of more faith for myself; how then could I share it with another? For my own faith must stand before God’s judgment, and must fight so hard and cleave so firmly to God’s mercy, that the sweat will run down its face, if it is to prevail. That is the true meaning of St. Peter’s words, 1 Peter 4-18: “The righteous is scarcely saved, where then shall the ungodly appear?” For when death makes its onslaught, then such fear and agony will seize him, that he can scarcely with all his strength, stand for himself and be kept in faith. Hence it is greatly to be deplored that they have established so much deception, putting monks’ cowls upon the dead, and inventing other foolish things, by which they led poor souls straightway to perdition. Beware of them.

11. Now this I say, that you may know how far the faith of others may be of use to us, and how your own faith can help you. Other people’s merits will help you to attain a merit of your own, and nothing more. And though all the angels, yea, the mercy of God itself, were ready to stand for you, it would avail you nothing, unless you cleave unto it with a faith of your own. But it may effect this, that it will assist you to obtain a faith of your own, which will help you. Furthermore, even if Christ did die for us, and pledged and gave his body and life, blood and flesh for us, and became our advocate; yet it would avail nothing, unless we believe in him. But he can assist us in this way, that he appears before the Father and says: “O Father, this have I done for mankind; do thou give them faith, in order that they may enjoy it.” This then, will help us, if we feel assured that his works and merit are our own. In the same manner one should also speak of the other saints, that no saint’s intercession and merit avail unless we ourselves believe. You observe this also in our lesson. There lies the poor man, unable either to speak or to hear. They who bring him to the Lord can speak and hear. But they cannot make him speak by their hearing and speaking, and even though they all had come near him and said: “We will speak and hear for you”; yet he would, in spite of this, have remained speechless and deaf continually, and would never have been able to speak.

12. Likewise, if I were to give you a written declaration saying: “Go forth, this is my work; this shall be yours”; yet it will not help you a whit, but it will carry you into hell. In what way, then, will it help you? If I do, as these men do, who come to Christ and say: “O Lord, help this poor man, that he may receive his speech?’ They do not say: “We will hear and speak in your stead,” but they pray that Christ himself would give him speech. Likewise, if you take my part, and use your faith in such a way that it may help me to a faith of my own, this might help me; thus! thus it must be! God be thanked! Otherwise, no work nor any brotherhood, will avail.

13. Therefore say: I must neither rely upon your works nor you upon mine; but I will, by my own faith, pray God to give you a faith of your own. This is what is said, that we all are priests and kings, that we, like Christ himself, may intercede for one another before God, praying for personal faith. Thus, if I happen to notice that you have no faith of your own, or a weak faith, I go and ask God to help, you to obtain faith, not by giving you my faith and my works, but your own faith and your own works; so that Christ may give him all his works and salvation through faith, as he hath given them to us by faith.

14. That is the meaning of the saying of Christ, John 16:26-27: “I say not unto you that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father.” This is a beautiful addition, as though he would say: I have prayed for you, and have entreated God that he would give you what is mine. Therefore know my name. For through my prayer he has accepted you and has given you faith, so that henceforth you may pray for yourselves, and I need not do it; provided that you do it in my name. Here he has crowned us, dedicated and anointed us with the Holy Spirit, so that we all are priests in Christ, and may exercise the priest’s office, go before God and pray for one another. This is what St. Peter means in writing thus in his First Epistle, 1 Peter 2:9-10: “Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may shew forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light, which in time past were no people, but now are the people of God; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

15. Hence we may all say: Christ was my priest, who prayed for me and purchased faith and the Spirit for me; therefore I am also a priest, and must go on praying in the world, that God may give faith also to this and that person. So we conclude, that we shall obtain whatever we earnestly pray for in the true faith, as the Lord says, John 16:24: “Ask, and ye shall receive.”

16. But to pray powerfully is not within our strength; for the Spirit does not always vouchsafe to us to pray with power. Paul prayed that all Israel might be saved, Romans 9:1f; why did it not come to pass? The difference lies in the faith, for the Spirit did not give it to him; had he been able to add this faith, it would surely have come to pass. For if Paul had said, “I pray for all Israel,” and had believed and said: “Lord, I am certain that thou wilt do it,” then it would certainly have come to pass. But though he often prayed for them from his heart, the Spirit did not vouchsafe, to him that he should confidently believe it. Therefore it is not within our power to pray in strong confidence; the Holy Spirit does it. Whenever we pray for anyone and are able to add, “It will be done,” then it will certainly be done; but whenever we pray, we must add, “Thy will be done.” If, then, I must let it go according to his will, I cannot suggest to him either the person, or the time, or the manner, but must freely leave it all to him; then, indeed, I am sure of it. In this manner Christ acted also, who himself prayed thus: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me,” but at once added: “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39.

