Sunday, February 15, 2015

What Is Happening with the Church and Endowment Fund Stolen by WELS?

The WELS District President kicked Hastings out of WELS,
then kicked the congregation out for supporting Hastings.
But they had no qualms about stealing the property and endowment,
under the leadership of SP Mark Schroeder.
The photogalleries include some of my Photoshops,
but nothign about the organ concerts.


"Pastors" I count one.


Rog
Pastor Roger P. Drews has recently been called to serve here at St. John’s.  He had been retired for 20 years when the Lord told him He still had work for him to do.  Pastor Drews has had much experience in preaching the pure Gospel.  He has studied the original Greek to give a clearer picture of what the Holy Spirit inspired.  He has authored a commentary on the last book of the Bible which does not follow the current trend.  He  asks “Revelation!  What Did The First Audience Hear?
In 1977 Pastor Drews started the radio ministry programs “Music For the Master” and “Message From The Master.”  They were syndicated in over 10 stations in the Midwest and Canada.  His church services were sent to troops overseas.  Pastor Drews also started “The Come To The WELS” outreach program.
May the Lord bless his work here.


"History" - Very odd version


The beginning of the congregation dates to 1847 when a group of Lutherans began meeting in private homes in downtown Milwaukee to hear readings of Martin Luther’s sermons. On December 4, 1848 a group of these German Lutheran families led by Pastor Ludwig Dulitz joined forces and started “Evangelishe Lutheran St. Johanneskirche” (St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church). In 1850 the congregation purchased the old Trninty Episcopal Church on the corner of 4th and Prairie (Highland) and dedicated the structure along with a school building.

The following years were a time of growth and expansion for St. John’s, assisted by the enormous number of German immigrants. The congregation called Pastor Johannes Bading to serve in 1858. New schools were built in 1871 and 1877, and the congregation grew to over 2500 members. The need for a larger church building now became obvious.
In the spring of 1889 the congregation hired the architects Herman Paul Schnetzky and Eugene R. Liebert to design a new church building. On July 28, 1890 the new Gothic structure, with a seating capacity of 1100, was dedicated.
Historic St. John's Lutheran Church and Parsonage
Historic St. John's Lutheran Church and Parsonage
Historic St. John's Lutheran Church
Historic St. John's Lutheran Church
Christian education was one of the most important aspects of the church. St. John’s operated as many as three grade schools. Eventually two new congregations, St. Marcusand Apostles of Christ, came into existence from these schools.

In 1950 the neighborhood surrounding St. John’s was taken over by the city and replaced with a public housing project called Hillside Terrace. The expansion of the Milwaukee freeway system came to within three blocks of the church on the west and the south, restricting access to the building.

The school program of St Johns sadly came to an end in 1960. The school building next to the church was eventually demolished.

The last repainting of the church interior was done in 1962. At that time the congregation had dwindled to 72 members and struggled to remain in operation.  St. John’s continued to exist because of work done by members to maintain the property and sound investments made over the years.

In the fall of 1990 a historical designation study report recommended that the church complex be designated a historic landmark.

In 2013 church services were suspended for a time due to a pastoral vacancy and problems caused by reduced membership. Late in 2014 a revitalization project began with an outreach program to draw in new members while bringing back previous ones. With the help of many volunteers we aim to revive this beautiful church and make it again a place to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.

***
GJ - I guess they got kicked back into WELS. See the resources page - all WELS.
Let's leave out the Sixth Command and count some major breakages by WELS here.


The Seventh Commandment.


Thou shalt not steal.


What does this mean?--Answer.


We should fear and love God that we may not take our neighbor's money or property, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business [that his means are preserved and his condition is improved].


The Eighth Commandment.


Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.


What does this mean?--Answer.


We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, or defame our neighbor, but defend him, [think and] speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.


The Ninth Commandment.


Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.


What does this mean?--Answer.


We should fear and love God that we may not craftily seek to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, and obtain it by a show of [justice and] right, etc., but help and be of service to him in keeping it.


The Tenth Commandment.


Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.


What does this mean?--Answer.


We should fear and love God that we may not estrange, force, or entice away our neighbor's wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and [diligently] do their duty.

"In 2013 church services were suspended for a time due to a pastoral vacancy and problems caused by reduced membership. Late in 2014 a revitalization project began with an outreach program to draw in new members while bringing back previous ones." 

