Every Nation Has Border Security - Look It Up in the US Constitution

 

Tom Fisher's KJV Farm - Snow Storms Now Rain To Follow

 

Dear Pastor Jackson,

Please pray God will fully restore my health and strength.  Working in the extreme cold with 20 to 30 mile an hour winds has been very hard on me and my livestock. Now another severe weather change to rain and mud plus cold. Pray God will keep me healthy and safe as I work in very tough weather.

Especially pray God will make me healthy enough to begin writing articles again, and most importantly finish my Christmas letters to my brothers, nieces, and nephews, and relatives, and friends.

Thank you for posting my article on President Trump's Inauguration speech! I am working on another article on God's Word in the King James Bible. Very important I complete it, but I need better health.

In Christ,

Tom Fisher

A lamb in May, 2024.

The Purple Vatican Has Spoken

Rick Strickert (Carlvehse)
Senior Member
Username: Carlvehse

Post Number: 11321
Registered: 10-2003

Posted on Monday, January 27, 2025 - 5:16 pm:

---

From the 2023 LCMS Handbook, Bylaw 6.2 Recognized Service Organizations, one of the three classes of recognized service organizations (RSO) is an educational service organization (Section 6.2.2 (b)):

---

quote:

An educational service organization, under the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions, operates a Christian school (other than one governed solely by a Synod congregation or congregations), camp (with Christian programming), or the like. (Schools governed solely by Synod congregations, by virtue of their recognition as such by their districts, do not need recognized service organization status and have the rights and responsibilities of parish schools without obtaining recognized service organization status.)

---

However, here is an excerpt from a January 24, 2025, news article, "Luther Classical College Continues to Pursue Relationships within LCMS after Submitting RSO Application":

---

quote:

"Luther Classical College recently received notice from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) that the college’s application for Recognized Service Organization (RSO) is being denied consideration. Notable RSOs include Lutherans for Life, Wittenberg Academy, and the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education, each of which includes, like LCC, rostered LCMS clergy on its board of directors. However, CAO Felix Loc’s letter interprets Synod bylaws to disallow institutions of higher education from applying for RSO status. As previously communicated through other synodical channels, LCC interprets those bylaws differently and believes they allow the possibility for a college to seek RSO status."

---

In the meantime, there is a Gottesblog article, "In Harmony With the Doctrine and Practice of the LCMS?" about a RSO, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, in the Northwest District, pushing a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Plan, a Pride mindset to serve LGBTQ clients, and their proclamation of "LCSNW undaunted by new President’s anti-immigrant orders."

These kinds of woketardian shenanigans do not occur without the knowledge and consent of the President of the Missouri Synod. 

Rick Strickert (Carlvehse)
Senior Member
Username: Carlvehse

Post Number: 11322
Registered: 10-2003

Posted on Monday, January 27, 2025 - 7:14 pm:

---

Here is CAO Loc's January 20, 2025 letter announcing that Luther Classical College is not eligible for RSO status. The letter states:

---

quote:

LCC, as acknowledged in the LCC announcement, is not a college of the Synod and not a CUS institution. Bylaw 3.10.6.6, adopted by the Synod congregations at the 2023 Synod Convention, allows and provides a means for a college or university that is not part of CUS to request to join CUS. That is the option available to LCC if it is interested in pursuing the possibility of being a college of the Synod and a CUS institution. This information was repeatedly communicated to LCC before the enclosed announcement was made.

---

However Bylaw 3.10.6.6 states:

---

quote:

A college or university that is not a Concordia University System institution may request to join the Concordia University System.

---

The Bylaw does not require a non-CUS college or university to join the CUS or forbid a non-CUS college or university from applying to become an RSO instead. And prior to the 2023 Synod Convention, the bylaws did not contain anything about a non-CUS college or university joining the Concordia University System.

Ever Wonder How an Unusual Flower Appeared?

 

Snow on the Mountain

The Daily Luther Sermon Quote has reached beyond the 400 mark, depending how the label system works. 

1. At first I thought the blog posting of entire sermons was a good way to get Lenker's Luther's Sermons around. 
2. Later I had the help of many editors - plus the art of Norma Boeckler - to print the volumes. 
3. Recently I began the Daily Luther Sermon Quote to wake up clergy and laity.

