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.
Denominations are now quite certain they are best in managing their menageries. Before the Great Depression, mother churches tended to establish their own sister churches, where the land and buildings were funded built up by people from the original parish. Later, the headquarters argued that they could handle the costs of similar projects and take on the burden of those wanting to expand.
The Michigan District President, LCMS, said they had more money in their expansion fund than the entire Lutheran Church in America had - $40 million at the time. One Michigan LCA district had a mission supervisor so drunk he could not hold onto the desk phone when someone phoned. Lunch with him was not much better.
This went on everywhere, not just among the Lutherans. Those who objected to Holy Mother Church were punished by exile from the choice congregations while the apostate or cool guys, a tight-knit group in many cases, got the best deal.
The know-it-all executives mess things up and blame everyone else. They follow the trends. The future executive pooh-bahs flew to Fuller Seminary or drove to Willow Creek, checking out how the Hour of Power became Purpose Driven. One hilarious brainstorm had LCA-ALC-LCMS-WELS gathering together for a great, holy, getting along great pratfall, financed by LB-AAL->Thrivent.
The parish pastors did not stand up for anything.
The college and seminary professors idolized the ELCA stars.
The laity whimpered and became even more passive.
The Means of Grace vanished in the face of the Next Big Thing.
The worst Bibles made the most money so they were OK!
Worship and the liturgy evaporated slowly.
They all leaned to fads instead of dwelling on the Word.
"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." Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe.
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.”
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 man; 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.
Archbishop Eaton and Bishop Harrison roared about their need for legal action to keep US.AID funds rolling along. How wounded the sects must be when their favorite side bets have nothing to do with the Means of Grace!
Suffragen Bishop Schroeder created a smoke cloud surrounding their in-house (but independent) counseling service, so handy for criminal arrests.
"He no longer works for those schools."
"He is getting counseling from our independent WELS service, but it is confidential."
"We turn off the news as soon as we see people affiliated who are no longer with our sect."
The Wisconsin sect boasts that their "grapevine" can manufacture any claim they want, because that keeps the public from the sordid truth.
"We enjoy abusing younger students because that's the way we are. The school officials have no problems with initiation."
The Confession of Sins The Absolution The Introit p. 16 The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19 The Epistle and Gradual The Gospel Glory be to Thee, O Lord! Praise be to Thee, O Christ! The Nicene Creed p. 22 The Sermon Hymn #316O Living Bread from Heaven
Sarah Buck, Pastor and Mrs. Shrader; we pray for many others.
Zoom was working well, one year ago, going from UStream to Vimeo to Zoom.
Enzo Meyer is graduating from Grand Canyon University, our second alumnus!
Psalms will be the post-service readings (1-150).
Acts of the Apostles - Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM Central. Zoom-YouTube.
Midweek Lenten services - Wednesday at 7 PM. Zoom-YouTube.
Easter is April 20, preceded by Holy Week.
KJV Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
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. 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? 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. 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. 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. 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.
Fourth Sunday In Lent Lord God, heavenly Father, who by Thy Son didst feed five thousand men in the desert with five loaves and two fishes: We beseech Thee to abide graciously also with us in the fullness of Thy blessing. Preserve us from avarice and the cares of this life, that we may seek first Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness, and in all things perceive Thy fatherly goodness, through Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God world without end. Amen.
Bread from Heaven
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.
The Fourth Gospel is especially generous in teaching the miracles, which are the connection between faith in Him and the needs of the followers. Lenski wrote "signs" while the KJV says "miracles." In this age of rationalism, many people use "signs" without much thought, as minor as seeing something special and talking about it. The word "signs" sounds rather tepid. The miracles were life-changing and used to connect the Son of God with forgiveness.
The great multitude is encouraging and also discouraging. They will fall away when the miraculous event is finish and criticize Jesus for what He is teaching. However, that still gives them hope and evidence of the Messiah. The diseased being healed was a great motivation to hear and to see the divine.
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.
John's Gospel gives us the three year ministry, which is designated by the Passovers, and a reminder of Moses' people in the desert and their lack of food. Exodus is the bedrock and John 6 is the sermon about Exodus miracles, which begin with the Burning Bush, Exodus 3, the Two Natures of God, and God's Name - I AM.
