Official Release from Buckingham Palace

Prince Harry issued this official news report from Buckingham Palace.

Third Lesson - Understanding Pilgrim's ProgressWednesday Night, 7 PM Central

Third Lesson

The benefits of the Atonement, faith in the crucified Messiah are many –

Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said, with a merry heart, “He hath given me rest by his sorrow, and life by his death.” Then he stood still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very surprising to him, that the sight of the cross should thus ease him of his burden. He looked therefore, and looked again, even till the springs that were in his head sent the waters down his cheeks. [Zech. 12:10] Now, as he stood looking and weeping, behold three Shining Ones came to him and saluted him with “Peace be unto thee”. So the first said to him, “Thy sins be forgiven thee” [Mark 2:5]; the second stripped him of his rags, and clothed him with change of raiment [Zech. 3:4]; the third also set a mark on his forehead, and gave him a roll with a seal upon it, which he bade him look on as he ran, and that he should give it in at the Celestial Gate. [Eph. 1:13] So they went their way. P. 77.

The Pilgrim’s Progress is especially good in teaching the cross, because it is central to the Gospels and the New Testament, and taught by Luther. The book teaches about many blessings, but the warnings and threats are detailed and frequent, all along the way to the Celestial City. As the ending shows, one can be lost at the very gates of Heaven, by turning away from the Faith.

I saw then in my dream, that he went on thus, even until he came at a bottom, where he saw, a little out of the way, three men fast asleep, with fetters upon their heels. The name of the one was Simple, another Sloth, and the third Presumption. P. 80.

Christian warned the three men, and they answered accordingly –

With that they looked upon him, and began to reply in this sort: Simple said, “I see no danger”; Sloth said, “Yet a little more sleep”; and Presumption said, “Every fat must stand upon its own bottom; what is the answer else that I should give thee?” And so they lay down to sleep again, and Christian went on his way. P. 80.

“That Is Not a Hill I Would Die On”

The quotation above is used by clergy to answer such issues as Justification by Faith – “Not a hill I would die on,” and abortion – “Not a hill I would die on.”

Christian and others came to a Hill – Difficulty. The way up was steep.

So the one took the way which is called Danger, which led him into a great wood, and the other took directly up the way to Destruction, which led him into a wide field, full of dark mountains, where he stumbled and fell, and rose no more. P. 87

Christian climbed the steep trail but stopped at a pleasant arbor, where he stopped to rest and fell asleep. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. [Prov. 6:6] And with that Christian started up, and sped him on his way, and went apace, till he came to the top of the hill.” P. 90.

Now, when he was got up to the top of the hill, there came two men running to meet him amain; the name of the one was Timorous, and of the other, Mistrust; to whom Christian said, Sirs, what’s the matter? You run the wrong way. Timorous answered, that they were going to the City of Zion, and had got up that difficult place; but, said he, the further we go, the more danger we meet with; wherefore we turned, and are going back again. P. 93.

This is brilliant writing, reminding us of many popular narratives where people enjoy repeating their favorite parts – Lucy in the candy factory, Bilbo facing Smaug, family disasters that gain humor with time. This book reminds us of our own frailties as we look at Christian – Everyman – and the characters he meets along the path of life.

            Christian left his scroll, the Scriptures, behind at the peaceful arbor, where he fell asleep. Now he had no source of comfort to read, so he went back to that arbor. Then he was able to climb the hill again quickly. It was getting dark so he looked for a place to stay. Ahead was a palace named Beautiful.

Now, thought he, I see the dangers that Mistrust and Timorous were driven back by. (The lions were chained, but he saw not the chains.) Then he was afraid, and thought also himself to go back after them, for he thought nothing but death was before him. But the porter at the lodge, whose name is Watchful, perceiving that Christian made a halt as if he would go back, cried unto him, saying, Is thy strength so small? [Mark 8:3437] Fear not the lions, for they are chained, and are placed there for trial of faith where it is, and for discovery of those that had none. Keep in the midst of the path, no hurt shall come unto thee. P. 100.

Weapons Museum

Christian has an extensive conversation with the sisters -  Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence - living at the palace called Beautiful, placed there for pilgrims to rest, to recuperate, and to have spiritual conversation.