Quinquagesima Sunday, 2015. Luke 18:31-43


Quinquagesima Sunday, 2015

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson




The Hymn #27    O Bless the Lord                    4:21
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16
The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19
The Epistle and Gradual       
The Gospel              
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn # 305:1-5               Soul Adorn Thyself             4:23

 The Sermon - Isaiah 53 and Luke 18

The Hymn # 305:6-9                             Soul, Adorn Thyself             4:23
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 #657               Beautiful Savior                    4:24   


The Epistle. 1 Corinthians 13

THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.


The Gospel. St. Luke 18. 31-43

THEN Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David. have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood. and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.


Quinquagesima Sunday

Lord God, heavenly Father, who didst manifest Thyself, with the Holy Ghost, in the fullness of grace at the baptism of Thy dear Son, and with Thy voice didst direct us to Him who hath borne our sins, that we might receive grace and the remission of sins: Keep us, we beseech Thee, in the true faith; and inasmuch as we have been baptized in accordance with Thy command, and the example of Thy dear Son, we pray Thee to strengthen our faith by Thy Holy Spirit, and lead us to everlasting life and salvation, through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Isaiah 53 and Luke 18

Traditionally, the three Sundays before Lenten were spiritual preparation for the season of Lent. When people want to get away from those old Medieval Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, they also abandon the Scriptural foundations for emphasizing the atoning death and resurrection of Christ. Lent and Easter are condensed to Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

What matters is not so much the actual traditions but the replacement of worthwhile and edifying services with happy-clappy entertainment. The non-liturgical Evangelicals were the first to move into entertainment, and they were copying the style of the Pentecostals.

I am no expert of what all the non-liturgical  Evangelicals and Pentecostals did long ago, but now they are united with the Lutherans in these characteristics:
  1. Elimination of the traditional liturgical Sunday names.
  2. Cutting out the liturgy and making Holy Communion an extra service.
  3. Replacing hymn singing with paid entertainment on the stage.

Evangelicals are now bemoaning what they led the nation in doing. They no longer have participation in Gospel singing, replacing it with passive listening to highly paid worship teams. People form these worship teams and rock groups money as they travel from congregation to congregation, being booked in advance, paid large amounts of money, and expected to witness (preach) to the congregations.

THEN Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them

In some cases, Jesus spoke only to one, such as Peter, or to the inner circle often mentioned - Peter, James, and John. In this instance Jesus taught all twelve. They had a considerable education in what should be expected in the future, but they did not grasp it. 

Often people discuss this same characteristic of all people, no matter what the subject matter. "I never saw it happening." Some will add, "All the signs were there, but I did not acknowledge it to myself." When financial bubbles build up, someone noted, everyone sees green flags When the bubble has burst, they realize the green flags - go, go, go - were really red flags at that time - no, no, no.

However, even though the words seemed to fly past the 12, they were the basis for their future ministry. The Holy Spirit brought the words to mind and they saw how the Old Testament was the entire foundation for their Gospel work.

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

This is an important concept, often neglected. Everything was already in the Scriptures about Jesus. In fact, Jesus as the Angel of the Lord was already in their reading, their study, their worship. The Angel of the Lord spoke from the Burning Bush (Two Natures in Christ) and revealed the Name of God. In John 8, Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." He reflected upon His Name as the great I AM.

When Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, he called the place Peniel, because he saw God face to face. But an angel is not God, is he? Not unless He is the Angel of the Lord, the Son of God before the Incarnation.

All the events revealed by God through the prophets would be revealed, whether the disciples or anyone else believed or not. But they were revealed through the prophets to establish faith and to provide the foundation of the Gospel. The Gospel consists of the Promises and Blessings of God. Although the Gospel is condensed by John 3:16, it is also involves all the aspects of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ.

For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

These are the exact details of the suffering of Christ. They were so different and terrible that they did not sink in when first taught. And when they took place, the disciples scattered in fear. And yet. they became the Gospel narrative, showing how the words of Jesus were fulfilled.

And these fulfill what Isaiah 53 taught for centuries before the words were fulfilled.

Isaiah 53 - 
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
So, Isaiah not only described the suffering, but suffering for a purpose - to pay for our sins, to heal us with forgiveness.
And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.