That is how we should consider the New Testament miracles - sermons about the Old Testament, which was for them - the only Testament. The wiseguys like to mock the miracles of the Old Testament, including the Six Day Creation. Once they take away the foundation - the beginning - everything else falls down upon in their darkened memories.
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? 6 And this he said to prove [test] him: for he himself knew what he would do.
This place in the Bible should be memorized by everyone (Doubting Castle ruled by Giant Despair - Pilgrim's Progress.) The stories of Bunyan, locked in prison, is a perfect parallel. Jesus offered the question to His disciples, knowing in advance that He could do all things even when nothing was even adequate.
There is a bit of humor in the question about buying bread in the desert, knowing what He could do. That is where we often are - as believing in Christ - wondering how something can be fixed, even though that is definitely impossible for us, but easily accomplished by the Creator, by the Word.
7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
As Lenski suggested, anyone could have expressed a complete lack of faith about feeding thousands of people no matter how much or little they had. That is the job of the finance committee in every church, no matter the denomination. They relish the task of saying, "Impossible!" Even now the denominations - especially the Lutherans - are playing this role because they were bewitched with magical formulas instead of the effective Word - the Means of Grace - the Gospel.
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?
That offer is so feeble that it is more of a mockery, at the very least, no better than making the problem worse. Andrew seconds the motion to give up. This is a long-lasting response, which we still experience today and often fall on the side of these two disciples. Jesus did not mock or scold them - only wishing to help them solve the problem, gigantic for any reasonable person.
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. 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.
The details are very important. Plenty of grass means that water is abundant. Desert people know about "tanks" which store water and attract animals and humans. 5,000 men sat down, making the miracle very large. This is a monumental event but described with simplicity, very much like our daily lives, with a number of simple acts having enormous consequences in the future.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 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.
So many miracles were before them, but even then they could not consume all of it. They were all stunned and had to say - "This is the promised Prophet!" And yet, many of them soon rebelled against the Word - "This is a hard saying!" - and went away. Not long ago many soft-headed people claimed that everything would grow with "disciples," so they had to "make disciples," which sounded like "making cookies." Instead of dwelling on the Gospel Word, they leaned on "disciples that make disciples that make disciples."
"Thrivent will provide a $1 match for every $2 donated to featured organizations. This match will run until the $500,000 cap is met, or March 10, 2025, whichever comes first. Donations must be made through Thrivent's online giving platform or through a Thrivent Charitable Impact and Investing® donor-advised fund. Donations raised through this campaign will go towards the California Wildfires Disaster Response."
There are many reputable organizations to benefit in times of disasters—and each situation requires a unique response depending on the community. It’s best practice to benefit those organizations that are on the ground and have existing relationships to respond most effectively. The following resources have detailed information on specific crises, suggested responses and pre-vetted charitable organizations to consider benefiting by disaster/critical issue area.
Thrivent Insurance and Annuities unites the ELCA, LCMS, and WELS. WELS and LCMS sell irrevocable charitable annuities where they take a substantial amount of elderly property and cash "for the church." Once the contract is signed, the conditions are irrevocable. The survivors get nothing. ELCA has similar tactics in gathering senior dollars.
Lutheran Brotherhood and AAL were legally "lodge insurance" but that was changed when the two were merged into Thrivent and made more secular. The happy result was ELCA-WELS-LCMS working together on the same projects, like Church Growth and other nonsense. Thrivent no longer "gives" only to Lutheran church bodies but also to other entities.
Like the followers of Moses, they sat down to eat and rose up to play. Thrivent loved US.AID and bragged about it. Suddenly Archbishop Eaton and Suffragan Bishops Harrison and Schroeder had conflicting stories.
Recently it was disclosed that several Roman Catholic and Lutheran social service organizations have been receiving federal funding for humanitarian aid or community services from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It’s been reported that much of this funding has been directed toward assistance to immigrants and refugees. We have received questions about whether our synod is involved in any of this kind of effort.
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) has no financial or operational relationship with the Lutheran agencies that received these funds. WELS does not provide financial support to them and does not work with them in any way. Our synod has not applied for nor received any grant from the federal government for relief work among immigrants. When you hear the word “Lutheran” in the news reports, it does not refer to our synod.
