The Sunday after Christmas

By Norma Boeckler

The Sunday after Christmas

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

Bethany Lutheran Church, 10 AM Central Time


The Hymn # 85:1-8 From Heaven Above 4.55
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual
The Gospel
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #85:9-15 From Heaven Above 4.55

Redemption, Atonement, Forgiveness

The Hymn #657 Beautiful Savior 4.24
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn #83 Hark! What Mean Those Holy Voices 4:40

KJV Galatians 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

KJV Luke 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Sunday After Christmas
O almighty and everlasting God, mercifully direct our ways, that we may walk in Thy law, and be made to abound in good works: through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Redemption, Atonement, Forgiveness

Lenski:

All we are able to say is that God knew when the proper time had arrived. Judaism was bankrupt, and paganism had always been so. We can enumerate some of the providences which helped to open the way for the gospel such as the vast extent of the Roman Empire, the spread of the Greek language, the facility of travel throughout the empire, the extensive diaspora of the Jews, its many proselytes from Gentilism, etc. All of these aided the spread of the gospel. What God saw and regarded as the fulness of the time in the spiritual condition of men, barbarian as well as Greek, is too difficult for us to predicate because his thoughts and judgments are too unsearchable for us. Paul, too, refrains from stating details.
Lenski, R. C. H.: The Interpretation of St. Paul's Epistles to the Galatians, to the Ephesians and to the Philippians. Columbus, O. : Lutheran Book Concern, 1937, S. 197.


We have discussed in the Formula of Concord class the proper distinction between the Law and the Gospel. There are many ways to consider this issue, which is the only way to understand the Scriptures. If someone is blind to the difference between Law and Gospel, he will read the Bible and not understand it. He may know a wealth of facts about the Bible, but he will not have any spiritual wisdom.

Spiritual wisdom does not come from academic degrees. Many who have been trained as clergy have no knowledge of this at all. Some laity attend church all their lives, serve on committees, and still cannot get up to the first principle of this matter.

The way we learn about this is: first) from studying the Word of God, the Confessions, and reliable books. And secondly) from experience in applying what the Holy Spirit teaches us in the Word.

St. Paul’s illustration in this lesson is very good and easy to learn. We know there is a world of difference between being an heir and a servant on an estate. We had the good fortune to live on the estate of a wealthy young couple in Milwaukee. We lived there and enjoyed many benefits of the estate, but we never imagined that anything was ours, in the present or in the future. On the other hand, the children were heirs. They had to listen to us at first, but they would grow up in time and inherit what was around them in abundance. We were their tutors, but we had no authority on our own.

The Law confuses people, because people become too familiar with being servants under the Law and unwilling to be free with the Gospel. The Law is a tutor, leading us to Christ. This tutor teaches us individually that we have certain duties and responsibilities, that the Creator has given us a world in which certain laws must be obeyed at all times, not just when the mood strikes us.

The Law is good and useful, but limited. If we live under the Law alone, we are still servants. When family members take turns accusing each other, they are using the Law alone. We cannot help feeling like children when we only hear the Law and no Gospel, no forgiveness.

On this first Sunday after Christmas, it is important to remember that God sent His Son to be completely obedient to the Law. Jesus, true man, was born under the Law, circumcised as a Jew, raised as all children were at that time. He obeyed the 10 Commandments and taught them with the power and authority of the true Son of God. In other words, many people would like to say that they have not broken this or that commandment, but Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that even mental sins are the same as actual sins.

We cannot escape from the verdict of the Law. Many of our conflicts come from our ability to see the nature of sin in other people without seeing the sinfulness in our own behavior. All this was foreseen by God the Father, who sent His Son “in the fulness of time,” at the right time, born of a woman, to redeem us from the Law.

Jesus had to accept the verdict of the Law in order to save us from the ultimate penalty of the Law, which we all deserve, eternal death and punishment.

Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem [purchase] them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

This is another clear reference, like Romans 1:1ff to the Two Natures of Christ. The divine nature is described as “God sent forth His Son” and the human nature “made of a woman, made under the law.”

The phrase is very important – to redeem them that were under the law – because it says literally that Jesus paid the price for those under the law. A house has a price. A car has a price. Our sins have a price. The wages of sin is death.

Jesus paid that price, so we might receive adoption as sons. Some our latter day feminists are always discovering gender distinctions in the Bible, even when they don’t exist. Or they cover them up. (One notorious case is the feminist creed in the WELS hymnal. The phrase “and was made man” was perverted to read “fully human,” with the claim that the verb and root cannot mean man. However, in John 3:1 and many other cases, the root, anthrwpos, is used for man. W is used for the long o in Greek, the omega. There was an anthrwpos from the Phraisees by the name of Nicodemus. If that means “fully human,” then we should read, “There was a fully human from the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, who came to Jesus at night.)

In this case we have a specific word with a precise meaning. The word is “son” and not “child.” There is quite a difference. Child is not a bad word, but “son” is special. A son inherits. In this case, if the Holy Spirit had been more sensitive to current trends, He would have had St. Paul say “adoption as children.” But he does not. We know there is a difference.

A son inherits the estate and there is a special relationship between a father and son. Abraham was promised a son and commanded to sacrifice his only son. Explain that to your only son. The binding of Isaac is intended to teach all believers from a personal standpoint what it would mean in the future and what it did mean in the past for the Father to give His only-begotten Son.

The Father/Son relationship is especially emphasized in the Gospel of John, but also in the three passages where Abba is used of the Father. We are supposed to realize and to be thankful that we have received the same relationship with God that is enjoyed by the Son, so that we can call upon our heavenly Father and ask Him just as we ask our earthly fathers.

First we have the example of Jesus in His agony of prayer, when He called His Father, Abba. His greatest request, of all His prayers, was begun with this term, Abba.

Mark 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

The term Abba is familiar and not formal. Very few of us, except a few Episcopalians, would call our earthly fathers “father.” Instead we would use a familiar term. I heard on ethics professor from Texas consistently refer to his father as “mah daddy.” I have heard others say “dad” or “papa” or “pops” or “pa.” Familiar terms are loving terms, so Abba means we are given the same loving relationship to God as Jesus has.

