More Shocking Revelations about the Antiquity of OJ in the Synodical Conference

First of all, a correction: The Foreward to the 1966 ELS CATECHISM says that the text of the previous ELS Catechism was from 1905, not 1906 as I had said.  The 1966 Foreward says that it has been
"61 years" since the previous ELS Catechism, which I previously quoted as teaching JBFA.


In the following passages one will be able to note how the Synodical Conference synods Catechisms from 1966 to the present have consistently taught UOJ, whether or not they actually use the terms "Objection/General Justification" or "Subjective/Personal Justification."


Ironically, the Norwegian Synod/ELS English Language Catechism of 1905 was the first English language Synodical Conference synod Catechism, and it clearly taught JBFA; the 1966 ELS CATECHISM was the first English language Synodical Conference synod Catechism to teach OJ/SJ.

[GJ - I believe this is the heart of the Madison (Opgjoer) Settlement issue. The Pieper OJ crowd want to be pure OJ, not OJ and JBFA. So the ELS marched off and took 1,000  OJ people from the Norwegian Synod to become the ELS or "Little Norwegians", a term they loathe. The Norwegian Preus clan adhered to OJ, so they imagined that made them orthodox rather than Pietistic. So when Jack and Bob Preus got fed up at Luther seminary, off to the ELS.]


All the following quotations will be taken from the Explanation of the Third Article, the Forgiveness of Sins of the different Catechisms; Bible passages are omitted: 


AN EXPLANATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM (ELS) 1966. "Qu. 254: How were you justified?  A: I was justified by God the Father, when by His grace He DECLARED ME RIGHTEOUS.  Qu. 255: How can God declare the sinner righteous?  A: God can declare the sinner righteous because, on the basis of the redemptive work of Christ, He has ACQUITTED ALL MEN of the guilt and punishment of their sins, and has imputed to them the righteousness of Christ; HE THEREFORE REGARDS THEM IN CHRIST AS THOUGH THEY  HAD NEVER SINNED.   Qu. 256: How does the sinner receive this justification?  A: The sinner receives this justification when the Holy Ghost, through the means of grace, leads him to believe that God has forgiven all his sins for Christ's sake.  [Note: Throughout these passages it will be noted that the teaching of "Subjective Justification" BY ITSELF is acceptable, but NOT when joined to the teaching of Objective Justification.]


AN EXPLANATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM (ELS) 1981.  "Qu. 206: Why do you "believe in the forgiveness of sins:?  A: I believe in the forgiveness of sins because the Bible assures me that God the Father has by grace FORGIVEN ALL SINNERS AND DECLARED THEM RIGHTEOUS.  207: How can God declare sinners righteous?  A: God can declare sinners righteous because, on the basis of the redemptive work of Christ, He has ACQUITTED ALL MEN OF THE GUILT AND PUNISHMENT OF THEIR SINS, AND HAS IMPUTED TO THEM THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST; HE THEREFORE REGARDS THEM IN CHRIST AS THOUGH THEY HAD NEVER SINNED (GENERAL OR OBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION.)  Qu. 208: How do you receive this forgiveness or justification?  A: I receive this justification when the Holy Ghost through the means of grace leads me, the sinner, to believe that God has forgiven all my sins for Christ's sake (PERSONAL OR SUBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION.)" 


CATECHISM LESSONS PUPIL'S BOOK by Adolph F. Fehlauer (WELS) 1981.  "Lesson 49.  Forgiveness of Sins/The Third Article [I believe in] the forgiveness of sins.  What does this mean?  [I believe that in the Christian church the Holy Ghost] daily and fully forgives all sins to ME AND ALL BELIEVERS {Note: JBFA!!!  Then, note the teaching of OJ/SJ following:]...What did Jesus earn for all people?  Jesus earned forgiveness for all people.  On whom did Jesus put the sins of all people. (A. On Jesus)  God accepted Jesus' sacrifice for the sins of the world.  What did God do for all people?  (A. HE DECLARES THEM RIGHTEOUS.)  For whose sake does God declare ALL PEOPLE RIGHTEOUS?  GOD DECLARES THAT ALL PEOPLE ARE RIGHTEOUS FOR JESUS' SAKE.  What good news did Jesus tell the paralytic man?  (A. That his sins were forgiven)  What word do we use for the good news of forgiveness of sins?  (A. Gospel)  What does God offer through the Gospel?  Through the Gospel God offers forgiveness of sins.  Not all people accept this free offer of forgiveness.  Why didn't the Pharisee ask for mercy and forgiveness?  (A. He believed that he was just and needed no forgiveness.)  Why did the tax collector pray God to have mercy on him?  (A. He knew that he was a sinner and believed that God would forgive him his sins.)  Who gives us faith to believe in the forgiveness of sins?  The good news of forgiveness through faith is proclaimed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Who gives us faith to believe the Gospel?  The Holy Spirit gives us faith to believe the Gospel.  Summary: Jesus earned forgiveness of sins for all people.  GOD DECLARES ALL PEOPLE RIGHTEOUS FOR JESUS' SAKE.  Through the Gospel God offers forgiveness of sins.  The Holy Spirit gives us faith to believe the Gospel.  We receive forgiveness through faith in the Gospel.  What this means to me: In the Bible God tells me that all my sins are forgiven for Jesus' sake.  He is my holy and righteous Savior.  God looks upon Jesus' righteousness as my righteousness, and therefore He declares me just and holy (justified).  There is nothing I can do to earn my forgiveness and salvation.  Jesus has done all that can be done and need be done.  But in return for Jesus' love and God's mercy I will want to show my appreciation by thinking, praising, serving, and obeying my merciful Lord and Savior..."