If no one read the short passages, I would still be reading them. Once upon a time i had a packet of Snow on the Mountain. I had no quick place for planting the seeds, so I tossed them into the bulb collection around the garage...and forgot. One day I saw a peculiar weed among the flowering bulbs. My squinty eyes examined the weed and revealed the surprise - Snow on the Mountain - not the stuff grown in the shade (Bishop's Weed). Everyone wanted to give me Bishop's Weed but they were shocked they only grew something with such a coarse name.

Bishop's Weed - "Although it has extremely vigorous growth and invasive tendencies, bishop's weed is useful in the right setting. If you are looking for an easy-to-grow groundcover to quickly fill a confined space, consider this plant [weed]."

Today I pulled volume 1 of Luther's Sermons off the shelf, to make sure I had the passage that I enjoyed, one of those surprises. The donor gave me the set and just celebrated her anniversary, so I sent some flowers.

Tom Fisher - On Trump's Inaugural Address

 

The MOST important statement made by President Trump during his inauguration speech:

"We will not forget our country!"

"We will not forget our constitution!"

"AND WE WILL NOT FORGET OUR GOD!!!!"

"Can't do that!"

President Trump emphasized this ONE statement with the STRONGEST heartfelt conviction and firm resolve:

"AND WE WILL NOT FORGET OUR GOD!!!!!"

He emphasized this statement more than any other, making it clear that the success of everything he said depended upon this broad foundational statement. 

This foundational statement echoed his continuous urgent plea for American's to buy and read the KING JAMES BIBLE. He urged American's to PRAY more. He urged American's to greet one another with, "MERRY CHRISTMAS" , believing the TRUE meaning of this greeting: that God sent His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON to be our Savior. In his own words President Trump preached Christ to America and the world in his Christmas Greetings.

As Lutheran Christians we need to follow President Trump's example and clearly express our Christian faith with our family and friends. Share KJV Bible verses with your sons and daughters, mom and dad, grandfather and grandmother, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends, and distant relatives. TELL THEM WHAT GREAT THINGS GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU IN YOUR BAPTISM. 

I have found that writing Christmas letters focused on quoting KJV Bible verses and clearly expressing the great things God has done for us is the best way to share your Lutheran Christian faith with your family and friends. 

I am way behind in writing my Christmas letters, but I hope to begin struggling with them soon. I say very little about myself. Christmas is about Christ NOT ourselves! 

Pray for President Trump and our Constitutional Republic with faith.

In Christ,

Tom Fisher

The MOST important statement made by President Trump during his inauguration speech:

"We will not forget our country!"

"We will not forget our constitution!"

"AND WE WILL NOT FORGET OUR GOD!!!!"

"Can't do that!"

President Trump emphasized this ONE statement with the STRONGEST heartfelt conviction and firm resolve:

"AND WE WILL NOT FORGET OUR GOD!!!!!"

He emphasized this statement more than any other, making it clear that the success of everything he said depended upon this broad foundational statement. 

This foundational statement echoed his continuous urgent plea for American's to buy and read the KING JAMES BIBLE. He urged American's to PRAY more. He urged American's to greet one another with, "MERRY CHRISTMAS" , believing the TRUE meaning of this greeting: that God sent His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON to be our Savior. In his own words President Trump preached Christ to America and the world in his Christmas Greetings.

As Lutheran Christians we need to follow President Trump's example and clearly express our Christian faith with our family and friends. Share KJV Bible verses with your sons and daughters, mom and dad, grandfather and grandmother, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends, and distant relatives. TELL THEM WHAT GREAT THINGS GOD HAS DONE FOR YOU IN YOUR BAPTISM. 

I have found that writing Christmas letters focused on quoting KJV Bible verses and clearly expressing the great things God has done for you is the best way to share your Lutheran Christian faith with your family and friends. 

I am way behind in writing my Christmas letters, but I hope to begin struggling with them soon. I say very little about myself. Christmas is about Christ NOT ourselves! 

Pray for President Trump and our Constitutional Republic with faith.