They also showed him some of the engines with which some of his servants had done wonderful things. They shewed him Moses’ rod; the hammer and nail with which Jael slew Sisera; the pitchers, trumpets, and lamps too, with which Gideon put to flight the armies of Midian. Then they showed him the ox’s goad wherewith Shamgar slew six hundred men. They showed him also the jaw-bone with which Samson did such mighty feats. They showed him, moreover, the sling and stone with which David slew Goliath of Gath; and the sword, also, with which their Lord will kill the Man of Sin, in the day that he shall rise up to the prey. They showed him, besides, many excellent things, with which Christian was much delighted. This done, they went to their rest again. P. 116.

Delectable Mountains, Valley of Humiliation, Apollyon

The Delectable Mountains (Isaiah 33:16-17) would be the next stop, so Pilgrim went to the armory to be fitted for the journey (Ephesians 6). He would be closer to his goal by going there and hoped to meet other pilgrims. One of them, Faithful, was from his hometown. But first he had to travel through the Valley of Humiliation, where he faced the hideous monster, Apollyon, the Destroyer.

APOLLYON. Whence come you? and whither are you bound?

CHRISTIAN. I am come from the City of Destruction, which is the place of all evil, and am going to the City of Zion.

APOLLYON. By this I perceive thou art one of my subjects, for all that country is mine, and I am the prince and god of it. How is it, then, that thou hast run away from thy king? Were it not that I hope thou mayest do me more service, I would strike thee now, at one blow, to the ground.

CHRISTIAN. I was born, indeed, in your dominions, but your service was hard, and your wages such as a man could not live on, “for the wages of sin is death” [Rom 6:23]; therefore, when I was come to years, I did, as other considerate persons do, look out, if, perhaps, I might mend myself.

APOLLYON. There is no prince that will thus lightly lose his subjects, neither will I as yet lose thee; but since thou complainest of thy service and wages, be content to go back: what our country will afford, I do here promise to give thee.

CHRISTIAN. But I have let myself to another, even to the King of princes; and how can I, with fairness, go back with thee?

APOLLYON. Thou hast done in this, according to the proverb, “Changed a bad for a worse”; but it is ordinary for those that have professed themselves his servants, after a while to give him the slip, and return again to me. Do thou so too, and all shall be well.

CHRISTIAN. I have given him my faith, and sworn my allegiance to him; how, then, can I go back from this, and not be hanged as a traitor?

APOLLYON. Thou didst the same to me, and yet I am willing to pass by all, if now thou wilt yet turn again and go back.

CHRISTIAN. What I promised thee was in my nonage; and, besides, I count the Prince under whose banner now I stand is able to absolve me; yea, and to pardon also what I did as to my compliance with thee; and besides, O thou destroying Apollyon! to speak truth, I like his service, his wages, his servants, his government, his company, and country, better than thine; and, therefore, leave off to persuade me further; I am his servant, and I will follow him. P. 124

After the dialogue was finished, Apollyon attacked Christian, who fought back with the weapons from the armory at the palace called Beautiful. Christian was almost finished when he drew out the Sword of the Spirit and won the battle.

Ahead Lay the Valley of the Shadow of Death

Chilstrom Left a Trail of Destruction - First ELCA Bishop Dead

 Herb Chilstrom did not become an LCA bishop, one of his goals, but he became the first ELCA bishop.

 Chemnitz is next to Chilstrom in my good guys/bad guys graphics folder. Other than that, there is no connection at all.

The origin of ELCA as a factory for social justice warriors is well known. The key to being hip in the LCMS/LCA/ALC was loving the Social Gospel Movement, which rejected Christian doctrine in favor of reforming society through government regulation and federal laws. Pietism was a good starting point because the Pietists saw the congregation as a convenient place to organize the "real church" - the conventicles or cell groups. Those who value the Means of Grace and worship are not real Christians, according to the cell group denizens.

 Putting a lot of money in, to get a chance at grabbing some cheap toys - that sounds like the Church Growth Enthusiasts.

