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.
I ran into a pamphlet in my little library. One reminder was a set of books by Luther, edited by the prolific Lenker. But who published it? ABC!
Augustana Book Concern (Rock Island) was the place where we bought textbooks and extra books for reading. Those 13 volumes are much clearer than the ones we see here and there, copies of copies, lower quality. These are pristine.
In the wide expanse of that shelf was tucked Getting Published: A Manual for Religious Writers. In 1976 I had about 55 published articles, some for free, many for modest sums and new ideas. My booklet was typed on an electric typewriter! Someone duplicated the booklet, and it survived 51 years.
John Baker was born in Davenport, Iowa and attended Moline High School from 1963 to 1966. At only 5 1 he was a gymnast before joining the army. His wife thought
that gave him the strength and stamina to carry his buddies to safety. He became a tunnel rat in Vietnam, a soldier who entered Viet Cong tunnels searching out the enemy and destroying their caches of war material. Baker made the military his career, retiring in 1989. He then began working as a computer analyst at a Veterans Hospital in South Carolina. In addition to serving as the Vice-President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, he serves as a member on the Nation s Monuments and Cemeteries Committee.
John Baker was born in Davenport, Iowa and attended Moline High School from 1963 to 1966. At only 5 1 he was a gymnast before joining the army. His wife thought that gave him the strength and stamina to carry his buddies to safety. He became a tunnel rat in Vietnam, a soldier who entered Viet Cong tunnels searching out the enemy and destroying their caches of war material. Baker made the military his career, retiring in 1989. He then began working as a computer analyst at a Veterans Hospital in South Carolina. In addition to serving as the Vice-President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, he serves as a member on the Nation s Monuments and Cemeteries Committee.
Readers emphasize Chapter 12 of Revelation, as I wrote earlier. That is the central section, about the Mother and the Son, Mary and the Newborn. That scenario marks the center of all history, before the Incarnation - after the birth of Christ.
So much is involved in Revelation 1-12 that readers can feel the tossing of the sea on a dark, death-threatening night.
Anyone can feel lost in Revelation's narrative, not from so many chapters but from the overwhelming descriptions of all the events, which are grotesque, beautiful, and inspiring.
Ending Chapters of Revelation 19-22
The final section is triumphant in the glory of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
I had roses on the altar today and peeked out to see if any popped up overnight. The view from the door was not of huge roses but small intensely perfumed ones. All of them David Austen roses.
Diane got the big flashy Enchanted Peace and also the tiny, delicate Queen of Sweeden - on the altar today.
A group of kids were next door and some playing on the other side. Charlie Sue and I went out to enjoy the commotion. One dad was supervising and we talked. Charlie did wild circles in the PARK! to wear down the girls. It was a lot of fun.
A mother took the flowers in - and they were intense. Two of them were enough to fill a room and make someone say, "Where did that come from!?"
Say unto my soul, I am thy Salvation: The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth.
He delivereth them out of their troubles: He is their God forever and ever.
Psalm. Give ear, O My people, to My Law:
incline your ears to the words of My mouth.
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
O almighty and most merciful God, of Thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech Thee, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready, both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that Thou wouldst have done; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual
Gradual
Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense:
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
V. Oh, sing unto the Lord a new song: for He hath done marvelous things. Hallelujah!
God's blessings - Brett and Amy Meyer - 36th Anniversary.
Michael Oak and Amanda Meyer were married five years ago on October 16th. Blessed by baby June. Congratulations and God's continued blessings.
Lori Howell is being treated in Houston.
Ongoing medical - Alicia Meyer; Kermit Way; Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris; Doc Lito's wife is doing better.
Glen Kotten lost his father.
Bethany members are getting email connections together via gmail.
Nineteenth Sunday After Trinity
O mighty and everlasting God, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst mercifully help the palsied man both in body and soul: We beseech Thee, for the sake of Thy great mercy: Be gracious also unto us; forgive us all our sins, and so govern us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may not ourselves be the cause of sickness and other afflictions; keep us in Thy fear, and strengthen us by Thy grace that we may escape temporal and eternal wrath and punishment, through Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.
KJV Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
KJV Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
From the Prison in Rome - Paul's Teaching
KJV Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
We do not usually think so much about how Biblical passages are written. This is a special one, which seems to be written in Ephesus, but was written in the Rome prison. Paul was a long distance away from Ephesus and wanted to strengthen that city's faith and the province around it, because Paul's work had spread so much in the past. This was a farewell address filled with wisdom and carefully written.
So he is saying to that large province, "Do not return to the ways of paganism, as if the Faith no longer mattered and the behavior of the past took over again." Americans know from experience that the improvements of the Christian life can be overwhelmed and demolished by laxity and falling away from the worst conduct and conversations. Can we sing real Christmas carols to grade school students, with their parents watching and singing along? No, but the crudest things are paraded as something new, different, and disgusting.
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
We can guess that much of Christianity was pushed away when areas of the Faith were attacked, imprisoned, and lost. But the Gospel came back, often from persecution and spreading the texts in many languages. Paul knew that they had great forces against them in paganism and yet also in the power of the Word.