In Christ,

Tom Fisher

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Epiphany 4 - "That the people marveled and praised the Lord that the wind and sea were subject to him, signifies that the Gospel, God’s Word, spreads farther through persecution, it thus becomes stronger and faith increases; and this is also a paradoxical characteristic of the Gospel compared with all worldly things which decrease through every misfortune and opposition, and increase through prosperity and peace. Christ’s kingdom grows through tribulations and declines in times of peace, ease and luxury, as St. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My power is made perfect in weakness, etc.”

 

Luther knew that Management by Objective was a farce, but today's Big Five Apostates - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) - immerse themselves in jolly follies, wondering where everything went.

Complete Sermon ->Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Matthew 8:23-27. Christ stilling the Tempest, or Faith and Unbelief, and Love

12. But what does this Gospel say? There was a violent tempest on the lake when Christ and his disciples were in the ship. The sea and the wind allowed the other ships to sail in calm weather; but this ship had to suffer distress because of Christ being in it. The world can indeed tolerate all kinds of preaching except the preaching of Christ. Hence whenever he comes and wherever he is, there he preaches that he only is right and reproves all others; as he says in Matthew 12:30: “He that is not with me is against me”, and again, John 16:8: “The spirit will convict the world in respect of sin, and of righteousness and of judgment;” he says that he will not only preach, but that he will convict the whole world and what is in the world. But it is this convicting that causes such tempests and dangers to this ship. Should he preach that he would allow the world to go unpunished and to continue in its old ways, he would have kept quiet before and never have entered the world; for if the world is good and is not to be convicted then there would never have been any need of him coming into the world.

13. Now it is the consolation of Christians, and especially of preachers, to be sure and ponder well that when they present and preach Christ, that they must suffer persecution, and nothing can prevent it; and that it is a very good sign of the preaching being truly Christian, when they are thus persecuted, especially by the great, the saintly, the learned and the wise.

And on the other hand that their preaching is not right, when it is praised and honored, as Christ says in Luke 6:22-26: “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you; for in the same manner did their fathers to the false prophets. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake; in the same manner did their fathers to the prophets.” Behold our preachers, how their teachings are esteemed; the wealth, honor and power of the world have them fully under their control, and still they wish to be Christian teachers, and whosoever praises and preaches their ideas, lives in honor and luxury.

14. Hence, people have here an example where they are to seek their comfort and help, not in the world; they are not to guard the wisdom and power of men, but Christ himself and him alone; they are to cleave to him and depend on him in every need with all faithfulness and confidence as the disciples, do in our text. For had they not believed that he would help them, they would not have awakened him and called upon him. True their faith was weak and was mingled with much unbelief, so that they did not perfectly and freely surrender themselves to Christ and risk their life with him, nor did they believe he could rescue them in the midst of the sea and save them from death. Thus it is ordained that the Word of God has no master nor judge, no protector or patron can be given it besides God himself. It is his Word. Therefore, as he left it go forth without any merit or counsel of men, so will he himself without any human help and strength administer and defend it. And whoever seeks protection and comfort in these things among men, will both fall and fail, and be forsaken by both God and man.

15. That Jesus slept indicates the condition of their hearts, namely, that they had a weak, sleepy faith, but especially that at the time of persecution Christ withdraws and acts as though he were asleep, and gives neither strength nor power, neither peace nor rest, but lets us worry and labor in our weakness, and permits us to experience that we are nothing at all and that all depends upon his grace and power, as Paul confesses in Corinthians 1:9, that he had to suffer great affliction, so as to learn to trust not in himself but in God, who raised the dead. Such a sleeping on the part of God David often experienced and refers to it in many places, as when he says in Psalm 44:23: “Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? Arise, cast us not off forever.”

16. The summary of this Gospel is this, it gives us two comforting, defying proverbs, that when persecution for the sake of God’s Word arises, we may say: I indeed thought Christ was in the ship, therefore the sea and wind rage, and the waves dash over us and threaten to sink us; but let them rage, it is ordained that the wind and sea obey his will. The persecutions will not continue longer than is his pleasure; and although they overwhelm us, yet they must be subject to him; he is Lord over all, therefore nothing will harm us. May he only give us his help that we may not despair in unbelief. Amen.

