The Christian Message: Cheap Grace is a Worthless Substitute for a Faith That Saves

The Christian Message: Cheap Grace is a Worthless Substitute for a Faith That Saves:

Cheap Grace is a Worthless Substitute for a Faith That Saves

The Scripture says:  "For by grace ye are saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is
a gift of God; not of works; lest any man should
boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

Definition of "Grace:" The Triune God's undeserved [unmerited] mercy and kindness, as in:John 3:16 ; Ephesians 2:1-9 ; Titus 2:11-14 ;Titus 3:5

________

The famous Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther, coined the phrase: “For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is life and salvation.” I’ve always understood this to mean that without the forgiveness of a sinner’s sins against God, the Ten Commandments and against one’s fellowman, there could be no genuine joy in this life, or even a heaven to come.

Since human beings are imperfect from birth until death and sinful to the core, there is no entrance for them into heaven’s hereafter. Why? Because God cannot and will not allow sinful souls to contaminate His holy heaven. Unless that contamination of sin is cleansed, no one can enjoy eternal pleasures forevermore.

The Triune God had created his creation perfect. But, as the divine revelation discloses [Genesis 3:1f] that human creation disobeyed God and has since been left with the devastating and eternal results of that disobedience to holy Almighty God. Since that time every human being born, carries with him the sin nature [Psalm 51:5] and that sin nature is past on to generation after generation. Romans 5:12

However, God in his love has provided a way to rescue the sinnerfrom the banishment of an eternal life in holy heaven and the punishing torments of an eternal death in hell. That most notable Bible verse proclaims in a nutshell both God’s love to sinners and His demonstrated eternal love to them, by God sacrificing Himself for His creation:

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him shall have eternal life." John 3:16

The world is full of the fanaticism of those who
 distrust the divine authorship of Holy Scripture.
Their rank unbelief in God and the Savior Christ
 influence them to distrust their Creator as Eve
did, when tempted with the devilish deception,
 "....yea hath God said....?" [Genesis 3:1f] Please
note this website's topical message on guidelines
on interpreting the Bible.

Now that’s just one verse [John 3:16] of the divine revelation. In order to understand the mind of God one must avail himself of all of Scripture;reading and understanding it in its context, comparing Scripture with Scripture.

The Bible consists of both Old and New Testaments. Its totality is God’s Word of both Law and Gospel (the “wide” sense). In its “narrow sense” we refer to God’s Word as “The Gospel.” ThatJohn 3:16 verse which I just mentioned, is Gospel – God’s Word in the “narrow sense.” But with the several verses following John 3:16, we are introduced to a combination statement of God’s good news (Gospel) with a pronouncement of God’s Law. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to read Scripture in the context of itself – to achieve the full intent and meaning of the divine revelation:

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." - KJV - John 3:17-21 – NKJV

The Triune God has paved the forgiveness and heavenly way (for Christ's sake) for sinful souls, by Christ's sacrifice for human sin. But, just because there is (for instance) the clear presence of a cookie jar; that, by no means portends the contents of that jar, to be cookies. 

God, through Christ accomplished his sin cleansing work; but sinful souls must apprehend that forgiveness of sins (for Christ's sake) in the person and work of Christ, by faith. That faith can only come by God's precious and eternal means - His divine written revelation. [Romans 1:16 ; Romans 10:17 ; 2 Timothy 3:14-17.Note also:

Article IV on "Justification" of the "Apology of the Augsburg Confession" states:

".....forgiveness of sins is the same as justification according to Psalm 32:1, 'Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.'  We obtain the forgiveness of sins only by faith in Christ, not through love, or because of love or works, though love does follow faith. Therefore we are justified by faith alone, justification being understood as making an unrighteous man righteous or effecting his regeneration......" - Tappert; CPH; 1989 - [AAC Article IV. Justification; 76-78]

German Christian Pastor, Detrich
Bonhoeffer, was executed by WWII
Hitler's military for opposing the
Nazi regime which perpetrated
 one of history's worst massacre
scourges and crimes against
 humanity. 

What is “Cheap Grace?”

The description, “Cheap Grace” has often been attributed to the controversial, Christian, pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German born WWII casualty. He is best known for his book, " The Cost of Discipleship" (1937) and his resistance to Nazi Germany. Hence, he was executed by Hitler shortly before the war ended.

I suppose that Bonhoeffer’s phrase “Cheap grace” could be summed up by something that he said when describing Christian discipleship. He stated [paraphrase]: “He who believes, obeys; and he who obeys, believes.” In Bonhoeffer’s view, a Christian couldn't be a genuine Christian by [only] intellectually subscribing to the teachings of Christianity as found in the divine revelation of Scripture. One had to evidence such belief and subscription.

Modern Christianity is rife with a “subscription” which confuses Christ's all encompassing sacrifice for sin with blanket absolution which is (then) capriciously translated into universal forgiveness and justification for all, thus eliminating the Holy Spirit’s work and activity of creating individual personal faith in the individual (soul), which [faith] then justifies. ["Justifies" - God's forgiveness] Remember what was said previous – the Martin Luther description of “salvation?” - “Where there is forgiveness of sins there is life and salvation.”

Those who confuse the grace of God upon the sinner and God theHoly Spirit’s activity of bringing the sinner to saving faith, would, and do eliminate the Holy Spirit, personal faith and belief. They, instead trumpet salvation (the saving of the individual’s soul from sin and eternal damnation) solely to the act of Christ dying on the Cross for human sin. Sometimes they will mention "faith in Christ," but, more or less, as a type of vestigial [after thought] appendage.

