ICHABOD, THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED - explores the Age of Apostasy, predicted in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, to attack Objective Faithless Justification, Church Growth Clowns, and their ringmasters. The antidote to these poisons is trusting the efficacious Word in the Means of Grace. John 16:8. Isaiah 55:8ff. Romans 10. Most readers are WELS, LCMS, ELS, or ELCA. This blog also covers the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Left-wing, National Council of Churches denominations.
Cicero's name is Latin for chickpea, which I enjoy every day at lunch.
Charlie Sue enjoys the last of the vegetable stew and some sausage.
"Cicero’s writings barely waned in influence over the centuries. It was through him that the thinkers of the Renaissance and Enlightenment discovered the riches of Classical rhetoric and philosophy."
Listen up, folks. This is my last post on Lutheran apostasy... until tomorrow.
Anyone complaining about the decline of the synods must understand it as a coordinated, military style war that the present managers fashioned for their own prestige, luxuries, and loot.
They worked together while pretending to be disgusted and alarmed at the other synods, which made cooperation much easier long ago, starting with seminary professors and Lutheran insurance. But let us get down to the basics.
Justification Without Faith was a bit difficult, in one form or another, but they all built up a great war machine against anyone who criticized Objective Faithless Justification or another generic brand - Universal Salvation (all grace, man, all!). That has been completed 100%, so that anyone with an IQ will find a truckload of manure poured on him and anyone he knows.
Parallel is the attack on the Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible. But there was more on the Greek text (called Byzantine, Traditional, or Apostolic) since Judaism did not throw away the Old Testament the way the 20th century Lutherans repudiated theirs, with a vengeance.
Lenski, like several other respected Biblical scholars, fell for the phony Greek texts (Vaticanus and Sinaiticus of the 1881 KJV Revision) that the Bad Bible Brokers have used ever since. The genius of the BBBs comes from erasing passages for the most part - like the empty tomb in Mark 16. They teach the poorly educated seminarians with enough conjured contradictions that the poor things graduate full of confusion and weak on faith in the efficacious Word.
I predicted this in 2015, with Photoshop, no magic globe needed.
The "conservative" Lutherans bray about Biblical inerrancy - like donkeys on a forced march - but they prove all their Bibles to be errant, contradictory, and false, negating inerrancy completely. (Thanks Rev. Lito Cruz, PhD.) The NIVs do not even agree with each other on the Chief Article.
This two-pronged attack (Bibles and Biblical doctrine) has turned the synods listed into a joke, still trying to be good businesses while their management and sales schemes falter and fail. Not long ago, their heroes questioned the Lutheran basics and fought to change them. Traditional clergy were shunned and ridiculed because they clung to their KJV Bibles and their old hymnals. One WELS clown said, "We have to give up a whole generation of the retired to attack the youth of tomorrow." Does that sound like Paul Kelm and his buddies? How well has it worked?
The managers, sub-managers, and disciples stand together against anyone favoring Reformation doctrine, the KJV, and good hymnals. The synod parasites will spread any falsehood to keep their Thrivent goodies flowing, from deluxe conferences to special deals known only to them.
Hundreds of pounds later, these three Bachelor of Divinity graduates are still keeping us stunned by their lack of sincerity.
Cry the Beloved Country Church Growth
Waldo Werning serviced pastors in WELS, ELS, and LCMS.
I knew "Dr" Waldo Werning fairly well - but not that well. He admitted that he studied at Fuller Seminary, which I recorded in my Day-Timer. Later, he denied it and I cited his admission from my Day-Timer. An ELS pastor asked me what made Werning fly into a rage.
Others, like his pal David Valleskey, also had the practice of gushing over Church Growth - and raging if anyone told the truth about him. I asked him face-to-face and poor David did his best to not answer. David's buddy Frosty Bivens blurted the same denial, even though he admitted going to Fuller and loving it. DP John Seifert was there when Bivens made his confession and denied the truth about Frosty twice. Fuller-denial was once a deadly virus that even spread to those who knew but did not know.