LUTHER'S CATECHISM by David P. Kuske (WELS) 1982. "Qu. 253: How many people did GOD DECLARE RIGHTEOUS?  A: GOD DECLARED ALL PEOPLE RIGHTEOUS. (OBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION)...Qu. 255: Why is it important, then, that the Holy Spirit work faith in me?  A: It is important that the Holy Spirit work faith in me so that I do not trust in my own works but only in the righteousness God gives by grace in Christ.
(SUBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION)"


MARTIN LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM: A HANDBOOK OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE by Pastor Mike Sydow (CLC) 1988.  "Qu. 208: Whom has God justified--declared 'Not guilty'?  A: GOD DECLARED ALL PEOPLE IN ALL THE WORLD 'NOT GUILTY' OF THEIR SINS.  THIS IS SOMETIMES CALLED UNIVERSAL JUSTIFICATION (OR OBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION)  For Personal Justification, cf. question 210...Qu. 210: How do the benefits of Christ's death become our own?  A: The Holy Spirit provides the benefits of Christ's death by giving people faith.  THIS IS SOMETIMES CALLED PERSONAL JUSTIFICATION (OR SUBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION).  Personal justification is believing that God has declared me 'Not guilty.'"  [Note: Same text in 2000 and 2006 (current) editions.]


LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM WITH EXPLANATION (LCMS) 1991.  "Qu. 180: Why do you say, 'i believe in the forgiveness of sins'?  A: I believe in the forgiveness of sins because through Christ God has DECLARED PARDON AND FORGIVENESS TO ALL SINFUL HUMANITY...Qu. 182. How is it possible for a just and holy God to declare sinners righteous (justification)?  A: GOD DECLARES SINNERS RIGHTEOUS FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, THAT IS, OUR SINS HAVE BEEN IMPUTED OR CHARGED TO CHRIST, THE SAVIOR, AND CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS HAS BEEN IMPUTED OR CREDITED TO US.  Qu. 183: Where does God offer the forgiveness of sins?
A: God offers the forgiveness of sins in the Gospel.  Qu. 184: How do you receive this forgiveness of sins?  A: I receive this forgiveness through faith, that is, by believing the Gospel."  (Note: Does this sound similar to the 1981 ELS Catechism, but without the use of the terms "OJ/SJ"?)  (Same explanation in both 1991 LCMS Catechism with the NIV and the 2005 LCMS Catechism with the ESV.)


AN EXPLANATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM (ELS) 2001:  (Note: "Qu. 210-212" are virtually the same as the 1981 ELS Catechism "Qu. 206-208."  2018 edition of 2001 ELS Catechism using the WELS/ELS  Wartburg Project's Evangelical Heritage Version translation has identical Explanation to the 2001 ELS Catechism.)


LUTHER'S CATECHISM: THE SMALL CATECHISM OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER (WELS) 2017: "Qu. 218: What did our gracious God do to overturn the judgement against our sin?  A: GOD RECONCILED THE WHOLE WORLD TO HIMSELF, THAT IS, HE DECLARED THE WHOLE WORLD NOT GUILTY.  Qu. 219: How is it possible that God, who is holy and just, would declare sinners righteous?  A: GOD CAN DECLARE SINNERS RIGHTEOUS without violating his justice because he declared Jesus to be guilty of every sin that has ever been or will ever be committed.  God made the only one who was without sin to be sin for us.  On the cross, Jesus was punished for every sin.  BECAUSE OF THE CROSS, THE ENTIRE WORLD HAS BEEN DECLARED TO BE NOT GUILTY.  THIS IS TRUE, NOT BECAUSE PEOPLE BELIEVE IT BUT BECAUSE IT TRULY HAPPENED (UNIVERSAL/OBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION)...Qu. 222: How do we receive the forgiveness of sins that God DECLARED FOR ALL PEOPLE?  A: We receive the benefits of what CHRIST DID FOR THE WORLD when the Holy Spirit works the gift of faith in our hearts.  WE BELIEVE THE OBJECTIVE TRUTH, THAT GOD HAS DECLARED THE WHOLE WORLD JUSTIFIED BECAUSE OF JESUS' SACRIFICE.  THE PERSONAL POSSESSION OF FORGIVENESS BY FAITH IN JESUS IS CALLED SUBJECTIVE JUSTIFICATION."


LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM WITH EXPLANATION (LCMS) 2017: (Note: As with the 1991 and 2001 ELS Catechisms, the 1991 and 2017 LCMS Catechisms are very similar, not using the terms "OJ/SJ," but whereas the 1991 LCMS Catechism says in Qu. 180 "God HAS DECLARED..." the 2017 LCMS Catechism says in Qu. 206 "God DECLARES..."  