Until their faith was more complete, more informed, the disciples did not recognize this as the heart of the Gospel. Some are still arrested at this point today, and the wolf-preachers like them to stay that way. They think of the Gospel only in terms of typical human happiness. That is portrayed to them (rather sketchily) and nothing materialistic is challenged.
As Luther said, people like wolf preaches and flock to them. So God let's their flocks be chastised and used up. as they are when they suffer from their lords and masters and give up everything for the empire being built.
And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. 
The second part demonstrates the kind of faith we should have, because a blind man saw what others missed. He knew from hearing the spreading of the Gospel that Jesus fulfilled the Promises of the Messiah.
And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David. have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me.
Jesus itself was a common name, but they identified one specific Jesus, not giving the title the blind man was willing to shout out. He saw Jesus as the promised Messiah, so he cried out "Son of David, have mercy!" They did not like this, those people without faith, but they could not stop him. He had faith and that faith saw no opposition that could stop him. He cried out even more.

10. First, he hears that Christ was passing by, he had also heard of him before, that Jesus of Nazareth was a kind man, and that he helps every one who only calls upon him. His faith and confidence in Christ grew out of his hearing; so he did not doubt but that Christ would also help him. But such faith in his heart he would not have been able to possess had he not heard and known of Christ; for faith does not come except by hearing.

11. Secondly, he firmly believes and doubts not but that it was true what he heard of Christ, as the following proves. Although he does not yet see nor know Christ, and although he at once knew him, yet he is not able to see or know whether Christ had a heart and will to help him; but he immediately believed, when he heard of him; upon such a noise and report he founded his confidence, and therefore he did not make a mistake.

12. Thirdly, in harmony with his faith, he calls on Christ and prays, as St.

Paul in Romans 10:13-14 wrote: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed.” Also, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

This also shows that the Gospel is revealed especially to the poor, the broken, the afflicted. The great, wise, and powerful do not identify with the suffering of Christ. Not only is it difficult for them, but they associate with those who also see the Gospel as being weak and insignificant for them - a crutch they do not need.
And Jesus stood. and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Those who call upon the Name of Christ have their prayers answered. That takes faith in Him, which the blind man had without seeing, only hearing.

So many said, "We need to see another miracle to believe." They already saw miracles that no one else had seen, but they wanted more. All the blind man had to do was hear and he believed. 

As Luther implied - Faith comes from hearing the Gospel Word preached. That is my New Revised Amplified Living Jackson Version. Once again there is a direct connection with Isaiah 53.

53 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord
revealed?
This is the basis for Romans 10 - when the report (sermon, Word) is preached and heard, faith grows from the Holy Spirit's work in the Word. Those who believe have their sins forgiven. Salvation comes to those who receive forgiveness through faith, by the grace and mercy of God.


Luther's Sermon for Quinquagesima Sunday




Luthere's Sermon for QUINQUAGESIMA SUNDAY.
   
German text: Erlangen edition II, 100; Walch II, 718; St. Louis II, 524.

TEXT:

Luke 18:31-43. And he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets shall be accomplished unto the Son of man. For he shall be delivered up unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and shamefully treated, and spit upon: and they shall scourge and kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

And they understood none of these things; and this saying was hid from them, and they perceived not the things that were said.

And it came to pass, as he drew nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they that went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

CONTENTS:

OF CHRIST’S PASSION AND OF THE FAITH AND LOVE OF THE BLIND MAN.
I. OF CHRIST’ S PASSION.

1. How faith is taught in the sufferings of Christ

2. Why Christ told his disciples in advance of his passion 2.

3. Why we should understand Christ’s sufferings aright 3.

4. Natural reason cannot grasp nor understand Christ’s sufferings 4.

* It is gross foolishness willingly to suffer death in order thereby to atone for sin and obtain grace 5-7.

5. How we should be moved by Christ’s passion cheerfully to serve our neighbor 8.

II. OF THE FAITH AND LOVE OF THE BLIND MAN,IN NINE PARTS.

1. First Part 9-10. 2, Second 11. 3, Third, 12. 4, Fourth, 13. 5, Fifth, 14. 6 Sixth, 15. 7, Seventh, 16. 8, Eighth, 17. 9, Ninth, 18.