Pietism is also ecumenical, which is a great way to break down doctrinal barriers and doctrine itself. Just listen to the self-proclaimed growth experts and coaches of the LCMS-WELS. They loathe Luther and ape Barth/Kirschbaum. They have eviscerated their own synods and long to be like ELCA. But do not worry - they have a brilliant new program for healing the injuries caused by previous programs, vision statements, and pipe dreams.

The solution is not to go synod shopping, because they are alike in various ways. The Luther module in their training was replaced by the Peter Wagner Fuller module. Whose idea was that? Peter Wagner's! He got all the denominations to send their executives to Fuller, and the executives got their underlings to go. Soon the ambitious (but simpleton) pastors signed up for easy access to better synod positions.

A Methodist church is rebirthing itself by eliminating all the older members from membership. Roger Zehms, Floyd Luther Stolzenburg, and Paul Kuske started a mission with no Lutheran attributes (worship, name, etc) and warned Lutherans not to attend or join. Pilgrim Community Church closed faster than a snake-handlers parish in White Fish Bay, Wi. They featured a Plymouth Rock graphic with the wrong date on it. Calvinist outreach?

 The Lutheran Librarian is discovering treasures from the past - more than 150 ebook titles and many print copies coming out. Like Spindletop, the source was locked up until it was tapped.

The solution is widespread knowledge of Luther, the Confessions, and Biblical basics. Our little congregation pondered what we could do about the situation. The synods largely ignored the Reformation's 500th Anniversary, so we published 11 volumes of Luther's Sermons, print and Kindle, and then made merged PDFs to give them away for free. The next step is Word files for free distribution, editing, and translating - no fees, no corporate attorney will send a certified letter.

Luther's primary emphasis was the sermon. So what do the synodocrats do? Answer - they produce failing Calvinist programs to degrade the sermon to the point of plagiarized mockery. They are being honest with their underlings - only a dummy would copy the garbage being produced and devoured by the Fulleroids.

The sermon is a chance to teach a significant part of the Bible in the church year. Jesus converted people through preaching. So did the apostles. Martyrs died because they preached the Gospel to people ruled by leaders of darkness.

There are two verbs for teaching in the Great Commission, no verb for manufacturing disciples.

Catholic, Lutheran, Protestant, and 30 other books can be found here - non-profit, public domain.

Preaching is primary. Supplemental teaching follows. Our little group gathered as many out of print Lutheran books as possible and posted them as free ebooks - thanks to Alec Satin. Now many of them are being offered at non-profit prices on Amazon.

Norma A. Boeckler is already working on Understanding Pilgrim's Progress, which is being written for the sessions on Wednesday at 7 PM.

Besides that we have the unceasing work of illustrating the Bible through Norma Boeckler. Who can determine how far those have traveled on the Net? One pastor denounced uncredited copying on a page where he featured Norma's art, uncredited. I kidded him about that - he did not know. Norma did not stop with art or her own books, but went on to help others produce their books.

 Do you want a packed Sunday School? Start a mission. This is our Philippine Mission, Pastor and Mrs. Jordan Palangyos.

A Philippine mission came to us, and they are in the second stage of the chapel - putting on the permanent roof. They are very interested in education and printing too. They now have their own printer (before the roof!). The Apostles started with publishing the Old Testament in Greek.

We have more opportunities, with Travis and Lauren Cartee are interested in producing the spoken Word on Youtube.

We also have a recent MDiv graduate, Zach Engleman. Scholars within our group discuss doctrinal topics via email.

ELCA's First Presiding Bishop, Herb Chilstrom, Died - Age 88

Herb Chilstrom (October 18, 1931 – January 19, 2020) died in Sahuarita, Arizona.

"Before Al Gore invented the Internet, I used to read CN. I will never forget that picture in CN of Herb Chilstrom, Ralph Bohlmann, and Carl Mischke seated together at a table. The caption that was below the image escapes my fading memory. When I mentioned the picture to a Lutheran school principal, his comment was something like, "nothing here, just move on". Right, and the Pope is Jewish also.

In Christ,"

GJ - I sent that into CN and wrote an editorial about it.