This 2017 LCMS edition of the Small Catechism frequently quotes from the Lutheran Confessions, the only English language Synodical Conference synod Catechism to do so since the J.C. Dietrich Small Catechism, printed by CPH for the LCMS.  However, when a quotation is given to support the teaching of the Forgiveness of Sins in the 2017 LCMS Catechism, the quotation which is given is FC Ep III:4, which says (LCMS CONCORDIA Edition, p. 480) "Our righteousness before God is this: God forgives our sins out of pure grace, without any work, merit, or worthiness of ours preceding, present, or following.  He presents and credits to us the righteousness of Christ's obedience [Romans 5:17-19].  Because of this righteousness we are received into grace by God and regarded as righteous."  What is NOT quoted is what DIRECTLY FOLLOWS in FC Ep III:5: "3. WE BELIEVE, TEACH AND CONFESS THAT FAITH ALONE IS THE MEANS AND INSTRUMENT THROUGH WHICH WE LAY HOLD OF CHRIST.  So in Christ we lay hold of that righteousness that benefits us before God [Romans 1:17], FOR WHOSE SAKE THIS FAITH IS CREDITED TO US FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Romans 4:5)."


In summary: Before 1966 no Synodical Conference synod Catechism taught Objective/Subjective Justification.  That changed with the ELS Catechism of 1966.  The 1981 ELS Catechism influenced the 1991/2017 LCMS Catechisms as well as the 2001 (current) ELS Catechism.  The WELS Catechisms have been the most open in teaching Objective/Subjective Justification.


You've all heard of the fact that Mormons have to go to their "temples" for certain "ordinances" which teach "secrets" kept from both the "Gentiles" and other Mormons who haven't been to the "temple" themselves, thus creating a "dual Mormon membership," some of whom learn the "secrets" while others don't, and those who don't can't progress to "godhood" without "temple ordinances."  Why is it that the Synodical Conference synods taught Objective/Subjective Justification through their English language college and seminary doctrinal theology texts (e.g., A. Graebner, Th. Engelder, J.T. Mueller, EWA Koehler, F. Pieper ) since 1910 (and in their German and Latin language texts before 1910,) but only in their Catechisms for their laity and their children since 1966, if OJ/SJ is such a precious, necessary doctrine to know?  --Warren

WELS - Will My Grandchildren Have a Place To Worship the Synod?

 Together, they destroyed more congregations than the Chicago Fire, but they made a lot of money doing it. Give them that much.

The WELS money-grubbing letter from Jonathan Hein is a hoot, to paraphrase Steve Spencer. Ever since the sect embraced the Church Shrinkage Movement (now called Attritional), they have lost members faster than Sears has lost customers. What have they done in response? The sect has pumped up the volume of praise bands, pipe organ bashing, sermonless rants, and munchies during the sneaker service (imitating that prince of a man, Hybels, Willow Creek).

 Mirthless Mark Schroeder went to Appleton to bail out Ski, as Engelbrecht bragged in writing. However, I was the cause of all the troubles in the Anything Goes District. Did I write and post the infamous Ski sermon? Ha.

Let us pause to consider the pastoral care offered by Glende and Ski at St. Peter in Freedom, Wisconsin. When a long-standing member challenged them correctly about their plagiarized sermons, the DP backed up the Booze Brothers and Glende/Ski excommunicated the member. Open the back door - extend the Left Foot of Fellowship.

They were so full of themselves and the suds that they drove one staff member after another away - one pastor after a few months, Bishop Katy, and then the woman whose husband they sued four ways from Sunday. That was Glende's genius in Illinois, bullying members so he could get what he wanted. That is another WELS congregation closed instead of serving a university population. No one will say that, because the Boy Wonder is Brug's nephew.

That is just a microcosm of the abusive sect. The slander tossed at the Kavanaugh family now is a nice sample of what WELS clergy, DPs, and SP do when crossed. Do you think the evil lies against the judge are bad? WELS does the same to their workers, the families of the workers, and even the extended families. But it all depends, of course. If someone is from the right family, he can do no wrong and gets another call. If he knows the right people, the same is true. But the vast majority are treated like plantation slaves and cringe at the voice of the DP.

 Katy Perry lights the dreams of the Booze Brothers.

The WELS Tetzel says it is up to the congregations to increase in size. Pardon me while I reach for my oxygen hose. Laughing this hard makes my lips turn blue. This wonderful solution comes from the sect that has:

1. Abandoned and repudiated Justification by Faith.
2. Promoted the evil, false NIV on its members and publications.
3. Choked the traditional liturgy to death.
4. Mocked the Book of Concord while devilishly posing as Quia Marias in public.
5. Allowed the Mark Jeske Crime Family to run the synod without being elected, skimming money from all the funds to lubricate their ELCA-centric agenda. 
6. Welcomed the Odd Couple Ministry of Starr, Barefoot, and the Boys in the Band.
7. Driven away faithful members and workers.
8. Absolved felons (murder, child sex trafficking, love letters to children).
9. Wasted money at Fuller Seminary, Trinity Divinity, and Willow Creek.
10. Squandered the Schwan money, just as furiously as the MilCraft estate was ruined (which was the estate's fault, doncha know).
11. Looked the other way when all the clergy and teachers were being trained that the only path to success was in following the anti-Lutheran, feminist, mainline growth hives. Management by Objectives - that is the cure - not the efficacious Word in the Means of Grace.
12. Pretended to be awash in the Gospel when really legalistic, self-centered bullies of the worst kind, even when sober.

