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 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 National Council of Churches.
The hymn is one of those beautiful descriptions of life for the Christian believer. The first thing I consider is the span from newborn to great-grandparent, then in-between. That covers so many areas of life.
It is funny how "saint" gets set aside for many other titles and descriptions. The bad guys always say, "I'm no saint," and the famous people often become saints, which become titles of cities, which become sports teams.
The basic name is "holy," which is perfect as a description by itself - through Justification by Faith, gaining access to God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Thousands of seriously warped people teach others that every single person on earthhas already been forgiven, even that they are guilt-free saints in Hell (an awkward, foolish claim).
The glitterings of robes and special hats and expensive jewelry take away the meaning of holy or saint. All those expenses are the opposite of what Jesus taught and exemplified, because He had nothing - but gave away His healing and His forgiveness. Holiness is from the Son of God, and that makes us saints in belonging to Him.
Our nature is to earn, to achieve, but faith is receiving what the Savior pours out on us. Parents and grandparents and great-grandparents say, "What a treasure! What a blessing! Look at how fragile and yet strong this baby is!" Just as the baby listens and responds to the adults, so the believer has the same attitude toward the Good Shepherd.
In faith we listen and learn, no matter how old we are. The big strong disciples wanted to keep the children away from the Master, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to Me and do not forbid them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God."
The greatest strength is not our experience, or honors, or anything else, but trust in Him who created heaven and earth as the Word, the Logos, the Son of God. My neighbor wanted to find a special flower in the midst of all the daffodils. She got down and said, "It is very short and perfumed." She knew about where it was but could not see it. Today I looked again there it was, tiny, fragile, almost invisible - Hyacinth!
Who decided this flower would be perfumed and special? My version looks like nothing but I can drop the tiny ones into a little plastic cup and deliver a few.
We are experiencing an unusual windstorm. Tomorrow the long stretch on Joye street will be littered with the limbs that gave up. The smallest flowers now springing up will even be found around the fallen branches, and they will start the next step.
"For All the Saints Who from Their Labors Rest" by William W. How, 1823-1897
1. For all the saints who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confess, Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest, Alleluia! Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress, and their Might; Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia! Alleluia!
3. Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old And win with them the victor's crown of gold. Alleluia! Alleluia!
4. O blest communion, fellowship divine, We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!
5. And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia! Alleluia!
6. But, lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of Glory passes on His way. Alleluia! Alleluia!
7. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, Singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! Alleluia!
8. The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon, to faithful warriors cometh rest. Sweet is the calm of Paradise the blest. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Hymn #463 The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Heb. 12:1 Author: William W. How, 1864, cento Composer: R. Vaughan Williams, 1906, arr. Tune: "Sine nomine"
6. In the second place, he replies with a public example and a similar work, when he says: “By whom do your sons cast them out?” As if he would say: “Is this not simple idiocy? Just what you praise in your sons, you condemn in me. Because your sons do it, it is of God; but because I do it, it must be of the devil.” So it is in this world. What Christ does, is of the devil; if some one else did it, it would be all right. Thus the tyrants and enemies of the Gospel do now, when they condemn in us what they themselves do, confess and teach; but they must proceed thus in order that their judgment may be publicly approved, when they are condemned by all justice. The sons, of whom Christ here says that they drive out devils, were, I think, certain exorcists among the people, for God, from the beginning, had given this people manifold spiritual gifts and he calls them their “sons,” as though to say: I am the Son of God and must be called a child of the devil, while those who are your sons, begotten by you, do the same things and are not to be considered children of the devil.
7. “Therefore shall they be your judges,” that is, I appeal to them. They will be forced to decide that you wrongfully blaspheme me, and thus condemn yourselves. For if one devil does not drive out another then some other power must do it that is neither satanic nor human, but divine. Hence the words: “But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you.” This finger of God is called in Matthew 12:28 the Holy Ghost, for the words read thus: “But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons,” etc. In short, Christ means to say: If the kingdom of God is to come unto you, the devil must be driven out, for his kingdom is against God’s kingdom, as you yourselves must confess.
But demon is not driven out by demon, much less by men or the power of men, but alone by the Spirit and power of God.