Now that the dust has settled, does anyone have any claim that Fuller Seminary and copy-cats caused the Christian Faith - or even statistics - to grow during those decades of folly, lying, and disgrace?
Luke 2:1-14. Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enroll themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were full, lied that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
THE STORY OF JESUS’ BIRTH.
1. It is written in Haggai 2:6-7, that God says: “I will shake the heavens; and the precious things of all nations shall come.” This is fulfilled today, for the heavens were shaken, that is, the angels in the heavens sang praises to God. And the earth was shaken, that is, the people on the earth were agitated; one journeying to this city, another to that throughout the whole land, as the Gospel tells us. It was not a violent, bloody uprising, but rather a peaceable one awakened by God who is the God of peace.
It is not to be understood that all countries upon earth were so agitated; but only those under Roman rule, which did not comprise half of the whole earth. However, no land was agitated as was the land of Judea, which had been divided among the tribes of Israel, although at this time the land was inhabited mostly by the race of Judah, as the ten tribes led captive into Assyria never returned.
2. This taxing, enrollment, or census, says Luke, was the first; but in the Gospel according to Matthew 17:24, and at other places we read that it was continued from time to time, that they even demanded tribute of Christ, and tempted him with the tribute money, Matthew 22:17. On the day of his suffering they also testified against him, that he forbade to give tribute to Caesar. The Jews did not like to pay tribute, and unwillingly submitted to the taxing, maintaining that they were God’s people and free from Caesar. They had great disputes as to whether they were obliged to pay the tribute, but they could not help themselves and were compelled to submit. For this reason they would have been pleased to draw Jesus into the discussion and bring him under the Roman jurisdiction. This taxing was therefore nothing else but a common decree throughout the whole empire that every individual should annually pay a penny, and the officers who collected the tribute were called publicans, who in German are improperly interpreted notorious sinners.
3. Observe how exact the Evangelist is in his statement that the birth of Christ occurred in the time of Caesar Augustus, and when Quirinius was governor of Syria, of which the land of Judea was a part, just as Austria is a part of the German land. This being the very first taxing, it appears that this tribute was never before paid until just at the time when Christ was to be born. By this Jesus shows that his kingdom was not to be of an earthly character nor to exercise worldly power and lordship, but that he, together with his parents, is subject to the powers that be. Since he comes at the time of the very first enrollment, he leaves no doubt with respect to this, for had he desired to leave it in doubt, he might have willed to be born under another enrollment, so that it might have been said it just happened so, without any divine intent.
4. And had he not willed to be submissive, he might have been born before there was any enrollment decreed. Since now all the works of Jesus are precious teachings, this circumstance can not be interpreted otherwise than that he by divine counsel and purpose will not exercise any worldly authority; but will be subject to it. This then is the first rebuke to the pope’s government and every thing of that character, that harmonizes with the kingdom of Christ as night does with day.
5. This Gospel is so clear that it requires very little explanation, but it should be well considered and taken deeply to heart; and no one will receive more benefit from it than those who, with a calm, quiet heart, banish everything else from their mind, and diligently look into it. It is just as the sun which is reflected in calm water and gives out vigorous warmth. but which can not be so readily seen nor can it give out such warmth in water that is in roaring and rapid motion.
Therefore, if you would be enlightened and warmed, if you would see the wonders of divine grace and have your heart aglow and enlightened, devout and joyful, go where you can silently meditate and lay hold of this picture deep in your heart, and you will see miracle upon miracle. But to give the common person a start and a motive to contemplate it, we will illustrate it in part, and afterwards enter into it more deeply.
6. First, behold how very ordinary and common things are to us that transpire on earth, and yet how high they are regarded in heaven. On earth it occurs in this wise: Here is a poor young woman, Mary of Nazareth, not highly esteemed, but of the humblest citizens of the village. No one is conscious of the great wonder she bears, she is silent, keeps her own counsel, and regards herself as the lowliest in the town. She starts out with her husband Joseph; very likely they had no servant, and he had to do the work of master and servant, and she that of mistress and maid, They were therefore obliged to leave their home unoccupied, or commend it to the care of others.