17. That the people marveled and praised the Lord that the wind and sea were subject to him, signifies that the Gospel, God’s Word, spreads farther through persecution, it thus becomes stronger and faith increases; and this is also a paradoxical characteristic of the Gospel compared with all worldly things which decrease through every misfortune and opposition, and increase through prosperity and peace. Christ’s kingdom grows through tribulations and declines in times of peace, ease and luxury, as St. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My power is made perfect in weakness, etc.” To this end help us God! Amen.

Avoid the Spittle Coming from the Raging Objective Justification Mercenaries

 

"You are not a Christ-ian. You are a FAITH-ian! Your FAITH is in FAITH, not in Christ!" Apart from the Jabberwockian nonsense, this Concordia Ft. Wayne Seminary claim continues to hammer the innocents and please the faculty.

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Matthew 8:23-27. Christ stilling the Tempest, or Faith and Unbelief, and Love

The traditional theme for Epiphany 4 is noted above and one of the greatest sermons of the Luther-Lenker edition.

Lacking today is faith, because the genius theologians and synodical bigshorts are wrapped up in their anti-Christian programs, lectures, booklets, plagiarisms, and sales manuals. 

Why are the Waltherians so hypnotized by ELCA? who have their own or borrowed programs of stirring the masses - or the Mass - from copying recent products? 

The simple answer is - The Big Five Apostates - ELCA-LCMS-WELS-ELS-CLC (sic) - have no faith. They may have learned the basics years ago, but that will only harm their glamor and prestige.  Thrivent's Mark Jeske was high church at first, with Scaery processions, candles, incense, and robes. He tried to buy the altar from the Historic St. John Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. But St. Mark found bliss in the crafts, assaults, and empty promises of his Father Below.

Here are the basics left behind by the Big Five:

1. The Holy Trinity
2. The Two Natures of Christ
3. The Virgin Birth of Jesus
4. Justification by Faith
5. The efficacy of the Word
6. The miracles and teaching of Jesus
7. His atoning death for our sins
8. His resurrection, teaching His mission, and 
9. Ascension
10. His infallible Word in Hebrew and Greek. "Heaven and earth may pass away but My Word will never pass away." 

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Epiphany 4 - "This Gospel, as a narrative, gives us an example of faith and unbelief, in order that we may learn how mighty the power of faith is, and that it of necessity has to do with great and terrible things and that it accomplishes nothing but wonders; and that on the other hand unbelief is so fainthearted, shamefaced and trembling with fear that it can do nothing whatever. An illustration of this we see in this experience of the disciples, which shows the real state of their hearts."

 

Complete sermon - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Matthew 8:23-27. Christ stilling the Tempest, or Faith and Unbelief, and Love

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY.

TEXT:

Matthew 8:23-27. And when he was entered into a boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Save, Lord; we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, 0 ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?


I. OF FAITH AND UNBELIEF.

1. This Gospel, as a narrative, gives us an example of faith and unbelief, in order that we may learn how mighty the power of faith is, and that it of necessity has to do with great and terrible things and that it accomplishes nothing but wonders; and that on the other hand unbelief is so fainthearted, shamefaced and trembling with fear that it can do nothing whatever. An illustration of this we see in this experience of the disciples, which shows the real state of their hearts. First, as they in company with Christ entered the ship, all was calm and they experienced nothing unusual, and had any one asked them then if they believed, they would have answered, Yes. But they were not conscious of how their hearts trusted in the calm sea and the signs for fair weather, and that thus their faith was founded upon what their natural eyes saw. But when the tempest comes and the waves fill the boat, their faith vanishes; because the calm and peace in which they trusted took wings and flew away, therefore they fly with the calm and peace, and nothing is left but unbelief.

2. But what is this unbelief able to do? It sees nothing but what it experiences. It does not experience life, salvation and safety; but instead the waves coming into the boat and the sea threatening them with death and every danger. And because they experience these things and give heed to them and turn not their fear from them, trembling and despair can not be suppressed. Yea, the more they see and experience it the harder death and despair torment them and every moment threatens to devour them. But unbelief cannot avoid such experiences and cannot think otherwise even for a second. For it has nothing besides to which it can hold and comfort itself, and therefore it has no peace or rest for a single minute. And thus will it also be in perdition, where there will be nothing but despair, trembling and fear, and that without end.

