Some Insights on Justification by Faith - The Chief Article of Christianity

 

Here is a pastoral claim coming by way of a layman who objected to it. This is an old arguing point, hoary with age, and incredibly foolish - "You are making faith into a work! That is wrong!"

KJV John 6

27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The Objective Faithless Justification wolves claim they are the holy ones because they know (without evidence) that the entire world is forgiven and saved, without the Gospel, without the Means of Grace, without faith). 

These wolves are so blind that they cannot see how Justification by Faith is found throughout the Bible, starting with Abraham believing and receiving righteousness, Genesis 15:6 - not only through the Promise of his son - but also the consequent line leading to the Son of David and millions of believers.

KJV Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

If people are confused by the close connection of Romans 4 to Abraham as the Father of Faith, let them read the summary transition of Romans 5:1-4 

KJV 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. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

If anyone doubts the grace of God, let him study the truth of grace coming to the individual by faith in Jesus Christ. There is no excuse for singing "Amazing Grace" while denying access to this grace by faith in Him.

In our study of Ephesians 1, one person pointed out one of many Justification by Faith statements in Paul's letters.

KJV Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

At least two of the three Walther sects - Missouri and WELS - started out with Justification by Faith, which can be found in the catechisms. The Evangelical Luther Synod - the Little Sect on the Prairie - began as a protest against the Norwegians who taught the Chief Article, so they have led with the dumbest of the dumb, to their shame. 

Missouri and WELS were apparently taken over by the Walther Fan Club, which allows nothing less than infallibility in their hero's voluminous works. The syphilitic bishop Martin Stephan taught Objective Faithless Justification to Walther, a position the empire builder never gave up. F. Pieper cleverly combined concepts together so one could read in his Dogmatics about the efficacy of the Word, Justification without Faith, and maybe Justification by Faith. His climactic role in the synods came in 1932 when the Brief Statement was canonized and carved into granite.

Every Single Day, A Bright Light - Which Penetrates the Doom

 

What can one man do? Very little, but the Word can do everything - and does.

For many different reasons - all perfectly natural - people feel the doom settling over the United States and the Western nations. Whenever we think the destruction has reached its peak, even worse dictates - by governments and movie stars - shadow daily life. I hope for a better future for grandchildren and for the elderly, and that may not happen.

I do not think about how a day has gone by or what work has to be done. I focus on a bright light, which is a publishing event for me - one or two blog posts about Biblical doctrine. A bunch of ne're-do-wells attacked those posts from the start, when 100 views a day were super. I read the insults and corrupt thinking to Christine, and she was really hurt, especially when I laughed long and hard. It took her some time to adjust and enjoy the humor of these ordained but anonymous thinkers at work. The Jesuit trained Kilcrease liked to post something and erase it, so I copied each of his posts and put them in a safe place, my next post. One of attackers, well known but now dead, tried his best in public to get me fired at a university, but I continued and he did not. 

Luther's sermons taught me a long time ago that opponents are the ones who teach us - see the graphic above. My best source for teaching and writing is Luther's Sermons. I was outraged by the neglect of his work and the moronic "Luther" trinkets that came from Concordia Publishing House. First the Luther Sermons were uploaded onto the blogsite. Then a group of us edited the volumes for printing. I suddenly realized that all of us need daily reminders of Luther's Sermons, so I began Daily Luther Quotes on this blog. If I wake up at 2 AM, I post another selection. If Charlie Sue wakes me up, I start posting. 

The only true light is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, growing up to be a Teacher and miracle worker, healing the sick, lepers, and deaf, raising the dead, suffering torture and death on the cross for our sins, rising from the dead and ascending to Heaven to manage His Kingdom. 

Every day, we can do something to share this Light.

The Big Five - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) - All Have Abandoned the Chief Article of Christianity

 

 Luther, Melanchthon, and Chemnitz confessed the Chief Article.

The Big Five - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) have abandoned the Chief Article of Christianity. They - One in Thrivent - have united to repudiate and dismiss Justification by Faith. Normally, they do not admit to their deceptions, but they vomit their hatred when someone insists on Justification by Faith.

KJV Romans 4 - Abraham is the example of Justification by Faith.

20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed (counted) to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

The Walther sects (LCMS-LCMS-ELS) conveniently leave out verse 24, which clearly says "if we believe on Him." referring to verse 21-23 that Abraham's faith was counted to him as righteousness.

The Walther sects shorten and distort Romans 4 on faith, using a phrase from verse 25 - "Raised again for our justification." Lathered up for more corruption, they tie 1 Timothy 3:16 to Romans 4:25 alone, to claim the entire world back to Adam was declared forgiven.

WELS/LCMS chatter-mouths say, "I was saved 2000 years ago!" 

The Walther sects have their foundation in Bishop Stephan's Halle distortion (via Rambach), that the resurrection of Christ is the entire world's absolution. Jesus was without sin, but they declare that "justified in the Spirit" definitely depends on Jesus needing absolution for the world. Instead, the Scriptures teach that the empty tomb revealed the righteousness of God because Jesus was without sin. 

As Dr. Lito Cruz says, "The OJ people suffer from hallucinogenic justification."