That relationship is not based upon the Law but the Gospel. We are not redeemed by the Law but by the Gospel. Jesus did not die because we were worthy. He died on the cross to make us worthy. We receive His righteousness through faith. Gospel promises create and sustain faith. Trusting, believing hearts receive the promises of God: forgiveness, peace, love, and eternal life.

Paul also used the term Abba too in order to contrast it with the spirit of bondage, fear, and the Law.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.



In this passage from Romans, the language is all Gospel. While we as Lutherans do at times emphasize how sinful we are, and that is true, we also should grasp these comforting promises as well. The Gospel is freedom. We are adopted as sons and heirs. God Himself helps us in our prayers, because we are His children and heirs. We are joint-heirs with Christ, a supreme honor, and we have a promise to share in His suffering and His glory.

It is fun to watch parents with children. I remember one little girl working on her father for a certain request. Then she said, “But daddy, you always call me your princess.” He was tongue-tied.

One girl simply asked the same thing over and over, with a big smile on her face. Finally her father gave in. I praised his discipline. He laughed. The children were being so charming that he could not say no. He said no but it did not last.

Parents know that they often give in to requests because they love their children and not because the children have fulfilled their promises. In the same way, we should always think about God’s loving response to our requests. He has answered our prayers repeatedly, often before we can even ask. He has given us what we ask and far beyond that, not because we are perfect in the eyes of the Law, but because He loves us.

Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 65:21 And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. 22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. 24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. 25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

These are not minor promises, because God Himself is speaking them. When people are troubled about what is happening around them, I remind them to dwell on the promises of God. It is true that the sins we can list are many. But a list will not comfort or heal. It will not bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. Only the Gospel can do that.

Quotations from the Apology (Defense) – Augsburg Confession





When people despair, they should think about a passage in Pilgrim’s Progress. Christian has been captured and is in the Castle of Despair. He is locked in a dungeon where he can hear the giant discuss how he will be tortured and killed. Eventually he realizes that he can escape the dungeon. The keys were in his pocket all along. They are the promises of God.



If you are worried to death, anxious about fears for the future, or riddle with pain over bad things that have happened, your mind can torment you just the way Christian was tormented in the Castle of Despair. Locked up and hearing the taunting words. But the promises of God will set you free, give you comfort, quiet your fears, and provide far more blessings than you can imagine.


Quotations from the Apology (Defense) of the Augsburg Confession

"In reference to original sin we therefore hold nothing differing either from Scripture or from the Church catholic, but cleanse from corruptions and re- store to light most important declarations of Scripture and of the Fathers, that had been covered over by the sophistical controversies of modern theologians."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article II, Original Sin, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 113.



"All Scripture ought to be distributed into these two principal topics, the Law and the promises."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IV, Justification, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 121.



"Their feigning a distinction between meritum congrui and meritum condigni [due merit and true, complete merit] is only an articifice in order not to appear to Pelagianize. For, if God necessarily gives grace for the meritum congrui [due merit], it is no longer meritum congrui, but meritum condigni [a true duty and complete merit]. But they do not know what they are saying. After this habit of love [is there], they imagine that man can acquire merit de condigno. And yet they bid us doubt whether there be a habit present. How therefore, do they know whether they acquire merit de congruo or de condigno [in full or in half]?"

Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IV, Justification, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 125.



"Now, that faith signifies, not only a knowledge of the history, but such faith as assents to the promise, Paul plainly testifies when says, Romans 4:16: 'Therefore it is of faith, to the end the promise might be sure.' For he judges that the promise cannot be received unless by faith. Wherefore he puts them together as things that belong to one another, and connects promise and faith."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IV, Justification, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 135. Romans 4:16.

"But Christ was given for this purpose, namely, that for His sake there might be bestowed on us the remission of sins, and the Holy Ghost to bring forth in us new and eternal life, and eternal righteousness [to manifest Christ in our hearts, as it is written John 16:15: 'He shall take of the things of Mine, and show them unto you.' Likewise, He works also other gifts, love, thanksgiving, charity, patience, etc.]. Wherefore the Law cannot be truly kept unless the Holy Ghost is given."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IV, Justification, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 159. Romans 3:31; John 16:15.

"James, therefore, did not believe that by good works we merit the remission of sins and grace. For he speaks of the works of those who have been justified, who have already been reconciled and accepted, and have obtained remission of sins. Wherefore the adversaries err when they infer that James teaches that we merit remission of sins and grace by good works, and that by our works we have access to God, without Christ as Propitiator."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IV, Justification, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 189. James 2:24.

"And since the Gospel is taught among us purely and diligently, by God's favor we receive also from it this fruit, that in our Churches no Anabaptists have arisen [have not gained ground in our Churches], because the people have been fortified by God's Word against the wicked and seditious faction of these robbers. And as we condemn quite a number of other errors of the Anabaptists, we condemn this also, that they dispute that the baptism of little children is unprofitable."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article IX, Baptism, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 245. Matthew 28:19.

"But as the Confutation condemns us for having assigned these two parts to repentance, we must show that [not we, but] Scripture expresses these as the chief parts in repentance and conversion. For Christ says, Matthew 11:28: Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Here there are two members. The labor and the burden signify the contrition, anxiety, and terrors of sin and of death. To come to Christ is to believe that sins are remitted for Christ's sake; when we believe, our hearts are quickened by the Holy Ghost through the Word of Christ. Here, therefore, there are these two chief parts, contrition and faith."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XII (V), #44, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 263. Matthew 11:28.

"But if ordination be understood as applying to the ministry of the Word, we are not unwilling to call ordination a sacrament. For the ministry of the Word has God's command and glorious promises. Romans 1:16 The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Likewise, Isaiah 55:11: So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please...And it is of advantage, so far as can be done, to adorn the ministry of the Word with every kind of praise against fanatical men, who dream that the Holy Ghost is given not through the Word, but because of certain preparations of their own...."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XIII (VII), #11, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 311. Romans 1:16; Isaiah 55:11.