ELCA Obituary


Herbert W. Chilstrom, 88, the first presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Jan. 19 at his home in Green Valley, Ariz. He was born in Litchfield, Minn., on Oct. 18, 1931.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Corinne (Hansen), also a Lutheran pastor; a daughter, Mary Cress of Mesa, Ariz.; and a son, Christopher Holt of Baltimore; and four sisters, Winnifred Christenson of Robbinsdale, Minn.; Virginia Francis of Pickens, S.C.; Martha (Charles) Anderson of Ashby, Minn.; and Janet (Frederick) Sickert of West Linn, Ore.

Chilstrom completed academic degrees at Augsburg University, Augustana Seminary, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Princeton Seminary, and New York University, where he earned a doctor of education degree.

He served Lutheran congregations in Pelican Rapids, Elizabeth and St. Peter, Minn.

He was professor and dean at Luther College, Teaneck, N.J., from 1962-1970. In 1976 he was elected bishop of the Minnesota Synod of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA). At the 1987 merger that created the 5.2-million-member ELCA, he was elected the first presiding bishop.

Chilstrom was awarded 15 honorary doctorates by 15 colleges, universities and seminaries. He was named a Commander of the Royal Order of the North Star by King Carl Gustav IV of Sweden, received the Pope John XXIII award from Viterbo College, the Servus Dei Award from the ELCA, as well as numerous other honors and awards.

Chilstrom served on numerous boards of directors, including vice president of the Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland; Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.; Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota; Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn.; the National Council of Churches and others.

He also authored numerous books and articles.

After retirement he continued to be active in church and community, preaching and lecturing in many parts of the country. He became a Minnesota Master Gardener, volunteering and serving as interim director at the Linnaeus Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College.

The family prefers that memorial gifts be given to the Herbert Chilstrom Chair in New Testament Studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, or to one of the Chilstrom Student Scholarship Funds at Luther Seminary; Augsburg University, Minneapolis; Gustavus Adolphus College, or Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.

***

GJ - We had lunch at a district pastors meeting. He was interested in my A. D. Mattson dissertation.

Chilstrom definitely led the radical troops in ELCA, perhaps stung earlier by his reputation as a conservative Pietist. Realistically, he could not be the bishop of ELCA without solid Leftist, apostate credentials.

His wife became an ALC pastor though he was an LCA bishop. We assumed he was beefing up his contacts and reducing the ALC's animosity toward the LCA.

Many people do not understand the LCA-ALC differences, which seem slight. The ALC seemed to be more conservative overall, at least at the parish level. The national leadership was almost the same in both synods. The LCA's Crumley ached for fellowship with Rome, but the ALC's David Preus worked for and achieved joint communion with the Calvinists.

They all met with their WELS, LCMS, and Catholic counterparts at Fuller Seminary - and devoured the Calvinist gimmicks and promises.

And what unites them all? - Objective Justification.

"Snake oil and roses, pockets of dirt.

Hands of a fortune teller's son." Sugarland

The Essential Lutheran Library

Essential Lutheran Library

These books comprise a library of solid and faith-strengthening works for pastors and all Christians. They are flowering buds of American Biblical Christianity and the Lutheran (Protestant) Reformation.

Three Basic Books for New Christians and Everyone

• The Way Made Plain Also in paperback

“I realize that this city, and all cities, are filled with people who have been unfortunate enough not to have the right kind of parents, who have been unfortunate enough not to have had the right kind of training, who have become busy, and so busy that they must be saved in a few months time or lost forever… We have in view during the next seven Thursday evenings to show the Way and make it plain to every intelligent one who will come and sit down in this center row of pews…” — Simon Peter Long

• Luther’s Small Catechism Also in paperback

Luther’s Little Instruction Book (Small Catechism) has been translated into many of the languages of the world. Williston Walker in his History of the Christian Church describes it as “one of the noblest monuments of the Reformation”. Of it, Luther writes, “The Catechism is the Bible of the laymen. In it the entire body of Christian doctrine, which every Christian must know in order to be saved, is contained…”

• The Doctrine of Justification Also in paperback

“Human reason and inclination are always in their natural state averse to the doctrine of Justification by faith. Hence it is no wonder that earth and hell combine in persistent efforts to banish it from the Church and from the world. This great doctrine of the sinner’s justification by faith in the Redeemer of the world, who lived and suffered and died to save our lost race, is the very soul of the supernatural revelation given in Holy Scripture. But it is, therefore, also the doctrine against which the attacks of Satan are mainly directed, and against which the world and the flesh most obstinately array themselves.