Here, [following] is how one Christian put it:

"That is what the UOJ [universal objective justification] preacher is saying. However, the Law condemns and says you are guilty and deserve to die as penalty for your sins. The Gospel says Jesus paid for your sins, The Law demands death, the Gospel says yes, death has been paid for. This is totally different from the UOJ Gospel, for them the Gospel skips the payment aspect and jumps over to forgiveness, skipping past what actually the Law demands - payment. In short, for them the Gospel is - God has already forgiven you.

The Universalists confuse what Christ did on the
Cross with what God the Holy Spirit does within
the sinful heart of the unbelieving soul. After
all, the Scripture does say of those who have
become Christian believers: "For you are all the
sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus."
[Galatians 3:26]  Universalists' false teaching
diminishes and / or ignores the all important 
"aspect" [quality] of "faith" and its initiating and
sustaining "agent," - God, the Holy Spirit.

It is not Jesus died for you, rather it is God has already forgiven you. So in UOJ,[universal objective justification] faith is not trust but mere assent to historical fact which they alleged to have already occurred, the blanket forgiveness of all sins without regard to faith. It is then the faith of the devil.

Just like Calvinism, they collapse the atonement for sins and justification or forgiveness of sins as one single event."

Answering the same person on his website, "LPC" also states:

"It is Jesus who says only those who believe will be saved, hence forgiven. In your case even those who do not believe are already forgiven and thus saved since faith had nothing to do with it (so you think),......Your mistake is that though Christ merited righteousness for all men, you think thereby, that automatically implies that this righteousness has already been transferred to all men without regard to faith......" - 

LPC - "Extra Nos" - "It's Outside Us" - extranos.blogspot.com/2012/06/

In short, cheap grace is a cheap (worthless) substitute for a faith that saves. Cheap grace is often proclaimed in Christian churches. It is a worthless substitute for the sinner’s responsibility to believe Christ and to live out that God-given Holy Spirit generated faith. I will give you an example, as I have the privilege as an emeritus Christian pastor to sit and listen in the church pew.

I quote from an online comment I registered on the “Extra Nos” website and also the "Ichabodthegloryhasdeparted" websites.[This emeritus pastor's recent experience listening to a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod pastor's sermon]:

Quoted posted online comment of mine "Extra Nos"  with the one typo word, "preserving," rather than the correct word of "persevering" - 5th last line of the quote :

I think that I heard an interesting twist of UOJ (universal objective justification) in church on Holy Trinity Sunday. The pastor was preaching from Romans 8:14-17 and doing a wonderful job directing his sermon to the parochial school, high school and other graduates.

As is his mode, he initially launches his sermon with an illustration and carries that illustration theme to the bitter end. This time he launched his sermon with a Shakespearean portion - Romeo's soliloquy about how a name does not define a person. Then spoke how it actually does. He then continued by saying that as a Christian, God's Name is stamped upon a person beginning with Christian Baptism. Hence, what God did and does, indeed defines us. [You get the picture]

Pic of St. Paul iminent execution. He did not believe
or preach "cheap grace." He was not a Universalist who
fomented the false doctrine of "universal objective
justification." For St. Paul, living the Christian life, was a
life of living that God-gifted faith. He expressed that living
and active faith shortly before he died, when he penned the
the [Holy spirit authored] words of Scripture: "I have fought
 a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith......" - 2 Timothy 4:7

This particular Sunday I was listening with rapt attention because for the first time (that I can remember) unless I've been otherwise dozing, [and, I think not] he spoke at some concerted length about the Holy Spirit and His work in the individual. I was very pleased as he seemed to be headed in the right doctrinal direction. But, then, (sadly) to my disappointment, he ended his sermon by encouraging the graduates to remember who they are.

Now, that would have been okay to say, but not to immediately stop at that point. I don't remember the Scripture saying:

"....be thou in remembrance of who you are, unto death and I will give you a crown of life."

No, - not at all. The Scripture does (though) read: "......be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." - Revelation 2:10b

Also, I don't recall Scripture's words penned (under inspiration) by the Apostle Paul, saying:

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have remembered who I am."

No, - instead the Scripture reads:

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith......" - 2 Timothy 4:7

The pastor [he is young and about 10 years out of the seminary] got all the way to the end of his sermon and stopped short. He blew it! He didn't go "full circle!" He left the graduates, essentially with cheap grace. No mention of the necessity of them preserving in the faith until the end. No mention of personal belief and faith. No mention of justification by faith alone. [Romans 5:2 - AAC; Article IV. Justification; 81]

Needless to say, I was highly disappointed. And, this is (just) one church and one pastor. Lord only knows how many more, Sunday after Sunday! Martin Luther's body must have no rest, constantly turning over in his grave.........

[Nathan Bickel’s above comment posted on "Extra Nos" - "It's Outside Us" - extranos.blogspot.com/2012/04/

Scores of "Christian" church bodies have
succumbed to the false teaching and preaching
of "cheap grace universalism." Even church bodies
which once taught "grace through faith," and
Luther's re-discovered Scriptural teaching of
"justification by faith alone," have fallen for the
damning cheap grace, universalistic error. These
mainline "Christian" denominations include, but
are not limited to, the ELCA, LCMS, WELS, ELS
Lutheran church bodies. 

Friend, do you not see and recognize the false teaching of cheap grace at the Biblical expense of a genuine faith which makes one right with God?

The continued teaching and preaching of cheap grace in “Christian” churches, Sunday after Sunday and year after year, dulls the spiritual senses of the hearers.Essentially, this false teaching (often called UOJ – universal objective justification) says that God’s forgiveness was all poured out some 2,000 years ago when Christ was crucified for human sin. This cheap grace false and destructive teaching, further says, because of Christ's all encompassing sacrifice, that all humanity was absolved by Almighty holy God who sent His Son for such this purpose. Cheap grace advocate enthusiasts go on to assert that this blanket absolution is a blanket forgiveness for all! But, such is not what the Scriptures tell us!

