The LCMS and WELS Are Abusive Cults

 

WELS is no different from ELCA. In fact, the WELS/LCMS guy who helped start a gay seminary was way ahead of the future ELCA.

The haughty treatment of Luther's Large Catechism proved once again that the LCMS mocks the Reformation and the Book of Concord. WELS says "Me too! Me too!"

Pastor Martin Stephan did not mount a glorious escape from persecution to start a new church in America. He was under house arrest for his dalliances with young women and already had a hot dose of syphilis. He shunned his wife to stay at a spa with his mistress, and took his mistress with him to sail to America with his cult.

The Walter circle of pastors and teachers was 100% Pietist, like Stephan, not Lutheran, not repristinating anything but lying all the time. Walther even kidnapped his own niece and nephew from his parental home, clearly a felony anywhere.

Stephan insisted on being made a bishop before he stepped foot on dry land, his promotion endorsed in writing by CFW and others. However, his syphilitic brain was getting worse and Walther saw a great opportunity to take over. CFW arranged a riot in Perryville, robbed Stephan of everything, called him a thief, and forced him over to Illinois at gunpoint - more felonies. Stephan's main mistress crossed over to live with him. She was quartered next to him on the trip over.

Walther consolidated his power and insisted on his way at all times. That is how he broke the rules to make F. Pieper the dogma professor. Pieper cleverly wrapped efficacy and the Means of Grace around the rotten core of Objective Faithless Justification. Walther was no innocent. Stephan sent him a letter about OJ, which Walther claimed "saved his life."

All those who worship Walther agree that he never wavered from his adherence to the Halle dogma of his syphilitic bishop.

Walther deliberately blew up the Olde Synodical Conference, to eliminate those who opposed his idiotic, ignorant Objective Faithless Justification. When he was done with his "grace" campaign, only WELS and the ELS were left. CFW was weak in the Biblical languages and could not make a case by dealing with Justification by Faith - just like WELS-ELS-CLC-ELCA today.  Walther made it a predestination puzzle where grace could not be grace if faith was involved, yet Romans 4 makes it very clear that justification can only be by faith, or it was not grace. Walther worshipers do not see that, so they always blow smoke on the Biblical topic and run with their bookshelves of cult textbooks.

Sadly, WELS and the ELS stuck with the Walther gang of criminals (theft, kidnapping, refusing to follow the Scriptures with Stephan). They inherited have rested their Pietistic legalism on the grandeur of the Great Walther, a sure sign of a cult.

Following Walther, the other cults agree that they are never wrong, no matter how evil the crime is. Marvin Schwan - nothing happened. WELS murders - nothing happened. ELS - they are perfect too. 

The three Stephan sects carry on their model of leadership - Martin Stephan. They deny their dogmatic bedrock is legalistic, hedonistic Pietism. Anyone who says they are less than perfect is shunned, excommunicated and decorated with every kind of insult anyone can imagine.

WELS denies its hazing of students, which is designed to make them "all the same." If someone knows how the hazing works, the individual gets a double dose. They even changed the name of GA to HB so they could deny the GA hazing. So-o-o clever. WELS leaders always double-talk and their members go with the game plan, because the whole extended family will shun the person who questions Holy Mother WELS.

Missouri has watered down the worst of the abusive behavior, but Matt the Fatt's behavior in running for re-election was same old pile of bullying deception. He endorsed Luther's Large Catechism (ELCA-Seminex Edition) then blocked it for several days (oh the torture of waiting) then steamrolled objections to the book as akin to the KKK and Alt-Right. Even with all that virtue signaling to the Left, Matt only got 52% of the vote. Conclusion? His charade was a way to make sure he had the votes.

Hebrews - Daily Verses - "For the Word of God Is Quick, And Powerful, And Sharper Than Any Twoedged Sword..."