Beyond the Basics

• Luther’s Large Catechism Also in paperback

“The attentive reader… will see that the matters here treated are not antiquated or obsolescent, but enter most deeply into the issues of the hour.” — Henry Eyster Jacobs

• Melanchthon’s Apology Also in paperback

“It abounds in forcible illustrations, in exhaustive treatment of scriptural texts, in proofs from patristic literature and the history of the Church, overwhelming with confusion the arguments which the adversaries had drawn from the same sources. Its spirit is so mild and conciliatory, its style so clear and lucid, its language so animated and eloquent, its entire mode of reasoning so manifestly the sincere expression of a mind that has been long occupied and deeply agitated by the contemplation of divine things, that it cannot fail to deeply interest all devout students of Scripture. — Henry Eyster Jacobs

• The Formula of Concord Also in paperback

“Never was there a more careful and discriminating Church document written, guarding in each article against exaggerations on each side, and then, in most precise and definite words, setting forth the teaching from the Holy Scriptures on the subjects concerning which there had been misunderstanding and alienation of feeling.” — Henry Eyster Jacobs

• The Confessional Principle Also in paperback

This is Dr. Schmauk’s magnum opus on Christian Confessionalism, a treasure of approachable, Biblically Conservative scholarship. “This book is written in the belief that the one ultimate authority among men is truth.” – Theodore Schmauk

Theodore Schmauk’s exploration and defense of the Christian faith consists of five parts:

• Historical Introduction
• Part 1: Are Confessions Necessary?
• Part 2: Confessions in the Church
• Part 3: Lutheran Confessions
• Part 4: The Church in America

Essential References

• Summary of the Christian Faith Also in paperback

A Summary of the Christian Faith has been appreciated by Christians since its original publication for its easy accessibility and “frequently asked question” format. Henry Eyster Jacobs was both a teacher and a scholar. The volume also includes “Luther’s Speculations Concerning Predestination”.

• The Augsburg Confession with Saxon Visitation Articles Also in paperback

The Augsburg Confession is the essential document of the Lutheran Reformation. The Saxon Visitation Articles were used by pastors to instruct their congregants in the basics of the Christian faith. They appeared in Saxon editions of the Book of Concord until the forced union of Lutheran and Reformed in the Nineteenth Century.

More Christian Book Lists

Cheeseheads Lose Superbowl Slot

 The Packers will not go to the Superbowl.
Shouldn't they be the Meatheads - given the industry that gave them their name?

 The hypocrisy award goes to Matt the Fatt, for personal attacks against the editor who helped him become Synod President. Yes, they proudly published these photos and the timeless lyrics, which read like something written during detention period at a parochial school. Matt and Paul the Plagiarist McCain - birds of a feather do flock together.

Somehow, Matt's recent photos do not match his published ones. The latest ones add about 40 pounds. 

One Version of the Next Few Months

This thread from Brian Cates discusses the way Trump and his military advisers have worked  and will work in the next few months. I agree with it overall.

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1218575141355118593.html

Military deception is an old trick, often practiced on a very large scale. England in WWII painted canvases to show destruction from German bombs, because they had a device to change the navigation of the bombers of various types.

The Allies let the secret invasion of Calais fall into German hands, because they wanted Hitler guarding the wrong landing. Hitler refused to budge and the Normandy Coast invasion received a lot less resistance.

 Self-deception

The British also captured German spies and imitated their style of communicating back to the homeland, feeding false information which shaped Hitler's plans.

President Trump has certainly led opponents into battles they could not win. I do not know how anyone could question his timing when two major bills came through to improve trade (Canada-Mexico; China) while truly pathetic types were crowing over their success at staging a trial.

Now Trump has the chance to display the evidence gathered for the last three years, on TV, before the nation.

 Deception is essential in war.