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
This is the power of God's Word, which is always at work in us. People may resist and oppose the Scriptures but the revelation of God remains the same. That is no less than the teaching of Jesus the Son of God, which takes away our sins and gives us new life.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
The genuine believer is not based on outward gestures and claims, but honesty and truthfulness. There can be misunderstanding for many different reasons. Dishonesty increases problems. Paul says - "putting away lying." Anyone can say, "Lying and lying back will only increase hardship and bad will." But in contrast, "Saying I am sorry decreases friction and long-lasting ill will."
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Anger is often promoted as getting even, which seldom benefits both sides at the same time. The other person is clearly the major fault, as we think to ourselves or we say out loud. But the Holy Spirit responds through Paul - "and sin not." And an even greater and beneficial answer comes from "let not the sun go down on your wrath." Yes, it is easy to seeth vividly all night, or for weeks, or for years.
Giving neighbors roses and flowers can do a lot to soften attitudes and brighten smiles. One man said about a glass with a flower, "What's that for?" I said, "Mother's Day." He said, "I'm not a mother." I said, "I am pretty certain you had one. This is to honor her," Other responses are very grateful and some are neutral in appearance. We finally had a long, hard rain on the roses yesterday. Today they are the Queen of Sweden and Enchanted Peace.
27 Neither give place to the devil.
We are much more inclined to give place to the devil - another way to avoid the problems coming from our excuses. We may think our response is justified by gettin- even, but justification by gettin-even throws flames on the fire.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Ending of Ephesians 4
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Here are some pictures taken yesterday during my brother's visit. All of my cows have names. 'Puppy Calf' is my prize pure bred South Poll heifer due to calve next April. Here are the names of all my cows. I thought your readers might have fun guessing the name of each cow pictured below. Six of the 10 are pictured.
Our site went down again during the big storm, much like the last one. The newest systems seem to be more fragile.
Our helper came over and fixed the two computers and spruced up the Gmail email set-up at the same time. Several Bethany set up its use and we can have good responses.
The Sunday service will be posted early and kept open so people know it is there. If I wait for all of it to be done, it makes people think it is absent rather than just editing. We have some early watchers!
I went to my annual medical exam with an unusual response. The doctor is one of the best. We enjoyed the previous one, where I noted how he observed my high blood sugar and my lower cholesterol. Yes, I put lots of walnut halves on my vanilla ice cream.
The shock came from him handing me an envelope with three checks in it. Those checks had been left for him after my previous exam - one year before. I give books away. I was sure he would like How Not To Die, by Michael Gregor M.D.. He read it completely - "That is the best medical book anywhere!" Because he was away from the front desk when I left the book, he did not allow anyone to name the three people.
The exam was filled with laughter about the checks and the latest results. I started a sensible diet over three years - from 215 pounds of ice cream and pizza to 160 pounds of leafy greens, spinach especially, all kinds of vegetables, fresh or frozen fruit, nuts and spices.
I did not have all the latest results, but I will soon get the print-out, predictable but enjoyable facts to observe. God's Creation gives us the power to use what He gives us, who would gladly make His handywork our nutrition.
Tim Glende told his congregation they were going to a "pastor conference," but there was no WELS or ELS conference at the time the trio went to Seattle and took this photo (minus Mark).
It’s not a long comment, but what he says is quite eye-opening and telling about the intentional narrow ministry mindedness of Mark.
I hope more people like Bent will speak up. Their stories are priceless to those who are suffering Mark’s consequences now.
I’ve heard from two Seattle journalists over the last couple days. Both said that former Mars Hill members are coming out of the wordwork to share their abuse stories.
It’s sad. And it keeps getting sadder.
I am one of the men fired the day of Mark’s rant about two elders he felt needed broken noses. Someone asked what has happened since that day. I am happy to say, the next Sunday my wife and I attended another Church with far better expository teaching and a community that authentically and generously helps the marginalized.
I also finished my master program and have a private mental health practice serving the Seattle and Eastside area. This was a very good and satisfying result.
Regarding whether I spoke up or not. I have not been silenced by any direct or implied threats of retaliation. It is clear that the one who possess the air waves controls the content and spin of a story, so there was not much to be done.
I thought a lot about how I would response and just what my motives would be. I chose not to be lured into a public argument through the Seattle Times asking me for a blow by blow description of the events I have documented. I have a tendency to keep material for years and years.
I did prepare my narrative, including supporting documents, for members only to read who came to me for explanation. They had to agree never to disclose any of it to the media. These people have been honorable. As best I know, none have. By doing this I opened up myself to their scrutiny and possible rebuke. I have received nothing but kindness and support.
As to my motives, I want Mark’s best. In my opinion he is a very troubled man. He is caught in his own hell. The consequence, of course, is the influence he has on others, which is mixed.
He, Lief Moi, and Mike Gunn, together the founders of Mars Hill Church, sent out to focus on those that were young, upwardly mobile and future leaders. They wanted to position themselves to influence their faith decisions and their life choices. This is a lesson for many church leaders to learn from and choose for themselves.