Here, [following] is what the divine Scripture revelation tells us. Note that I quote from the KJV translation,- although the highlighted Scripture itself at the end of the verse is the NKJV version:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:8;9;10

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." - Hebrews 11:6

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." - Hebrews 4:2

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;...." - Hebrews 12:2

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;).... - Hebrews 10:23

"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." - Hebrews 10:38

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." - Heb 3:12

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) ...." - Hebrews 10:23

Please also reference for further understanding:

• You are either righteous or ungodly - thechristianmessage.org/2012/10/
• The Unregenerate - www.thechristianmessage.org/2012/07/
• The Righteous - A Summer Snippet Of The Christian Message - thechristianmessage.org/2012/07/

The Filth of Cheap Grace

Pic of an interesting book cover.
It's author (as the book's title
implies) did not believe that
Christian churches were the
guarantee of life eternal. In fact
Montgomery was passed up by
the Universalist LCMS and ELS
Lutheran church bodies in 
favor of a former Lutheran who
no longer suscribed to "grace
through faith" [Ephesians 2:8-9]
and also Scripture's teaching of
 "justification by faith alone."

Cheap grace will discard the supreme importance of God-given and sustained faith. Cheap grace will diminish the act of believing in the individual sinner. Cheap grace will (in effect) ignore and “kick to the curb,” God, the Holy Spirit who makes it all possible for the individual to possess saving faith, belief and putting his personal trust in Christ, for the forgiveness of all of his sins!

Christian Friend and Fellow Sinner

If you find yourself in “Christian” circles in which cheap grace is preached and taught, I cannot recommend for you an easy solution. [I, myself, find myself in this situation] I don’t know your individual situation and circumstance. You might belong to such a church congregation which have your grandchildren enrolled in its Christian school. And, so, you are reluctant to leave for their sake, since the school seems to be a (comparatively) better choice than the godless public school industry [system]. But, I do know that if you remain silent and not hold forth with the truth of God’s written divine revelation as found in the Scriptures, you may very well, eventually be seduced to succumb to this destructive damning doctrine of [Universalism] cheap grace!

This preaching and teaching of false grace is essentially a form of “antinomianism,” which is a denial of God’s Law – a great portion of the whole of Scripture, - the Gospel in the "wide" sense as previously explained. It is no small wonder why there are so many “Christians” in Christian churches who possess no passionate luster and conviction of discipleship belief! It is no small wonder that these same professing Christians will allow themselves to be pressured and pushed into the culture’s mold and fall to the secular humanist sword of political correctness. [Romans 12:1-2] It is no small wonder that these same hapless souls will goose step to their union boss dictates and vote at the public ballot box for those politicians who [they think] will only benefit their filthy pocketbooks. The Gospel in its wide sense {Gospel and Law} becomes impervious and inconsequential to them. They thus ignore the curbs and guidelines of that greater Gospel. 

This message has been one of my longest. And, I still feel that I am cutting it short. But, condensing such an important subject does injustice to its vast importance; and, to those whom the Holy Spirit may lead to read and hear it.

May you sinner friend and Christian alike, be only motivated bythe divine revelation! May you continually expose yourself to it and to teachers and preachers who faithfully proclaim it. That divine revelation from the Holy Scriptures is the Word of God, which God the Holy Spirit utilizes to create and sustain saving faith. That same Word of Godis contained in Christian Baptism and Christ’s Communion of bread, wine, body and blood. God be gracious to you that you come in faith to partake of His [only] best! May you expose yourself to the divine revelation which is the Lord's principle meansto create in you the faith to believe!  - Romans 10:17 ; 2 Timothy 3:14-17 ; Acts 2:38 ; Acts 8:26-39 ; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Finally - and, for those of you whose sins haunt you and you don’t have a “spiritual clue,” you need to repent of your sins, believe and be baptized. [Mark 16:16 ; Luke 19:1-10 ; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:26-39] May God the Holy Spirit move you to do so!

Amen.

Related messages: 

What is the Gospel? How is it perverted? - thechristianmessage.org/

Part 1: The false teaching which molests the faith of Christians

Part 2: How does the false teaching of universal objective justification molest Christians’ faith?

Also related:

• The Unregenerate - www.thechristianmessage.org/2012/07/
• You are either righteous or ungodly - thechristianmessage.org/2012/10/
• The Righteous - A Summer Snippet Of The Christian Message - thechristianmessage.org/2012/07/
• Only by God's Grace can the sinner come to realize the illuminating truth about his pathetic soul - thechristianmessage.org/2011/10/
• The Grace of Repentance - thechristianmessage.org/2012/07/

Related Scriptures [below] -- Intended to be utilized in a simple worship format:

Also: For a couple of other (more formal) worship formats:
The Order of Morning Service 
The Order of Matins 

Related Scriptures to the Above Message

Psalm 1:1f ; 

Psalm 55:1-11 ; 

John 3:1-21 ; 

Matthew 7:13-21

Luke 15 Cannot be a Favorite Chapter for the Cheap Grace (AKA, "Universal Objective Justification") Crowd:

The artist's excellent pic of Christ's Parable of "The Lost Son and the Loving
Father." [Luke 15:11-32] The Bible relates that the prodigal son repented of
his sin. He "came to himself," acknowledging his sin. He then acted upon
that resolve, confessing:  "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy
sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." [KJV] Please note this
website's topical message:  "God is not your heavenly father unless you are
one of his children." 

This Gospel of Luke 15:1f, is a testament to the error of cheap grace (which I believe) includes the whole "universal objective justification" teaching. The lost (prodigal) son was not forgiven (justified) until he became repentant. His act of coming to his [spiritual] senses was a gracious act of God.