 

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Lent 5 - "In this way Christ teaches us here the fate that awaits us Christians and his Word; both our life and our doctrine must be condemned and reviled, and that by the foremost, wisest and greatest of earth."

 KJV John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;

Complete Sermon - Lent 5 - Judica. Fifth Sunday in Lent. John 8:46-59. Christ Defends Himself Against His Enemies

4. Hence the Jews have no ground for their unbelief than that they are not the children of God; therefore he passes judgment upon them and says: “He that is of God heareth the words of God; for this cause ye hear them not, because ye are not of God,” that cannot mean anything else than that you are of the devil.

5. The Jews could not stand this, for they wished to be God’s children and people; therefore they are now raging and slander both Christ’s life and his doctrine; his doctrine, in that they say: “Thou hast a devil,” that is, thou speakest moved by the devil and thy doctrine is his lie; and they slander his life, in that they say, “Thou art a Samaritan,” which sounds among the Jews worse than any other crime. In this way Christ teaches us here the fate that awaits us Christians and his Word; both our life and our doctrine must be condemned and reviled, and that by the foremost, wisest and greatest of earth. Thus one knows the corrupt tree by its fruits, as they, under the pretense of being good, are so bitter, angry, impatient, cruel and mad as to condemn and pass sentence, when one touches them at their tender spot and rejects their ideas and ways.

6. What does Christ do here? His life he abandons to shame and dishonor, is silent and suffers them to call him a Samaritan; while he takes pains to defend his doctrine. For the doctrine is not ours, but God’s, and God dare not suffer in the least, here patience is at an end; but I should stake all that I have and suffer, all that they do, in order that the honor of God and of his Word may not be injured. For if I perish, no great harm is done; but if I let God’s Word perish, and I remain silent, then I do harm to God and to the whole world. Although I can not now close their mouth nor prevent their wickedness, I shall nevertheless not keep silent, nor act as if they are right, as I do about my good life, so that they retain their right. Although they do me injustice at the time, yet it remains right before God. Further, Christ excuses himself, and says: “I have not a demon,” that is, my doctrine is not of the devil’s lies; “but I honor my father,” that is, I preach in my doctrine the grace of God, through which he is to be praised, loved and honored by believers. For the evangelical office of the ministry is nothing but glorifying God, Psalm 19:2: “The heavens declare the glory of God” etc. “But you dishonor me,” that is, you call me the devil’s liar, who reviles and dishonors God.

7. Why does he not say: I honor my father, and ye dishonor him; but says: “Ye dishonor me?” Impliedly he proves by this, that the father’s and his honor are alike and the same, as he and the Father are one God; yet along with this he also wishes to teach that if the office of the ministry, which God honors, is to be duly praised, then it must suffer disgrace. In like manner we will also do to our princes and priests; when they attack our manner of life, we should suffer it and show love for hatred, good for evil; but when they attack our doctrine, God’s honor is attacked, then love and patience should cease and we should not keep silent, but also say: I honor my Father, and you dishonor me; yet I do not inquire whether you dishonor me, for I do not seek my own honor. But nevertheless be on your guard, there is one who seeks it and judges, that is, the Father will require it of you, and judge you and never let you go unpunished. He seeks not only his honor, but also mine, because I seek his honor, as he says in 1 Samuel 2:30: “Them that honor me I will honor.” And it is our consolation that we are happy; although the whole world reviles and dishonors us, we are assured that God will advance our honor, and therefore will punish, judge and revenge. If one could only believe it and persevere, he will surely come. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man keep my word, he shall never see death.”

The Cure the Big Five Abhor - The Efficacy of the Word in the Means of Grace ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic)

Liz has seen ELCA's total membership crater, with the gay seminaries sinking fast. She is getting close to the end of her leave-of-absence.

The Big Five - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) abhor the efficacy of the Word, which simply means, the Holy Spirit active in the Word. That can be stated as "the Word never without the Spirit, the Spirit never without the Word." A. Hoenecke

The Reformation, which took place only in Germany and in the Sixteenth Century (the 1500s for synod officials), is confined to Luther, Melanchthon, Chemnitz, and their associates. The Reformers were very clear about teaching Biblical doctrine rather than the latest dogmatic books. One would guess that the latter "Orthodox" theologians caused the Reformation but they were actually later, dipping into Calvinism, Pietism, and Objective Faithless Justification. The farther away they moved, from Luther, Melanchthon, and Chemnitz, the sloppier and more promiscuous their enormous books became. 

The Big Five all came from Pietism, four from CFW Walther, a dedicated Pietist. ELCA roots were also Pietist, but from other sources. Pietists in general were keen on cell groups, soft on Calvin, and indifferent to Luther and the Book of Concord.

Lacking today - 

1. Original, Biblical sermons. Plagiarism is ripe from synod officials all the way up to parish pastors. The lazy pastors and managers buy sermon books or swipe them among web servers. Mequon, not exactly a citadel of the Means of Grace, encourages future pastors to copy one another's efforts. Their wise advice is "Why invent the wheel?" There are many ways they can use Luther's Sermons, which we all need. Those sermons were written as foundations for parish pastors, so many are very long because Luther had so much to say.