Jonathan Hein: "Open the front door and shut the back door." 

I am helpless with laughter. When I confronted DP Bob Mueller about his anti-Scriptural reign, he said angrily, "If you don't like it, leave." The solution in WELS is never to face their failure to follow the Scriptures and Confessions. No, "in our circles, orthodoxy means whatever we say it means." When they say "Write a letter," they mean, "Please take the first step in being excommuncated."

 Sadler - his graphic. Belch.
Alcoholism is a career enhancer in WELS.

"We have a program."

Has anyone heard that before? The Babtists always have a program of sanctification. This is going to cost a lot of money, I am sure.

"This is not about WELS. This is about souls."

They were soooo concerned, they let a healthy congregation in Illinois be ruined by Tim Glende, and he urged everyone to close the parish after he abandoned it - so everyone could forget.

"We need your prayers, your service, and your moolah."

WELS had the biggest charitable gift ever, the Schwan Foundation, gushing all kinds of money. The bosses hired their buddies and doubled the staff at the Love Shack. They spent money like Congressmen and the results were even worse.

The WELS executives get the highest salaries and benefits, doing the least work in the Means of Grace.

Mordor in Mequon does not have a single Lutheran professor.

 Martin Luther College - looking for a few good men, cuz
"We make a good man better."

Martin Luther College is openly LBTQ, but shhh, do not tell anyone. They have to be, to get their gubmint money. It too is failing, shrinking, but still staggeringly expensive.

 WELS/ELS could not get enough of this genius.
They love adulterous false teachers.

From the Secure, Undisclosed Warren of the Ichabunker

 Martin Chemnitz, like Luther and the Concordists, considered themselves
Theologians of the Augsburg Confession.

I just received from CPH my copy of the newly-published translation of the APOLOGY OF THE BOOK OF CONCORD from 1583, which defends the teachings of the BOOK OF CONCORD of 1580.  It was written by Martin Chemnitz and Nicolaus Selnecker (two of the six authors of the FORMULA OF CONCORD) and by Timothy Kirchner.

The APOLOGY was primarily directed against the Reformed Church's rejection of the Scriptural doctrines of the Two Natures of Christ and of the Real Presence of Christ in the
Sacrament of the Altar, and therefore it does not deal directly with the doctrine of the Justification by Faith Alone.

However, on page 428 of the APOLOGY I did find this confirmation of the precious doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone with the citation of John 3:16 against the Reformed doctrine of Election apart from faith (caps added):

"We are also not unaware that all who are truly repentant are elect and that such people certainly ought to conclude that they are elect and the children of God in and through Christ ON WHOM THEY BELIEVE.  Whomever God GIVES ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH FAITH (John 3 [:16]) must certainly be elect and God's dear child.  We also know that the question about salvation does not begin with the question about eternal election.  Rather, we follow the order of St. Paul in his letter to the Romans, where he first leads us to repentance or the knowledge of sins, then to FAITH IN CHRIST, then to the cross and suffering; then, when we have studied in this school for a while and have been tested and humbled under the cross and all kinds of temptations, we ourselves find how useful and beneficial it is that we are elected in Christ to eternal life and that no creature can separate us from His hands (Romans 8[:38-39])."

From the Research Arm of Team Ichabod - Loehe Small Catechism

Loehe Small Catechism quotations

278) Where do you find a description of Creation?

In the first two chapters of the Bible.

279) In how many days did God make heaven and earth?

In six days.

 I am so impressed with the loyalty of so many Dead Last Lutherans, who imitate their idol CFW Walther in covering up for gross clergy sexual abuse of members, collecting their rewards for that malfeasance, moving along praising themselves, world without end. Some of them are Roman Catholic; some of them are not. Not one is a Lutheran, according to Loehe's standards.

Scheer madness.

418) And which is the true Church?

That which teaches and confesses God’s Word purely, and administers the Sacraments according to the institution of Christ. John 8:31; 10:27.

419) What Church does this?

The so-called Lutheran church, to which therefore the titles Christian and Apostolic belong especially.

420) How can you find out what the Lutheran Church teaches?

From her confessions, which no Lutheran preacher dare contradict.

421) What are those Confessions?

The three General Creeds, the Augsburg Confession and the Apology, the Schmalkald Articles, the two Catechisms of Luther, and the Formula of Concord. They are all printed together in the Book of Concord, published in 1580)

---

43) What may be the meaning of the two tables of the Law?

The human heart, in which the commandments of God ought to be written.

44) What may be the meaning of the first tables, which God Himself made?

The human heart, as it was created by God.

45) And of the tables which Moses made?

The human heart, as it was made by man through his fall.

Reminds me of Ezekiel:

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: Eze 11:19

***

GJ

The Watherians and their thralls would have us believe that CFW is the standard of Lutheran orthodoxy, but they clearly oppose and repudiate the Biblical doctrine of Justification by Faith, replacing it with the faddish Objective Justification of rationalistic Pietism.  These pompous blowhards hate each other and get along like Calvinist factions (which they are), not only ignorant of the true Gospel but archenemies of it.