8. From this follows that where the finger of God does not cast out the devil, there the devil’s kingdom still exists; where Satan’s kingdom still exists, there the kingdom of God cannot be. The unavoidable conclusion then is that, as long as the Holy Spirit does not enter our hearts, we are not only incapable of any good, but are of necessity in the kingdom of Satan.
And if we are in his kingdom, then we can do nothing but that which pleases him, else it could not be called his kingdom. As St. Paul says to Timothy: “The people are taken captive in the snares of the devil unto his will” 2 Timothy 2:26. How could Satan suffer one of his people to take a notion to do something against, and not for, his kingdom? Oh, it is a striking, terrible and powerful statement that Christ here admits such a dominion, which we cannot escape except by the power of God; and that the kingdom of God cannot come to us until that kingdom is driven out by divine, heavenly power.
Stranded NASA Astronaut Praises Jesus Before Return to Earth
One of the NASA astronauts who spent months stuck in space due to a Boeing Starliner capsule that malfunctioned praised Jesus Christ during his final interview before returning to Earth.
Astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were stranded together in space for 286 days, are set to return to Earth on Tuesday. In an interview with CBS News, Wilmore and Williams were asked about a "life lesson or takeaway" from the experience.
"Well, I can tell you honestly, my feeling on all of this goes back to my faith," Wilmore said. "It's bound in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"He is working out his plan and his purposes for his glory throughout all of humanity, and how that plays into our lives is significant and important, and however that plays out, I am content because I understand that."
"I understand that he's at work in all things, some things are for the good — go to Hebrews Chapter 11 — and some things look to us to be not so good. But it's all working out for his good, for all those that will believe," he said. "And that's the answer."
19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
The two nutritionist authors I follow are Joel Fuhrman and Michael Greger. The Fuhrman books are more practical. Greger is filled with the fine points and scientific surveys - with easy to follow instant questions answered here -
Friends were here for some improvements, and they really liked the aroma of Creation Stew. We had talked earlier about nutrition, and they asked for the recipe, which I am revealing today, the way I make it.
Charlie Sue Stew
I use a two-quart pan and serve half for morning and the other half for late afternoon.
Water in the pan floats the blueberries and walnuts. The blueberries are good against cancer and walnuts are great in lowering cholesterol. Some people do not tolerate walnuts so that should be noted.
Initial spices are turmeric, mustard, and fresh ground pepper. Turmeric is a ginger and very good against pain, etc. Mustard is good for crucifer vegetables. Ground pepper is good for improving turmeric.
Charlie Sue waits for her meat portion, sliced ham at the moment and sausage for backup. She gets initial samples and then more when I am eating the stew.
Frozen, chopped, leafy greens are zero-caloried, lacking salt, and loaded with nutrition. Kale is primary and spinach secondary. Keep stirring.
I add spices and stir greens in - cumin (backbone of stew flavor), cinnamon (enhancer), Italian seasoning (very popular), bagel seasoning (adding garlic, etc), curry (very good), marjoram, and ground cardamom. Results vary from day to day, and that is more fun than fishing the frozen lakes of Minnesota, eh?.
Charlie Sue gets impatient at this point and leaves for her queen sized bed.
Tomato paste is the best base for this stew - texture, flavor, and nutritious tomatoes. I almost forgot...
What I add after spices and leafy greens will vary for each meal.
Mushrooms are anti-cancer and a pleasant addition to the food.
Onions are delicious and often paired with green peppers. Similar vegetables share and swap anti-oxidants, so I pull bags out of the freezer and put them back in small amounts.
Frozen peas are my life-long favorite. That includes the flavor, fiber, and protein.
Brussel sprouts are high on the list as a crucifer and fun/soft to chew.
I do NOT use "seasoned" frozen food because it is simply frozen vegetables with salt and pepper added - for a very expensive frozen food.
The variations are fun to make and delicious to crave. Here are some bad ideas, lacking nutritional value and loaded with -
Oil, shortening, butter, eggs, milk products.
Artificial sweeteners, sugar, corn syrup.
Prepared foods - breads, crackers, Fritos, pizza, all desserts.
4. What then were these blasphemers able to say to such clear arguments?
They were put to silence, but their hearts were hardened, so that they did not heed his words. A hardened heart will not be instructed, no matter how plainly and clearly the truth is presented; but the faith of the righteous is strengthened when they see that the ground of their faith is right and good.