"Our adversaries have no testimonies and no command from Scripture for defending the application of the ceremony for liberating the souls of the dead, although from this they derive infinite revenue. Nor, indeed, is it a light sin to establish such services in the Church without the command of God and without the example of Scripture, and to apply to the dead the Lord's Supper, which was instituted for commemoration and preaching among the living [for the purpose of strengthening the faith of those who use the ceremony]. This is to violate the Second Commandment, by abusing God's name."
Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV, The Mass, Concordia Triglotta, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1921, p. 414f.

Meet the Real Confessionals - Church and Change, (Je)UsFirst, Etc.

The "conservative" Lutherans hear about Stetzer, Sweet, Driscoll, Stanley, and Groeschel all the time. They even listen to their sermons, indirectly. The "conservative" Lutherans do not know H. E. Jacobs.

The apostates are the real confessionals in Missouri, WELS, and the Little Sect on the Prairie.

They believe in their cause and never give up. They support one another and undermine the feeble opposition at every turn.

They clamor for grants and get them, because they make sure their own people are in the influential positions, on committees and commissions and boards and staffs.

They raise a terrible cry if their position is threatened in any way.

They shun anyone who even threatens to disagree with them, and they gut those who actually do.

They also have a group of leaders who frown at them to placate the base but give them whatever they want.

Remember The Day - George Washington Won Our Independence, Though Years of Fighting Remained

British Battles

The Battle of Trenton Battle: Trenton War: American Revolution Date: 25th December 1776 Place: Trenton, New Jersey on the Delaware River Combatants: Americans against Hessians and British troops Generals: General George Washington against Colonel Rahl. General George Washington crossing the Delaware at the Battle of Trenton on Christmas night 1776 by Emmanuel Leutze Click here or on image to buy a print  Size of the armies: 2,400 American troops with 18 guns. 1,400 Hessians with 6 light guns. Uniforms, arms and equipment: The British 16th Ligh Dragoons wore red coats and leather crested helmets. The German infantry wore blue coats and retained the Prussian style grenadier mitre with brass front plate. The Americans dressed as best they could. Increasingly as the war progressed regular infantry regiments of the Continental Army wore blue uniform coats but the militia continued in rough clothing. Both sides were armed with muskets and guns. The Pennsylvania regiments carried long, small calibre, rifled weapons. The US 8th Continental Regiment - fought in the siege of Boston, Lake Champlain, Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, Monmouth  and Yorktown Buy the Uniforms of the Revolution CD

Uniforms of the American Revolution - CD buy on-line

Winner: The battle was a resounding physical and moral victory for Washington and his American troops.

British Regiments:
Only a troop of 16th Light Dragoons who left the town at the onset of the fighting.

Account:
After being driven out of New York by the British and forced to retreat to the West bank of the Delaware during the late summer of 1776, the American cause was at a low ebb. In the harsh winter Washington was faced with the annual crisis of the expiry of the Continental Army’s period of enlistment. He resolved to attack the Hessian position at Trenton on the extreme southern end of the over extended British line along the Delaware, before his army dispersed.

Washington’s plan was to cross the Delaware at three points with a force commanded by Lt Col Cadwallader with a Rhode Island regiment, some Pennsylvanians, Delaware militia and two guns, a second force under Brigadier Ewing of militia and the third commanded by himself which would cross the river above Trenton and attack the Hessian garrison in the town. Washington had as his subordinates, Major Generals Nathaniel Greene and John Sullivan.
Washington had some 2,400 men from Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York.

The force paraded in the afternoon and set off for the Delaware where they embarked in a flotilla of the characteristic Delaware river boats.

It was a cold dark night and the river was running with flowing ice. At about 11pm a heavy snow and sleet storm broke. Washington’s force did not reach the east bank until around 3am. His soldiers were badly clothed and many did not have shoes.

Washington’s men then marched to Trenton, some of the men leaving traces of blood on the snow.The German garrison comprised the regiments of Rahl, Knyphausen and Lossberg, with Hessian jagers and a troop of the British 16th Light Dragoons.

The Hessian commander Colonel Rahl had been ordered to construct defence works around the town but had not troubled to do so. On the night before the attack Rahl was at dinner when he was brought information that the Americans were approaching. He ignored the message which was found in his pocket after his death.

Battle of Trenton

The main American force under Washington entered Trenton from the North-West. Sullivan marched around the town and attacked from the South. The remainder took a position to the North East cutting off the Hessians’ retreat.

The surrender to General George Washington of the dying Hessian commander, Colonel Rahl, at the Battle of Trenton

One of the American artillery sections was commanded by Captain Alexander Hamilton. Captain William Washington and Lieutenant James Monroe were wounded in the battle, the only American officer casualties.

Battle in the Streets of Trenton

The Hessians attempted to form in the town but were under artillery fire and attack from front and rear. The Americans occupied the houses and shot down the German gunners and foot soldiers during which Colonel Rahl was fatally wounded. Rahl’s troops retreated to an orchard in the South East of the town where they surrendered.

Ewing and Cadwallader failed to make the river crossing and took no part in the attack.
Casualties: The Americans suffered 4 wounded casualties. It is said that in addition two American soldiers froze to death. The Hessians suffered 20 killed and around 100 wounded. 1,000 were captured.

General Washington leading the attack at the Battle of Trenton

Follow-up:
The effect of the battle of Trenton was out of all proportion to the numbers involved and the casualties. The American effort across the colonies was galvanized and the psychological dominance achieved by the British in the preceding year overturned. Howe was stunned that a strong German contingent could be surprised in such a manner and put up so little resistance. Washington’s constant problem was to maintain the enthusiasm of his army for the war, particularly with the system of one year recruitment and Trenton proved a much needed encouragement.
Tradition:
• Washington’s army crossing the Delaware in the freezing conditions has become an important national image for the United States as can be seen in Emmanuel Leutze’s picture.
• Present at the battle were: two other future presidents James Madison and James Monroe, the future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.

General Washington accepts the surrender of Colonel Rahl's Hessian troops.

References:
• History of the British Army by Sir John Fortescue
• The War of the Revolution by Christopher Ward

WELS And Other Lutherans

Book List for Students of the World

Paul T. McCain, Do You Know Who I Used To Be?