 

 

KJV Hebrews 4

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

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

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Explanation

Verse 12 shows that the Word of God is always effective (or efficacious). That alone repudiates the claims of the Word and the Holy Spirit going their separate ways, making the Word "dead" at times and the Spirit fickle. The reason for many saying "Sovereign Lord" is to say God may be present or not during a sermon, a baptism or the Lord's Supper.

Verse 13 teaches that the Word is 100% discerning, which may be why so many shun the Word out of guilt or scorn, giving up the peace and joy from forgiveness through faith in the Savior.

Verse 14 portrays Jesus Christ as our great high priest, reason enough to avoid calling pastors "Father" and instituting a priesthood lacking in the New Testament but dominant in the minds of quasi-Romanists.

Verse 15 emphasizes the Two Natures of the Son of God, His human nature having experienced the trials, suffering, and pain of our human condition. The key point is Christ tempted just as we are, yet without sin - His divine nature. As the Word made flesh, He is the face and voice of God.

Verse 16 reveals that the Promised Messiah helps us come to the Lamb of God, slain for our sins, and receive grace through faith alone, and mercy.

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - "Such Favors He Also Bestows upon the Godless And Unbelieving, And upon Them More Than upon Others."

 

Complete Sermon Here -> FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

SECOND SERMON: LUKE 5:1-11. 

5. By this example he especially shows how it goes with those upon whom he is to bestow his gifts and assistance, and how he is accustomed to bestow these favors. It goes with them as it went with those fishermen, who labored all the night, yet had nothing for all their trouble and labor, and had nothing to hope for from human counsel or aid. Manifold tribulations, miseries and distress are the daily experience of all Christendom. If Christ is to help, there must be trials, trouble and toil, and it must come to this, that we despair of all human counsel, comfort and ability. Then he comes with his help, and shows that he still has the means of comfort, counsel, protection and deliverance, and that he is able to bestow all this when everything else has failed us, and when all that we have done or suffered, and still may be able to do, is nothing and in vain; yea, that in such need and weakness he gives and helps in richer measure than could be done by all human power, skill and aid.

6. On the other hand, by saying to his disciples: “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught,” Christ shows that he does not forbid work, or would have that neglected which we have been commanded to do. He thereby enjoins upon them to continue in their handicraft. The two things are thus well maintained over against each other, namely, that we must work, and that our work accomplishes nothing. For if toil and trouble could have accomplished anything, then would the disciples have accomplished it during the hours of the night; and all the more so then, as they had hopes of taking a greater number of fishes while the silence and darkness continued than when Christ, in broad daylight, commanded them to let down their nets. Nevertheless, at Christ’s word, and at one draught, they drew them in full to overflowing.

7. From this every one may see and learn that no man lives by his labor or exertion, however great and unhampered this may be, but must live by God’s blessing and grace. Let it remain at this, as the Germans say, that “God helps,” or “God bestows his gifts over night,” which saying has come down to us from pious men of old who realized its truth in their experience. Daily experience still shows that many a one toils, tooth and nail, in anxiety and hard work, who yet can scarcely earn his bread or get rid of his debts and poverty; whilst to another, who takes it easy and newer overexerts himself, everything comes and flows in so abundantly that we really must say: “All this comes from God’s help and not from any man’s labor.” In Psalm 127:2 we are told: “So he giveth it unto his beloved in sleep,” as if the Psalmist would say: “It is in vain that you fret and plague yourself with cares and labor, day and night, in order to provide what is needed in the home. Much may be needed there; but it does not depend upon your hands and labor at all. Nothing will come of your effort unless God himself is the “House Father” and makes it possible for you to say: ‘God bestows his gifts over night. ’ Grain and all food from the earth, yea, all that a man has, or may acquire, must be given him of God.”

8. Such favors he also bestows upon the godless and unbelieving, and upon them more than upon others. With temporal goods he fills to overflowing the house and home of many wicked men who never think of a God.

The Word of God Has Its Own Ways To Find the Good Soil

 

A young man stopped by with a brochure and questions about home prices on our cul-de-sac. One thing led to another, talking higher education, radicalism in the public schools. 