2. Visiting in homes and hospitals. That is almost forgotten. 

3. Using blogs and Zoom to get the message out. The discussion boards are banal. Blogs are free, a good place to post the upcoming worship service and relevant news. Zoom is tricky to get started but miles ahead of Vimeo. A year of Zoom webinars will cost the congregation about $15 a week, no more than Vimeo. 

4. Reject the moronic "programs" of the synod. Given their lust for plagiarism, it is truly the blind leading the blind, or the Stuck with their sticky finders selling the Unstuck. Have the great evangelism and mission pastors kept up with the losses? Hardly! But they keep sending out grandparents' charitable irrevocable trust counselor$.

God sent a message to ELCA immediately after the 2009 vote. No one needs a cookie prediction to guess what it was.

The Soi-Disant Lutherans Do Not Lead - They Manage. The Big Five - LCMS-ELS-ELCA-WELS-CLC (sic),

The Soi-Disant Lutherans Do Not Lead - They Manage

I can see why Matt the MDiv - with very little parish experience but lots of money experience - pushed hard to get re-elected. He must have known the LCMS colleges were crashing down in slow motion.

The trouble with living from carefully Photoshopped budgets is bearing fruit, but not the kind they want and need. I keep thinking there are no more fads to exploit, such as Unstuck. But the managers are like diabetics trying to cure the problem without changing to healthy food and modest amounts. I was doing great until I discovered my pancreas only had a 70 year warrantee - not renewable.

The managers of the Big Five - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) - having been living off the latest fads since WWII. The strangest or funniest part is that they work together on bad ideas, supported by Thrivent, which was forced into merger from some very bad years, at least three in a row. Merger erased the past - how sweet.

I sent this to a "conservative" Babtist pastor and teacher. He was furious with me that I told the truth about the sanctified Andy Stanley. Likewise, the WELS pastors and Bishop Katie went to Stanley's re-education camps and loved it.

Thus the blind lead the blind, who teach other greedy clergy to follow them in speeding up the process. They get together in management sessions and figure out how the process will work. One newly hatched ELCA pastor said loudly on a bus during my last LCA conventicle - "I know what you are saying about the bad decisions, but I BELIEVE IN THE PROCESS!" Even funnier, the Wisconsin Sect managers did not want me talking about their buddies in ELCA, because they were sharing the same bed of insurance money. 

One think is needful - and they make fun of it - faith in Jesus Christ! Worse than that, the Big Five Sects are always undermining the Gospel by belittling the Scriptures - even the Bogus Bibles they sell. Ten more years of their tommyrot from Fuller Seminary and the Church of Rome will empty their churches and devastate their institutions. They will be like Monkey Wards, as we used to call it, clinging so tight to their money they were left with useless buildings.

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Lent 5 - Judica - Christ Defends Himself - "For one must be assured that his doctrine is right before God and that it is the truth, and accordingly care not how it is judged by the people."

 

Complete Sermon - Lent 5 - Judica. Fifth Sunday in Lent. John 8:46-59. The Jews Try to Stone Jesus, or Christ Defends Himself Against His Enemies

TEXT:

John 8:46-59. Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. 50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.


1. This Gospel teaches how hardened persons become the more furious, the more one teaches them and lovingly stirs them to do their duty. For Christ asks them here in a very loving way for a reason why they still disbelieve, since they can find fault neither with his life nor with his teaching. His life is blameless; for he defies them and says: “Which of you convicteth me of sin?” His teaching also is blameless; for he adds: “If I say truth, why do ye not believe me?” Thus Christ lives, as he teaches.

2. And every preacher should prove that he possesses both: first a blameless life, by which he can defy his enemies and no one may have occasion to slander his teachings; secondly, that he possesses the pure doctrine, so that he may not mislead those who follow him. And thus he will be right and firm on both sides: with his good life against his enemies, who look much more at life than at his doctrine, and despise the doctrine for the sake of the life; with his doctrine then for the kind of life he leads and will bear with his life for the sake of his teaching.

3. For it is indeed true that no one lives so perfect a life as to be without sin before God. Therefore it is sufficient that he be blameless in the eyes of the people. But his doctrine must be so good and pure as to stand not only before man but also before God. Therefore every pious pastor may well ask: Who among you can find fault with my life? Among you, I say who are men; but before God I am a sinner. This Moses also boast in Numbers 16:15 that he took nothing from the people and he did them no injustice. Samuel did likewise in 1 Samuel 12:3 also Jeremiah and Hezekiah, who rightly boasted of their blameless life before the people, in order to stop the mouths of blasphemers. But Christ does not speak thus of his doctrine, he says not: “Who among you can find fault with my doctrine”; but “If I tell you the truth.” For one must be assured that his doctrine is right before God and that it is the truth, and accordingly care not how it is judged by the people.