The Second Sunday after Epiphany, 2020. John 2:1-11.Marriage - and Water Turned into Wine

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany, 2020

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

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

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10AM Central Time

Hymn #586  Gerhardt - A Pilgrim and a Stranger                  

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
Hymn # 132             O God of God            

God's Word: Marriage and Miracles

Hymn #495     From Greenland's Icy Mountains              

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
Hymn #657         Beautiful Savior          

In Our Prayers

• Pastor and Mrs. Jim Shrader.
• Randy Anderson's leg (Andrea's father).
• Pastor K and Doc Lito Cruz - dealing with diabetes.
• Those looking for work and a better income.
• Our media ministries - Alec Satin, Norma Boeckler, Travis and Lauren Cartee, Pastor Jordan Palangyos.
• Understanding Pilgrim's Progress, Wednesdays, 7 PM..
• BethanyPhilippine Mission has enough to order materials and start on the permanent roof. Some additional items after are - steel doors, windows, seating. Prayers for Glen Kotten.

A Pilgrim and a Stranger is from Paul Gerhardt, next to Luther, the greatest hymn-writer of all time. Gerhardt was a children's tutor and became a beloved pastor in Berlin. However, he was forced out of the parish because he would not concede anything to the Calvinists. He finally got a small parish. He lost his wife and all his children but one. He wrote Sacred Head Now Wounded and many other great hymns.

KJV Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

KJV John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins [GJ -10 gallons per firkin] apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Norma A. Boeckler

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank Thee, that of Thy grace Thou hast instituted holy matrimony, in which Thou keepest us from unchastity, and other offenses: We beseech Thee to send Thy blessing upon every husband and wife, that they may not provoke each other to anger and strife, but live peaceably together in love and godliness, receive Thy gracious help in all temptations, and rear their children in accordance with Thy will; grant unto us all to walk before Thee, in purity and holiness, to put all our trust in Thee, and lead such lives on earth, that in the world to come we may have everlasting life, through the same, Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Background for the Sermon on John 2:1-11

John's Gospel is a doctrinal Gospel - emphasizing the teaching of Jesus, establishing central doctrines with great clarity (Creation, the Father/Son relationship, the work of the Holy Spirit) - and guarding against future errors. 

The first thing notice in the Gospel is Jesus attending with His disciples. In other words, Jesus blessed marriage, which is the only human institution created by God. "Male and female created He them." Many thinkers impugned marriage and blamed women for all evil in the world. This led to monastic life without marriage and the corruption of the ministry through this man-made restriction. Luther emptied the monasteries and convents when he showed that the Bible does not teach the celibate life as the highest in holiness.

God established marriage by His Word, and Jesus is the Word.

When Jesus addressed His mother as "Woman" (as He did at the cross), He was showing the world His lordship over her. The early Medieval era elevated Mary above Jesus and made her the symbol of gentleness and mercy, while Jesus was portrayed as the angry Judge.

The miracle of water turned into wine is the first of all His miracles, very public, witnessed by all the disciples and the wedding guests. It involves the elements because He is the Lord of Creation, whose Word commands the elements, the weather, and water itself. We can find rationalistic but false statements about Jesus healing people, such as feeling sick and then feeling better because of Jesus. The first miracle is the power of God's Word to change water alone into the best wine. 

This answers the question easily answered by children and mixed up by so many adults, even by nominal church leaders and professors - "How can Jesus heal people, raise the dead, perform miracles, rise from the dead and ascend into heaven?" Children answer, "He is God. God can do anything."

That also brings up the foundational teaching in the Fourth Gospel, not absent in any Gospel but especially clear in John - The miracles create faith in the Son and His relationship to the Father, and this faith receives the blessings promised by the Savior, starting with forgiveness. The Holy Spirit witnesses to this and convicts the world of sin "because they believe not on Me." John 16:8f.

God's Word: Marriage and Miracles

KJV John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

Mankind has the ability to take the most obvious and clear statement and simply ignore it or worse - turn it upside-down. This miracle is unique in John's Gospel and is also the first in His public ministry. 

Even today, people show respect by attending events and disrespect by refusing to go. Jesus' attendance at this wedding, with all his disciples, shows that He honored and blessed marriage. Nothing is clearer than God's establishment of marriage, the only human institution He created. Why did the early Christian Church move against it and legislate against marriage for ministers and bishops? 