We got onto the topic of Biblical studies and Greek. I said, "My church nominated me for distributing good Biblical books." He said, "I have a Greek New Testament on one side and the KJV on the other." We were both pleasantly shocked, and I invited him to see our church service broadcasting and the library room.

As we talked I pulled out around 8 books for him to keep or share for free. Some were from Alec Satin. Others were from Zach Engleman. I added the KJV book and some others.

"You give away KJVs?" He liked that.

We talked about Lutheran doctrine, Justification by Faith, and my definition of holiness. I said, "When we are forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ, holiness is the result."

California and New York State Were Once Considered the Best Places for Public Education and Low Costs. Thank You - Rick Strickert and LQ

 

Rick Strickert (Carlvehse) Senior Member Username: Carlvehse Post Number: 10714 Registered: 10-2003

Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2023 - 11:55 am:       California heads toward hell in a handbasket Excerpted from The Daily Signal June 13, 2023, article, "State Senator Tells Parents to Flee His Own State Amid Bill That Would Take Kids Away From Non-’Affirming’ Parents": quote: A California state senator [Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita] told a gathered crowd of parents at the California Senate Judicial Committee to flee the state on June 13 during a hearing on a bill [AB957] which would put parents who don’t affirm their child’s “gender transition” in danger of child abuse charges. "I’m now in year 11 in the state legislature, and all the time we’re proposing policies to protect children. After 11 years, I’ve come to the conclusion that we need to start protecting parents. "That’s just not happening. "I’ve been here and witnessed a full frontal assault on charter schools, taking away parents’ choice in how their children are going to be educated to the detriment particularly of children of color. "In recent years, we have put government bureaucrats between parents, children, and doctors when it comes to medical care—and now we have [AB 957] where if a parent does not support the ideology of the government, [children are] going to be taken away from the home… “In the past when we’ve had these discussions and I’ve seen parental rights atrophied—I’ve encouraged people to keep fighting,” the senator added. “I’ve changed my mind on that.” “If you love your children, you need to flee California. You need to flee,” he said. Excerpted from AB 957: quote: This bill, for purposes of this provision, would include a parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity as part of the health, safety, and welfare of the child. SECTION 1. Section 3011 of the Family Code is amended to read: 3011. (a) In making a determination of the best interests of the child in a proceeding described in Section 3021, the court shall, among any other factors it finds relevant and consistent with Section 3020, consider all of the following: (1) (A) The health, safety, and welfare of the child. (B) As used in this paragraph, the health, safety, and welfare of the child includes a parent’s affirmation of the child’s gender identity. .... (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the court shall not consider the sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation of a parent, legal guardian, or relative in determining the best interests of the child. Don't hold your breath waiting for imprecatory prayers in California Lutheran church worship services.

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Luke 5 - This Gospel Brings Before Us Two Parts, In Which It Exhorts to Faith And Strengthens Faith.

 

Complete Sermon Here -> FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

SECOND SERMON: LUKE 5:1-11. 

CONCERNING FAITH, THE CARE OF GOD, AND OUR DAILY OCCUPATION.

1. This Gospel brings before us two parts, in which it exhorts to faith and strengthens faith. In the first part it shows that Christ cares for those who believe in him, so that they are abundantly supplied against temporal and bodily needs. In the second part it shows that he will help them still more against spiritual needs, thus in reality proving the truth of what St. Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:8: “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.” The Scriptures are everywhere full of these two kinds of promises.

2. To faith he assures temporal and bodily help by giving to Peter and his partners so great a draught of fishes after they had vainly toiled all night and caught nothing, and now could have no expectation or hope of taking anything. But herein he adheres to the rule and order which he himself has given and taught in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” He here acts according to this saying and shows its truth by example and experience, inasmuch as the people press upon him in crowds, first to hear his words, and to such an extent that, in order to preach to them, he sets out from land in one of the boats. But when he has taught them he proceeds further to provide for their bodily needs, inasmuch as they are in distress and want.