Peter Drucker, Management By Objective

Donald McGavran, Understanding Church Growth

E. Preuss, Justification Without Faith

Northwestern Publishing House, WELS, The Salvation Army, and Other Lutherans

Another Way To View the Resume

And now he is heading up a bankrupt seminary in a failing denomination that he helped destroy - as pastor, seminary professor, bishop, and home office bureaucrat. Your benevolence dollars at work, ELCA.

Stanley N. Olson has been elected president of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, according to a Nov. 4 press release from the seminary. [GJ - Wartburg has had an interim president because it became insolvent and had throw several professors under the bus.]


Since 2005, Olson has served as executive director of the Vocation and Education unit of the churchwide office, which was disbanded in the churchwide office's October reorganization. Olson will begin his new job Jan. 1, succeeding Interim President David Tiede. [GJ - Olson's job was eliminated.]

In his Vocation and Education role, and as executive director of the ELCA’s Division for Ministry from 2002 to 2005, Olson led the church’s partnerships with its seminaries, colleges and universities, lifelong learning programs, outdoor ministries and campus ministries, as well as supporting young adult and youth ministries and guiding the ELCA candidacy program. [GJ - Olson's major hocho job was eliminated. Previously, ELCA had four divisions, so he was one of the top four.]

The ELCA Lutheran

Warming Up for the Justification Book

Gregory L. Jackson has left a new comment on your post "Book List for Students of the Word":

Narrow-minded, UOJ unites everyone because it eviscerates all creeds. That may be why the creedless ELCA pastors join the Roman priesthood, simply to have some standard of truth.

Since UOJ is the only real doctrine of WELS, the only one they teach with vigor and brain-dead obstinacy, all other points are adiaphora.

UOJ is the license that allows WELS and Missouri to work hand-in-glove, or claw-and-hoof, with ELCA. UOJ gives the ELS permission to go along with Enthusiasm while carrying the Book of Concord around like the True Cross of Jerusalem.

UOJ is mainline denominational doctrine, the NCC and WCC in a nutshell.

Cross Banned in Jerusalem

Jesus Who? Christian Cross Banned from Bethlehem Souvenir Shops

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/jesus-who-christian-cross-banned-from-bethlehem-souvenir-shops/

Two-thousand years after Jesus Christ was born in the town of Bethlehem, the Christian cross has reportedly been banned from souvenir shops as tourists and pilgrims pour into the Holy Land for the Christmas season.
According to AsiaNews, textile shops in Jerusalem and Hebron have begun to print and sell tee-shirts “depicting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem without the cross.”  The cross has also been removed from tee-shirts of local football teams “because of the growth of Islamic fundamentalism in the Palestinian territories.”

Interviewed by AsiaNews, Samir Qumsieh, journalist and director of the Catholic television station Al-Mahed Nativity TV in Bethlehem, said: “I want to launch a campaign to urge people not to buy these products – he says – because the removal of the cross is an intimidation against Christians, it is like saying that Jesus was never crucified. “

Like every year, thousands including authorities, faithful and tourists from all over the world crowd, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem for midnight mass on the night of 24 December. It will be celebrated by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and will be attended by the highest offices of the Palestinian Authority.

Qumsieh says that the population is living these days with joy, but the situation for Christians is still dramatic. According to the journalist, the dialogue of recent years between Muslims, Christians and Jews has not changed the situation.

“In the Holy Land – said Qumsieh – the emigration of Christians is growing, even if the authorities refuse to give precise numbers. Every day there are people who flee to other countries. As Christians, we live in a constant feeling of fear and uncertainty, and if you live in constant tension and pessimism you can not plan anything.

Al Gore Pronounces Anti-Global Warming Measures a Success As Blizzard Rocks NYC

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But Al Gore was so insightful,
Since Global Warming is a big 0
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of warming,
So thanks for all the warnings,
The lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally go John Galt,
How I'll hate giving up all my cards!
But if the Left says “It’s really our fault!”
All the way home I'll be warm.

The nation’s slowly dying,
Hope and change have turned to crying
But as long as you love Gore so,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Christmas Is for the Birds

The main bird feeder, from Duncraft, is only a few feet from my desk - outside the window. The squirrel is already enjoying his corn feeder, nearby on the sill. I added another suet basket, hanging from the first one. My plan is to have a comfortable view of various creatures feeding at once. The multiple feeding arrangement generates noise, and more birds will come because of the noise.

The squirrel does not even try the Duncraft feeder, because his weight on the bar shuts off the supply of seed, which is now pure black oil sunflower.

For your amusement and edification, I compared the price of seed at a store. Blended seed (cardinal on the front) was $2 a pound, while sunflower seed was around 50 cents. Thistle (for finches) and safflower (hated by squirrels) were both higher priced than sunflower. As Bruce Church said, all the blended seed sacks featured various song birds. Sunflower seed is loved by 42 species of birds and costs less than all the other seeds.

The backyard corn feeder attracted a pair of blue jays, the most majestic of all the colorful birds. The jays rested above the feeder, looked around, and landed on the ground to pick up corn. They pecked away at it in the security of the branches above. I noticed them harvesting corn from the ground last year, too.

We probably have many jays living behind our house. We are surrounded by oaks, a favorite habitat for jays. A pair nested in the bush near the Duncraft feeder, so I wonder if they will nest there in the spring and notice the equivalent of a McDonald's outside their door.

"Jay, the nestlings need more food, dear."

"I'll just hop over to the feeder."

"So convenient, Jay. I hope we always nest here at the Jackson's. Grab a few seeds for me, too."

We now have one main feeding station (sunflowers, suet, corn and water). I can be inches away from a chickadee enjoying his suet - a foot away from cardinals, finches, titmice, and chickadees eating sunflower seeds. The squirrel is closest of all, because tree-rats are shameless food hustlers. They cannot be frightened through glass.

Three other places provide seed, corn, and suet. Now I will look for extra nuts for the jays and squirrels.

Some people think it is strange to feed the creatures, but the Lord of Creation shared His nursery with them.

Book List for Students of the Word

"The child is the father of the man." What we read and give to our children has a lasting effect. This newspaper article from 58 years ago reminds us how swiftly time passes.