This Came from Jay Webber - Ten Years Ago - Upset That ELDONA Opposed Objective (Faithless) Justification

 

A Statement on Justification from the ACLC

POSTED ON FEBRUARY 14, 2014 BY PASTOR DAVID JAY WEBBER

A while back, the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America adopted a statement on the doctrine of justification that decisively rejected the teaching of objective/subjective justification – which had been an earmark of the “Synodical Conference” tradition of Lutheranism. The pastors of the Association of Confessional Lutheran Congregations, which up until now has been in fellowship with the ELDoNA, have now prepared a formal theological response to the ELDoNA document, which is available on the ACLC website. I am not a member of, or a spokesperson for, the ACLC, so I would not expect to be discussing their document very much in this forum. But since their document does address a subject that I have discussed on this blog in the past (here and here), and since those previous posting garnered quite a bit of discussion among the readers of this blog, I thought that it would be of interest to those readers also to made aware of these developments, and of the ACLC document.

Successful Zoom Service and Bible Study - Saved and Converted to YouTube

 

Click here for Today's Zoom Service and Bible Study

This week was eventful. I got an extra Best Buy computer visit which showed how I could improve Zoom and the sound issues. One simple setting allows the hymn music in the chapel while the direct version is sent with Share. I turned off the office speakers to eliminate feedback. On and off with Share is simple - our attorney Glen Kotten showed me how and gradually I caught on.

We already had a YouTube account setup, which is ideal for converting from the Zoom du jour.

I started the Zoom save at 10 AM, stopped it when we were done, saved on my Zoom folder. YouTube uploaded it quickly. I added that version to the service itself (on Ichabod). I might always have a separate post for the YouTube, so the West Coast can know when it is available.

Laetare - The Fourth Sunday in Lent, 2024.

 

Bethany Lutheran Church

10 AM

Pastor Gregory Jackson

That Zoom link was wrong, but the link to YouTube below will work very well.

Click here for YouTube for this day.

The Hymn #263       O Little Flock Fear Not Thy Foe
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem and be glad with her:  all ye that love her.

Rejoice for joy with her: all ye that mourn for her.

Psalm. I was glad when they said unto me: 

Let us go into the house of the Lord.

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

Collect

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual 

The Gospel 
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #316    O Living Bread from Heaven 

 Seek And Expect from Him Nourishment for the Soul

KJV John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

This passage from the Fourth Gospel first teaches us about miracles and God's ability to provide for us. The vast crowd  was convinced - for the moment - about Jesus' miracles and willingness to serve them. However, the disciples expressed a lack of faith about what Jesus could do.

I will repeat a story I have told before, because it shows how fear can turn into faith during stress. My boss asked me to have lunch with another insurance agent. He was stricken with anguish about whether he could succeed and provide for his family. I asked him about his faith, whether he trusted in God, Creation, the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and His miracles. And he said he did. I asked, "You believe in God, Creation, the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, His miracles, dying for our sins and rising from death? You are telling me that you believe all these things but do not trust that God will take of you and your family?" He smiled and cried at the same time. A perfectionist, he was stuck in WRONG! 

We all go through times of terrible stress, which stirs up fear in our hearts. The opposite of fear is not money, popularity, or prosperity - it is faith in God's wisdom and care for each and every one of us. "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

People followed Jesus because the miracles gave them faith in the Savior. But that faith was shallow and easily attacked. The disciples knew many examples of what He could do, but they doubted.

John 6:3-5   3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

Jesus used the view to challenge what they could see from an elevated place, as a huge group moved toward them. The crowd was walking along the sea. Jesus said to Philip, "How can we buy bread, so they can eat."

6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

Jesus was testing His disciples' faith, because He already knew what He was going to do. Philip figured the cost, and said there was not enough to take care of them. So that was a great contradiction, even before the crowd arrived. They had just seen a number of miracles, but the wonder did not care over to this crowd streaming toward them.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

Andrew is the chairman of the finance committee. There is one is every congregation. I called the committee the Puddleglums in one congregation and only a few people thought it was funny. "What are five small barley loves and two small fish?" That is the definite mark of not trusting in what God can do. With the disciples stymied, Jesus created some order, having the men sit down in a grassy area (fresh water was nearby). There were about five thousand men, so the entire crowd was very large with women and children.

11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

Jesus gave thanks (as we always should) and passed them to the disciples, who gave them to all who sat down, the fish as much as they wanted. Those who deny miracles cannot fathom how God can do such a thing, and yet every day scientists marvel that so many plants and animals have incredible abilities to do what we could never imagine ourselves. And we are the pinnacle of creation evolution (they think). Yesterday I learned that blueberries are not blue. They only pretend. A thin layer of wax scatters light so they look blue.

"That nothing be lost" is a command not to be wasteful, which applies in so many different ways. Those who are frugal can give a purpose to many different things, often through sharing. I have to point out that pruning roses for their beauty is also a way to make them more productive, because with plants nothing much grows after forming the seed pod. The plants we call "weeds" are named for their ability to flourish being left alone, crowding out the more delicate.

So this very special food from God was to be treated as unique and not to scattered like trash. This was a meal to remember.

13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

In teaching people about pastoral counseling, I remind them of the dangers of trying to do everything all the time. Now I have three named examples of Jesus deliberately alone, in Mark 1, Luke 5, and here in John 6:15. 