3. Although it is not indeed the purpose of Christ’s coming or preaching to foster and provide for the body, yet he is not unmindful of it when the first thing sought is his kingdom. He therefore takes upon himself the distress of these poor fishermen who, through all this night, and with all their efforts and toil, have caught nothing. However, as they have lent him their boat to preach, and have listened to him, he, without any thought on their part, and before they have uttered any prayer, provides for them a draught of fishes so great that they are thereby enabled fully to learn and clearly to understand that in him they have a Master who cares for them and will not forsake them, provided they abide in his Word and remain his disciples.

4. He would that his Church, or believing people, should be comforted by the fact that he provides for them, and that somewhere on earth they shall find bread and an abiding place, even though they are everywhere so persecuted and scattered, that their place and provision in the world must be uncertain. We find this set forth, not only in the present instance, and in others like it, but in many a beautiful passage, such as Psalm 34:10: “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek Jehovah shall not want any good thing.”

Hebrews - Daily Verses, "Not Mixed with Faith."

 

KJV Hebrews 4

1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:

7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Explanation

Hebrews can be quite involved in its statements, but this also leads to the most glorious passages, ones which we know, but often without recalling the location. That is true of Hebrews 4:12.

One way to clarify is to go back a few verses to see if the classic declaration has an introduction. A big question concerns why the Gospel is proclaimed but not believed. Lutherans - the true Pentecostals - know the Word is never without the Spirit and the Spirit never without the Word  (Hoenecke). Thus others imagine the Word requires a charming pastor, or gorgeous costumes from CM Almy, or splendid architecture, or a way to make the message reasonable or sweet or humorous. Lacking these props, the Word is not profitable when not mixed with faith. 

Not mixed with faith can influence the preacher and his/her gimmicks or the congregation with their demands. In our era of Rationalism, Satan worship, and Whack-a-Doodlism, people may still glean from long-held truths sprinkled in a worship service, remnants from the past. But many are without this nurture, as Hebrews states.

Various times I have been invited to preach for another congregation or group. Teaching the basics - such as the inerrancy of the Scriptures or the divinity of Jesus Christ - means that arms will fold and scowls will form, or heads will nod in agreement. The Spirit at work in the Word hardens and darkens those who oppose God's truth. The Word energized by the Spirit also converts, encourages, strengthens, and calms the others.

How did we get to the point where people would recite the Sparkle creed - from a United Church of Christ minister - and ignore the wisdom of Theodore Schmauk? Lutheran pastors seem to graduate from seminary without Luther - how much weaker are they in understanding:

1. Schmauk
2. Jacobs
3. Loy
4. Krauth?

And yet they can recite the canons of McGavran, Kelm, and Drucker!

Edina Community Lutheran Church - ELCA - The Future Has Arrived

 

• Pastor Anna Helgen leads the "Sparkle creed" at the altar, YouTube below. 
• The author of the "Sparkle creed" is UCC Pastor Rachel F. Small Stokes. 
• More on Stokes.
• The Sparkle creed has been officially mentioned by the ALPB Online Ovaltines.

JEFF SARTAIN

PASTOR

What book, other than the Bible, has had an impact on your faith?

“Many years ago I read, “Encountering God: A Spiritual Journey from Bozeman to Banaras,” by Diana Eck. It introduced me to a way of understanding God that transcends any one religious tradition.”

Growing up in the small Canadian border town of Littlefork, Minnesota Jeff learned the gift of story-telling, which he brings to his preaching. He loves learning about the ways God works in people’s lives. Jeff has served small churches in rural areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and he also served several years at a large inner city congregation in Minneapolis. Brief forays in professional fundraising and in social work round out his experience. A life-long learner, he continues to explore interests from learning to teach yoga and meditation to taking up the accordion, which is his latest project. Jeff and his husband, Mark, have two grown children, three-grandchildren, and a cabin in the woods of Wisconsin where they love taking their dog for an overnight get-away.