I have divided this book list by priorities:

I. Essential
A. The King James Version of the Bible, or - at least one of the KJV updates at the very least. The rest of the translations are Dreck.
B. The Book of Concord. The Triglotta is the best edition. Tappert is a good portable edition. The Book of Concord is the best one-volume Biblical commentary available.
C. Luther's Sermons. It is better to have a small usable set than to leave all of Luther unread, unless you want to be a Lutheran leader. The synod leaders and professors are ignorant of Luther - that is a definite career path today. Here are some of them on the Net. This inexpensive set contains the Lenker series and Klug set, all for the cost of dinner out.

II. Wish List
A. Lenski's commentaries are the best single source for doctrinal issues, grammar, and translation problems. His introductory material alone makes the set worthwhile. He does not teach forgiveness without faith (UOJ).
B. Any book by Chemnitz. Once again, reading is better than just owning. Depending on your doctrinal interest, buy one volume and read it carefully.
C. Krauth, H. E. Jacobs, and Schmauk - all three fought the Confessional battle in the Muhlenberg tradition. The anti-Confessionals ultimately won, leading to the ELCA of today. Could these men get a job in ELCA today? No. Do you think your synod is not sliding downhill fast? These books often appear in used book offerings and library sales.
D. Robert Preus, Justification and Rome. The UOJ Stormtroopers will not admit that he repudiated their precious doctrine. ELCA loves UOJ, so the obvious apostates were happy to compromise with Rome about justification.

Christmas Eve - 5 PM Central

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship


Christmas Readings and Hymns
Bethany Lutheran Church
Bella Vista, 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.

#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.


Sermon – The Virgin Birth of Christ

The Virgin Birth of Christ is the dividing line between believers and pretenders. There are many within the visible church who do not believe in the Virgin Birth, because they were carefully trained to reject the miraculous while staying around to collect a comfortable living.

But people think too easily, “That is the problem with those liberals.” We should look at the fundamental rejection and see how that affects everything in the Christian faith.

The more significant divide is between those who believe in the divine power of God’s Word and those who do not. That involves the Virgin Birth, Creation, justification, and how we look at all of life.

Today I was editing the 2005 edition of Jesus, Lord of Creation. There is no difference between doubting the Creation, doubting the Virgin Birth, and doubting justification by faith. All aspects of God’s work involve the direct use of His Word. If God cannot accomplish a unique birth, then He cannot create by His Word, heal the sick, turn water into wine, and raise the dead.

Those who like the parts of the Bible they like and reject the rest are those who eventually reject everything in the Bible. They may go through life imagining they are believers. They may even retain that same selective spirit, without giving up everything. But they pass on a legacy of picking and choosing, and that ends up with leaving everything behind.

Thus we have a situation today where the Bible provides a base for motivational speeches designed to whip people into doing more works. I just saw a list of them, from a “conservative” Lutheran. Each one was along the lines of “God works so you can do more for Him.” At the very best, the titles suggested that God does His part so man can do his part, a divine transaction called synergism.

But God gives so that we can receive – monergism. The best comfort in this message throughout the Bible is this – we know where to receive the power and benefits of the Gospel, because God has bound Himself to the Word.

God gave us His Son in this unique way so we always think of God performing the miraculous through His Word. This birth is a miracle far beyond the promise made to Abraham.
How many impossibilities are tied up in this one event? Mary hardly knew what to think, but it was announced to her that it would happen. Joseph was tempted to divorce Mary, but he did not. They had to travel a long distance under difficult circumstances, definitely a trial by itself. They thought they might stay with relatives or at the inn, but even that was too much. So we are inspired by the fact of the Virgin Birth and also by the way God did everything His way instead of our way. Luther confessed that he would have managed things quite differently. For example, he would have had the Savior born in a palace, in the splendor He deserved.

Whatever might be a stumbling stone (literally a fatal trigger in a trap) is something to consider as part of God’s lesson in His Word. Everything has happened for a reason and for our benefit.

God shows us how He works in this Christmas story, and that is a clear reflection of “My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways.” Isaiah 55.

Our interpretation should be this – that all the peculiar turns in life, the difficulties, crosses to bear, are part of God’s plan to bless us in some way and to be a blessing to others.

Mary and Joseph accepted their unique roles, but their lives were not ones of saintly bliss because of it. We can see a glimmer with Jesus in the Temple, when He let them search for Him sorrowing – for days. They took on a great burden but they also provided a great blessing for the whole, and were blessed because of it.

Faith means not seeing the outcome but trusting in God’s good and gracious will.

That trust, created by the Gospel, receives God’s complete and free forgiveness. Christ did not condemn the world but to give life, hope, and forgiveness to all those who believe in Him.




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

Jesus, Lord of Creation - In Color - Coming Soon To Lulu.com

I am trying to catch up with promises made earlier. Norma Boeckler still has the Jesus, Lord of Creation website, which is linked from her own website.

The new version of the book will be all in color. The PDF (free download) will be color anyway, but the printed version will be full color too. I discounted the cost 40% to keep it at about $30.

Just the rough version is available through me right now. If you want to look it over and make suggestions about the text, send me an email and I will send the PDF or Word document (or both).

The Icha-critics do not read very much or publish their own work. In fact, they even keep their plagiarized sermons a secret.

Annual Page Reads for Ichabod: 500,000

Readers opened up 250,000 pages in the last six months. Compare that to the cost of a typical synodical magazine.

Two effects can be seen. One - many people have stopped speaking to me.

Two - many people have started speaking to me.

Many books have been published or re-published. Several more are on the way:

1. Jesus, Lord of Creation.
2. Justification by Faith is available in crude form, but will soon be finished.
3. A children's book.
4. Thy Strong Word is published and in the process of being published.

NORAD Tracking Santa

Here.

Narrow-Minded Thoughts

Synodical spin


Narrow-minded Lutheran has left a new comment on your post "Some Denominations Have a Sense of Shame":

Although slightly off-topic, I read that the LCMS is in "talks" with the Anglican Church In North America. The ACNA appears to be a "conservative" body of Episcopal refugees, although the caveat was issued that they are not in fellowship talks. On the other hand, the ANCA also appears to already be having the female ordination debate.