And for the sake of such we must answer those whose hearts are hardened, and put them to silence. Even though they will not be converted nor keep silence still it serves to reveal their hardened hearts, for the longer they talk the more foolish they become, and they are caught in their folly, and their cause is robbed of the appearance of being right and good, as Solomon also says in Proverbs 26:5: “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” That is, answer him according to his folly that his folly may be put to shame for the sake of others, that they may not follow him and be deceived, thinking that he is right. Otherwise, where no such condition exists, it is better to keep silent, as Solomon also says in the same chapter, verse 4 “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.”
5. Nor could they say here that the devils only pretended to be divided among themselves and to yield to one another in order to deceive the people, for it is publicly seen how they resist and contend, cry and rave, tear and rage, when they see that Christ means to expel them. It is then clearly seen that they are opposed to Christ and his Spirit, and they are not united with him, to whom they must yield so unwillingly. Therefore it is only a flagrant blasphemous lie, in which they are caught and put to shame, by which they try in venomous hate to give the devil credit for a work of God. From this we learn not to be surprised when our doctrine and life are blasphemed and stubborn hearts will not be convinced nor converted, although they are overwhelmed, as it were, with tangible truth and completely put to silence. It is enough that through our arguments their obstinate folly is revealed, acknowledged and made harmless to pious people, so that the latter may not be misled by its fine pretension. They may then go whither they will, they have condemned themselves as St. Paul says, Titus 3:11.
TEXT: Luke 11:14-23. 14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. 15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. 16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. 18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. 19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.
20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. 21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
I. CHRIST’S DEFENSE AGAINST HIS BLASPHEMERS.
1. This is a beautiful Gospel from which we learn many different things, and in which nearly everything is set forth as to what Christ, his kingdom and his Gospel are: what they accomplish and how they fare in the world.
In the first place, like all the Gospels this one teaches us faith and love; for it presents Christ to us as a most loving Savior and Helper in every need and tells us that he who believes this is saved. For we see here that Christ had nothing to do with people who were healthy, but with a poor man who was greatly afflicted with many ills. He was blind, as Matthew says; also dumb and possessed with a demon, as Luke tells us here. Now all mutes are also deaf, so that in the Greek language deaf and dumb are one word.
By this act Christ draws us to himself, leads us to look to him for every blessing, and to go to him in every time of need. He does this that we also, according to the nature of love, should do unto others as he does unto us.
This is the universal and the most precious doctrine of this Gospel and of all the Gospels throughout the church year. This poor man, however, did not come to Christ without the Word; for those who brought him to Christ must have heard his love preached and were moved thereby to trust in him.
We learn therefore that faith comes through the Word; but more of this elsewhere.
2. Secondly, it is here demonstrated how Christ and his Gospel fare in the world, namely, that there are three kinds of hearers. Some marvel at him; these are pious and true Christians, who consider this deed so great that they are amazed at it. Some blaspheme the Gospel; these are the Pharisees and scribes, who were vexed because they could not do the like, and were worried lest the people should hold Christ in higher esteem than themselves. Some tempt him, like Herod desired a sign after his own heart, that they may make sport of it. But he answers both parties; at first, the blasphemers in this Gospel, and later on the tempters, saying that no sign shall be given this wicked generation except the sign of the prophet Jonah, of which we read in the verses following. He answers the blasphemers in a friendly way and argues five points with them.
3. In the first place, with honest and reasonable arguments he concludes from two comparisons that one devil cannot cast out another; for if that were so, the devils would be divided among themselves and Satan’s kingdom would indeed not stand. For nature teaches that if a kingdom is divided against itself and its citizens drive out each other, it is not necessary to go to war against it, for it will come to ruin soon enough of itself. Likewise a house divided against itself needs no other destruction.
Even the heathen author Sallust, teaching only from the light of nature and experience, says: “Great wealth passes away through discord, but through concord small means become large.” If now the devils were divided among themselves to such a degree that one should drive out the other, Satan’s dominion would be at an end, and we would have rest from his attacks.