Jesus was fulfilling His assigned duty when people wanted to make him the King and He withdrew. Most people want to work, because it is satisfying and healthy. Others make it an obsession and leave what is genuinely valuable behind. God ordained the Sabbath, which Christians changed to Sunday, to listen to God's Word and to enjoy peaceful time with family and others.

The Communion Hymn #388   Just As I Am (Elliot)
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 # 50          Lord Dismiss Us 

 By Norma A. Boeckler

Prayers and Announcements

• Medical care - Randy Anderson (hospital), Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Sarah Buck, Lorie Howell, Kermit Way. Norma's appointment went well.
• My Good Shepherd has been sent to most households. Ask for more if needed.

Luther's Sermon on Laetare - The Fourth Sunday in Lent

 

Laetare. Fourth Sunday in Lent. John 6:1-5. Jesus Feeds 5000 People 

LAETARE. FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT



TEXT: John 6:1-15. After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick. And Jesus went up into the mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Jesus therefore lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a great multitude cometh unto him, saith unto Philip, Whence are we to buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred shillings worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, who hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many? Jesus said, Make the people sit down.

Now there was much grass in the place: So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus therefore took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to them that were set down; likewise also of the fishes as much as they would. And when they were filled, he saith unto his disciples, Gather up the broken pieces which remain over, that nothing be lost. So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which remained over unto them that had eaten. When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.

Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone.


I. THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND.

1. In today’s Gospel Christ gives us another lesson in faith, that we should not be over-anxious about our daily bread and our temporal existence, and stirs us up by means of a miracle; as though to say by his act what he says by his words in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” For here we see, since the people followed Christ for the sake of God’s Word and the signs, and thus sought the Kingdom of God, he did not forsake them but richly fed them. He hereby also shows that, rather than those who seek the Kingdom of God should suffer need, the grass in the desert would become wheat, or a crumb of bread would be turned into a thousand loaves; or a morsel of bread would feed as many people and just as satisfactorily as a thousand loaves; in order that the words in Matthew 4:4 might stand firm, that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” And to confirm these words Christ is the first to be concerned about the people, as to what they should eat, and asks Philip, before they complain or ask him; so that we may indeed let him care for us, remembering that he cares more and sooner for us than we do for ourselves.

2. Secondly, he gives an example of great love, and he does this in many ways. First, in that he lets not only the pious, who followed him because of the signs and the Word, enjoy the food; but also the slaves of appetite, who only eat and drink, and seek in him temporal honor; as follows later when they disputed with him at Capernaum about the food, and he said to them in John 6:26: “Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves,” etc., also because they desired to make him king; thus here also he lets his sun shine on the evil and the good, Matthew 5:45.

Secondly, in that he bears with the rudeness and weak faith of his disciples in such a friendly manner. For that he tests Philip, who thus comes with his reason, and Andrew speaks so childishly on the subject, all is done to bring to light the imperfections of the disciples, and on the contrary to set forth his love and dealings with them in a more beautiful and loving light, to encourage us to believe in him, and to give us an example to do likewise; as the members of our body and all God’s creatures in their relation to one another teach us. For these are full of love, so that one bears with the other, helps and preserves what God has created.

3. That he now takes the five loaves and gives thanks etc., teaches that nothing is too small and insignificant for him to do for his followers, and he can indeed so bless their pittance that they have an abundance, whereas even the rich have not enough with all their riches; as Psalm 34:11 says: “They that seek Jehovah shall not want any good thing; but the rich must suffer hunger.” And Mary in her song of praise says: “The hungry he hath filled with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.” Luke 1:53.

4. Again, that he tells them so faithfully to gather up the fragments, teaches us to be frugal and to preserve and use his gifts, in order that we may not tempt God. For just as it is God’s will that we should believe when we have nothing and be assured that he will provide; so he does not desire to be tempted, nor to allow the blessings he has bestowed to be despised, or lie unused and spoil, while we expect other blessings from heaven by means of miracles. Whatever he gives, we should receive and use, and what he does not give, we should believe and expect he will bestow.

II. THE ALLEGORICAL INTERPRETATION.

5. That Christ by the miraculous feeding of the five thousand has encouraged us to partake of a spiritual food, and taught that we should seek and expect from him nourishment for the soul, is clearly proved by the whole sixth chapter of John, in which he calls himself the bread from heaven and the true food, and says: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves, and were filled. Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which abideth unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you.” John 6:26-27. In harmony with these words we will, explain also this evangelical history in its spiritual meaning and significance.

6. First, there was much hay or grass in the place. The Evangelist could not fail to mention that, although it appears to be unnecessary; however it signifies the Jewish people, who flourished and blossomed like the grass through their outward holiness, wisdom, honor, riches etc., as Isaiah 40:6-7, says: “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the breath of Jehovah bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass.” From the Jewish people the Word of God went forth and the true food was given to us; for salvation is of the Jews, John 4:22. Now, as grass is not food for man, but for cattle; so is all the holiness of the outward Jewish righteousness nothing but food for animals, for fleshly hearts, who know and possess nothing of the Spirit.