Perhaps Missouri should get her own house in order first. This story reminds me of some Missouri DP's that like to run the show, a la Benke that does the 2001 Yankee Stadium deal anyway, although he and the SP knew it was wrong and would damage the synod. The SP "absolved" Benke at the 2004 convention, then further encouraged unionism and syncretism.

Pity the poor confessional pastoral candidate getting a call in some of the Ablaze/CG/CW/open Communion districts. Although Missouri DP's are not lifetime appointments, they don't have to be serving a parish and can "serve" by being mere pencil-pushers. Yet, they can railroad the calling parish and the pastoral candidate. So much for the "Divine Call."

Perhaps the LCMS can help the ACNA sneak through female ordination with the use of "commissioned ministers," for IRS benefits, of course. And let's not forget that the LCMS now argues their polity is hierarchical, a la the suit against the four ladies in Oakland, after their DP said any warm body could administer Word and Sacrament when refusing to give them a pastor. "They got an Episcopal priest(-ess?) to serve them, so let's descend upon them and seize that six-million-dollar property."

The ladies repented of their error, so instead of forgiving them ,like WE were supposed to do after the Yankee Stadium deal that was followed with NO repentance, the LCMS will descend upon them with a heavy hand. Next time you throw money in the plate that God has entrusted to you, LCMS-ers, think about what you're financing. Although I have my share of differences with Cascione, I agree with him on this point in regards to stewardship.

***

GJ - Cascione is entitled to be right every few years!

The Episcopal Church USA thinks a bishop should not be a cover-up artist, the way Bishop Bennison Jr. is, simply because their polity allows it.

WELS, Missouri, and the Little Sect disagree. They reward felonious cover-ups.

Bishop Bennison Sr. is now dead. The Kalamazooo Cathedral that he built had to be sold to a mega-church. I attended a Lutheran service there, in honor of the LCA-Anglican coziness. Anglicans hovered in the background but did not participate in the service. Since then, ELCA and the Episcopal Church have swirled down the drain together, with joint this and joint that.

WELS, Missouri, and the Little Sect think they can work jointly with Stetzer, Sweet, Driscoll, Beeson, Stanley, and other frauds, prospering through deception. "We are Lutheran on the outside, but we deliver Enthusiasm on the inside - which is what you really want. We know that from spending millions of your dollars at Fuller and the other beehives of Enthusiasm. We are so bold that we invite Leonard Sweet to every Missouri cat-hanging."

ELCA Clergy and Sham Marriages To Evade Law

http://recoveringlutheran.blogspot.com/2010/08/two-clergymen-suspended-in-east-london.html

Clergy involved in sham marraiges

Two clergymen suspended in East London sham marriage probe

The charge is that Reverend Brian Shipsides and the Reverend Elwon John were part of a conspiracy to help several Nigerians evade British immigration laws by performing fake marriages.

The artcle brought back some unpleasant memories. My wife is a legal immigrant from Tanzania. It is deeply distressing to us that there are members of the clergy willing to use their positions to help break US immigration laws through such contrivances as "sanctuary churches" and sham marriages.

The ELCA is a denomination prides itself on supporting illegal aliens in the US and in calling for "immigration reform". Yet when my wife and I requested help in obtaining a visa for my wife (we had just been married in her home country of Tanzania and were struggling mightily with the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam) the ELCA ignored our requests for assistance. As one fellow ELCA missionary put it, if my wife had been an illegal alien from Latin America the ELCA would have fallen over itself to help us. But because she was a legal immigrant, the ELCA could not have cared less, even though we were their missionaries.

Time has caused most of my anger to dissipate, although probably it will never go away entirely. But the fact remains that the ELCA is less a Christian church than a radical secular political party run for the benefit of the greedy few. The ELCA cares most about political causes. People, not so much.

***

GJ - The ending could easily be, with the necessary changes above:

"But the fact remains that the WELS is less a Christian church than a radical secular political party run for the benefit of the greedy few. The WELS cares most about political causes. People, not so much."

Some Denominations Have a Sense of Shame

PENNSYLVANIA: Standing Committee Turns Up Heat to Get Rid of Bishop Charles Bennison

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
December 14, 2010

Despite repeated calls for returning Pennsylvania Bishop Charles E. Bennison to resign, the disgraced bishop has steadfastly refused to heed calls for him to step down.

On December 8, eight members of the Standing Committee drove to New York City to meet with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, her chancellor David Booth Beers, and Bishop Clayton Matthews, officer for Pastoral Development.

According to a memo VOL received, the meeting was arranged at their request "to offer support and leadership for the diocese." TRANSLATION. We want your help to get rid of Bennison.

They noted that at the recent Diocesan Convention, 73% of delegates called for Bennison to resign saying that his continued presence stands in the way of attending to the important word of proclaiming the love of God in Christ Jesus and carrying forth the mission of the Church."

The eight described their time with Episcopal Church leadership as a time of "good conversation; we felt heard, understood, supported and encouraged."

Charges of conduct unbecoming a priest or bishop still remain against Bennison. He was found guilty of covering up his brother's sexual abuse of a minor. The verdict against the bishop was overturned because of a narrow interpretation of the "Statute of Limitations".

Since his return, there have been repeated calls for him to resign including from the Presiding Bishop, the entire Episcopal House of Bishops, Bonnie Anderson, HOD President, numerous priests (both liberal and conservative) in the Diocese of Pa, entire deaneries, a neighbor Bishop Paul Marshall, (Bethlehem), the Diocesan Standing Committee and a number of outraged laity and VOL, all to no avail.

Although he stated that he would be a listener, six weeks back on the job, the Diocesan Standing Committee wrote Bennison accusing him of throwing up obstructions, creating dissent through distrust and misinformation, and investing heavily in anything that stretched the finances of the diocese beyond anything realistic, causing more and more parishes to withhold funds.

They expressed shock that Bennison said witnesses at his trial intentionally perjured themselves. "These are shocking words, and words which we feel you need to address immediately. Can you possibly have meant what you said? If so, this is one more indication of a serious problem. You have managed to ignore or discount the opinions and conclusions of three courts, two Presiding Bishops, the House of Bishops, and untold numbers of lay and clergy in the diocese of Pennsylvania, and now all the witnesses at your trial. We find it amazing that you are able to think that this is in any way normal behavior.