Tim Glende Keeps Moving On - New Call to Iowa. Hasn't Iowa Suffered Enough?

Tim Glende created a healthy and happy Eastern Orthodox congregation, by selling his paid-for building and shopping for one that matched his ego.

 The mission board said Glende could not sustain this new building, but he created a healthy, growing Babtist congregaton by skipping town before it was finished. The Babtists grew so fast they added to the building (above)! Glende wanted to close his newly established parish so everyone would forget how he drove it into insolvency.

 Glende escaped to St. Peter in Appleton and suddenly became the senior pastor, based on his ability to create two healthy congregations from his two previous disasters.
Ron Ash, the senior pastor, was head of Jeske's Church and Change or Die political lobby, which still runs WELS. The replacement for Ski is another Jeske pal, Pastor Mike.
As insiders know, Glende/Ski/Katy all worked at Jeske's congregation/business. Glende featured Katy Perry in her onesy as his profile photo on Facebook - for a long, long time. Note Glende's overuse of bronzer. Tch. Tch.

 Pastor Mike is both the new Ski and the new Jeske at Time of Grace.

Why did the new pastor leave Glende's parish in haste? Link here.

The Booze Brothers launched four lawsuits against one of their victims - linked is the report from the lawyer they excommunicated for telling the truth about their plagiarism.

Call Report – September 24, 2018 

Rev Timothy Glende

St Peter LC – North Campus Appleton WI

Good Shepherd LC Cedar Rapids IA Pastor

9/23/2018

 Synod President Mark Schroeder, DP Engelbrecht, DP Zank, and DP Kudu Don Patterson - five WELS poentates - teamed up to rescue Ski from his follies.

Moving Toward Free

 The senior editor of the Book of Concord. The apostate leaders all swear a quia subscription to the BoC. Right? Right? They must believe this is a sound explanation of the Holy Scriptures.

As people realize, the big money in publishing comes from distribution. For some reason, the apostates do not like acknowledging anything I have published. There are many interesting stories about that.

I switched to the Amazon system because of Search Engine Optimization. Enough titles linked and reviewed reach critical mass, as the ELDONUTs like to say. However, because I kept the profit marginal, the total is tiny - which is no problem for me. My new car, a 2002 Voyager, is paid for and in fine condition. However, my limo makes more noise than I do getting up in the morning.

I am moving toward making my publications free via Dropbox files and the Amazon prices as low as possible (no profit).  The free files can be saved and shared infinitely. I cough and choke when I see how much Lutheran publishers are demanding on Kindle files.

The lowest Kindle price for our little operation in a rented house is already on some Luther sermon files - 99 cents.

The idea behind our publishing is to get the Word out, as much as possible. Many books are given away, thanks to gifts given. Luther did the same, writing for free. He was happy to have the Word distributed far and wide.

We sent one of our helpers 20 copies of Gems Mined from Luther's Sermons, black and white for promotional use. They were given away at once and 15 more ordered in color. When one pastor got his copy, he began quoting Luther the next day.

Summersweet - the Cinnabon shrub - Clethra.
When the breeze blows - or on a humid day - aaah!

1 We plough the fields, and scatter
the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered
by God's almighty hand:
he sends the snow in winter,
the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes, and the sunshine,
and soft, refreshing rain.Refrain:
All good gifts around us
are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
for all his love.

2 He only is the maker
of all things near and far;
he paints the wayside flower,
he lights the evening star;
the winds and waves obey him,
by him the birds are fed;
much more to us, his children,
he gives our daily bread. [Refrain]

3 We thank thee then, O Father,
for all things bright and good,
the seed-time and the harvest,
our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer
for all thy love imparts,
and, what thou most desirest,
our humble, thankful hearts. [Refrain]

Source: Ancient and Modern: hymns and songs for refreshing worship #290

 Norma Boeckler's books.

Upcoming Activities - Publishing and Teaching

We do not have all those non-Means of Grace activities to keep us occupied, so here is what the future holds:

1. John's Gospel of Faith - To be finished and published soon.
2. Luther's House Postils - Already started.
3. How Calvin Ruined the Protestant Faith - Planned next.
4. Ichabod Lutheran Dictionary - Started: no more Mr. Nice Guy.
5. Greek class after each Advent service. Consult your Thrivent calendar. May do these Thursdays for pastors who attend.
6. Entire service and sermon in Word files - email list expanding. Those on it will get the Word file each Sunday, Advent, Lent. If you are not getting it and want it, email greg.jackson.edlp@gmail.com
7. The executive secretary, coffee-maker, chairman of the garden sub-committee of the altar committee is doing the best he can. Reminders of forgotten and misplaced items are welcome, if conveyed in a kind, sensitive, and diplomatic manner.

We have talked of organizing a list of good books to study for future pastors and interested laity. That deserves some time and organization. Walther will not be on it - it is a list for Lutherans.

More Luther books are being ordered to be sent this week. Amazon slowed down with a change in their publishing methods.

Learn to identify your predators.