In the Parable of the Lost Coin, [Luke 15:8-10] the coin did not find itself. Neither did the prodigal son, "find himself." UOJ (universal objective justification) teachers and preachers gloss over the Biblical teaching of repentance on the sinner's part [Luke 15:7] and most often slight and / or ignore the Holy Spirit who works His saving process from start to finish in the individual, so that that person can exercise saving faith. - John 3:1-21 ; Titus 3:5 ; Ephesians 2:8-10 ; John 1:12;13 ; 1 Corinthians 2:12 ; 1 Corinthians 6:11 ; 1 John 5:1

See also:

John 1:12-13 ; James 1:18 ; Matthew 16:17 ; Ephesians 2:4-5 ;Ephesians 2:8-10 ; 1 Peter 1:3 ; 1 Peter 1:23 ; Colossians 1:20-21 ; John 3:5-8 ; John 6:65 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 ; Romans 8:29-31 ; Romans 9:15-18 ; Titus 3:3-7 ; Philippians 2:13 ; 1 John 5:4 ; 1 Peter 1:5 ; Hebrews 2:3

_____________________

Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" -- by Victor Buksbazen --Isaiah 53:1-12 -- an in-depth view of and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53:1-12 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.

Please note: Topical Messages, by subject

Pastor (emeritus) Nathan Bickel
http://www.thechristianmessage.org/

Please also note:

The "Words in Season" topical messages and related worship format are not intended to discourage or replace the Christian worship and assembly of Christians at their particular places of church worship. As this website's author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find the topical messages, related worship format and other material, a useful and valuable Christian resource.

The Christian Faith: Parts 1-3

1 -- What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?” 

2 -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place 
3 -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “Saved” [is a Christian

'via Blog this'

Archbishop of Canterbury says Anglican church wounded, not dead - Yahoo! News

Archbishop of Canterbury says Anglican church wounded, not dead - Yahoo! News:

"LONDON (Reuters) - The leader of the Church of England on Tuesday said a vote last month that struck down proposals to allow women to become bishops had been "deeply painful", but that Christianity was still relevant in Britain despite falling numbers of believers.
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who leads the global 80-million-strong Anglican Communion, said in his Christmas day sermon that the answer to the question of whether Christianity had "had its day" was a "resounding no".
The Church of England narrowly voted against allowing women bishops last month - to the dismay of Williams and Prime Minister David Cameron - in a move its leaders said risked undermining its role as the established church in society with clerics in parliament's upper chamber."

'via Blog this'

Sewanee Chapel Catches Up with Augustana College, Rock Island. VirtueOnline - News

Was this chapel built to honor gay marriage?

VirtueOnline - News:

"In a move that will raise eyebrows if not close check books among conservative Episcopalians, All Saints Chapel at the University of the South, a five-story Gothic church at the center of the college campus, will formally allow the blessing of same-sex couples, embracing the decision of General Convention last summer which approved controversial Rites for homosexuals and lesbians.

The controversy has placed Sewanee in a tricky position, said John McCardell Jr., Sewanee's vice chancellor and president. His friends say he is orthodox in faith and morals and that this decision undoubtedly places him in a personal theological quandary. He was a speaker last Winter at Mere Anglicanism, a gathering of world class orthodox Episcopalians and Anglicans who meet in Charleston, SC, to consider weighty matters of the faith, church and culture.

The college itself isn't part of any one diocese. Its religious governing authority is the chancellor, a post that rotates among the bishops of the 28 owning dioceses. In the midst of this announcement, McCardell is calling on alumnus to give $250 to $300 million dollars in a campaign to ensure the university's future, a future that might be jeopardized by this action that many consider outside the bounds of Biblical faith even though culturally acceptable.

"An absolute yes or an absolute no was just not possible," McCardell said. The college feared its chapel could become a sort of Las Vegas for blessings of gay unions -- an end-run for couples whose bishops won't permit the rite in their own diocese.

The compromise: Gay and lesbian couples who meet the other eligibility requirements for a Sewanee wedding will be able to have their union blessed in the college chapel, as long as their bishops are supportive.

McCardell described the decision, reached by the college chaplain, dean of the School of Theology, and the two bishops on the Board of Regents, which oversees university governance, as "the only sensible thing."

Weddings at Sewanee are relatively rare; McCardell said he doesn't expect a flood of requests to bless gay unions. (Tennessee, where Sewanee is located, doesn't permit gay marriage.) At least one member of the couple must be a student, graduate, member of the faculty or staff or a governing board, or a full-time resident of Sewanee. They must also be part of a church with a letter from their minister. Both members of the couple must write letters about why they wish to marry at the university.

A Sewanee insider and alumnus told VOL that McCardell believes that alumni voices "count" when warming them up to the idea of giving Sewanee a quarter of a billion dollars or more, but he never asked for alumni "voices" when he agreed to the latest step forward on Sewanee's gay transformation through All Saints' Chapel Same Sex Blessings enforcement. "Some of Sewanee's self-proclaimed "conservative" alumni still give money to the alma mater, but giving money to Sewanee CANCELS all claims of conservatism. Sewanee turns good people into liberals without their even agreeing or knowing," he said.

Furthermore, the chancellor of the university and former Bishop of Atlanta, Neil Alexander announced that he would resign that post and become the new Dean of the Seminary even though he said he would be leaving his bishopric to take up a post in Liturgics at Emory University. 

A source told VOL that Alexander's ability to give himself awards and earn TEC top dollars is unmatched. "He not only used his position as bishop trustee to get himself elected as a Regent, he then orchestrated his unopposed victory as Chancellor. As Chancellor, he named himself Dean of Sewanee Episcopal Seminary. Now he's put himself in a chaired Profe$$orship.