7. Now they evidently owned an ass, upon which Mary rode, although the Gospel does not mention it, and it is possible that she went on foot with Joseph. Imagine how she was despised at the inns and stopping places on the way, although worthy to ride in state in a chariot of gold.
There were, no doubt, many wives and daughters of prominent men at that time, who lived in fine apartments and great splendor, while the mother of God takes a journey in mid-winter under most trying circumstances. What distinctions there are in the world! It was more than a day’s journey from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in the land of Judea. They had to journey either by or through Jerusalem, for Bethlehem is south of Jerusalem while Nazareth is north.
8. The Evangelist shows how, when they arrived at Bethlehem, they were the most insignificant and despised, so that they had to make way for others until they were obliged to take refuge in a stable, to share with the cattle, lodging, table, bed chamber and bed, while many a wicked man sat at the head in the hotels and was honored as lord. No one noticed or was conscious of what God was doing in that stable. He lets the large houses and costly apartments remain empty, lets their inhabitants eat, drink and be merry; but this comfort and treasure are hidden from them. O what a dark night this was for Bethlehem, that was not conscious of that glorious light!
See how God shows that he utterly disregards what the world is, has or desires; and furthermore, that the world shows how little it knows or notices what God is, has and does.
9. See, this is the first picture with which Christ puts the world to shame and exposes all it does and knows. It shows that the world’s greatest wisdom is foolishness, her best actions are wrong and her greatest treasures are misfortunes. What had Bethlehem when it did not have Christ? What have they now who at that time had enough? What do Joseph and Mary lack now, although at that time they had no room to sleep comfortably?
WELS pastors were starting to see the light - about Justification by Faith when Rydecki left WELS, Steve Spencer and the rest went silent.
May 16, 2022Dear Bishop Heiser and brothers in Christ in the ELDoNA:
Ten years ago, when I was suspended from the WELS, I was, for a brief time, an independent pastor, and
you know the challenges that come with being alone in the ministry (not that we are ever truly alone), the
main challenge being perhaps the tendency of each of us to stray from pure doctrine and salutary practice
when there is no brother in the ministry to caution or encourage us. I prayed that the Lord would guide me
to a group of pastors with whom doctrinal fellowship could be recognized, who would help one another
remain faithful in doctrine, practice, and Christian living.
Nine years ago, Bishop Heiser and those of you who were in the diocese at that time, and one who has
now fallen asleep, served as the Lord’s instruments of comfort to me and my congregation in Las Cruces
after the turmoil we faced leaving the WELS. I will not say that you supported me. I will say that,
together with me, you supported the good confession about Christ and His vital teaching of justification
by faith alone, which required a repudiation of the false teaching of Objective Justification as it has been
defined and taught by the synods. I will never be able to express the joy that filled my heart when I heard
the Theses on Justification read for the first time. I was so thankful to God for giving me a group of
Christian brothers who not only believed as I did, but who were willing to confess the doctrine of Christ
openly and receive me into their fellowship, in spite of the reproach you suffered from the synods because
of it. I still give thanks for it.
The idea of an ecclesiastical bishop, as I understood it and as I found it described in the ELDoNA Charter
and related Theses, seemed like a fine way to ensure that all the member pastors taught and lived well,
and would continue to teach and live well, in accordance with the Scriptures and the Lutheran
Confessions. We cannot all be looking into one another’s practice and life on a regular basis, nor, I dare
say, would any of us welcome such a constant intrusion coming from every pastor in our fellowship, so
having one man appointed for this task seemed good to me. I happily applied for membership in the
diocese and have enjoyed interacting and working with you all over these past nine years.