* Christ would awaken us to faith both by his words and by his deeds

* The spiritual meaning of the blind man who sat by the wayside 20.

I. THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST.

1. This Gospel presents to us again the two thoughts of faith and love, both in that Christ says he must go up to Jerusalem and suffer crucifixion; and in that Christ serves and helps the blind man. By the first thought, that of faith, it is proved that the Scriptures are not fulfilled except by Christ’s sufferings; also that the Scriptures speak of no other theme than of Christ, and they treat only of Christ, who must fulfill the Scriptures by his death.

But if his death must do this, then our death will add nothing to that end; for our death is a sinful and a cursed death. However, if our death be sin and cursed, which is the highest and severest suffering and misfortune, what can our suffering and death merit? And since our sufferings are nothing and are lost, what can our good works do, in view of the fact that suffering is always nobler and better than doing good works? Christ alone must be supreme here and faith must firmly lay hold of him.

2. But Christ spoke these words before he finished his passion, when on his way to go up to Jerusalem at the time of the Easter festivities, when the disciples least expected to witness his sufferings, and instead anticipated a joyful occasion at the Feast of the Passover. These words Christ spoke for the purpose that his disciples might later grow stronger in their faith, when they recalled that he had before told them, that he had voluntarily offered himself as a sacrifice, and that he was not crucified by the power or strategy of his enemies, the Jews. Long before Isaiah also had prophesied that Christ would voluntarily and cheerfully give himself as a sacrifice, Isaiah 5:3-7; and the angel also on Easter morning, Luke 26:6, admonishes the women to call to mind what he here utters, in order that they might be assured and the firmer believe how he suffered thus willingly in our behalf.

3. And this is the true foundation, thoroughly to know Christ’s passion, when we not only understand and lay hold of Christ’s sufferings, but also of his heart and will in those sufferings, for whoever views his sufferings in a way that they do not see his will and heart in them, must be more terrified before them than they are made to rejoice on account of them. But if one sees Christ’s will and heart in his passion, they cause true comfort, assurance and pleasure in Christ. Therefore Psalm 40:7-8 also praises this will of God and of Christ: “ In the roll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do thy will, O, my God.” The Epistle to the Hebrews says on this point: “ By which will we have been sanctified;” Hebrews 10:10; it does not say: Through the suffering and blood of Christ, which is also true, but through the will of God and of Christ, that they both were of one will, to sanctify us through the blood of Christ. This will to suffer he shows here in this Gospel when he first announced that he would go up to Jerusalem and allow them to crucify him; as if he had said, look into my heart and see that I do all willingly, freely and cheerfully, in order that it may not terrify nor shock you when you shall now soon see it, and you think I do it reluctantly, I must do it, I am forsaken, and the power of the Jews force me to it.

4. “But the disciples understood none of these things,” says Christ, “And this saying was hid from them.” That is as much as to say: Reason, flesh and blood, cannot understand it nor grasp that the Scriptures should say how the Son of man must be crucified; much less does reason understand that this is Christ’s will and he does it cheerfully; for it does not believe it is necessary for him to suffer for us, it will deal directly with God through its own good works. But God must reveal it in their hearts by his Spirit more than is proclaimed by words into their ears; yea, even those to whom the Spirit reveals it in their hearts believe it with difficulty and must struggle with it. Such a great and wonderful thing it is that the Son of man died the death of the cross willingly and cheerfully to fulfill the Scriptures, that is, for our welfare; it is a mystery and it remains a mystery.

5. From this it now follows how foolish they act who teach that people should patiently bear their sufferings and death in order to atone for their sins and obtain grace; and especially those who comfort such, who should be put out of the way by the civil law and the sentence of death, or who are to die in other ways; and pretend that if they suffer willingly all their sins will consequently be forgiven them. Such persons only mislead the people for they bury out of sight Christ and his death upon whom our comfort is founded, and bring the people to a false confidence in their own suffering and death. This is the worst of all things a man can experience at the end of his life, and by it he is led direct into perdition. But you learn and say.

Whose death! Whose patience! My death is nothing; will not have it nor hear of it for my consolation. Christ’s suffering and death are my consolation, upon it I rely for the forgiveness of my sins; but my own death I will suffer, to the praise and honor of my God, freely and gratuitously, and for the advantage and profit of my neighbor, and in no way whatever depend upon it to avail anything in my own behalf before God.