3. But had they had faith, it would have driven the wind and the waves of the sea out of their minds, and pictured before their eyes in place of the wind and tempest the power and grace of God, promised in his Word; and it would have relied upon that Word, as though anchored to an immovable rock and would not float on the water, and as though the sun shined brightly and all was calm and no storm was raging. For it is the great characteristic and power of faith to see what is not visible, and not to see what is visible, yea, that which at the time drives and oppresses us; just as unbelief can see only what is visible and can not in the least cleave to what is invisible.

4. Therefore God bestows faith to the end that it should deal not with ordinary things, but with things no human being can master as death, sin, the world and Satan. For the whole world united is unable to stand before death, but flees from and is terrified by it, and is also conquered by it; but faith stands firm, opposes death that devours everything, and triumphs over it and even swallows the insatiable devourer of life. In like manner no one can control or subdue the flesh, but it reigns everywhere in the world, and what it wills must be done, so that the whole world thereby is carnal; but faith lays hold of the flesh and subdues and bridles it, so that it must become a servant. And in like manner no one can endure the rage, persecution, and blasphemy, infamy, hatred and envy of the world; every one retreats and falls back exhausted before it, it gets the upper hand over all and triumphs; and if they are without faith it mocks them besides and treads all under its feet, and takes pleasure and delight in doing so.

5. Further, who could conquer Satan with his innumerable, subtle suggestions and temptations, by which he hinders the truth and God’s Word, faith and hope, and starts so many false doctrines, sects, seductions, heresies, doubts, superstitions and innumerable abominations? The whole world compared with him is like a spark of fire compared with a fountain of water. All must be here subject to him; as we also see, hear and understand. But it is faith that keeps him busy, and it not only stands before him invulnerable, but also reveals his roguery and puts him to shame, so that his deception fails and he faints and falls; as now takes place with his indulgences and his papacy. Just so no one can allay and quiet the least sin, but it bites and devours the conscience, so that nothing avails even if the whole world were to comfort and support such a person, he must be cast down into perdition. Here faith is a hero, it appeases all sins, even if they were as many as the whole world had committed.

6. Is there now not something almighty and inexpressible about faith that it can withstand all our powerful enemies and gain the victory, so that St. John says in his first Epistle 1 John 5:4: “This is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith?” Not that this is done in peace and by quietly resting; for it is a battle that is carried on not with out wounds and shedding of blood. Yea, the heart so severely experiences in this battle sin and death, the flesh, Satan and the world, that it has no other thought than that it is lost, that sin and death have triumphed, and that Satan holds the field of battle. The power of faith however experiences but little of that. This is set forth in our narrative, when the waves not only dashed into the boat, but even covered it, so that it was about to go under and sink, and Christ was lying asleep. Just then there was no hope of life, death had the upper hand and had triumphed; life was lying prostrate and was lost.

7. As it went here, so it goes and must go in all other temptations of sin, Satan, etc. We must experience how sin has taken captive the conscience and nothing but wrath and perdition wish to reign, and how we must be eternally lost. Satan must start so many things by his error and false teaching that it appears God’s Word must fall to the ground and the world must glory in falsehood. Likewise the world must rage and persecute to such an extent that it appears no one can stand or be saved, or even confess his faith; but Cain will rule alone and will not rest until his brother is dead, so that he may never be in his way. But we must not judge and act according to appearance and our experience, but according to our faith.

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany - 2025,

 GJ - I have a YouTube channel set up on both computers. A lot more can be done tomorrow. 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83176627563?pwd=MOUFaDGDSm6ItKhw8HHA30EnobbsjQ.1

The Hymn #132             O God of God

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

The Introit

Worship Him, all ye His angels: 

Zion heard and was glad.

The daughters of Judah rejoiced: 

because of Thy judgments, O Lord.

Psalm. The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice: 

let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

The Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle 

The Gradual

The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord: 

and all the kings of the earth Thy glory.

V. When the Lord shall build up Zion: 

He shall appear in His glory. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice: 

let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Hallelujah!

      

The Gospel              

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
  

The Sermon Hymn #508    Thou  Whose Almighty Word

The Powerful Word of God

The Hymn #309           O Jesus Blessed Lord

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 #498     Rise Thou Light of Gentile Nations

     

Prayers and Announcements

• Avelin's (Aby's) second birthday is this week. 
• Gary and Alicia's wedding anniversary is January 27th.
• Chris Shrader just had a birthday (January 19), and so did Pastor Shrader (January 15).
• Doctor's care - Sarah Buck, Kermit Way.
• Pray for the Bill of Rights, our President and his supporters, our military justice system.