Team Ichabod Is Discussing Justification by Faith, UOJ, Legalism, Antinomianism. Some Research

The McCain-Harrison administration has presided over this bombastic, ponderous, self-important veneration of Objective Justification, a Barthian Calvinistic repudiation of the Chief Article.

Gentlemen: Inspired by Pastor Jackson's research as reported in Ichabod, I have examined the first English language Small Catechisms used in the Synodical Conference synods from the 1890s up to (in the case of the 1943 LCMS Catechism) the present by some conservative Lutherans, to determine how the doctrine of Justification is presented: UOJ or JBFA.  Here are my findings: (Caps added)

1. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO THE SIX PARTS OF LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM by Wilhelm Loehe, 1893: Qu. 480 What does the Holy Ghost do for you?  A: He forgives my sins.  Qu. 481 Yours only?  A. No.  And the sins of ALL BELIEVERS.  Qu. 482 Why do you say, of ALL BELIEVERS?  A: Because the forgiveness of sins can be received ONLY IN FAITH.  (This Catechism was published in the United Synod of the South by the translator, Edward T. Horn.  Wilhelm Loehe originally worked with Walther and the LCMS, before founding the Iowa Synod.  Although not a Synodical Conference Catechism, Loehe's Catechism did reflect the teaching of the Synodical Conference at the time of its translation.)

      2.   DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM BY DR. J.C. DIETRICH, CPH,  1902: Qu. 305 Why do you say in this article: I believe in the forgiveness of sins?  A: Because I am fully assured that I cannot by my own power or my own works be justified before God, but that forgiveness of sins is bestowed upon me by grace, THROUGH FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.  For where there is forgiveness of sin there is also true justification.  Qu. 306 What is justification?  Justification is that act of God by which, from pure grace and mercy, for the sake of Christ's merits, He forgives the sins of a poor sinner WHO TRULY BELIEVES IN      CHRIST, and receives him to eternal life.  Qu. 307 How then do you become just before God and obtain eternal salvation?  A: Not by the merit of works, or by an indwelling and infused righteousness [UOJ?] ,           but only through the grace and mercy of God, for the sake of the merit of Christ alone, which I have apprehended and appropriated by TRUE CONFIDENCE OF THE HEART.  Or: By the most holy obedience, and       by the suffering and death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, not by any other works  To this I CLING WITH UNDOUBTING FAITH and upon this I FIX MY HEART'S ENTIRE CONFIDENCE....Qu. 309 But how can         it be said that we are justified alone by grace, alone for the sake of Christ's merit, ALONE THROUGH FAITH, and still through the Word of God and the Sacraments?  A: We are justified 1. By the grace and                   mercy of God, as the efficient cause; 2. For the sake of Christ's merits, as the meritorious cause; 3. THROUGH FAITH ALONE, AS THE ONLY INSTRUMENTAL CAUSE, OR THE HAND WHICH GRASPS SALVATION;  4.         Through the Word and Sacraments as the means of grace, which either convey or seal salvation. (LCMS Catechism)


       3. EXPLANATION OF LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM, Lutheran Synod Book Co. [ELS] 1906? (1964 printing, two years before first new ELS Catechism:)  Qu. 218 What precious gift does the Holy Ghost, in the                     Christian Church, grant YOU AND ALL BELIEVERS?  A: The Holy Ghost daily and richly forgives ME AND ALL BELIEVERS all our sins.


       4. A SHORT EXPOSITION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM by Heinrich Schwan, CPH 1912: Qu. 197 Who receives this forgiveness?  A: Although it has been PROCURED for ALL MEN, and is offered               by the Gospel to ALL THAT HEAR it, yet ONLY THOSE WHO BELIEVE THE GOSPEL AND THUS ACCEPT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS ACTUALLY BECOME PARTAKERS OF SUCH FORGIVENESS.  Qu. 198 What, then,             do we, together with our Church, confess regarding the forgiveness of sins, or justification?  A: That we receive forgiveness of sins and are justified before God, not by our works, but by grace, for Christ's                 sake, THROUGH FAITH.  Qu. 199 Can EVERY BELIEVER be sure of the forgivenesss of sins and of his salvation?  A: Yes, he can and should be, because God's promise is sure.  (LCMS Catechism)


       5. DOCTOR MARTIN LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM by Carl Gausewitz, Northwestern Publishing House [WELS] 1917 (Unrevised 1946 edition.)  Qu. 260 What do you confess with these words [I believe in the                 forgiveness of sins]?  A: I believe that the Holy Ghost in the Christian Church on earth daily and richly forgives all sins to ME AND ALL BELIEVERS. ..Qu. 262 Why do we say that the Holy Ghost forgives our
           sins, whereas we are justified before God by the redemption of Christ?  A: The Holy Ghost by the Gospel awards the righteousness of Christ to us, and gives OUR FAITH ASSURANCE THEREOF.  Qu. 263  To                 whom does God forgive sins?  A: TO ME AND ALL BELIEVERS.  "Our works are all rejected, all claims of merit pass for naught."