"Nobody in all of Sewanee's history has ever grabbed as much power, profit, and privilege as has Alexander, and he's not even an alumnus," the source told VOL. Another source said Alexander is in the throes of a divorce.

Replacing him as chancellor is the Bishop of Florida, Samuel Johnson Howard. This bishop has inhibited and deposed more orthodox priests in his diocese than any living bishop. Since 2003, more than 5,000 Episcopalians have left the Diocese and 22 clergy have been inhibited or deposed for "the abandonment of the communion of this church", including some retired distinguished clergy who were never informed of their inhibition until the letter landed in their mail boxes. The issue was the consecration of Gene Robinson an avowed homosexual.

Now the chapel is at the center of a conundrum at the college: Given the disagreements within the Episcopal Church over blessing same-sex relationships, should the university allow such blessings at All Saints'? If it does it might well seal its fate as an unsafe spiritual space for future generations.

*****

http://life.sewanee.edu/assets/uploads/Wedding_Guidelines_Dec2012_1.pdf

All Saints' Chapel
St. Augustine's Chapel
Wedding Guidelines

SHOULD WE BE MARRIED IN THE CHURCH?

At this point, the above may sound like a silly question. However, it is one you should consider.

A wedding is, at the least, a legal occasion, in that all weddings must conform to the laws of the state in which they are performed. It might also be a social occasion when family and friends gather together and, borrowing from a rich array of customs and traditions, join in celebrating the union of man and woman. All that is actually necessary for the legal and social requirements for a wedding to be fulfilled is an appropriate place for the ceremony (such as a house or garden) and a properly licensed official (such as a judge). If neither party in the marriage is a committed Christian, this kind of arrangement would be entirely proper; there would be no need for a church, and indeed a church would be inappropriate.

If either of the persons being married is a committed Christian, though, a third dimension is added to the legal and social aspects. By choosing to be married inside the church, a faith statement is made to family and friends which in effect says, "As a couple, we are choosing to make a marriage covenant before God and in the presence of God's people. In a service of worship we want to stand before God's altar and commit ourselves to each other for the rest of our lives. We intend to live our married life in the community of the faithful (the Church). We are inviting God's life and love to be at the center of our marriage. In order to make an appropriate beginning, we have come to this place to ask a priest, in the name of God, to bless our commitment and to ask the congregation gathered to pray for us."

As you can see, a Christian wedding is far more than a legal and/or social event; it is above all a service of worship. Indeed, it is a sacrament-an event whereby the grace and love of God are given and made known through the words and actions of the couple.

As such, it is both a joyful and a solemn occasion whereby one declares before God and the company there gathered one's intention to share a whole life with another person and to ask God's blessing upon that union. The promises of marriage cannot be maintained by human love alone, so the vital element in a Christian marriage is the invocation of the blessing of God, whose grace and love alone can sustain a Christian marriage.

WHO MAY BE MARRIED AT ALL SAINTS' OR ST. AUGUSTINE'S?

All Saints' Chapel is available for marriage ceremonies when one of the persons to be married is: a) a student currently enrolled full time in the University, or b) a current member of the staff or faculty, or one of the University's governing boards, or c) a year-round resident of the Sewanee community, who has lived in Sewanee for at least one full year, or d) the direct offspring (i.e. son or daughter) of one of the above, or e) a graduate with a degree from either the College, the School of Theology, or the School of Letters.

In addition, there are these criteria: 1) At least one of you must be presently tied to a worshipping community and provide the Chaplain's office with: a) a letter from your pastor/minister/priest attesting to this relationship, and b) separate letters (from both the bride and groom) describing your reasons for wanting to be married in All Saints' Chapel or St. Augustine's Chapel.

PLEASE NOTE: NO DATE WILL BE SET UNTIL ALL THREE OF THESE LETTERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED IN OUR OFFICE

2) One of you (the bride or groom) must be a baptized Christian. 3) The canons (laws) of the Episcopal Church require a minimum of thirty days' notice to the clergy preceding the wedding date. However, it is far better to contact the clergy well in advance in order to guarantee that no conflicts in scheduling develop. 4) In the event that either one of you has been previously married and has had that union annulled or dissolved by a civil court, the officiating priest must request from his or her own bishop permission to solemnize the marriage. (Please note that All Saints' Chapel is not a "wedding chapel" per se. It is important to us and to the ministry that we seek to carry out here that persons married in All Saints' be first grounded in the church at the local parish level. To this end, the Chapel staff reserves the right to decline consent on any request made if the rationale behind being married here is contrary to our understanding of the sacrament of marriage.)

FORM OF SERVICE TO BE USED

All wedding services held in All Saints' Chapel must conform to the worship tradition of the Episcopal Church as found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. All services are to be conducted by an Episcopal priest. Ministers from other traditions may be invited to participate in the service, but cannot be responsible for conducting the Episcopal rite.

WHO MAY SOLEMNIZE YOUR WEDDING?

The question of who officiates at your wedding is an important one. Hopefully, the choice of presider is an invitation that the couple extends to someone they know and trust, someone with whom they feel comfortable in his or her role as representative of the Church. Though it is appropriate to ask the availability of one of the University Chaplains, they are not always able to preside. It is the responsibility of the couple (not the Chapel staff personnel) to find an Episcopal priest willing to solemnize the wedding. Once this person has been selected, he or she must write a letter to the Chaplain of the University requesting permission to preside in this place. It is not necessary for that priest to write to the Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee or the Chancellor of the University for permission to officiate.