  Graphic by Norma A. Boeckler

            

KJV Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

KJV Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. 

    5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Third Sunday After Epiphany

O almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all dangers and necessities stretch forth Thy mighty hand, to defend us against our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

The Powerful Word of God

KJV Matthew 8:1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

We discover more when we hear or read what is happening in the Gospel. I find this especially important when I get to discuss those things with Old Testament students. For instance, Abraham was promised a son in Genesis 15, which was a great miracle. The Promise was not just to the only son Isaac, but the Promised Son and the righteousness of faith. 

Likewise, Matthew 8 is significant when we page back and read over the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5, Matthew 6, Matthew 7 - often called the Greatest Sermon. The multitudes were coming down from the mountain, filled with faith. 

Ending of the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having [divine] authority, and not as the scribes.

Out of this very large group of people came two very important individuals. Because these episodes were rare and very special, they are provided for our instruction. They came down from the mountain filled with faith. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. They heard and they believed because the Word of God is always effective/powerful/divine.

Unlike most other things in life, the Word of God is always effective, the Truth that is so easily dismissed today. But even then, that power is divine, because the Word does blind and harden. So people will shout their foolishness against the Scriptures and even try to distort and dismiss the Word of God. 

2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. [note John 15 - the true Vine]

This connection, between the Savior and the individual, is perpetual, unless one wants to turn away forever. Even then, the Good Samaritan/Jesus is there to continue the healing and recovery. 

The leper worshiped - honored - Jesus as God. The leper was completely aware after this great sermon and knew rationally and emotionally that Jesus was divine - and that he only needed to be healed or cleansed. There was no doubting from the leper. He had nothing and was nothing to the crowd but he was completely in step with the Lord. The crowd was thinking, "Oh, ick." Jesus was thinking about the crowd, "Don't you know?" The leper was thinking, "If He only cleansed me..."

3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

This is how God works through Christ Jesus and His subordinate angels. The smallest details can be resolved by the Good Shepherd, in His time, in His way. Many wonderful things happen without our notice or appreciation. As one of my students said - "I realized that some really terrible events in my life turned out to be great blessings. It took me years to realize it."

4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony [martyr] unto them. 

We use that term martyr literally as witness but also for those Protestants who were killed and yet spread the Gospel.

Jesus commanded that the healed leper go directly to be cleansed so the synagogue could know that God visited their place and their former leper.

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

The Scriptures as a whole made this a turning point for everyone, if they dared to accept this story as it is clearly taught - and yet is ignored or bypassed. I kept asking myself - what is the core being ignored, rejected, dismissed, and even ridiculed?

KJV John 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

9 Of sin, because they believe not on Me

According to Jesus, in this overlooked passage, the foundational sin for all people, as taught by the Holy Spirit (that is - Jesus, the Spirit, the Word, the Father) is lack of faith.

Therefore it is a grievous sin - not believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, the Teacher and miracle worker, Who was tortured and died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended to Heaven, from which He rules and helps us - with His angels - until the end of time.

8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.  10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

We Are Centurions

If we pay attention, it is clear that we are all centurions as believers - We can 

Pray for our enemies

Pray for the sick and shut-ins

Pray for the spiritual strength of others

Pray for the special needs of those we hear about.

And consider our needs and blessings in prayer.

11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

This is true today, and this great gathering is one based on faith in Jesus Christ and the truth of the Holy Scriptures. Miracles and healing take place at great distance, as they did when Jesus walked among His people and the pagans.