Pagans taught that women were the source of all evil, that it was best to live without marriage. This thought grew among Christians, even though all pastors were married in the beginning. Peter himself was married, which we know because he had a mother-in-law whom Jesus healed (Mark). Early on, marriage was forbidden to all ministers, and monastic orders grew where men and women lived separately in communes. They came to believe and teach that the unmarried lived a holy life blessed by God far above those lowly souls who were married and did not have the sanctity of the monastery, convent, or religious order.

This miracle by itself should show the blessings of God upon marriage and Jesus' approval of traditional marriage. Leave it to faithless men and women to teach that anything is better than a man marrying a woman.

The very fact of Jesus being at a wedding shows His approval, and Mary's presence shows she was entrusted with organizing the event. That suggests the bride and groom were left without parents who could sponsor the event and therefore had very little with which to start married life.

Jesus and His disciples were a large group by themselves, and the disciples were there to witness this great miracle, which even today is used to express the greatest possible kind of transformation. This set the state for the public ministry of Christ, since so many others witnessed a miracle which was devoid of the trappings of fake wonders, which use suggestion and tricks.

I was interested in magic for a time and learned how magicians use misdirection of the eyes and suggestion to make the ordinary look spectacular. The audience "sees" what they are told they will see, but the wording is deliberately misleading. "Scotch and Soda" uses a heavy coin and the hollowed out shell of a coin. The heavy coin is passed around the room. Everyone is encouraged to touch it, hold, clink it on the table. The hollowed out coin, just large enough to hold the heavy coin, is not displayed. "I am going to turn two coins into one." The magician holds them in the air and claps them together and adds some nonsense about sending the second coin away. The heavy coin slips into the hollow shell and seems to disappear. Everyone is in shock that they witnessed what they were told they would see. I used this to illustrate Linux using Windows, two into one, for a try-out teaching at a university. The future professors, my audience, were impressed. Note - this is the opposite of the miracle recorded in John 2.

3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 

This is the comment suggesting that Mary was in charge of the wedding and also making clear how little the couple had. They did not not have the basics for a wedding. Nevertheless, Mary assumed Jesus could take care of it somehow, and she knew He was unique in this respect. She had faith in Him, so great that she did not even suggest what should be done (as so many who think they manage God and order Him around) but only told Him about the shortage.

4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 

4 λεγει αυτη ο ιησους τι εμοι και σοι? γυναι ουπω ηκει η ωρα μου

19:26 ιησους ουν ιδων την μητερα και τον μαθητην παρεστωτα ον ηγαπα λεγει τη μητρι αυτου, γυναι ιδου ο υιος σου

27 ειτα λεγει τω μαθητη ιδου η μητηρ σου

Notice that Jesus did not soften His address by saying "Dear Woman" or by adding any other adjective. The same happened at the cross. Though He called her "woman" again, showing He is her Lord, He said to John - "Behold your mother."

So this is not a matter of respect but one of station. The Fourth Gospel anticipated the distortion of the role of Mary, which led to such Marian dogmas as - the Assumption of Mary, the Immaculate Conception of Mary (that she was without sin), and her imaginary role as co-Redeemer, offering Jesus as a priest offers Mass. Robert Preus wrote Justification and Rome to counter these notions in his own seminary and synod - and also clobbered Objective Justification.

Jesus showed love and respect for His mother but also maintained that He was and is her Lord and Savior. The Medieval corruption of Biblical doctrine turned Jesus into Moses and Mary into the person who relieves those suffering in Purgatory (another pagan idea completely alien to the Bible. One priest said to me and his fellow priest, "Purgatory is not de fide, is it?" His senior said, "Yes, Purgatory is de fide." (Catholics are required to believe in Purgatory.)

Jesus objected to Mary's suggestion, but I would not list that as a real objection. He often spoke so that the other person confessed faith in Him or reasons for that faith. Rather than seeing this as Jesus forced into a miracle, it is much more an example of her faith in Him. 

His mother, knowing His divine nature, said, "Whatever He says, do it." She has no solution except to trust in His power and wisdom. So this is an example of her trust in Him, the power and mercy of God.

Someone might think, "A roof on our little chapel is too trivial for God to address with so many disasters around the world." But believing hearts prayed for the roof and the spread of the Gospel. The roof arrived in pieces over the Internet. "Why did You let us panic over the banking crisis?" Answer - so you would remember and not be anxious when the next problem came along.