6. It is indeed one thing to die boldly and fearlessly, or to suffer death patiently, or to bear other pain willingly; and another thing to atone for sin by such death and sufferings, and thus obtain grace from God. The first the heathen have done, and many reckless villains and rough people still do; but the other is a poisonous addition, devised by Satan, like all other lies, by which he founds our trust and consolation upon our own doings, and works, against which we are to guard. For as firmly as I should resist one, who teaches me to enter a monastery, when I wish to be saved; so firmly should I also oppose any who would in my last hour point me to my own death and suffering for consolation and hope, as if they would help to wash away my sins. For both deny God and his Christ, blaspheme his grace and pervert his Gospel. They, however, do much better who hold a crucifix before the dying and admonish them of Christ’s death and sufferings.

7. I must relate an example and experience that is in point here and is not to be despised. There was once a good hermit, reared in this faith of human merit, who was called upon to comfort a man of prominence upon his death bed, and he approached the sick man dauntlessly and consoled him thus: My dear friend, only suffer death patiently and willingly and I will pledge you my soul you will be a child of eternal life. Well, he promised him he would do so, and he passed away by death with this comfort. But three days later the hermit himself became sick unto death, when the true teacher, Rev. Reuling, came and opened his eyes so that he saw what he had done and taught, and he lay until he died and lamented that he had given such counsel and consolation: O, woe is me, what have I advised!

Frivolous people laughed at him that he failed to do as he had taught others to do; he offered another the pledge of his own soul that he might die in peace and he himself now sinks in despair not only before death, but also at the advice he so confidently had given and now so publicly rebuked and recalled. But God surely said to him that which is written in Luke 4:23: “Physician, heal thyself;” and another passage, Luke 12:21; “So is he that layeth up treasures for himself, and is not rich toward God.” For here surely the blind led the blind and both fell into the ditch, and both were condemned. Luke 6:39. The first, because he died trusting in his own patient suffering and death, the other, because he despaired of God’s grace and had not acknowledged it, and besides he also thought, had he not committed sin, he would have departed this life saved; and in both Christ remained unknown and was denied. On this point some books are misleading, in which the sayings also of St. Augustine and others are sounded forth, how death is only a door to life and a medicine against sin; for they do not see that these words are to be understood as referring to Christ’s death and sufferings. But simple and plain as this example is, it teaches us in a masterly manner how no work, no human suffering, no death can help us or stand before God. For one cannot indeed deny here that the first did the highest work, namely, suffered death with patience, in which free will did its best; and yet he was lost as the other who confessed and clearly proved by his despair. And whoever will not believe these two examples must find it out by experience for himself.

8. The above is said concerning faith in the sufferings of Christ. As he now offered himself for us, we should also follow the same example of love, and offer ourselves for the welfare of our neighbor, with all we have. We have spoken sufficiently on other occasions that Christ is to be preached in these two ways; but it is talk that no one desires to understand; the Word is hid from them; for “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

II. THE FAITH AND LOVE OF THE BLIND MAN.

9. The second part of our Gospel treats of the blind man, in which we see beautifully and clearly illustrated both the love in Christ to the blind man and the faith of the blind man in Christ. At present we will briefly consider the faith of the blind man.

10. First, he hears that Christ was passing by, he had also heard of him before, that Jesus of Nazareth was a kind man, and that he helps every one who only calls upon him. His faith and confidence in Christ grew out of his hearing; so he did not doubt but that Christ would also help him. But such faith in his heart he would not have been able to possess had he not heard and known of Christ; for faith does not come except by hearing.

11. Secondly, he firmly believes and doubts not but that it was true what he heard of Christ, as the following proves. Although he does not yet see nor know Christ, and although he at once knew him, yet he is not able to see or know whether Christ had a heart and will to help him; but he immediately believed, when he heard of him; upon such a noise and report he founded his confidence, and therefore he did not make a mistake.

12. Thirdly, in harmony with his faith, he calls on Christ and prays, as St.

Paul in Romans 10:13-14 wrote: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed.” Also, “Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

13. Fourthly, he also freely confesses Christ and fears no one; his need constrains him to the point that he inquires for no one else. For it is the nature of true faith to confess Christ to be the only one who can and will help, while others are ashamed and afraid to do this before the world.