Let's start with the graphic above. The gay/lesbian lobbies of ELCA were strutting their stuff because ELCA openly promoted anti-heterosexual clergy. The dimwit Presiding Bishop before Elizabeth Eaton was gung-ho, and soon they had their agenda locked and loaded to eject or humiliate anyone who opposed their agenda.
The poster title is Reconciling Works, one of many themes to promote gay-lesbian pastors and undermine the entire leadership. They also slithered in with - Lutherans for Full Participation. Both schemes are the same kind of magic act, forcing and hiding at the same time. They really mean, "We will take over every nook and cranny of the establishment and dare the troglodytes to stop us. We will keep advancing until we are 100% victorious."
Nota bene, as they say in Latin class - many steps were taken before the universal collapse of all the mainlines, which include the Big Five Apostates.
The New Testament text was thoroughly corrupted by the smart-alecks, whether Wescott-Hort or Otten-Beck.
The worst theologians were promoted and honored because they were the most atheistic.
Worship was corrupted down to level of...I have a photo below, ELCA meeting.
Hymns were butchered into repulsive versions of cotton candy.
Only entertainment was left. Ask Ski and Glende, and the rest.
He/she danced at the Luther Seminary chapel to entertain his friends. He was ordained soon after.
"Brett, I did the best I could, holding back the radicals and appeasing the Calvinists!"
And it shows!
Funny how they needed a Ft. Wayne drop-out to teach Objective Faithless Justification to a tiny, bored audience.
Archbishop Elizabeth Eaton was voted into the ELCA Office in 2013, by virtue of her superior money and membership, though both going down the drain...fast. She earned an MDiv at Harvard Divinity School.
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Matt Harrison is the Bishop of the four Watherian Sects - LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) - earning a coveted MDiv that alarmed and scattered the sheep. He has been gaining weight since 2010.
Randy DeJaynes, ELCA pastor, got Jim Heiser going as the next bishop, though the title was hidden away for a long time. Heiser prayed with Kincaid Smith and Jay Webber to be in fellowship with ELDONA, a merger that lasted several minutes.
Heiser spends big money on himself for world travels. He went to Europe several times and got nowhere, which is apparently his mission in the Philippines.
The Big Five Apostates - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) - look up to Liz Eaton, her Harvard gay credentials, her hold on the Thrivent purse-strings and the USAID loot.
The cheap masks should match for the angel (orans) pose, if one wants to be distinctly Roman Catholic, not poking out the strained belly button.
The Confession of Sins The Absolution The Introit p. 16
Introit
Remember, O Lord, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving-kindnesses: for they have been ever of old.
Let not mine enemies triumph over me: God of Israel, deliver us out of all our troubles.
Psalm. Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul: O my God, I trust in Thee; let me not be ashamed.
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
O God, who seest that of ourselves we have no strength, keep us both outwardly and inwardly that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Sanctus p. 26 The Lord's Prayer p. 27 The Words of Institution The Agnus Dei p. 28 The Nunc Dimittis p. 29 The Benediction p. 31 Hymn # 50Lord Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing
Prayers and Announcements
Medical care - Sarah Buck, Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Doc Lito family.
Tornado damage in St. Louis, not in NW Arkansas but in NE Arkansas.
Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM Reformation Seminary lectures, John. Zoom.
KJV 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God,even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
KJV Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Second Sunday In Lent
Lord God, heavenly Father, grant us, we beseech Thee, by Thy Holy Spirit, that He may strengthen our hearts and confirm our faith and hope in Thy grace and mercy, so that, although we have reason to fear because of our conscience, our sin, and our unworthiness, we may nevertheless, with the woman of Canaan, hold fast to Thy grace, and in every trial and temptation find Thee a very present help and refuge, through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
He Answered Not a Word
KJV Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
This is an important lesson for all of us, because we find ourselves in similar situations - having a great obstacle, difficulty, or anguish with nothing to help us. This woman is a pagan, which is reflected in one phrase - a woman of Canaan. She is not Jewish, not descended from Abraham the Father of Faith, but calls out to the Son of David. The disciples are not likely to be much help with Jesus silent.
Hundreds of books describe Jesus as a miracle worker (yes or no, often described today as a no, as "scientifically wrong," or a result of attitude and nothing more). But this passage is about a woman's faith, not only that - but even a person who seems to be unfit to have a miracle.