       6. LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM (Revised Schwan Catechism/Intersynodical Edition) CPH, 1943: Qu. 187 Why do you say, I believe in the forgiveness of sins?  A: The Bible assures me that God daily and richly               forgives all sins to ME AND ALL BELIEVERS. ..Qu. 192 How do you accept this forgiveness of sins?  A: I accept this forgiveness BY BELIEVING THE GOSPEL.  (LCMS Catechism)


       7. LUTHER'S CATECHISM (Revised Gausewitz Catechism) NPH [WELS] 1956: Qu. 258 What do you confess with these words [I believe in the forgiveness of sins]?  A: I believe that in the Christian Church on                   earth the Holy Ghost daily and richly forgives all sins to ME AND ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST. ..Qu. 260 Why do we say that the Holy Ghost forgives sins, whereas we are made righteous before God through               the redemption of Christ?  A: The Holy Ghost brings the righteousness of Christ to us by the Gospel and gives us THE FAITH TO BELIEVE IT.  Qu. 261 To whom does God forgive sins?  A: God forgives sins to                ME AND ALL BELIEVERS.

Drive-Buy Doctor Kintz. Have you no shame? Using Luther to sell foolish trinkets and his name to promote the Calvinistic Pietism of Bishop Stephan and Pope Walther? Is it not enough for the LCMS to jointly write a Book of Concord with an ELCA activist while decrying that activism? Must the synod also embrace the apostate dogma of ELCA and cover it with gold and silver paint to make everyone forget it is Dreck?

CPH books are brought to the gullible, courtesy of Calvin, Rambach, and Stephan, STD.

 Didya buy your Here I Stand socks from CPH? 

 It was beginning in 1966, with the first new ELS Catechism, that the Catechisms of the synods which had once been part of the Synodical Conference began to change how they presented the doctrine of Justification in such a way as to bring in UOJ, but up until that point in time JBFA was STILL being taught in the Synodical Conference Catechisms to the laity of those synods, while UOJ was being taught to college students, seminarians and pastors through such doctrinal theology texts as those by Franz Pieper, JT Mueller and EWA Koehler.  --WM

 These clowns now have an enormous CPH "Small" Catechism that carefully explains two Justifications, one where the entire world is forgiven without faith, the other where one must agree that the  world is forgiven without faith, to be be forgiven.

Initial Draft - John's Gospel of Faith, From the Disciple Jesus Loved

 Norma A. Boeckler

I have sent out an illustrated version of the Gospel of John, where I try to let the Fourth Gospel speak for itself. This is the first draft.

I have put some explanatory introductions in each chapter. I will be adding some footnotes and other materials, with an emphasis on the text itself, not on a bunch of theories.

Norma A. Boeckler has provided a beautiful set of illustrations for the book, which will be published in full-color and through Kindle - full color.

If you are known to me and want to review the early version, let me know by email and I will send the Word document dropbox link. I am limiting this draft to those genuinely interested and excluding those who never really grew beyond their WELS GA hazing - such incorrigible little boys.

The Creation Garden in Autumn

Ranger Bob's watch-kitty took up her station on the front porch, staying there all day for several days. She kept a sprig of cat mint for her meditations there.

Most people are slowing down for autumn, often doing the wrong things for the next season. So much can be done in cool, wet weather to make next year more interesting and productive. It rained buckets, and filled my barrels and buckets with rainwater.

Most herbs grow tenaciously and provide all kinds of benefits. Joe Pye.

Many herbs and unusal plants can be ordered, planted, or moved during this time. Our artist-in-residence loves butterflies, so I sent Norma A. Boeckler the ultimate butterfly plants - Joe Pye - from Growers Exchange.

Any plant - and that includes fall bulbs - will spread its roots during the fall and winter. Ranger Bob, our lawn crew, and the Creation Garden will dig in daffodils. The bulbs are not tasty to critters, and they multiply in the ground rather than shrinking.

We moved the Summersweet (Cinnabon aroma) up front and Ranger Bob noticed it right away. I would do that just for the 24/7 fragrance, but it is also a beneficial bug and butterfly plant.

 Wild Ginger is a big, leafy fun plant.
Everyone says, "What is THAT?"

We will move the Big Leafy Weeds around, because they spread through their "roots" and provide an impressive, tall fence. They produce eerie elvish flowers on stalks in the spring. Serious gardeners call them Wild Ginger Hidden Lily.

 "The Chaste Tree has died. The only way to move one is to buy a new one."
Oh, look what happened to the dead tree.

The Chaste Tree seemed to die during a hot, dry move, but it is now leafed out and poised to nurture bees in the spring, when they nestle in the pure blue flowers and collect its pollen.

 My Elephant Ears are the size of mouse ears.

Treasure the Garden Trash
Let me be blunt, for once. Garden trash is good for the spring garden. Neatniks want to cut down stalks, rake up leaves, and engage in all kinds of devilment. The Creation Garden should not be confused with the living room of a house, which cannot clean itself.

Zillions of beneficial creatures use that decaying trash for food and housing. Acres of grass are rather boring and comparitively boring. Carbon in leaves feed fungi, which feed all plants. Bacteria are the bread of life.

Our dental hygienist was carrying on about bacteria. I said, "They are really the foundation of all life." I was going to add that she made her living from bacteria and should bless them. If we go to the depts of Creation, we find microbes (bacteria, protozoa, fungi, nematodes) storing and swapping water and nutrition. They are the bottom of the food pyramid, so why donate their work to big lawn bags, hauled away, replaced by toxic man-made chemicals?