While the Chapel staff is willing to provide the names of one or two local clergy, it is not their job to secure these services for you. This is your responsibility. Should one of these local clergy be selected to solemnize the marriage rite, a gift, typically $200 to $400, to his or her discretionary fund is appropriate and appreciated. If you select a non-local priest, please consider a similar gift 
END"

'via Blog this'

Christmas Day, 2012

The Day of Christmas

Bethany Lutheran Church, Springdale, Arkansas

December 25, 2012

Live Lutheran Worship Service, Sundays, 8 AM, Phoenix Time

The Hymn # 85:9-15 From Heaven Above                        4.55
The Invocation p. 5
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 6
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect
The Epistle and Gradual

The Hymn #657                     Beautiful Savior                                 4:24
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Apostles Creed, p. 12
The Sermon Hymn #83        Hark What Mean Those Holy           4:40
The Sermon - Full of Grace and Truth
 
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn  #99                      Now Are the Days Fulfilled               4:64

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

KJV Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

KJV Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

Full of Grace and Truth

KJV John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Many concepts and traditions have accumulated around Christmas, but the most important one is condensed in this one verse.

Although John can repeated the simplest words for emphasis, the Evangelist can also summarize with the fewest words.

The Fourth Evangelist gave us the Little Gospel - John 3:16 -

KJV John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Christmas means that the eternal Son of God willingly took on our frail flesh, to be born of a Virgin. He lived among us, full of grace and truth.

Those are majestic, holy words - full of grace and truth.

Grace is a word often used, but what does it mean? Grace means God's love and forgiveness, offered freely through Christ.Therefore, the word carries the meaning of forgiveness and love, without human price or merit.

We are attracted to a gracious person, because a gracious person does not exact a price for his or her friendship. Nor does a gracious person hold grudges. We live in a world where there are hundreds of unspoken rules about who is welcome or not - an ungracious world.

Although graciousness is a fine quality, we all have limits on that. A gracious person does not  have the power to grant forgiveness to people, but Christ freely offers this forgiveness to those who believe in Him.

His very arrival, His manifestation, was gracious. He did not come to us as a mighty warrior, as a vengeful god, but as a tiny child in a manger. How unlikely that was, and yet how appealing for everyone, even the tiniest child.

Whenever a baby is present among small children, they will say, even before they know how to say the word baby properly, "Look, a beebee." Adults look at the toddlers and laugh, because the toddlers are still babies to them. But to a toddler, a newborn baby is small, weak, and intriguing.

Jesus born amid the animals of a stable - that is also attractive to all people. The difference from ordinary births is so great that it must make an impression.

So God makes it easy to believe in Christ. The start of faith in Him can be the moment a baby is born, when the newborn begins to hear about the Gospel. Baptisms are delayed today by the travel of the extended family. No so long ago, baptism took place immediately because of health concerns and custom.

But one way or another, the baby hears the Gospel and believes. Caring parents keep up an atmosphere of Christian nurture and they get to see their children memorize the words and hear them repeat those words. We made Beatitude geometric shapes in Sunday School, to memorize each verse. I still remember that from 60 years ago. Sunday School teachers think they do not matter much and avoid the extra work, but it must mean something if it is remembered 60 years later.

God makes it easy for people to believe. He plants faith in our hearts through the Gospel Promises, which is the action of the Holy Spirit in the Word, not an act of will or intelligence.

The second part is more difficult - truth. 

He dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. The problem with truth is opposition to it. Wherever truth exists, there will be several kinds of opposition.

Our sinful flesh rebels against it, an automatic reaction. The vast majority of religions in this world are full of falsehoods, absurdities, and abuses. Their claims are simply crazy, but they have plenty of followers. The worse the claims, the greater the following.

One way or another, the Christian Faith is made to look bad, dangerous, reactionary, bigoted, or anti-intellectual. Therefore, a believer must spend a lifetime in a battle against his own inherent weaknesses and the assaults of unbelievers.

Nevertheless, those assaults are good for us in the long run. I know many Lutheran pastors and laity who comb the Scriptures, Confessions, and great old theology books to understand the attacks on justification by faith, the Chief Article of Christianity.

We do not value what we take for granted, the biggest danger to an entire society. I have seen the truth taken for granted in many different areas, so now those truths need to be defended with great energy rather than simply being taught. 

One area is "constitutional rights." I have asked many college students to identify "constitutional rights" for the individual in the U. S. Constitution. In fact, the document is not known to them at all. When I point out that it does not deal with individual rights, they are stunned. They have no argument, because they are simply repeating what they hear. They even talk about health insurance as a basic human right, a constitutional right, and that is now taken for granted. The Bill of Rights was a separate document? That is a shock to people who repeat what they hear from TV.

That is political and historical. That can be repeated many times over in areas of revealed truth. Evolution has become the one way to explain everything - not Creation. Every religion (except Christianity) is considered good and worthwhile. Or - among the elite - all religion is bad and oppressive.

Simply to say that there is truth becomes a radical statement. I could publish in a lot of journals if I accepted modern philosophy as truth. I could promote books in Lutheran journals, magazines, and blogs if I trusted in synods rather than the Means of Grace.

But this verse goes far beyond saying, "There is truth." This verse means, "Jesus is truth. All truth is judged through Him alone. Anything else is falsehood."

Light was created by the Logos, the Word, the eternal Son of God. He created light, truth, before the sun and stars. Jesus said, 


KJV John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

Christmas Eve, 2012

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

Christmas Readings and Hymns
Bethany Lutheran Church
Springdale, Arkansas
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Hymn 77:1-6 All My Heart This Night Rejoices 2.25

The First Gospel
Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

KJV Isaiah 40:1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins. 3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: 7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. 8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. 9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

The Place of Jesus’ Birth
KJV Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

#102 O Come All Ye Faithful 1:7

KJV Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Virgin Birth
KJV Isaiah 7:10 Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

Incarnation
KJV Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

#109 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks 1:35

KJV Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

Sermon – Angels We Have Heard

Dusting off classic movies is one of the good things about Christmas. We saw The Bishop’s Wife with David Niven, Loretta Young, and Cary Grant. That movie has the expected Hollywood treatment of angels, but far more Christian content than any movie today would attempt.