"Bishop, the letter of the law has allowed you to return. Please consider the spirit of the law as you determine your way forward, for yourself and for the Diocese of Pennsylvania."

Clearly angered by Bennison's high-handed approach to running the diocese, its leaders still are pressuring the National Church to get rid of Bennison.

The revised Title IV Changes to the canons which grants the National Church greater authority to the church's presiding bishop over other bishops, and to diocesan bishops over their clergy, when they are accused of misconduct, could give Jefferts Schori all the authority she needs to remove Bennison permanently from his position.

***

GJ - Bishop Bennison is still hanging on, since Anglican polity says electing a bishop is a lifetime mistake arrangement.

But let us give them some credit. They are trying to dump him rather than make him the honcho in charge of a multi-site emergent church.

Bishops are no longer in charge of cover-ups, as much as they might want to continue the old ways. The legal authorities can catch up with them even faster with a paper trail.

Bird Invades Ich-Abode

This photo is fair warning for anyone who thinks he can outsmart a squirrel.

Someone wants me to put the squirrels on a web camera. I am sure that has already been done.

Sassy and I came home from the Bark Park to a scene of alarm and confusion. Mrs. Ichabod was opening a package which contained a calming nerve tonic instead of soy butter, which we ordered. She was phoning the company when a bird, inside the house, fluttered around and tried to land on her head. That caused no end of excitement. The customer service agent said, "The nerve tonic is free. It sounds like you could use some."

Chris said, "My husband thinks he is St. Francis of Assisi. Now they are coming inside to eat."

I discovered the tiny nuthatch (upside-down bird) in the living room. I also noticed dry dog food and a water dish near the outside dog door. I hastened to point out how much birds enjoy dog food. Rescue groups use dog food for injured and distressed birds.

The bird flew to the laundry room, and I let it out into the garage, where it escaped into freedom. Sassy and I chucked some seed around the front of the house in a celebratory gesture, happy to be free of the feathered terrorist.

We had bats in the house in New Ulm, because thousands thrive in the swampy lowlands, eating mosquitoes. I learned to enjoy them, even when one surprised me by flying toward me in the basement. Mrs. Ichabod's story of the bat in the bedroom is somewhat embroidered, so I suggest dividing the alleged facts by ten if she happens to start on her blood-curdling narrative.

Starlings got into the New Ulm church through the chimney, no fault of mine. I extracted one from an organ pipe, where he expired while trying to escape, his head peeking out from the top of the pipe. Other starlings responded to my calm advice about not being communing members, leaving through the door I opened for them.

Starlings and nuthatches love suet, just as woodpeckers and blue birds do. Any bird who loves suet is also an insect eating bird. Although people devalue starlings for being so common, they are quite attractive and clever. They are voracious insect-eaters and also devour weed seeds. Nothing is more comical than a starling's gait as he walks through a garden, flipping over mulch or dry leaves to look for an insect. Someone who believes in Creation will let God's purpose-driven agents do the work.

Even close up, the nuthatch is sweet and harmless.

Question du Jour

Radical for Today - Explanation of the Common Service

This information is provided by Bethany Lutheran Chapel, Bella Vista.
This is our WEF.



The book can be found here, and converting to text will make it easy to kelm.

The Donkey

The Donkey

When forests walked and fishes flew
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood,
Then, surely, I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening bray
And ears like errant wings—
The devil's walking parody
Of all four-footed things:

The battered outlaw of the earth
Of ancient crooked will;
Scourge, beat, deride me—I am dumb—
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour—
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout around my head
And palms about my feet.

G. K. Chesterton

Giotto di Bondone, Scenes from the Life of Christ 10.
Entry into Jerusalem, 1304-6,
Cappella Scrovegni, Padova

Happy Birthday, Artist-in-Residence -Norma Boeckler

Today is the birthday of our artist-in-residence, Norma Boeckler. She is happy to share her work for use on this blog and in various books being published.

Here is her bio.

I know many people appreciate her inspiring work, so if you want to wish her a Happy Birthday, feel free to use the comments.

Mid-Week Advent Service.Christmas Eve Is 5 PM Central

Advent, December 22, 2010

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bethany-lutheran-worship

Mid-Week Advent, Thursday, 7 PM Central

The Hymn # 554 Now Rest Beneath 3:67
The Order of Vespers p. 41
The Psalmody Psalm 100 p. 144
The First Lection
The Second Lection
The Sermon Hymn #294 O Word of God 3:31

Jesus God and Man

The Prayers and Lord’s Prayer p. 44
The Collect for Peace p. 45
The Benediction p. 45
The Hymn #136 Angels 3:86


KJV Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Jesus God and Man

Romans 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

As Luther said, the Christian faith is attacked on three fronts:
1. Justification by faith.
2. The divinity of Jesus.
3. The humanity of Jesus.

In our era, the Virgin Birth is denied, not so much by outsiders, but by those within the visible church. They have all kinds of problems with finding it in the Scriptures, even where the statements are so obvious.

That alone is strange, but the Apostolic Church had no problem with the Virgin Birth. The struggle came with those who had deep misgivings about the Savior being born of a woman. That is why Mary was elevated so far beyond any Scriptural truths that she took on divinity herself (Immaculate Conception) to allow for the Savior being born of a woman.

In this eloquent opening of Paul’s greatest epistle, the Two Natures of Christ are taught with clarity and simplicity.

One thing we should always keep in mind is the Word of God teaching the same unified doctrine using many expressions. That shows the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, in giving us such truths in so many ways, so we cannot possibly miss unless we are at war against the Word.

In adult education the experts stress that we all learn in different ways. Groups of adults need to understand the same lesson according to their basic learning style. Since God is a wise and efficient manager, as Luther observed, and has done a good job directing everything for a long time, He has already implemented this theory in His Word.

Sometimes we say “Son of God, and Son of Man,” as Beautiful Savior expresses the Two Natures of Christ.

Paul communicated the Two Natures this way:
1. made of the seed of David according to the flesh
2. And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness.