Over the past year, it has become increasingly clear to me that the office of bishop, as understood by the
bishop and others in the ELDoNA, includes more than the Scriptures or Confessions include or than the
founding documents of the diocese spell out. Having a “Church Order” handed to us and “authorized” by
the bishop in 2021 took me off guard. Certain statements in the Church Order troubled me, such as, “No
variation from the text of the creeds set forth in the Service Book…may be used in the Divine Service”
(Missal, p.40), “It should also be noted that the selection of the Office Hymn is to be strictly adhered to as
appointed for use in this diocese” (p.41), and “Under no circumstances may any unauthorized form of
general prayer be substituted for those appointed for use in the diocese” (p.42). Exchanges with the
bishop over the past year also pointed in this direction.
But this understanding was solidified in the Episcopal Address and ensuing discussion that took place at
the 2022 Synod. I am very disappointed to discover that it is, in fact, the prevailing understanding and
expectation within the diocese that the bishop’s responsibility of “oversight” and “administration”
“encompasses all that has been associated with this [episcopal] polity in the historic sense,” as stated in
the Bishop’s Episcopal Address, including “obliging the parsons and deacons of their superintendency to
conform in all things according to our ‘Church Order.’” Page 2
This came as a surprise to me, because episcopal polity in the historic sense is not what we have ever
known in the ELDoNA. The Evangelical Episcopacy, as, for example, in the superintendency of Martin
Chemnitz (explained in his Church Order of 1569), was a human arrangement set up for that time and
place in history in response to the recent finding that “a large portion of [the pastors and ministers of the
church in that principality] were not real pastors, but rather unlearned and unfit mercenaries, acting as
hired hands” (p.4). The Superintendency described by Chemnitz was made up of many specificsuperintendents, five general-superintendents, and a consistory made up of superintendents, theologians,
and political appointees, all of whom were answerable to Duke Julius. (Indeed, it was the duke who
authorized and mandated the use of Chemnitz’ Church Order within his territory, not the superintendent.)
We have never had anything resembling this situation. For one thing, our ministers have not been found
to be “unlearned and unfit mercenaries,” necessitating strict enforcement of a Church Order. As for the
individual superintendents of the 16th century, they had far less authority than the ELDoNA bishop is
claiming for himself, as important decisions were made within the consistory and not by any individual
superintendent.
Furthermore, a bishop/superintendent in the historic sense had jurisdiction within the congregations
themselves, including the examining and confirming of confirmands and the excommunication of
parishioners who were not members of his own congregation. Indeed, the local pastor was allowed to
excommunicate no one without the approval of the superintendent and the consistory. For that matter, the
local pastor wasn’t even supposed to commune his own members unless he had followed the procedure
prescribed by the Church Order of obligating the parishioner to submit to private examination every time
he or she wished to receive the Lord’s Supper—something that clearly went beyond the Scriptures. In
their attempt to keep “good order,” I believe that princes and bishops/superintendents in the historic sense
often went too far.
Thankfully, however, unlike historic Lutheran bishops/superintendents, the ELDoNA bishop’s
jurisdiction has always extended only to the pastors who are members of the diocese. It has never
extended to the flocks over which the Holy Spirit has made us all overseers (or “bishops”).
Therefore, when seeking to understand what the ELDoNA bishop’s responsibilities were, I turned, not to
history, but to the diocesan Charter and related Theses, where no mention is made of “obliging the
parsons and deacons of their superintendency to conform in all things according to our ‘Church Order.’”
The Charter of the Diocese clearly delineates how we pledge to work together within the diocese. It was
to this that I agreed when I joined the diocese. I urge you all to reread what is actually written there, as
opposed to what some claim to be the unwritten intention. “Therefore, we pledge ourselves to work
together in the diocese as follows,” with nine points following, none of which includes agreeing that the
bishop may determine all matters of adiaphora for us (in our worship or otherwise) or that we bind
ourselves to follow his determinations in matters of adiaphora or church ceremonies within our own
congregations.
The first of the nine points is an agreement to “uphold those principles which Dr. Chemnitz affirmed
regarding the Superintendency.” “Those principles” do not include everything Chemnitz wrote in his
Church Order. The statement is followed explicitly by the four principles from Chemnitz which we agree
to uphold. None of these four principles grants the bishop the authority to decide on all matters of
adiaphora (or any matters of adiaphora, for that matter) within our congregations. When Chemnitz states
that “each one does not build up himself or act as lord in his congregation and do what he pleases…” this
does not imply that the bishop may then act as lord in our congregations and do what he pleases. It
implies that we will each be careful not to act in ways that cause offense within our own congregations or among our sister congregations, but will take one another into consideration in love and not enact
practices that are likely to cause offense. Page 3.