7. The very same is taught by the people sitting on the grass; for the true saints despise outward holiness, as Paul does in Philippians 3:8, in that he counted his former righteousness to be filth and even a hindrance. Only common and hungry people receive the Word of God and are nourished by it. For here you see that neither Caiaphas nor Anna, neither the Pharisees nor the Scribes follow Christ and see Christ’s Signs; but they disregard them, they are grass and feed on grass. This miracle was also performed near the festive time of the Jewish passover; for the true Easter festival, when Christ should be offered as a sacrifice, was near, when he began to feed them with the Word of God.

8. The five loaves signify the outward, natural word formed by the voice and understood by man’s senses; for the number five signifies outward things pertaining to the five senses of man by which he lives; as also the five and five virgins illustrate in Matthew 25:1. These loaves are in the basket, that is, locked up in the Scriptures. And a lad carries them, that means the servant class and the priesthood among the Jews, who possessed the sayings of God, which were placed in their charge and entrusted to them, Romans 3:2, although they did not enjoy them. But that Christ took these into his own hands, and they were thereby blessed and increased, signifies that by Christ’s works and deeds, and not by our deeds or reason, are the Scriptures explained, rightly understood and preached.

This he gives to his disciples, and the disciples to the people. For Christ takes the Word out of the Scriptures; so all teachers receive it from Christ and give it to the people, by which is confirmed what Matthew 23:10 says: “For one is your master, even the Christ,” who sits in heaven, and he teaches all only through the mouth and the word of preachers by his Spirit, that is, against false teachers, who teach their own wisdom.

9. The two fishes are the example and witness of the patriarchs and prophets, who are also in the basket; for by them the Apostles confirm and strengthen their doctrine and the believers like St. Paul does in Romans 4:2-6, where he cites Abraham and David etc. But there are two, because the examples of the saints are full of love, which cannot be alone, as faith can, but must go out in exercise to its neighbor. Furthermore the fishes were prepared and cooked; for such examples are indeed put to death by many sufferings and martyrdoms, so that we find nothing carnal in them, and they comfort none by a false faith in his own works, but always point to faith and put to death works and their assurance.

10. The twelve baskets of fragments are all the writings and books the Apostles and Evangelists bequeathed to us; therefore they are twelve, like the Apostles, and these books are nothing but that which remains from and has been developed out of the Old Testament. The fishes are also signified by the number five (Moses’ books); as John 21:25 says: “Even the world itself would not contain the books that should be written” concerning Christ, all which nevertheless was written and proclaimed before in the Old Testament concerning Christ.

11. That Philip gives counsel as how to feed the people with his few shillings, and yet doubts, signifies human teachers, who would gladly aid the soul with their teachings; but their conscience feels it helps nothing. For the discussion Christ here holds with his disciples takes place in order that we may see and understand that it is naturally impossible to feed so many people through our own counsel, and that this sign might be the more public. Thus he lets us also disgrace ourselves and labor with human doctrines, that we may see and understand how necessary and precious God’s Word is and how doctrines do not help the least without God’s Word.

12. That Andrew pointed out the lad and the loaves, and yet doubted still more than Philip, signifies the teachers who wish to make the people pious and to quiet them with God’s laws; but their conscience has no satisfaction or peace in them; but only becomes continually worse, until Christ comes with his Word of grace. He is the one, and he alone, who makes satisfaction, delivers from sin and death, gives peace and fullness of joy, and does it all of his own free will, gratuitously, against and above all hope and presumption, that we may know that the Gospel is devised and bestowed, not through our own merit, but out of pure grace.

13. Finally, you see in this Gospel that Christ, though he held Gospel poverty in the highest esteem and was not anxious about the morrow, as he teaches in Matthew 6:34, had still some provisions, as the two hundred shillings, the five loaves and the two fishes; in order that we may learn how such poverty and freedom from care consist not in having nothing at all, as the barefooted fanatics and monks profess, and yet they themselves do not hold to it; but it consists in a free heart and a poor spirit. For even Abraham and Isaac had great possessions, and yet they lived without worry and in poverty, like the best Christians do.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal. 3...

 

Dear Pastor Jackson,

The whole world is by nature under the law, and in the flesh, and cannot please God. The whole world by nature does not have the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

 OJ/SJ fanatics skip over and omit faith in Christ and Baptism. In contrast the apostle Peter urged the crowd at Pentecost to be baptized when they asked him what they should do. 

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call " Acts 1:36-39

The apostle Peter preached the true gospel, repentance, faith in Christ, and Baptism. In contrast picture a wild eyed OJ/SJ freak preaching to this crowd at Pentecost. What would he tell them to do? He would stress they were already forgiven and justified by God prior to and without faith and without baptism. Then he would urge them to admit this lie is true for them personally. True Christians would call this synergism not true faith in Christ. 