People understand two basic concepts about angels –
1. They are messengers of God.
2. They have divine power delegated to them.

When I was at Notre Dame, one of the doctoral students, Charlie Caldwell, an Episcopalian, was known for his interest in angels. In fact, I took the Time cover for the TV show, Charlie’s Angels, and put it on his carrel door at the library. Someone else tore it off.

Charlie and I had disabled daughters, and we were the only traditional Christians in the entire doctoral program, as far as I knew. Two of our cohorts were deeply offended when I said I believed in the Virgin Birth of Christ and His actual resurrection. Both of them teach theology at Roman Catholic colleges, one of them being the president.

God’s created angels accomplish His work in many different ways, often among those who appreciate it the least. The most obvious cases are those where babies have accidents where they survive unharmed. In one case, a fall from a highrise. The diaper exploded but the baby was fine. In another, babies were trapped from a Mexican earthquake. They were trapped, unfed and lacking any fluids. But they were fine. If a skeptic could prove to me how this was done according to “nature,” without divine intervention, I would still ask about many other cases, among people of all ages.

Angels exist and do God’s work, but their work is not seen or understood or appreciated.

The Birth of Christ is that turning point in time where angels are featured. But how much of this miracle is acknowledged or appreciated?

Luther had a great observation about the Virgin Birth of Christ. When the sun falls on still water, we feel its warmth, because so little is lost from movement and waves. But when the water is loudly rushing over rocks and hidden obstacles, we no longer see or feel the power of the sun in the water.

Every Christmas I hear the same story from people, a demand to keep from having any extra meetings, because of the busy-ness of Christmas. The traffic shows there is a lot more rushing around, which my wife and I avoid all year. So the irony is – the quiet that people need is often missing. The superficial details of Christmas may be noticed, but how many stop beside the road and hear the angels sing?

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men
From heavens all gracious King!"
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,
With peaceful wings unfurled;
And still their heavenly music floats
O'er all the weary world:
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o'er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow;
Look now, for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing;
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing.

Each Gospel writer has a speciality, which we can appreciate in comparing one to another. The Fourth Gospel supplements the first three. Mark is the most concise and has a very important, unique passage – the seed growing secretly.
Matthew’s structure is similar to the Five Books of Moses and places great stress on fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Luke’s Gospel is precise about historical details. 99.99% of all history is lost forever. C. S. Lewis has a great parable – all the libraries are gone. The only surviving one has burned. All the books are burned. One line of one book is readable – that is how much we know about human history. So Luke’s emphasis is very good in locating the time and details of Jesus’ birth.

There is an important theological detail noted by Luther. Jesus was born at a fixed time. Why not earlier? One reason is the Shiloh prophecy from Genesis, that the rule of Herod was not certain until 30 years of turmoil had passed. But it also took place during a census for taxation.

Jesus was born, subject to governmental rules, even the rules of a pagan government – Rome’s. This tells us that the Christian faith exists and expands in the midst of unbelief. Pagan governments were united with the religion of the era, because they saw government and religion united in official acts and public piety.

The Christian faith transcends culture, so we should not be so upset that our culture despises the faith. That is another sign of the end, which must come sooner or later. The Apostles did not ask why all religions were tolerated except theirs. They knew why. Only one religion was true, so it had to be persecuted and driven, spreading its influence across the known world.

Jesus was born subject to Rome, but not united with the culture of the time. He was not born near the Temple or the palace, but away from the center and the important people.

Joseph and Mary’s journey was uphill all the way, from Galilee to Jerusalem, to get to Bethlehem. Luther thought that the couple might have gone toward Bethlehem without realizing that the baby would be born so soon. The trip there is something we would not even think to start, with a birth so near. To travel uphill is another hardship, yet those details are imagined by us rather than emphasized in the concise text, with so few words given to this great moment in time.

Everyone was celebrating, with their grand reunions and celebrations. Joseph and Mary were nothing to the great and wise. For that reason, the great and wise were omitted from that one great event. The ones blessed by the event were Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, and the wise men (whose arrival time is debated).

This is the ultimate paradox – what the world esteems, God despises. What the world despises, God esteems and praises. If you want to be despised, especially by nominal Christians, just express complete faith in the Word of God. These learned people, laity and clergy alike, will carefully explain how the obvious is not true.

God created, but through evolution, they say. The Bible is a fine book, one of the best, but it is a book written by men, they explain. And on they go. Anyone who believes the Word of God to be what it is will find himself treated like the village idiot, while many praise the obvious apostates and crypto-atheists.
But that does not matter, because God takes care of the faithful, as He did with Joseph and Mary, who braved many more dangers and insults to their honor than most face in a lifetime. No room was there for a young woman at full term. Could they not see it? They let Joseph and Mary have a few square feet in the stable, not in the warmth and security of the inn itself.

How could anything worthwhile happen in a rented room? Yet there is no word of protest. How does a young woman give birth alone? We are not told the details, except that Mary gave birth and wrapped up her baby in swaddling clothes, as they still do today. A new mother recently asked about how to help her baby sleep better. The mothers told her, on Facebook, “Swaddle the baby.” And he slept well, wound up like a mummy.

The paradox continues with the shepherds being given the first birth announcement. The wise men were on their way, but the shepherds were the first to see the baby. The angelic choir appear before the shepherds and terrified them. We would love to see the same wonder, but it would be scary. People become frightened over things they do not see, let alone what is placed right before them, completely out of the ordinary – beyond their imagination.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses and pagans have spread doubt about Jesus being born on December 25th, which should make people wonder why the early church was wrong, being so close to the actual event. All those debates and explanations are quite silly and only detract from the account.