I agree with the Malone Theses when they state that “we seek to achieve a high degree of uniformity in
the liturgical expression of our theological agreement.” I never understood this, however, to mean
absolute uniformity or the imposition of a single service which must be strictly followed as published. I
agree with the Malone Theses when they state that “we commit ourselves to endeavor over time, by
common consensus, to minimize local deviations from common practice.” I never understood “common
consensus,” however, to mean the necessary consensus with whatever the bishop determines to be best.
Another of Chemnitz’ stated principles in the Charter is that “when some complaint arises, the matter
must be put before the conference and settled while the meeting is still in session.” This is what I
attempted to do during the Tuesday morning meeting at the 2022 Synod. I was later reprimanded (not by
the bishop, but by his deacon) for bringing up the matter during the meeting, as if that were not the proper
time or place to bring up such a complaint. Again, I urge you all to read what is actually written in the
Charter.
But if the Episcopal Address describes the actual polity of the ELDoNA going forward, then the Charter
is flawed and should be corrected and expanded so that it says what it means. To expect pastors and
congregations to understand from the Charter, as worded, that the ELDoNA bishop’s responsibilities
“encompass all that has been associated with this [episcopal] polity in the historic sense” is both
unreasonable and dangerous, because much has been associated with “episcopal polity in the historic
sense” that is neither Scriptural nor beneficial to God’s Holy Church.
When the bishop seeks to “authorize” Bible translations, orders of service, specific prayers, hymns,
lectionaries, dialects of English, etc., for use within our congregations, branding some as “licit” and others
as “illicit,” he is implying that the authority for us to worship as we do in our congregations comes from
him. I do not find this to be a Scriptural principle. My understanding is that Christ has called me to
shepherd the flock which He entrusted to my care through their divine call, which entails working with
them to establish and enact forms of worship which are in keeping with sound Christian (i.e., Lutheran)
practice. While I have always welcomed the counsel and advice of the bishop in these matters (and have
usually followed his advice out of love), I do not believe he has a divine call to dictate or to mandate
worship forms for my congregation. I did not call him to do this by the act of joining the diocese. My
congregation also does not acknowledge having called him to do this. Nor was there a magistrate who
appointed him to oversee my congregation. I asked him to be my overseer when I joined the diocese, to
look over my life and my ministry and to correct me on the basis of Scripture if I strayed from what God
would have me do as a pastor. That is all.
To state the matter simply, I wish to pursue unity in the Holy Scriptures, as we have understood them in
the Lutheran Church, and to be ruled and restrained by the Scriptures alone, in conformity with the
Lutheran Confessions and in love toward my neighbor. And I am willing and eager for a brother in Christ
to apply those Scriptures to me if I err, whether he holds the title of bishop, or pastor, or simply Christian.
This is the kind of unity I seek and the kind of unity I thought we already had in the diocese for the past
nine years.
Others, however, seem to wish to pursue unity in the doctrines and traditions of men, seeking unity in the
utter sameness of a single manmade Church Order imposed across an entire continent, which goes far
beyond the Scriptural requirement of things being done “decently and in good order.” They seek unity in
4
being ruled and restrained by one who is not only a bishop who holds the power of the Keys, as all
ministers do according to the Gospel, but who also holds power delegated to him by human right. Indeed,
they are willing to be disciplined by the bishop for things that are neither contrary to Scripture nor causes
of offense to members of Christ’s flock. I cannot abide by such an arrangement. It is like building on the
foundation of Christ with wood, hay, and straw.
I warned Rydecki about the Right Reverend Bishop James Heiser's papal personality. I have nothing against costumes and masks for the insecure, but puh-lease tuck that belly-button in.