Edina Community ELCA Church

Giving Witness to Justice (est. $2.35M Debt Retirement + 10% Mission component)

Since 2016, ECLC has had to use existing cash reserves to service our mortgage liability, averaging $80-100k annually. Those reserves have now been fully spent. Our church’s finances are in a precarious situation going forward. In addition, since 2016 ECLC has run significant operating deficits in the annual budget since servicing the mortgage debt. The financial statements that were presented, mitigated this impact by using transfers from designated funds, or Council’s release of funds to balance the budget. These were dependent on existing cash reserves. To stabilize church operations, church leadership looked at several different models, including refinancing, significant staff reductions, or a capital campaign.

Free Republic Post and Comments are here.

Another video of "the Sparkle creed" is below.

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Trinity 4, Second Sermon

 

Click for Complete Sermon -> Luke 6:36-42.

Fourth Sunday after Trinity, Second Sermon

10. Thus Christ admonishes his disciples with these words, that they diligently perform the duties of their office and preach with courage, let it offend whom it may, and that nothing whatever may lead them astray, even though all the world revile and curse; let them only freely continue and they shall be richly rewarded; for it is already determined in heaven that there shall be given unto them full measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.

11. From all this it is certainly clear, that Christ does not here speak of that righteousness, of how a man becomes just before God, which takes place alone through faith in Jesus Christ, but teaches his disciples how to lead a good life here on earth among unbelievers, by which they may be of great benefit to those who judge and condemn them. When they do such things, it shall be rewarded unto them again both here and hereafter; not that they thereby merit the forgiveness of sins; for no work, be it ever so good, is able to accomplish this; but when they on this account suffer or lose anything, it shall be returned to them even here in this life an hundred fold, as is written in Mark 10:30, and in the life to come they will be more gloriously arrayed and adorned than other saints. Why? Because they have suffered and done more for Christ’s sake than others. For Daniel the prophet says, Daniel 12:3, that the teachers shall shine as the brightness of the firmament after the resurrection of the dead, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. And St. Paul in Corinthians 15:41 says: “For one star differeth from another star in glory.

So also is the resurrection of the dead.”

12. The Lord further says: When you fail to do thus, but return evil for evil, it shall be measured to you again, “for with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.” For by thus judging and condemning those who judge and condemn you, you sufficiently show that you are not my true disciples, and have not yet the forgiveness of sins, or else you would do what I have commanded you. From which it follows further that your faith is not right. So with you it will be changed, and you will hear from me that you have no faith and are false Christians.

Synod President Matt the Fatt's Bullying versus Ryan Turnipseed's Answers. LCMS Luther's Large Seminex Catechism, Another Win for ELCA!

SP Harrison jumped right out of CFW Walther's guide for bullying and deception.

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Trinity 4, Second Sermon - "We Teach That We Are Saved Only Through Faith in Jesus Christ..."

 

Click for Complete Sermon -> Luke 6:36-42.

Fourth Sunday after Trinity, Second Sermon

For a better understanding of this Gospel, we must in the first place reply to our adversaries, who hold up this text against us as a strong, firm ground of their doctrine, that a man can by works obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life, and boast of it as though they already had surely gained the victory. They say: Here indeed it stands clearly written: “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; give, and it shall be given to you again.”

What can a man bring up against such clear passages? Therefore, it certainly follows from this, that a man can obtain forgiveness of sins by good works. Thus, by these and similar passages concerning works, they wish to prove that we are justified and saved by our own merit; and denounce and condemn us as heretics, because we teach that we are saved only through faith in Jesus Christ, who has been crucified and died for us, who gave his body and shed his blood for us for the forgiveness of sins.

Thus they make Christ entirely unprofitable for us, and call the doctrine of faith simply an error and falsehood. Here we see how the blind lead the blind.