The Cana Miracle

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins [GJ -10 gallons per firkin] apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 

Each miracle is different from the others, and that difference teaches us something by itself. The details are easy to overlook but they make such a difference. 

This was accomplished without Jesus touching the materials, only by His Word. He did not fill the pots containing 20 to 30 gallons of water. The servants did. Filling them to the brim allowed for no introduction of matter that would change the contents. The water had to be drawn and poured by others. Water remained water. Jesus and the disciples did not touch anythinig

In magic, everything remains the same, but people are led to believe something has happened. Capes, a big hat, and deep pockets hide animals, similar objects. The "magic wand" distracts.

8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

Just before they had no wine, as Mary told Jesus. Now they are carrying water or something else to the manager of the feast. No one is colluding because they have no idea what is happening.

I was able to do fake mind-reading by cluing just one person in on the gimmick - words starting with a consonant and taps for vowels. The group was agog that the secret word could be transmitted this was. Can you read my mind? Tap. Tell me the answer. CAT!

We can imagine the wedding scene was crowded and people could not see everything going on.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good [noble, high quality] wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

This is mildly funny. They were completely out of wine when a sample of the water was carried to the toast-master. He did not know its origin but the servants did. The governor called the groom over and mildly scolded him. The good wine is served first, but you have kept the best wine until the last.

First Miracle of the Word

11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

This miracle is significant because:

1. It began the public ministry of Jesus.
2. All the disciples were there.
3. Mary was present and confessed her faith in Him.
4. The details argued against a trick or hoax.
5. Jesus did not touch anything to accomplish this.
6. The disciples all saw the power of Jesus' Word.

Jesus began His ministry by showing the power of the Word to change ordinary water into extraordinary wine. This began the faith-training of the disciples, training which we all need until we pass into the Celestial City of eternal life.

Marriage and the Miracle

Luther:

4. Since then marriage has the foundation and consolation, that it is instituted by God and that God loves it, and that Christ himself so honors and comforts it, everybody ought to prize and esteem it, and the heart ought to be glad, that it is surely the state God loves and cheerfully endure every burden in it, even though the burdens be ten times heavier than they are. For this is the reason there is so much care and unpleasantness in marriage to the outward man, because everything that is God’s Word and work, if it is to be blessed at all, must be distasteful, bitter and burdensome to the outward man.

On this account marriage is a state that cultivates and exercises faith in God and love to our neighbor by means of manifold cares, labors, unpleasantnesses, crosses and all kinds of adversities, that are to follow everything that is God’s Word and work. All this the chaste whoremongers, saintly effeminates and Sodomites nicely escape, serving God outside of God’s ordinance by doings of their own.

5. For this is what Christ also indicates by his readiness to supply any want arising in marriage, bestowing wine where it is needed, and making it of water; as though he would say: Must you drink water, that is, suffer affliction outwardly, and is this distasteful? Very well, I will sweeten it for you and change the water into wine, so that your affliction will be your joy and delight.

Marriage is an estate where both the husband and wife become servants, of each other, and the children. There is no doubt that establishing this divinely-honored relationship is one of great responsibility. Though people shun it, society even honors it with the category of common law spouse. After so much time under the same roof, the government considers the couple married. Even the worst government can see that a permanent relationship has been established. The message is - this established your responsibility to each other and to any offspring.

As Luther said so wisely, because he experienced the change from monk to married man, the connection between the miracle and marriage itself is no coincidence. He lived in a time of extreme chaos with constant challenges and no real peace at all. Everything was temporary and did not settle down while he was alive or for years afterwards. 

Luther married to spite the pope and to confess his faith before he died. He did not expect to die peacefully because of the constant threats and turmoil.

Luther and Katie became the examples of marriage and the parsonage, completely different from where they came - the monastery and the convent. They suffered the woes of losing children. Luther also had poor health.

He saw the problems of life transformed miraculously by the Word. When one of his toddlers pooped in his office, he said, "What is it about you that I love you so?" 

Love can bring enormous pain and yet the challenges of life, the pain and difficulties, are changed by the Gospel Word into the best wine.