"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal. 3:26,27

In Christ,

Tom Fisher

Some Wonderment from Those Happy Clappy Growthers

McCained (Kelmed) from Wikipedia:

I don’t believe making disciples must equal making adherents to the Christian religion. It may be advisable in many (not all!) circumstances to help people become followers of Jesus and remain within their Buddhist, Hindu or Jewish contexts … rather than resolving the paradox via pronouncements on the eternal destiny of people more convinced by or loyal to other religions than ours, we simply move on … To help Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, and everyone else experience life to the full in the way of Jesus (while learning it better myself), I would gladly become one of them (whoever they are), to whatever degree I can, to embrace them, to join them, to enter into their world without judgment but with saving love as mine has been entered by the Lord (A Generous Orthodoxy, 260, 262, 264).

And....

"Even if we are convinced that all homosexual behavior is always sinful, we still want to treat gay and lesbian people with more dignity, gentleness, and respect than our colleagues do. If we think that there may actually be a legitimate context for some homosexual relationships, we know that the biblical arguments are nuanced and multilayered, and the pastoral ramifications are staggeringly complex. We aren't sure if or where lines are to be drawn, nor do we know how to enforce with fairness whatever lines are drawn."

And...

"Our interpretations reveal less about God or the Bible than they do about ourselves. They reveal what we want to defend, what we want to attack, what we want to ignore, what we're unwilling to question..." (A New Kind of Christian, 50)

Remember Rob Bell, the apostate "evangelist" who rejected Christian doctrine in Love Wins? McLaren defended Rob Bell - and why not? - McLaren teaches the same Universalism while denying he is a Universalist!

More of McLaren's ravings are quoted here.

Sound familiar WELS fans?

The Church Growth Movement, which was centered at Fuller Seminary (training ground for most LCMS, WELS, ELCA, and ELS leaders) has morphed or metastasized into Emergent Church/Becoming Missional.

ELCA pastors probably put up more fuss about Church Growth than the other Lutheran groups put together. They cross-referenced each other, too. They left ELCA in disgust and joined the Church of Rome, which also uses Church Growth methods. Justice! Neuhaus is a prime example of hating Church Growth, saying some good things against it (Ad Fontes Conference, attended by the Ichabods), and joining Rome.

But WELS and Missouri "conservatives" said nothing and did nothing while heavily promoting Church Growth and participating with ELCA in Church Growth projects like the Thrivent Church Membership Initiative.

By emasculating themselves, the "conservative" clergy and laity left the field wide open for the next stage of Church Growth - Emergent Church under such leaders as McLaren, Andy Stanley, and Mark Driscoll.


Emergent Church/Missional Characteristics

1. The parish avoids the denominational name and even the word "church" - as in The CORE, CrossWalk, CrossRoads.
2. The clergypersons (including women pastors) dress like they are going to change the oil in their jalopy, as if they dug the clothes out of the hamper or the rag bin.
3. No liturgy, sound hymns, or creeds in the service.
4. The sermon is replaced by a rant - cussing is really cool and edgy.
5. Music is loud, ecclesiatical rock.
6. Lighting is modeled after rock concert extravaganzas.
7. Doctrinal content is marketed as inclusive, but it is really covert Universalism, lacking the Law and making fun of faith (perfect for the UOJ Hive).
8. Cell groups are essential, mandated, but sound doctrine is a burden, an obstacle.
9. Pulpit views are consistently on the far Left on all social issues - in the name of love.

Andy Stanley and Ski - WELS The Core.
Ski, Tim Glende, and many other WELS disciples have attended Stanley worship conferences.
Gay activist Stanley has been a featured speaker at many Willow Creek conferences:
Missouri and WELS are deep into Willow Creek.
The Ichabods attended WC to observe and later to retch.
John Parlow is a WC disciple and Andy Stanley follower.

Ski posted his account of worship at the Drive conference for many years.
I copied most of it into this blog.
Here is what Stanley said about his gay outreach:
http://ichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogspot.com/2012/05/mentor-to-ski-glende-parlow-buske-and.html

Kelmed from Ichabod at this link:

http://ichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogspot.com/2012/05/drive-08-pastors-conference-north-point.html

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

WHO WENT THAT YOU MIGHT KNOW?

Pastor Ski - St. Marcus - Milwaukee

Pastor John Parlow - St. Mark - Depere

Pastor Jim Buske - Lighthouse Youth Center - Milwaukee

HOW LONG WERE WE THERE?

May 3rd - May 7th

WHERE WAS THE CONFERENCE?

North Point (Babtist) Church, Alpharetta, GA

FAVORITE PART OF THE CONFERENCE:

Final Main Session with Andy Stanley

FAVORITE BREAK OUT SESSION:

A Healthy Staff Culture

- Jeff Henderson

FAVORITE QUOTE FROM DRIVE ‘08

“Leaders don’t get people, they attract them”

- Andy Stanley

DRIVE ’08 JOURNAL

Whew!  Day 5, it has been a heck of a road trip.  Today was the last day.  As you can see it was jam packed.  Before I get into Day 5... Let me just say this, “We should have sat in traffic to go to the Brown Bridge Campus!”  Buske & I were bitter.  Remember that I had said John got frustrated sitting the parking lot for 30 minutes?  So we went to dinner & called it a night.  Well, on Day 5 they showed the video for what happened at Brown Bridge.  Sweet cookout, the food looked awesome, games and fellowship outside (without snow or cold, I might add) and then a surprise JEFF FOXWORTHY show.  Man, how are they gonna top that next year?