2. Well, we allow them to proceed, because they want to be blind and hardened. But if they were in earnest to know the truth, they could plainly see from this Gospel to what such passages, to which they so firmly hold, properly refer, and how they should be interpreted. For this Gospel evidently and plainly says, that Christ does not speak to those who shall first obtain grace, but to his disciples, who already are children of grace and justified, and are also sent out by him, that they should preach to others such grace and salvation; from which it clearly follows that they already have forgiveness of sins, and are pious and justified, and are not first to obtain salvation through works. I say, he speaks to those, and instructs them how they shall conduct themselves toward their enemies, namely, when they are persecuted by them, that they should not persecute them in return, but should patiently suffer all these things, and do them good for evil.

3. Hence it is not meant, that by such works as are here enumerated they should first obtain forgiveness of sins and the righteousness that avails before God; but Christ speaks plainly and simply to his disciples whom he had chosen and called Apostles, as St. Luke shows preceding this Gospel.

Christ teaches them how they shall conduct themselves when they preach, as though he would say: You dear disciples, I send you as sheep among wolves, and commend this office unto you to preach, and others shall hear your preaching, accept and believe it. And you will be so received that the world will be offended at you and regard you as enemies, and you will find just as much friendship and love in it, as sheep among wolves. For it will become wholly mad and foolish at your preaching, and will by no means tolerate it.

Therefore see to it that you lead a better life and conversation than your enemies, who will practice upon you all kinds of unmerciful deeds by judging and condemning you. Moreover they will not only not forgive you any sin, but will proclaim your best works and deeds of mercy as the greatest sins. Again, they will not only not give you anything, but they will also hunt down that which is your own, and will take and keep it by violence. Thus they will treat you. But beware, that you be not like them; on the other hand where they judge, judge not; where they condemn, bless; where they take revenge, forgive; when they take, give. For immediately before, the Lord teaches the very same when he says: Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.

4. In this manner St. Paul also admonishes the Christians at Rome ( Romans 12:18-19): “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God.” Christ here teaches the very same when he says: Be merciful, judge not, condemn not, avenge not yourselves, give unto and assist everyone, in order that you may not become equally as bad as your enemies; but rather that they may be prevailed upon by your kind and friendly conversation, to give you a good testimony, and finally be compelled to say conscientiously: Behold, we judge and condemn these people, and carry out all our maliciousness against them; against this they neither defend or avenge themselves, but suffer it all patiently, and besides, they overcome evil with good, Surely, they cannot be bad people, because they have so much patience, and reward evil with good; I myself, will also hold to them, because they do no one any harm, although they have good reasons for so doing.

5. From this one can easily see that Christ does not here teach us to become pious and just through our works, but admonishes those who were already pious and just, that they be merciful like their Father in heaven, so that the heathen may thereby become better, and that thus unbelievers may be kindly enticed to become converted and edified, not only by preaching, but also by the merciful and blameless lives and good conduct of the good and just.

Discouraged Takes the Courage out of Hope in the Creation Garden

 

 Caladiums come in various colors, so why camouflage them in green?

I have gardened long enough in this place to have a lot of discouraging projects pop up the next year to surprise and shame me. 

Surprise! They are coming up and will draw attention with so many flowers already in bloom.

For instance, I planted white caladiums in the fall and the red/greens came up early this spring. The colorful leaves are late to show up, but they keep growing the rest of the summer and into the fall. They will keep appearing and reminding of love's labor gained rather than lost.

I grew a bulb that is named after a cookie, but only one out of 25 grew up, and I gave that bunch two places to bloom. 

Squirlie! - Charli Sue is your nemesis. Remember that.

Lilies were supposed to encourage me with their stately size and enormous blooms. The next season some stalks showed up and did nothing. I said many harsh things to their pathetic leaves and weak roots. I complained to the yard helpers and they responded with quizzical looks. "You have enough flowers." That may be true, but I do not like purchases turned into compost. 