The concise expression suggests that this was common teaching among all the Christians, because he is not writing as if anything is contested. When there is a battle over certain points, much more is said in defense of the truth.

The humanity of Christ is expressed in his birth according to the flesh, descended from the House of David, as He was through Mary.

The divinity of Christ is clearly stated in calling Him the Son of God. It is simply impossible to put the two statements together and exclude the Virgin Birth from them. In that era, the miraculous was expected. That is why Jesus performed miracles, the healing miracles plus those miracles which no one could possibly have claimed. To say, Jesus healed the sick, would have been somewhat routine in the eyes of many. Their rabbis also healed the sick. But no one turned water into wine, walked on water, stilled the storm, multiplied the loaves and raised the dead in front of many witnesses.

Those miracles elevated Jesus far above anyone who claimed miracles, legitimately or not.

The humanity of Christ is often overlooked or under-stated because so much has been said in the last century against His divinity, His Virgin Birth, His resurrection.

The humanity of Christ is vitally important, because this is the source of comfort in His ministry to us. There is no sorrow or pain unknown to Him, because He shared our earthly pilgrimage and faced the ultimate temptations, from Satan’s wiles to the betrayal of His own chosen disciples.

Hebrews 4: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Catechism books teach about the Word of God in the first few verses and the compassion of Christ in the next. The author of Hebrews put them together, doubtless for a reason, a Holy Spirit inspired reason.

The Word of God is far more powerful than any weapon we can imagine, because God looks into our inner being and nothing is secret from Him. Knowing the power of the Word, we can look to Christ for comfort, because He was tempted in every way we are, yet He remained without sin. Because He understands our weaknesses and temptations, we can always to Him for grace in time of need.

Being born in a humble stable, revealed to the shepherds and Wise Men as a baby, Jesus draws us to Him.

When I asked a group of children why God revealed Himself in the form of a baby, one child’s voice rang out, “Because no one is afraid of a baby.”

That was the best single answer I could imagine. The humanity of Jesus teaches us:

Yes, He is the Son of God, but He was born like us. He had and still has the same humanity today – our emotions, temptations, our joys and sorrows. He is not distant from us but close to us, always able to understand us in our weakness.

Spidey Is No Match for the Efficacious Word

Squirrels 10, Humans 0

This is not my bird-feeder, not my squirrel, but the photo shows exactly what happened.

My inexpensive bird squirrel-feeder was all fixed up to defeat the wily foe, and it worked for one day, as I suspected.

Once the lower branch was pruned away, the squirrel could only jump on top and twitch his tail. He saw me watching through the window. I was outwardly gloating but inwardly confident about his greed and acrobatic ability.

This morning he dangled from above, hanging on with hind legs and leisurely scooping black oil sunflower seeds into his mouth, his delicate paws reaching into the tiny aperture of the feeder. Two ears of corn were not enough for him and his kin. One was fresh on the backyard feeder yesterday, the other still new on the window near my computer.

The bird food industry does well with squirrels. They sell us squirrel feeders to keep tree-rats away from the bird food. The industry sells corn for more than the price of gold, per ounce. Any ear of field corn is good for a bag of squirrel food, and yet a bag costs $6 because it has a logo on the plastic bag.

The squirrels consume their corn and stop at the bird feeders for more. That is a win/win situation for the bird food industry and the squirrels. Fortunately, the birds get to enjoy a fair amount of food anyway.

The squirrel had a great time with the window sill food, supplemented by an upturned bucket with seed on top. I thought it would make a good birdbath for all the creatures. Sassy and I make the rounds each day, and water costs a lot less than sunflower seeds.

The birds will shy away from the water for a week or two. Eventually they will make it a regular stop. Then we can look down and watch them bathe.

The cardinals are quite used to us already. I cannot decide whether the males are more splendid or the females more attractive. When viewed from two feet away, both are spectacular in the sun. Since they can sit at the feeder and open seeds with their powerful beaks, they tend to stay while looking around.

Recently I found a chickadee doing the same thing. He decided to hammer his seed open on the bird-feeder bar (which still prevents squirrels from getting at seed). That worked, so he stayed around for more.

I looked at a finch thistle-seed sock. Only $5. They love sunflower seeds, but people buy thistle because a finch feeder will be clustered with finches, gold and purple. It is their crack cocaine. Bird watchers do that to enjoy the change-over of feathers in the spring, from undistinguished to gold. A thistle-seed sock in my window is going to last as long as a Lutheran at Mequon. The squirrels eat a hole in the bottom, leak out the seed, and no one will touch it.

This photo only begins to show how beautiful a female cardinal is.
The best view is watching a female in the bright sunlight from a few feet way.

Augustana College - Named after the Augsburg Confession, Proves My Point about Anti-Confessional Attitudes In the Synodical Conference

Augustana College in Rock Island, Illiniois,
formed to fight the anti-Confessionalism of the General Synod,
the Church Growth Movement of its day.

Augustana began with Pietistic unionism but joined orthodoxy because of the influence of key, early leaders, one of them trained at Capitol Seminary, now ELCA, in Columbus Ohio, where Lenski and Leupold taught a little later.



Exposing the ELCA:

ELCA affiliated Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, is hosting a lecture on Jan. 13, 2011, by Dr. Peter Ochs. Dr. Ochs is a “(p)rofessor of modern Judaic studies at the University of Virginia and founder of a revolutionary approach to reading scripture . . .” (read here)

Dr. Ochs will lecture about “scriptural reasoning” and will have a demonstration of how it is done. “Scriptural reasoning is a way of studying scripture with people from different faith traditions.” This includes studying the Qur’an with Muslims.

The press release put out by Augustana College says, “Ochs' lecture will show students and community members the importance of scriptural reasoning for peace and understanding between traditions. ‘Divine voice(s) are not heard deeply without learning and effort — and, we add, without listening to those who hear in ways that are slightly different,’ he said.” (read here)

You may want to read the above quote again. Augustana is bring Dr. Ochs in to their college to “show students and community members” this method where “Divine voices” are heard in other faiths.

This is another example of an ELCA-related entity that is introducing false doctrine. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are the one true God. They are not the god of the Muslims or any other religion. (read more about this here)