One of the Lutheran groups identified as having received federal dollars (for youth mental health treatment) is Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Service, Inc. (WLCFS; known as Christian Family Solutions). WLCFS, which is known for providing quality Christian counseling services to our members and the community, is not a synodical organization; rather, it is an independent ministry affiliated with WELS. WLCFS is not governed or funded by WELS.
WELS does have its own disaster and humanitarian aid organization called WELS Christian Aid and Relief. This organization receives no federal funding and carries out its work of helping the needy and providing humanitarian grants solely with the generous support of WELS congregations and individual donors.
Because there are some erroneous or misleading reports in the news and on social media, we are informing you, the members of our synod, in case you have questions about this or receive questions about it from others.
Serving with you in Christ, WELS President Mark Schroeder
Ski, Glende, Bishop Katie and other WELS clergy worshiped with Andy Stanley and other sect enthusiasts years ago. The Church Growthers imagined this was the height of reaching out. They have tried everything except the Means of Grace, Justification by Faith, the efficacy of the Word, and the KJV.
Cross-dressing is typical at WELS schools.
Oh my! That is Ski posing with Andy Stanley hisself. What a thrill!
Parent Connect exists to “inspire parents of LGBTQ+ children to follow Jesus by providing a safe environment where they can experience community and personal growth.” This is done through a series of meetings, get-togethers, mentorship, and curriculum studies with parents and their gay or trans kids. Recently, they had Queer Eye for the Straight Guy icon Mama Tammye in as a guest speaker and teacher.
Embracing the Journey ministry is run by Greg and Lynn McDonald. They are a husband and wife team who are both long-term members at North Point, as well as leaders in Parent Connect. The church recommends it as a trusted resource for congregants wishing to find answers and advice when their child comes out as LBGTQ+, along with navigating the emotional and spiritual complexities that the news brings.
Hello! My name is Amy. I identify as gay, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m the proud parent of three adult kids, one of whom also identifies as gay. Over the past ten years I had the privilege of meeting with hundreds of parents of LGBTQ+ children through my position on the Care staff at North Point Community Church. As more and more parents reached out to the church for support, I began meeting with them in their homes. Parent Connect was birthed, one of the first church-based ministries in the nation created specifically for Christian parents of LGBTQ+ kids.
The State Department has officially notified Congress that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been dissolved, and the remaining operations of the agency will be run by the State Department itself.
According to United Press International, the State Department officially told Congress that USAID was dissolving on Friday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, "Today, the Department of State and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have notified Congress on their intent to undertake a reorganization that would involve realigning certain USAID functions to the Department by July 1, 2025, and discontinuing the remaining USAID functions that do not align with Administration priorities."
Rubio also noted, "Thanks to President Trump, this misguided and fiscally irresponsible era is now over. We are reorienting our foreign assistance programs to align directly with what is best for the United States and our citizens. We are continuing essential lifesaving programs and making strategic investments that strengthen our partners and our own country. This is yet another promise made and delivered to the American people."
USAID was a particular target of spending cuts and efforts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after the Trump administration came into office. In a memo that was distributed to USAID employees, the State Department wrote that it "will seek to retire USAID's independent operation" and then see if those employees that were let go will need to be rehired.
"This transfer will significantly enhance efficiency, accountability, uniformity, and strategic impact in delivering foreign assistance programs -- allowing our nation and President to speak with one voice in foreign affairs," the memo added, per ABC News. "It will also obviate the need for USAID to continue operating as an independent establishment."
"All non-statutory positions at USAID will be eliminated," as part of the agency getting dissolved, the memo added.
This is a breaking story. Please refresh for updates.
I do not mention Roman Catholic corruption often because I am busy enough with the Big Five Apostates - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic). So warm up some Ovaltine and consider what is happening in the Church of Rome, American division.
We find also as more and more of this situation comes to light that in many cases the money received has been routed to organizations that are pro-abortion, anti-family, and indeed, anti-Catholic. And now, when our recently-elected President steps in to stop these illegal activities, many bishops verbally attack him, and yet these same bishops spoke not a word against President Biden, who claimed to be Catholic, as he supported abortion and gender ideology, both opposed to Catholic teaching. What is especially telling is the finding that the USCCB used 90% of the collected federal funds for immigration resettlement, and less than 1% for pro-life activities. Although claiming that abortion is their preeminent priority, the USCCB has never collected money for pro-life activities. For example, we find that one Texas bishop funneled millions of dollars into organizations and activities to incentivize illegal immigration while actively working to squelch pro-life activities in his diocese.