This year the lilies are tall with enormous flowers and laden with perfume only Avon could sell. I feared taking one into the chapel, sending me into a paroxym of sneezing, closed eyes, and regret.

Mountain mint attracts butterflies, bees, and those tiny flies that prey upon the damaging flies.

My grand "triumph:" I always wanted mountain mint, after I saw them draw in groups of tiny insects constantly in motion, in Washington DC. My helper accidentally buried two clumps under cardboard and mulch. We scratched around but never found them that year. "You buried my mountain mint!" He said, "They looked like weeds!" We laughed a lot about that.

You guessed correctly. Both mint clumps came up with great vigor after missing most of that summer. 

Being discouraged makes us give up, because we think, "What's the use!?" That is why congregations should emphasize Biblical doctrine, The Lutheran Hymnal, and the King James Version.

The Bad Bible Boosters: ELCA-WELS-ELS-LCMS-ELDONUTS - pursue randomness in the name of popularity. The modern Bible versions are like the All-Star football games, where each player wears his own helmet. They are equally meaningless, like the Bad Bibles (NIV, RSV, NRSV, ESV + plus the Otten Beck Bible) which are used to pump some funds into dying denominations and CN, focused on one thing - hating the KJV for its faithful Apostolic Text. 

Arguments for the Tischendorf-Westcott-Hort-Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament are laughably wrong, except for those who know what they are doing - undermining the divinity of Christ and faith in the Savior.

If these denominations, fading as fast as CN, unified with the KJV, they would not be dibble-dabbling with Babel.

Here is a simple formula that even a baker's son can follow:

1. Emphasize the Means of Grace. For Mequon grads - the visible Word of the Sacraments, the invisible Word of preaching and teaching.
2. Since the sermon is essential - speak from the text itself and write out an original sermon each time - never plagiarizing, never repeating.
3. Teach from the Reformation, not from the festering sores of various dogmatics books, the farther from the Luther's era, the worser they get.
4. Use dignified, traditional hymns instead of entertainment from balding Boomers who want to have their own little band.

If becoming discouraged, do some gardening on a regular schedule and observe Creation close up.

The Third Sunday after Trinity, 2023.

 

Bethany Lutheran Church

Springdale, Arkansas

The Third Sunday after Trinity, 2023

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Click ->Vimeo Link to Worship Service

                       

The Hymn #650                Behold a Stranger 

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Turn Thee unto me and have mercy upon me: 

for I am desolate and afflicted.

Look upon mine affliction and my pain: 

and forgive all my sins.

Psalm. Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul: 

O my God, I trust in Thee, let me not be ashamed.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Collect

O God, the Protector of all that trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us Thy mercy that, Thou being our Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual  

Cast thy burden upon the Lord: 

and He shall sustain thee.

V. I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me: 

He hath delivered my soul in peace. 

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. I will love Thee, O Lord my Strength: 

the Lord is my Rock and my Fortress and my Deliverer. Hallelujah!

     

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed             p. 22

The Sermon Hymn #436            The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want

       

Sheep and Shepherd

The Communion Hymn #310                  Thy Table I Approach - Loy Translation

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 #49                 Almighty God Thy Word Is Cast

In Our Prayers and Announcements

• Medical treatment - Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Kermit and Maria Way, Callie and Peggy, C., Lito Cruz and Family, Sarah Buck. Those with emotional issues and those with metabolic disorders.
• Happy Birthday, Jayz Antig!
• The Veterans Honor roses are in recognition of our military in the past and present.

 By Norma A. Boeckler

KJV 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

KJV Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.  3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Third Sunday After Trinity

Lord God, heavenly Father, we all like sheep have gone astray, having suffered ourselves to be led away from the right path by Satan and our own sinful flesh: We beseech Thee graciously to forgive us all our sins for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ; and quicken our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may abide in Thy word, and in true repentance and a steadfast faith continue in Thy Church unto the end, and obtain eternal salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end Amen.