The downside is Mark’s pathology shows up in ways that are impulsive, aggressive, irascible, shut off from effective relational influence, and most apparent not respectful and submissive to anyone, though he claims otherwise.
I have hoped and still hope for something short of him destroying himself that would bring about substantial change for this ever increasing population of worshiper. Some have fretted there will be a great loss of Christians with the demise of Mark and/or the Church. I don’t think so. The church that comprises all of us will survive. The chaff will be blown away, but the church will remain.
I would speak a caution to all of us. There is much to be learn for the Mars Hill phenomena. Don’t dismiss the hunger and openness to be influenced represented in those ages 18 through 30. Invent content that is useful and distribute it freely on the web. Always incorporate creatively some explanation of the gospel at the end of every teaching session with an invitation to do business with Jesus.
Even though Mark’s portrayal of masculinity is more like a comic book superhero and women needing to be protected and rescued is his focus, young men coming into manhood is richly important. Absent fathers is epidemic. Think about what it is that has caused them not to attach to their families. Mark comes at it from the standpoint of duty and responsibility, which is mechanical, missing other primary questions. Why do so many men not attach to their families? Why do they abandon family so easily? Mark uses shame and intimidation as the means of gaining compliance, which has the appearance of working, but is not transformational in the long run, or creates other issues of abusive relationships related to power and control. In many men, the tendency is understood in the short saying, “Monkey see monkey do.” Don’t over react, young men need to mature.
I feel like I need to give attention to the needs of women with equal if not more space since women are marginalized and silenced in so many ways. But, I will leave that for another time.
I hope this will satisfy the primary curiosity of those who wonder what has happened to me. I will say, the other elder fired at the same times is a good friend and is doing well.
I hope you are doing good, but I am concerned. I pray for you every day!
Thank you for your prayers, and faithful preaching and teaching of God's Word as clearly taught by Christ and Dr. Martin Luther. Luther literally saved me from a wrong understanding of God's Word. In 1977 my mom and dad and two brothers joined LCMS. I had to really read and study Luther's Works extensively to fully grasp the correct understanding of God's Word and Sacraments. I even read Luther's Bondage of the Will at least 7 times. Luther was a literary scholar and word smith. He used this skill to correctly explain the true meaning of God's Word and Sacraments.
Luther's understanding and teaching of God's Word and Sacraments is the ONLY true Christian doctrine and faith. It alone teaches justification by faith without works. All other religions ADD works to justification, but they are not recognized as being works righteousness. The Baptists, Calvinists, Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Reformed, Pentecostals, Jews, Turks, Islamic, Greek Orthodox, Mormons, Jehovah Witness, Objective Justification Cultists etc. ALL ADD works to justification by faith.
My younger brother Mark visited me today on his way to Harrison Arkansas. His wife Jean has liver cancer. She does not want to die. She reads God's Word in the King James Bible, especially the Psalms. I asked my brother if Jean was baptized. He said yes. I said Baptism makes her a Christian and an heir of eternal life. She needs to hold onto her Baptism into Christ not her works. God in His mercy is keeping her alive for my sake. What would I say to her sons Jesse and Josh? Jean never went to church, but she is BAPTIZED in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. BAPTISM is church membership. This is clearly evident in the early church. Notice the URGENCY to IMMEDIATELY Baptize all who gladly receive God's Word. Ananias urged Saul to IMMEDIATELY be Baptized and wash away his sins. The Ethiopian Eunuch was IMMEDIATELY Baptized by Philip. Philip did not allow the fall of Simon the Sorcerer who was Baptized to STOP the Ethiopian Eunuch from being Baptized. Phillip did not REQUIRE a 6 week 'church membership course' BEFORE Baptism. No! Baptism FIRST then the six-week study of Luther's Catechism and the King James Bible. That means that I will encourage my two nephews to be baptized as soon as they want to. No delay! Either I will do it or my brother will do it as they completely reject mainline religion. I just pray someone will Baptize Jesse and Josh in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Where are the faithful Lutheran pastors? It seems you are the ONLY faithful Lutheran Pastor in the United States and world. The apostasy and blindness among Lutheran Pastors is frightening!
The church needs faithful Lutheran Pastors. Laymen like myself are distracted from the Word of God by our vocations. I feel bad you are being burdened with the email problem. I pray someone will help quickly resolve the problem.
Pastor Jackson your work is not in vain. I pray God will help you and strengthen you in every way.
15:1And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and overthe number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.
2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.
3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.
5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.
10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.
20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Today a church member was talking about Charlie's companionship and her help in many forms. She is a passionate entertainer, getting the postal worker to laugh at her antics on the cul de sac.
The two of us go to the PARK! three times a day. A hint of her rotating tail gets going fast when anyone hints at that grassy field.
that gave him the strength and stamina to carry his buddies to safety. He became a tunnel rat in Vietnam, a soldier who entered Viet Cong tunnels searching out the enemy and destroying their caches of war material. Baker made the military his career, retiring in 1989. He then began working as a computer analyst at a Veterans Hospital in South Carolina. In addition to serving as the Vice-President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, he serves as a member on the Nation s Monuments and Cemeteries Committee.