One of my students told me about the magic of rallies where the entire stadium whoops it up and buys whatever package is being offered to EVERY.SINGLE.ONE! He said he would drive to these events with just enough money to get in and a driver's license. He said, "Don't do it with anything more in your pockets. No credit cards. No extra cash. You will be so worked up that you will fall for it, and it is really a rush." This is copied by many "evangelicals" who promise similar thrills and get subsequent crashes. Denominations dredge up the miracle of the year, which they just borrowed from Schuller or Willow Creek or Fuller or "fill in the blanks." Thrivent spent a fortune on LCMS-WELS-ELCA doing this and publishing yet another flop.
The woman's daughter was suffering terribly in pain from a devil.
23 But he answered her not a word.
Here we have to stop and take notice. Jesus did not answer a Word. This is a miracle of faith in Him.
This Gospel presents to us a true example of firm and perfect faith. For this woman endures and overcomes in three great and hard battles, and teaches us in a beautiful manner the true way and virtue of faith, namely, that it is a hearty trust in the grace and goodness of God as experienced and revealed through his Word. For St. Mark says, she heard some news about Jesus, Mark 7:25. What kind of news? Without doubt good news, and the good report that Christ was a pious man and cheerfully helped everybody. Such news about God is a true Gospel and a word of grace, out of which sprang the faith of this woman; for had she not believed, she would not have thus run after Christ etc. In like manner we have often heard how St. Paul in Romans 10:17 says that faith cometh by hearing, that the Word must go in advance and be the beginning of our salvation. Luther's Sermons, Lenker, Reminiscere.
Luther said about the Reformation - candidly - "I did not do anything. I just preached and wrote." That statement is true and yet baffles all the great denomination leaders today. Those so-called leaders do not have a clue about this lesson on trusting in Jesus Christ.
And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
One way to look at this is the disciples ordering Jesus to give her the miracle and send her away. Yes, she was a pagan - but Jesus could quiet her and give the distant daughter the blessing of a healing. The disciples wanted some peace!
Face a serious, painful, threatening illness - and people will offer a variety of solutions. What about year after year with a host of therapies? The insta-therapy may not work at all or only work a short time.
One of the great benefits of the Christian Faith is having a group of believers who comfort and encourage others. And that faith moves to others through the Word. Healing is not always physical. There are also blessings of peace, courage, etc.
24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
But, oh, how painful it is to nature and reason, that this woman should strip herself of self and forsake all that she experienced, and cling alone to God’s bare Word, until she experienced the contrary. May God help us in time of need and of death to possess like courage and faith! Luther, Reminiscere, Lenker.
We are all weak at times. We cannot pick up courage or humor or patience at once. That is why so many have dust-covered dreadmills, or weights, or promises to walk a mile every day, or read a book. The focus of this miracle is trust in Jesus Christ, and that too requires endurance, strength, patience, calm, and the love of the Good Shepherd. She said in midst of turmoil and thinking about her daughter, "Lord, help me."
It is a great wonder to see that take place, moving from the darkest dark to the light. My wife and I knew what was coming and we talked about it all the time.
26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
There is some confusion about dogs in the Gospels. The roaming dogs licking the wounds of Lazarus were scavengers, and that was the best he could get for his starving. In this interchange between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, the dogs are the household pets who vacuum the crumbs that fall from the master's table. This is a miracle where we go over the details in a few words and watch the Word develop those simple words across the centuries.
28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Unbelievers, rationalists, dabblers, and people who "lost their faith" are going to miss this miracle for various reasons.
Your faith can only belong to you. It transfers and spreads from one heart to another. It is off-course to say "I wish I had your faith." Wishes seem to be a bit fortune cookie talk. Faith in Jesus is generated only by the Gospel given through Him, which gives us access to God.
Your faith is generated by the Gospel Word
hearing,
reading,
remembering.
Lacking those three will diminish faith in Jesus Christ, but using them will increase faith in the Good Shepherd.
Jesus was tempted by Satan and faced His own religious leaders with the truth (John 8).
Luther's great genius in teaching about the Savior is the Reformer's emphasis on the primary theme of the Old and New Testaments - the Creation (John 1:1ff), His Two Natures (Isaiah), His Gospel ministry of forgiveness and peace, and His compassion for each and every one of us.
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