Sheep and the Shepherd

KJV Luke 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Two groups of people were there. The Pharisees and scribes were farther away, murmuring among themselves about how horrible it was for Jesus to welcome the other group - tax collectors and open sinners. Not only that, He ate with those horrible people, which made Jesus one of the shunned, not righteous by works, as the scribes and Pharisees were.

Nothing much has changed and perhaps we are worse than ever before. There are all kinds of designations, which make people think they are the elite and the rest are damned. Sometimes it means the family name. Material possessions often are critical. 

The same religious denomination should help, right? Especially among Lutherans. St. Louis (LCMS) casts aspersions on Ft. Wayne (LCMS), and Ft. Wayne looks down on St. Louis. Long ago I was warned against confusing a Gettysburg (LCA) Seminary graduate with a Philadelphia (LCA) graduate. Those two finally united (ELCA) but are still at odds. Their first United president had to be fired, not because she was a Presbyterian but because she had been too hetero in the past. The women seminarians wanted to burn Ms. Latini at the stake, but that would have compromised the rules on air pollution. 

Tax collectors were hated because their own people demanded taxes that went to upkeep Roman forces in their land. The tax collectors had a lot of leverage to take as much as possible. The "open sinners" were those whose behavior was so obvious and bad that no one wanted to associate with them. 

The whole concept of the righteousness of works is very clear in this passage. The scribes and Pharisees were sinners, but they made themselves righteous by the strict observance of their own rules. They had great respect among themselves and took pride in their purity and outward obedience. 

They murmured among themselves, criticizing Jesus, in soft but disgusted tones. The three parables in a row distinguish Luke 15 as "the greatest of all the chapters in the New Testament." A better description might be - "This is where you go to understand forgiveness through Jesus Christ the Son of God."

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

Lambs have the most beautiful personalities, innocent, fragile, rather helpless. Videos show how city people will pick up a tiny lamb and get head-slammed by the mother. Would anyone neglect a lamb, only 1% of the flock, and not go searching for him in the wilds?

It is easy to picture a lamb lost in the wild, easy prey for the predators, helpless and bleating for mom. No one would make a financial calculation when they can imagine the plight of this helpless creature. The sheep are left along so the lamb can be found and rescued.

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

The details do not only perfectly fit the losing and the finding of the vulnerable lamb, but they also describe how the Shepherd brings back the vulnerable person to faith in Him. 

1. He carries it on his shoulders, bearing the burden to be an extra help in time of need.
2. He invites his friends and neighbors because He is so happy.
3. He rejoices and invites their rejoicing that the lost one was found.

This parable alone is very comforting because Jesus is clearly portraying Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10) taking care of the lamb (Psalm 23).

All of us with pets know the feelings generated by their illnesses, accidents, naughtiness, and how much more we appreciate them with those events. The issue with the lost sheep is not "How did you get into this mess?" but "Jesus will carry you to safety and security."

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Recovery of the lost sinner is expressed even more expansively with "more joy over one lost sinner found than 99 who did not need repentance."

There is also great irony in "need no repentance," because we all need to recognize the sin. This is a short parable with an endless emphasis on repentance with the help of the Savior and recovery with His continued protection. 

8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 

I just learned from a documentary that the silver penny of England in 1066 was the universal coin of Europe, because it was stable, never compromised. These pieces of silver bought a lot of goods, so losing one was not like the pennies in a jar in the kitchen - not even copper. Ten percent of cash in a brokered economy is a giant amount, like when I lost all the tickets for an upcoming vacation. Yes, I tore the house upside-down looking for them. And I perspired, I even sweated the sweat of panic with time running out for the reveal.

9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

I was so overwhelmed with joy at finding the documents that I told everyone how I found them. This little parable helps us identify with our heavenly Savior and His angels - having more joy over one repentant sinner than all the others.

This is also irony humor, because the Biblical approach is repentance or contrition - sorrow for sins, rather than shunning the obvious sinner.