As far as I can tell, this is a fundamental difference of understanding among us that prohibits me from
continuing as a member of this diocese. Therefore, I hereby resign from membership in the Evangelical
Lutheran Diocese of North America. My congregation also met on Sunday, May 15th, in formal assembly
and approved the following statement of their own composition to pass on to the diocese, together with
their grave disappointment in the direction the diocese has taken:
We the members of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church support our pastor in his decision to
leave the ELDoNA. As the Lord emphasizes humility for all of his people, He makes this a priority for
his shepherds. This is one of the last lessons he taught his disciples by washing their feet on Maundy
Thursday. The bishop’s “episcopal Address to the 2022 Synod of the ELDoNA” is inconsistent with
Christ’s example. We recognize that it is our pastor’s decision to be made, but believe that it is
appropriate and useful to support him and declare unity with respect to this matter. With a sad
heart, we unanimously agree that he should leave the ELDoNA.
I will continue to pray for you all and ask for God’s blessings on your families and on your ministry. To
be clear, I am not declaring myself to be out of fellowship with you, as I consider you neither false
teachers nor enemies of Christ nor my personal enemies, but as my friends and brothers in Christ who are
going down a dangerous path on which I cannot follow. It is not safe to build on the foundation of Christ
with wood, hay, and straw, which includes, in my opinion, yielding your God-given authority in your
congregations to one who has no call to your congregations, and submitting to being disciplined in
matters that God has left free.
…
May the merciful Lord guard and defend you from the dangers associated with this sort of polity, as it is
being defined and as it is being conducted, and may He guard me and those with me as well, that we may
all build on the foundation of Jesus Christ with gold, silver, and precious stones, and not with wood, hay,
and straw. Whether you think of me as such or not, I remain your friend and brother in Christ.
A servant of Christ Jesus,
Rev. Paul A. Rydecki
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Some WELS pastors attended the Southern Baptist convention to learn about faith, since the latest NIV - hated by the Babtists - insert Objective Faithless Justification in Romans 3.
Pastor Steve Archer was an LCA pastor and then served at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio. Emmanuel was an ALC sister church to St. Paul Lutheran in Germantown, Columbus. Emmanuel remained independent after leaving the ALC; St. Paul gradually associated with WELS.
In the early 1980s he served as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Napoleon Indiana. In the late 80s until 1992 he served as pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, OH. From 1992 until 1998 he was the pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, OH.
In 1998 a few years after their children were both graduated from High School-- Steven and Diane moved to Southwest Detroit where he served as Senior Pastor of Trinity – St Mark's United Church of Christ until 2016. He was a staunch advocate and community activist in Southwest Detroit. In retirement he was able to serve as a chaplain on various cruise ships—he was offered a job in the rotation after stepping up when the original chaplain fell ill during a cruise.
Preceding him in death was his wife of 37 years, Diane. His parents Samuel and Pauline and his sister Marla along with other close friends and relatives. Survivors include his son Jonathan. Also surviving are a daughter and grandson. Other surviving relatives include his brother-in-law Leonard (Marla) and Cousin Carol. There are many other close friends and relatives who survive to cherish his memory.
Visitation Friday August 11, 2023 from 2-8 pm at the Allen Park Chapel of Voran Funeral Home 5900 Allen Rd. Funeral service Saturday August 12, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Allegria Village Chapel 15101 Ford Rd. Dearborn, MI. 48126. Instate visitation will begin at Allegria Village on Saturday at 1:00 pm until the funeral service time at 2:00 pm.
+++
"Pastor Edward A. Engelbrecht studied theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO (MDiv, STM). He is an ordained and rostered minister in The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, for which he developed The Lutheran Study Bible and other publications. He is an award winning writer and editor." He is a daily communicant at the very liberal ALPB Online Discussion Forum - the Ovaltines.
"Pastor Stolzenburg retired from full time service at Emmanuel in 2017. However, he continues to lead congregtional (sic) services when Pastor Ed is out of town. He teaches Bible Studies and organizes the Emmanuel Travelers small group ministry. Pastor Stolzenburg also preaches weekly at Lutheran Social Services' Kensington Place, Columbus, OH."