There is no creature so vile that it cannot feed on another one, whether in life or death. It is not the Disney circle of life, but God's Creation - perfect design, perfect engineering, perfect management.

Jessica Walliser hypnotized me with her beneficial bugs, and Sharon Lovejoy filled me in about many creatures. I used their wonderful books to fill in the gaps between rose monoculture and roses protected by squadrons of fascinating beneficial bugs - plus spiders galore.

This year I had a definite improvement over June Bug destruction (using milky spore added to the soil) and almost total victory over aphids. I once tolerated an initial influx of aphids, destroying white roses especially, then aphids losing out to beneficial bugs - which used them for baby food. But this year I saw almost no aphid damage at all, but a constant buzz of various insects and the chatter of birds enjoying their feasts. To borrow a phrase, this is a cloud of witnesses about God's Creation, design, and purpose.

Many of the new books show gardeners how garden trash is a shelter for such creatures as rove beetles, how webless spiders patrol the yard for food. Those who use pesticides outside are like the sharpshooters who video themselves pulling out a gun and shooting themselves in the foot. That is not something to boast about.

So if the lowlilest and least known creatures can have a very special and important purpose - like springtails reducing garden trash to food for others - then we must have even more to do.

Some ask, "Springtails? What are springtails?" That is my point. They are among the most abundant creatures on earth, yet most people do not know the first thing about them.

 Hybels made a living telling all the denominations how great he was.He retired early in the midst of scandals. No problem - WELS loves adulterous false teachers. He could work there.

The Willow Creek Splash - Shallow Waters Make a Lot of Noise
I have grown old reading reports about Willow Creek Community Church's brilliant plans - most of them emanating from WCCC.

Remember the oafish guy who could not attract attention so he would do a cannonball into the pool? Yes, that is Willow Creek, always making a lot of noise about themselves. I had a member who was a pioneering chemist. He said, "If still waters run deep, shallow waters make a lot of noise."

WC (which also means water closet in Britain) was the exemplar of the church that grew from nothing. An informant says that WC really began with wealthy Dutch Calvinists who wanted a church where Masonic Lodge membership was welcome, which was not true in the strictly Calvinist churches. The Great Bill Hybels started in an ordinary church when the Masonic offer was made. The first parish was forgotten, like the Lutheran Confessional Synod. Ex nihilo - WC was born from the marketing skills of brilliant Bill.

No wonder WELS trooped over to WC and gave scholarships so their mission pastors could be just as misled and anti-Sacrament as their leaders.

So WC has a legalistic answer for every problem, and everyone else should too. And yet the staff was Anti-Law (Antinomian) as legalists often are. No wonder WELS loved their WC - so close to the Love Shack, so close in philosophy.

 LCMS and WELS churches became members of the Willow Creek franchise, yet bragged about their opposition to unionism - (fellowship with false teachers).

Are You Attritional?

Behind the Church Shrinkage Movement (now Missional, but really Attritional) - is this toxic thought - "If we get everybody busy, everyone will want to come here and be friends with all the other busy people. We will give them a purpose to come here and support our vast architecture and glittering reputation."

However, this is just like gardening. Provide the nutrition, and everything will happen according to God's plan. The nutrition in the congregation is the Gospel, invisible in teaching and preaching, visible in the Sacraments.

Jesus clearly taught this in John 15. Remaining on the true Vine makes us fruitful. Through faith in Him - forgiveness - we become even more fruitful. We have so few gardeners now that nobody thinks of picking peas and seeing them flower to produce more peas, cutting roses and seeing more grow. 

The congregation that trusts the efficacy of the Gospel will see divine results over time.

Orchids on Our Altar

Today we remembered Gary Meyer, who passed into eternal life four years ago this week.

The beautiful orchids on the altar were given by Alicia Meyer, in memory of her husband. Alicia has always been a booster for our altar roses, which can be spectacular or modest. These orchids were especially beautiful.

We sang Gary's favorite hymn at the end of today's service:

"I'm But a Stranger Here"
by T. R. Taylor, 1807-1835

1. I'm but a stranger here,
Heav'n is my home;
Earth is a desert dread,
Heav'n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on every hand;
Heav'n is my fatherland,
Heav'n is my home.

2. What though the tempest rage,
Heav'n is my home;
Short is my pilgrimage,
Heav'n is my home;
And time's wild wintry blast
Soon shall be overpast;
I shall reach home at last,
Heav'n is my home.

3. There at my Savior's side
Heav'n is my home;
I shall be glorified,
Heav'n is my home;
There are the good and blest,
Those I love most and best;
And there I, too, shall rest,
Heav'n is my home.

4. Therefore I murmur not,
Heav'n is my home;
Whate'er my earthly lot,
Heav'n is my home;
And I shall surely stand
There at my Lord's right hand.
Heav'n is my fatherland,
Heav'n is my home.

Hymn #660
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Hebrews 4:9
Author: Thomas R. Taylor, 1836, alt.
Composer: Arthur S. Sullivan, 1872
Tune: "Heaven Is My Home"