Dore

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - Epiphany 3 - "But let us examine their reason why they do not think children believe. They say, because they have not attained to reason they cannot hear God’s Word; but where God’s Word is not heard there can be no faith. Romans 10:17: “Belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

 

Third Sunday after Epiphany. Matthew 8:1-13. Christ heals the Centurion’s Servant, or Two Examples of Faith and Love. The Faith and Baptism of Children

34. He is just as present in baptism now as he was then: this we Christians know for certain. Therefore we dare not forbid baptism to children. Nor dare we doubt that he blesses all who come thither, as he did those children. So then there is nothing left here but the piety and faith of those who brought the little children to him. By bringing them, they effect and aid that the little children are blessed and obtain the kingdom of heaven; which cannot be the case unless they themselves have their own faith, as has been said. So we also say here, that children are brought to baptism by the faith and work of others; but when they get there and the pastor or baptizer deals with them in Christ’s stead, he blesses them and grants to them the faith and the kingdom of heaven: for the word and deed of the pastor are the word and work of Christ himself.

35. With this agrees also what St. John says in his first Epistle,1 John 2:13: “I write unto you, fathers; I write unto you, young men; I have written unto you, little children.” He is not satisfied to write to the young men; he also writes to the children, and writes that they may know the Father. From this it follows that the apostles baptized children also, and held that they believe and know the Father, just as if they had attained to reason and could read. Although somebody might here interpret the word “children” as adults, as Christ designates his disciples sometimes: yet it is certain that here they are meant who are younger than the young men; so that it is evident he is speaking of young people who are under fifteen or eighteen years of age, and excludes nobody down to the first year: for these all are called children.

36. But let us examine their reason why they do not think children believe. They say, because they have not attained to reason they cannot hear God’s Word; but where God’s Word is not heard there can be no faith. Romans 10:17: “Belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Tell me is this Christian to judge of God’s works by our thinking, and say, Children have not attained to reason, therefore they cannot believe? How if through this very reason you have already departed from faith, and the children come to faith through their unreason? Dear friend, what good does reason do for faith and the Word of God? Is it not reason which resists in the highest degree faith and the Word of God, so that nobody can come to faith by means of reason? Reason will not endure God’s Word unless it is first blinded and disgraced. Man must first die to reason and become, as it were, a fool, and even as unreasonable and unintelligent as a little child, if he is to become a believer and receive the grace of God; as Christ says in Matthew 18:3: “Except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven.” How often does Christ hold before us that we must become children and fools, and condemn reason?

37. Tell me also, what kind of reason had the little children whom Christ embraced and blessed, and upon whom he bestowed the kingdom of heaven? Were they not still without reason? Why does he command to bring them to him and then bless them? Where did they get the faith which makes them children of the kingdom of heaven? Nay, just because they are without reason and foolish, they are better prepared to believe than adults and those possessed of reason, because reason is always in the way and with its large head is not willing to push through the narrow door. One must not look upon reason or its works when faith and God’s work are under consideration. Here God alone works and reason is dead, blind and, compared to this work, an unreasonable block, in order that the Scripture may stand, which says: “God is wonderful in his saints;” and: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,” Isaiah 55:9.

38. But since they stick so fast in reason, we must assail them with their own wisdom. Tell me, why do you baptize a man when he has come to the age of reason? You answer: He hears God’s Word and believes. I ask:

How do you know that? You answer: He professes it with his mouth.

What shall I say? How, if he lies and deceives? You cannot see his heart.

Very well, then you baptize for no other reason than for what the man shows himself to be externally, and you are uncertain of his faith, and must believe that if he has not more within in his heart than you perceive without, neither his hearing, nor his profession, nor his faith will help him; for it may all be a delusion and no true faith. Who then are you, that you say external hearing and profession are necessary to baptism; where these are wanting one must not baptize? You yourself must confess that such hearing and profession are uncertain, and not enough for one to receive baptism. Now upon what do you baptize? How will you justify your actions when you thus bungle baptism and bring it into doubt? Is it not the fact that you must come and say that it is not becoming for you to know or do more than that he whom you are to baptize be brought to you and ask baptism from you; and you must believe or commit the matter to God, whether he inwardly truly believes or not? In this way you are excused and baptize aright. Why then will you not do the same for the children, whom Christ commands to be brought to him and promises to bless? But you wish first to have the outward hearing and profession, which you yourself acknowledge is uncertain and not sufficient for baptism on the part of the one to be baptized. And you let go the sure word of Christ: in which he bids the little children to be brought unto him, on account of your uncertain external hearing.