Floyd Luther Stolzenburg (removed from his LCMS call) and Roger Zehms (WELS) conjured up their Church Growth entity in Columbus and caused plenty of grief in their years of meddling without a call. Floyd and Roger said they answered to nobody because they were called directly by the Holy Spirit. Stolzenburg wiggled his way into serving at Emmanuel temporarily, telling WELS he had a full-time call. Emmanuel had a solid Masonic contingent, and they insisted on a Masonic pastor. Floyd is a good example of the Greek saying, "A chameleon can turn any color except white."
Stolzenburg tried to deny his constant promotion of the Church Growth Bowel Movement. "He wasn't there!" but I had the list. In WELS, if you are not lying, you are not trying.
The Confession of Sins The Absolution The Introit p. 16
Introit
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men:
the Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing: but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known unto God.
Psalm. Lord, Thou hast been favorable unto Thy land:
Thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
Lord, we beseech Thee, give ear to our prayers and lighten the darkness of our hearts by Thy gracious visitation; who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.
The Epistle and Gradual
Gradual
Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth: stir up Thy strength and come. V. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel: Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
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 #657Beautiful Savior
Announcements and Prayers
December 18th - Ninth Wedding Anniversary of Corey and Abby Meyer Fagan.
Ongoing medical care - Lori Howell, Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Kermit and Maria Way, Doc Lito.
Today is Zach Engleman's Birthday.
Christmas Day - conducting a wedding.
Epistle
KJV 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Gospel
KJV Matthew 11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
Third Sunday In Advent
Lord God, heavenly Father, who didst suffer Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to become man, and to come into the world, that He might destroy the works of the devil, deliver us poor offenders from sin and death, and give us everlasting life: We beseech Thee so to rule and govern our hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may seek no other refuge than His word, and thus avoid all offense to which, by nature, we are inclined, in order that we may always be found among the faithful followers of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, and by faith in Him obtain eternal salvation, 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.
The Calendar of Grace
KJV Matthew 11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
Many Biblical events are shortened because it would require a truck to carry all the information in manuscripts. John the Baptist was in prison because he was a sincere prophet ordained by God. He declared the coming of the Messiah, quoting from Isaiah 40 -
KJV Isaiah 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins.
3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
This chapter is filled with blessings and foreshadowing the Good Shepherd -
KJV Isaiah 40:
9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10 Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
John was in prison because of his faithful work, led by the Holy Spirit, predicting the Messiah and denouncing the immorality of Herod. This led to John's execution. The Baptist was the forerunner for Jesus and both suffered the consequences of the righteousness of God being attacked by the evil of mankind.
4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
"Show John again" - Jesus did not assume John's lack of faith in Him. Instead, this exchange allowed the disciples to see and understand the connection, directly from Jesus to John. The prophet was so overwhelming at this time that it was important for his followers to realize the forerunner was pointing them to the promised Savior.
The issue is faith. Their initial understanding was John's power and his use of Isaiah 40. And that passage clearly teaches both the Forerunner - "the Voice of one crying in the desert" - and its aim - "Prepare the way of the LORD." Who would not be dazzled by John the Baptist preaching the end times and promising the Messiah? We are all easily distracted, as proven by media coverage. When something must be forgotten, a big dramatic event overshadows the person and the effect.
The miracles recited by Jesus are the foundation of John's disciples faith in Him. The initial knowledge of Isaiah 40 led those disciples to Christ. Grace only comes to individuals through faith in Jesus Christ. These passages - Isaiah 40 and Matthew 11 increase our faith.
I mention this often, because we have an audience of academics out there. These people have been snookered into thinking Jesus was a great man without being a miracle worker. They have been told, many different ways, that Jesus did not perform miracles, even though the smallest child confesses this truth. People get large doses of toxic certainties and they lose faith. Ministers get harsh treatment (forgetting John, Jesus, the prophets, and the disciples) and lose hope, and even lose faith completely. I can name 3 pastors who became atheists and 2 of them continued as pastors! I knew them well and saw them spiral out of faith for various reasons.