Anyway, Day 5.  It is kind of crazy, just when you think it can’t get any better, it does.  Well, sort of.  In the morning they had Q & As for different groups.  I went to one that was about linking adults into small group studies.  It was well done, but for me it is difficult because everyone is looking for concrete answers on how to solve their own personal small group issues.  Many of the questions didn’t apply for us at St. Marcus.  However, the leaders were great and had a ton of info.

My final breakout session was entitled Parental Guidance Required.  The leader was Clay Scroggins.  He kind of looked like Steve James (he’s a St. Marcus member, Steve that is) but he talked with a Texas drawl.  He was high energy.  Based on his presentation and his passion for kids, I imagine that he rocked it out with kids.  The gist of his session was that what happens in the home has a greater influence on the spiritual life of children than what happens at church.  Based on that it becomes imperative that parents & the church partner.  Here are the steps that North Point uses:

1. 1.Inform Parents - inform them about what is being taught to their children.
2. 2.Partner With Parents - invite parents to be in an environment with their children.
3. 3.Equip Parents - provide parents with the tools to assist in the spiritual development of their children.

Pretty good points and a really good session.  

After that session we broke for lunch.  John took off for the airport, so Buske and I were on our own.  That might sound a little scary, but it is true.

The final Main Session with Andy Stanley was just phenomenal.  We began with awesome worship.  Today though, they began with a Christian rapper, Toby Mac.  Our school kids would have loved it.  I’m not sure that they would have believed that it was church though.

When Andy began his session.  He started by saying that he was not going to follow his notes in the Drive ’08 Journal Book.  Instead he was going to do something that he called, “Recent Random Thoughts On Church Leadership.”  He shared 5 points and 5 takeaways.  I think that he was at his absolute best this afternoon.  Here are the 5 point & takeaways:

1. 1.To reach people no one else is reaching we must do things no one else is doing.

Takeaway - Become preoccupied with those you haven’t reached as opposed to those you keep.  This is easier said than done.

Wow, it seems so simple.  And yet so hard.

2. 2.The next generation product almost never comes from the previous generation.

Takeaway - Be a student not a critic.

What more can be said?  How do we approach things?  When things are different & involve change are we scared?  Do we criticize or do we look to learn and implement?

3. 3.What do I believe is impossible to do in my field?  But if it could be done it would fundamentally change my business.

Takeaway - Pay attention to the people who are breaking the rules.

Crazy sounding isn’t it?  We can fight technology and change, but in the end it will pass us and we will become archaic and irrelevant.  Not our Message, but the manner in which we present it.  Who would have ever thought texting would be as big as it is?  How about multi-site church?  Video church?  These are all things that have changed how we worship.

4. 4.If we got kicked out & the board brought in a new CEO what would they do?  Why shouldn’t we walk out the door & then come back in & do it ourselves?

Takeaway - Acknowledge what is NOT working & own up to why you are unwilling to change it.

Some thoughts on this - rarely does the church (in general) get concerned about change until they run out of money.  What if we asked some questions before it was too late?

1. a.What’s in decline?
2. b.Where are we manufacturing energy? In other words pretending something is important.  An example would be if I continued to say that Bible Study was important, but never attended.  I’m blowing hot air, “manufacturing energy.”  I don’t believe that anyone wants to stand behind that or get involved in something like that.
3. c.Finally, when are we going to unearth all underlying assumptions?  Sometimes, what we assume, is not the reality.  Are we willing to dig to find out the truth or are we happy with assuming? 
5. 5.When your memories exceed your dreams the end is near.

Takeaway - Don’t let success or momentum overshadow your vision.  Keep the out front.

How quickly can we be satisfied?  How often do we look at things and say, “Well, it’s not great but it is better than such and such church.” Scary, but we sometimes fool ourselves into thinking like this.  Some questions to ponder:

1. a.What the burden on your heart? (sic, yo)
2. b.What breaks your heart?

That was it.  After that Andy just ended and prayed for all the people there & for there ministries.  As you can see from the pictures above, Buske & I got to get a picture with Andy, pretty cool.  He is way down to earth.  His wife Sandra was there also and she is just great.  We actually got to talk to her a little more than Andy.  You also notice John with the North Point member who played Bender in one of their sermon series called “Twisted”.  The series was all about how Satan twists God’s Word.  Finally, there is a photo of Buske & Todd Fields.  I’m a little bitter about that one, but you’ll need to ask me why.

Thanks to everyone who read this while I was gone.  Be looking for some cool stuff that we will be implementing at St. Marcus, especially in Sunday Night.  Thanks also for all the patience.  Writing this thing mostly between 1 AM & 2 AM means that there are probably a ton spelling and grammar mistakes.  I can’t wait to see you guys on Sunday.  Check out the Picture Page for some added photos from Drive ’08.

I’m out!

The CORE, which is only an evening service,
has not grown at all in three years or more.
But Ski is gone, so there is hope.

---

Jeske connects all the dots.
He is all about Change
and all about Jeske.