17. Therefore, when I am to pray for an entire city or community, I ought to say: “O Father, I pray for all of them.” Nevertheless, however, I must give honor to his name or will, and say: “Dear Father, I pray for these; I know it is thy will, that I should pray, that I should not despise prayer; but thy will shall be done always; for I might ask something for some one who is not worthy of it before thee; or again, I might possibly east aside some one who is worthy; therefore do thou act according to thy divine will, for thou wilt certainly do better than I could ever conceive.” Thus you see that we cannot always add these words: It will be so. But if we are certain in our hearts that we may add: “It will be certainly so,” then it will come to pass.

18. This we see in our text. These people approach the Lord in strong confidence, praying for the poor man, and their prayer is also heard. In the same manner, when baptism is performed we see this take place in the children’s faith. There are the infants, bare and naked in body and soul, having neither faith nor works. Then the Christian Church comes forward and prays, that God would pour faith into the child; not that our faith should help the child, but that it may obtain a faith of its own. If it has faith, then after that whatever it does is well done, whether it suckle its mother’s breast, or whether it soil itself, or whatever it may please to do. But if it does not obtain faith, our faith is of no value to the child.

19. Therefore my faith can help you in no way except that it may assist you to obtain a faith of your own. Hence, to sum up all, everything depends upon personal faith, as strong as it is, so much does it need the faith and prayer of other people in order to increase in strength. Now you can easily judge, that those people were the greatest fools, who held masses and vigils with the brotherhoods; for the wise virgins have sufficient oil only for themselves, and scarcely have enough. This is a simple explanation of the story of the Gospel lesson. Now let us briefly consider the meaning which our Lord puts into it.

PART 2. THE SPIRITUAL MEANING.

20. The people bring the poor man to the Lord, the Lord takes him to a special place, lays his fingers into the man’s ears, spits, and touches his tongue with the spittle, looks up toward heaven, and sighing, says, Ephphata, that is, Be opened! This is a lovely picture, and its meaning is good. For by those who here bring the deafmute to the Lord, the office of the ministry is meant. Ministers and the Apostles lead the poor consciences of men to God. This is done in three ways, by preaching, by a godly life, and by intercession. With the Word and preaching, they are brought to God; a godly life serves to show the Word so much the mightier in its power. But the Word itself leads to Christ, though it be preached by a sinner. Yet, a good life serves as an emphasis and a furtherance of the Gospel; while a wicked life dulls its edge. Their third duty, to pray for the people, likewise leads them on the road both to faith and to works.

21. Now if the Word go on its way in this threefold manner, it cannot fail to bring forth fruit, as God says, Isaiah 55:11: “My Word, that goeth forth out of my mouth, shall not return to me void.” This is indicated by the action of the pious persons who carry the mute into Christ’s presence; this signifies the ministers, who bring forward the sinner; then God appears, giving growth and increase, as Paul says, 1 Corinthians 3:7, He opens the sinner’s eyes, ears, and mouth. This happens in a wink of the eye, for God’s Word is like lightning, which in a moment passes from sunrise to the ends of the earth. Thus when such persons are brought to God, he gives them grace to believe.

22. This is signified by the act of laying his fingers into the man’s ears; through the Word he breathes the Holy Spirit into him, making the heart believing, decent, chaste, and holy; for the finger signifies the Holy Spirit.

23. Again, the spittle that is laid on the man’s tongue, typifies the Word of God; this is put into his mouth in order that he may be able to speak it. And this spittle, the Word of God, is a noble thing, but very bitter to the Old Adam.

24. Then they praise God, saying: “He hath done all things well, he has made the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak.” For wherever there is true faith, there the Spirit will not allow you any rest; you will break forth, become a priest, teach other people also, as we read  Psalm 116:10: “I believe, for I will speak.” There the heart is full, and the mouth must run over. Then when they are persecuted, they will not care.

25. But the part of the story, that Christ took the man apart from the others, looks up to heaven, has this meaning: If God do not take me alone to a separate place, and give me the Holy Spirit, so that I cling to the Word which I have heard, then all preaching is in vain. But why does this require so much that he looks up to heaven and makes use of divine power, calling upon God’s grace to come and to act? By this he teaches us that such power must come from heaven, working in the heart of man by divine strength; then help comes to him. Again the spittle which is the Word of God is a noble thing for the Old Adam. Then they go forth to praise and glorify God.

26. Thus have you learned, from the story and from its spiritual or secret meaning, that we must first hear the Word of God and thus, through the intercession of Christ, obtain a faith of our own, and then we come out, confessing this and praising God forever. May this be sufficient on this Gospel lesson. Let us pray to God for grace.