Jesus is the miracle worker and only seeks to have us trust completely in Him.
6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.μη σκανδαλισθη εν εμοι
Scandalized is not today's version of the word - all about one's shame or mistakes. The term comes from the trigger in the trap - the scandalon - that snares the animal. There are so many triggers - the Creation, the divinity of Jesus Christ, tragic events that seem to make God the villain.
At my reunion a once potential pastor introduced us to his wife, who was getting her seminary degree at a joint school for the Disciples of Christ and the Unitarians. She said it was great having both denominations together in classes. Christina said, "How can you tell them apart?" When I asked the bride about the actual Virgin Birth of Christ and His actual bodily resurrection from the dead, the lady said, "Those are not important questions." (I emphasized actual because many eggheads try to have it both ways, denying and yet using the language in some vague and dishonest way.) One of our members said, "The question covers everything. No more needs to be asked."
Likewise, when Jesus explained the meaning of the Bread of Life in John 6, disciples (not the 12) were scandalized and no longer walked with Him. I thought that passage was especially important because the Growthers (actually Shrinkers) said everything depended on "making disciples" and not on the efficacious Word. One of my former students said they helped a VBS with a huge number of participants. In the Bible, numbers tend to fade because the superficial ones are scandalized.
7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
This is ironic humor, since John did not fit these two categories. It struck me as a puzzle when I was a young lad. Reeds would wave in the breezes out in the desert. John was not one of many prophets - there were false prophets, too, as there are today. They even wear soft garments and have 20,000 people in their stadiums and similar grand venues.
9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
This is God's way of preparing people for the revelation of the Savior. Everything works together. The ancient writings established everything, long before anyone had a complete knowledge of what would happen. Chapters 7 and 9 of Isaiah teach about Jesus in the Virgin Birth (7) and His divinity (9). The Holy Spirit taught everything to the disciples, as Jesus promised in John 16, in perfect harmony with many details overlapping, either shortening passages or making them more detailed. No human editor could do this alone or with help - it is divinely captured in the New Testament, which Luther called sermons about the Scriptures (Old Testament).
For Those Who Ignore the Bible And Become Indifferent
God became man, born of a Virgin so that we might understand and trust in the Holy Trinity. God does not change in any way because of what we think or imagine. Interpretation about Jesus has ranged from the bizarre to the absurd because we humans truly believe in our own feelings and praise ourselves for being subjective, correct because we think we are correct.
All the excuses in the world do not change one particular and very special fact about the Scriptures. The Bible is not simply an ancient work, older than the empires we read about and see on the media. The Bible begins with the Trinity and Creation, always including what we need to know, alerting us to many dangers from unbelief and assuring us of our place within His flock.
The Bible is an objective truth revealed by the Holy Spirit and preserved by the Spirit as well. "Heaven and earth will pass away but My Word will never pass away." (Matthew 24:35)
People long for grace and sing about grace, often without considering its one and only source or access - faith.
Romans 5:5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Access is everything and has always been everything. I wanted to shake hands with an executive making $20 million a year. Otherwise I was just a face in the crowd (a famous movie, by the way). I walked up and introduced myself as a customer and shook his hand. I had access for a moment. People jam up a venue because someone famous is there. I saw a very famous person at the time, looking over the books on sale at Notre Dame. I knew his face from the books and went over to talk to him. We had a long, un-interrupted talk because no one else recognized him. He was one of the top speakers that day (Laurens van der Post), but spoke after the break. And after the break, the line stretched out to infinity.
My favorite celebrity connection is Norma Boeckler. One LCMS pastor asked me, "How did YOU get to know Norma Boeckler." That is an ongoing quip, because he did not think I was worthy.
I put these examples of access together because they are hints at what the Apostle Paul teaches - grace only comes from access to Jesus Christ, which is through faith. If there is no faith then no access and no grace.
The singular work of Jesus the Son of God is to pour out His grace on our trusting hearts.