Fear comes from not trusting in God, not trusting in His Word.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

The opposite of fear is faith. To overcome fear, we should trust in the good news of great joy, the Savior sent to all people. This is a clear message for the entire world, yet it is also received in joy only among believers. The false teachers want this to apply to everyone without faith, which is quite absurd and contrary to the Word. They choose to pick up on some verses while ignoring the rest.

The importance of faith is clearly stated in the following verses:

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

I see three examples in two verses.

For unto you is born…

This has happened for individuals of faith. While Jesus is the Savior of the world, those without faith cannot comprehend this. His righteousness only comes to us through God-created faith, that is, the Holy Spirit working through the Word.

One of the worst fathers I have known said this about Christmas pageants, “No offense, pastor. But it means more when children say those words. You do it for a living. I always come to the Christmas pageant.” And he did. I do not know what problems kept him in his addictions, but he came and listened to the Word of God, spoken by the small children, including his own. What little faith he had was enough to grasp and receive the blessings of the Gospel, no less than rows of clergy dressed in their finest.

That is the dividing line, Without faith, the Gospel remains true for all people, but the benefits are not received apart from the Word, divorced from faith. On the other hand, the believer, no matter how weak that faith, receives all the blessings of the righteousness of Christ. A small child receives as much as an elderly theologian, but the child has the benefit of the child-like faith. Jesus never said, “You must have the explanations of a theologian to enter the Kingdom,” but “you must have the faith of a child.”

12 And this shall be a sign unto you

A sign is another way of saying – a miracle. This is a miraculous event to see, miraculous for you. So strange – to find people starting on the birth of Christ and ending with rationalism. A favorite story in The Lutheran (LCA) magazine was the birth of Christ, by Paul Tillich, a notoriously unbelieving “theologian.” He began with the Nativity and ended with talking about babies and how everyone loves them. It was not a sign for him, but something to decorate his pagan philosophy.

One believer heard him lecture and went to him afterwards, saying, “I hope you find Christ some day.”

The Nativity is a constant sign, a miracle for all believers, because it happened for each and every one of us.

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Babies were being born that night, but one was lying in the feed trough for cattle or sheep, wrapped in swaddling clothes.

This is the Christ-child, born for you and for me.

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

Luke’s Account
KJV Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

#646 Silent Night 4:38

Heavenly Host
Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

The Prayers and Benediction


#87 Joy to the World 1:20

http://www.normaboecklerart.com

Galatians Has a Lot To Say about Justification - Has Anyone Read Luther's Commentary? Buchholz? Buchholz? Anyone?

A. Berean has left a new comment on your post "Luther, Following Paul, Recognized Two Justificati...":

It is interesting to note that while Galatians 5:4 is cited frequently against Roman Catholics and other work-centered religions, the following verse is forgotten.

"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith."

Again, as Paul stresses in all of his Epistles, there are only two types of justification: Justification by the Law (which is impossible) or Justification by Faith (Divine monergism).

A Happy Christmas to all of you!
"Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." - Ephesians 6:24 

The Book of Concord Acknowledges Faith Alone in Justification

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "Luther, Following Paul, Recognized Two Justificati...":

The Christian Book of Concord thoroughly condemns the false gospel of Universal Objective Justification that Jon Buchholz teaches, defends and violently forces upon the clergy and laity of the (W)ELS.

Note here that the Lutheran Confessions only acknowledge two ways in which Justification is used in Christ's Word and neither of which teach that unbelievers are in any sense ever justified, forgiven or absolved by God.

Also, 71] "but we maintain this, that properly and truly, by faith itself, we are for Christ's sake accounted righteous, or are acceptable to God. And because "to be justified" means that out of unjust men just men are made, or born again, it means also that they are pronounced or accounted just. For Scripture speaks in both ways. [The term "to be justified" is used in two ways: to denote, being converted or regenerated; again, being accounted righteous. Accordingly we wish first to show this, that faith alone makes of an unjust, a just man, i.e., receives remission of sins".
http://www.bookofconcord.org/defense_4_justification.php

In these last days the WELS, ELS and LCMS have, once again, displayed their true confession and exposed themselves as the enemies of Christ and His Church.

http://ichabodthegloryhasdeparted.blogspot.com/2012/10/intrepid-lutherans-pastor-paul-rydecki.html  

***

GJ - Today I was thinking about how little Walther believed his own dogma of universal absolution. According to the hagiographies, which make the felon into a saint, he deeply regretted his kidnapping episodes and thought himself unworthy to be a pastor. How could he feel guilty when he was already righteous?

Walther was never a Lutheran, but remained a Halle Pietist in love with his own opinions, using Luther as a rabbit's foot.

Years later, he "confided" that Bishop Stephan's adultery was Mrs. Stephan's fault. For real belly laughs, consider this - Walther the Cell Groupie - thought Stephan was a bit of a Pietist.

Luther, Following Paul, Recognized Two Justifications. Justification by Faith or Justification by Law

Brett Meyer has left a new comment on your post "The Heavy Price of Control":

Galatians 5:4, "Christ is become no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace."

This one verse refutes the absolution of the world in any sense taught by anti-Christian Universalists Jon Buchholz, Jay Webber, Paul McCain and the apostate Lutheran Synods. Along with the whole of Scripture and the faithful Lutheran Confessions it crushes their false gospel and nullifies their war on God's Word.

Appropriate that the Lutheran Synods have been financing the establishment of the New Age religion in the world and have followed their father below in excommunicating Christ's Church from their "Lutheran" churches while rewarding and defending the most heinous physical and spiritual abusers this world has known.

(W)ELS, the Vicar of Christ warmly welcomes you as he has also declared anathema on Christ's chief article of Justification solely by Faith in Christ alone.