This creates a stunningly close connection among the so-called Lutheran sects - loudly bawling about losing their US.AID loot funneled through Thrivent and other leaking devices. I once tracked Schwan money to the WELS Love Shack, aimed at one room, then dispersed to many other rooms and places. At that time, the facts were free - and shocking - paralleling the enormous amounts of money given to greedy nincompoops (not just the Church Growthers). They cranked up the cost of finding out the truth so honesty lost again to the Snake Oil Salesmen.
Popessa Liz Eaton - and her right-hand man Matt the Fatt Harrison - should honor us by naming their outrage, revealing the US.AID conjob and many other variations in Luther-dumb.
"Without these resources, 6,000 newly arrived refugees we are currently serving may face the prospect of eviction and food insecurity at a time of critical need," said Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge. "It is particularly shameful to leave newly arrived Afghan allies to fend for themselves after the tremendous sacrifices they've made in support of American interests. This is the antithesis of what it means for the United States to keep its promise of protection to the allies of America's longest war."
Federal support for resettlement nonprofits is a key driver of community integration. The sudden cessation of these services risks shifting the burden onto local communities ill-equipped to address the urgent needs that are likely to arise from this decision.
"Without this support, towns and cities across the country are poised to face greater responsibility with fewer resources to help families who have resettled here through this longstanding legal pathway," added Vignarajah.
For 85 years, Global Refuge has been a steadfast advocate for refugees, working collaboratively with federal, state, and local governments to provide life-changing services. While this stop work order limits operational capacity, it does not diminish the organization's resolve.
"We are urgently reviewing all legal and operational options to continue supporting the families we serve. We will not abandon our mission or the people who rely on us," Vignarajah emphasized.
Global Refuge urges policymakers to reverse this harmful decision and calls upon all Americans to stand in solidarity with refugee families.
"Refugees enrich our communities and contribute significantly to our economy. Upholding their dignity and ensuring their success is not just a moral imperative; it's a reflection of who we are as a nation," said Vignarajah.
As many of you are aware, General Mike Flynn (retired) publicly took to task Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and several other Lutheran social ministry agencies for receiving large federal grants for work with immigrants. That got the attention of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). I was surprised at the dollar amounts involved. The post on X accused LIRS and the other agencies bearing the name Lutheran of “money laundering.” I am writing to provide you with some facts about this complex and confusing situation.
The LCMS is a law-abiding and patriotic church body. We don’t invite or support illegal immigration. We don’t say much to or about the government. We don’t have government contracts. Not one. We leave issues of government to our 1.8 million members and 5,700 active pastors, who act in the civil realm according to their Christian consciences as good citizens. We have spoken as a body to certain issues. The Bible and reason teach us that the unborn have the God-given right to life (Luke 1:39–45). The government has no right to infringe upon religious freedom, including the free exercise of religion. “Thoughts are tax free!” said Martin Luther. All our people are trained from Sunday school and catechism class, and every Sunday sermon, to be good citizens and advocate for just laws, punishment for evildoers and mercy for those in need. Specific views on the details of how the government is involved in this are left to the individual as a citizen.
The LCMS uses legal means to fight for First Amendment rights when those rights are under attack.
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GJ - Thrivent, the nursing mother of ELCA-LCMS-WELS, has already published their boasting about working with the corrupt US.AID machine. Clergy love getting on the gravy train when so much of it falls into their laps, pockets, funds, trinkets, committees, and deluxe world travels.
Marvin Schwan made sure everyone knew -- the money was brandished about for every building, either with his name or a substantial sum of money. Christina and I took Herman Otten to the new St. Louis chapel, which boasted a million or so from Schwan on a special pedestal, LARGE PRINT. However, Marvin and his sycophant synod presidents did not mention his first wife's tragic demise - and why. Soon enough, Marvin and his second wife (who returned to Romanism) were also gone.
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