39. Moreover tell me, where is the reason of a Christian while he is asleep, since his faith and the grace of God never leave him? If faith can thus continue without the aid of reason, so that the latter is not conscious of it, why should it not also begin in children before reason knows anything about it? In the same way I would like to say of every hour in which a Christian lives and is busy and occupied, that he is not conscious of his faith and reason, and yet his faith does not on that account cease. God’s works are mysterious and wonderful, where and when he wills: and again manifest enough, where and when he wills. Judgment upon them is too high and too deep for us.

40. Since it is commanded here, not to forbid little children to come unto him in order to receive his blessing, and it is not demanded of us to know the exact state of faith within, and the external hearing and profession are not sufficient for the one baptized, we are to be content that it is enough for us, the baptizers, to hear the profession of the one to be baptized, who comes to us of himself. And this for the reason that we may not administer the sacrament against our conscience, as giving it to those in whom no fruit is to be hoped for. But if they assure our conscience of their desire and profession, so that we can administer it as a sacrament that imparts grace, we are excused. If his faith is not true, let that rest with God; we have not given the sacrament as a useless thing, but with the consciousness that it is beneficial.

41. All this I say in order that one may not baptize recklessly, as they do who even administer it with the deliberate knowledge that it will be of no effect or benefit to the person receiving it. For therein the baptizers sin. because they knowingly use God’s sacrament and Word in vain, or at least have the consciousness that it is neither intended nor able to effect anything; which is an altogether unworthy use of the sacrament and a temptation and blasphemy of God. For that is not administering the sacrament, but making a mockery of it. But if the person baptized denies and does not believe, you have done right anyhow, and have administered the true sacrament with the good consciousness that it ought to be beneficial.

42. However, those who do not come of themselves, but are brought, as Christ bids us to bring little children, the faith of these commit to him who bids them to be brought, and baptize them by his command, and say: Lord, thou dost bring them and command to baptize them. Thou wilt answer for them. On this I rely. I dare not drive them away nor forbid them. If they have not heard the Word, by which faith comes, as adults; hear it, they nevertheless hear it like little children. Adults take it up with their ears and reason, often without faith; but they hear it with their ears, without reason and with faith. And faith is nearer in proportion as reason is less, and he is stronger who brings them than the will of adults who come of themselves.

43. These inventive spirits stumble mostly because in adults there is reason, which acts as if it believed the Word it hears. This then they call faith.

Again they see that in children there is as yet no reason; for they act as if they did not believe. But they do not observe that faith in God’s Word is quite a different and deeper thing than what reason does with the Word of God. For it is the work of God alone above all reason, to which the child is just as near as the adult, yes, much nearer, and from which the adult is just as far as the child, yea, much farther.

44. But this that is contrived by reason is a human work. I think, if any baptism is certain, the baptism of children is most certain, because of the Word of Christ, where he commands to bring them, whereas the adults come of themselves. In adults there may be deception because of the reason that is manifest; but in children there can be no deception, because of their hidden reason, in whom Christ works his blessing, even as he has bidden them to be brought to himself. It is a glorious word and not to be treated lightly, that he commands us to bring the children to him, and rebukes those who forbid it.

45. But hereby we do not mean to weaken or destroy the office of preaching. For God indeed does not cause his Word to be preached for the sake of the rational hearing, since no fruit results from that; but for the sake of the spiritual hearing, which, as I have said, children also have as well and even better than adults; for they also hear the Word. For what else is baptism but the Gospel to which they are brought? However, they hear it only once, but they hear it more effectively, because Christ, who has commanded to bring them, receives them. For adults have the advantage that they frequently hear and can think of it again. Yet even in the case of adults it is a fact that the spiritual hearing is not effected by many sermons.

But it may occur once during one sermon, and then he has enough for ever.

What he hears afterwards, he hears either to improve the first hearing or to destroy it again.

46. In short, the baptism and consolation of children lie in the word: “Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not; for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.” He has spoken this and he does not lie.

Therefore it must be right and Christian to bring little children to him. This can only be done in baptism. So also it must be certain that he blesses them, and bestows the kingdom of heaven upon all who come to him, according to the words: “To such belongeth the kingdom of God.” Let this be enough for this time.

47. Finally it would be in order here to treat of the spiritual meaning of leprosy and the palsy. But of leprosy much has been said in the Postil of the ten lepers. Therefore it need not be treated at length here.