14. Fifthly, he struggles not only with his conscience, which doubtless moves him to think he is not worthy of such favor, but he also struggles, with those who threatened him and urged him to keep quiet. They wished thereby to terrify his conscience and make him bashful, so that he should see his own unworthiness, and then despair. For wherever faith begins, there begin also war and conflict.

15. Sixthly, the blind man stands firm, presses through all obstacles and triumphs, he would not let the whole world sever him from his confidence, and not even his own conscience to do it. Therefore he obtained the answer of his prayer and received Christ, so that Christ stood and commanded him to be brought unto him, and he offered to do for him whatever he wished. So it goes with all who hold firmly only to the Word of God, close their eyes and ears against the devil, the world and themselves, and act just as if they and God were the only ones in heaven and on earth.

16. Seventhly he follows Christ, that is he enters upon the road of love and of the cross, where Christ is walking, does righteous works, and is of a good character and calling, refrains from going about with foolish works as workrighteous persons do.

17. Eighthly, he thanks and praises God, and offers a true sacrifice that is pleasing to God, Psalm 50:23: “Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifieth me; and to him that ordereth his way aright will I show the salvation of God.”

18. Ninthly, he was the occasion that many others praised God, in that they saw what he did, for every Christian is helpful and a blessing to everybody, and besides he praises and honors God upon earth.

19. Finally, we see here how Christ encourages us both by his works and words. In the first place by his works, in that he sympathizes so strongly with the blind man and makes it clear, how pleasing faith is to him, so that Christ is at once absorbed with interest in the man, stops and does what the blind man desires in his faith. In the second place, that Christ praises his faith in words, and says: “Thy faith hath made thee whole;” he casts the honor of the miracle from himself and attributes it to the faith of the blind man. The summary is: to faith is vouchsafed what it asks, and it is moreover our great honor before God.

20. This blind man represents the spiritually blind, the state of every man born of Adam, who neither sees nor knows the kingdom of God; but it is of grace that he feels and knows his blindness and would gladly be delivered from it. They are saintly sinners who feel their faults and sigh for grace. But he sits by the wayside and begs, that is, he sits among the teachers of the law and desires help; but it is begging, with works he must appear blue and help himself. The people pass him by and let him sit, that is the people of the law make a great noise and are heard among the teachers of good works, they go before Christ and Christ follows them. But when he heard Christ, that is, when a heart hears the Gospel of faith, it calls and cries, and has no rest until it comes to Christ. Those, however, who would silence and scold him are the teachers of works, who wish to quiet and suppress the doctrine and cry of faith; but they stir the heart the more. For the nature of the Gospel is, the more it is restrained the more progress it makes. Afterwards he received his sight, all his work and life are nothing but the praise and honor of God, and he follows Christ with joy, so that the whole world wonders and is thereby made better.

Unrelenting Storm Systems North and East of This Area.
Uncommon Creation Garden Solutions



Barefoot, I am thinking, "If it gets any colder, I will need some slippers." We are escaping the extremes of cold, snow, and ice this year. The big storm warning has been modified to some snow and ice Sunday night. Weather.com is more pessimistic, with one inch of snow predicted.

If you think weathermen are fickle, think of the gardening leaders. One had me planting carrots three weeks before the last frost, which would have been about three weeks ago. The package says, "After all danger of frost is gone."  That would be in another two weeks, but I would rather take the risk and plant early, unless it is something cold will kill instantly - egg plant and tomatoes at the top of that list.

Our helper is a sunshine warrior, wanting to work in perfect weather, but apart from carrot seed planting, not much needs to be done. The birds had a riot all day Saturday, with fresh baths and seed in the shirtsleeve weather  - 65 and sunny. My big projects were taking care of them and soaking the straw bales again.

The carrot seed order arrived - a total of 9,000 seeds, plus borage. I was so concerned about catching the sale that I did not look at the seed counts. Sassy and I walked one package of 1500 carrot seeds over to our neighbor with four daughters. A visiting cousin scared me with a plastic spider. I shivered and complained and said, "Do you like spiders?" He really did, so I promised an illustrate spider book. His sister asked for a book, so I went back with Sassy to find both. I had the spider book at the door already. In the chapel library was The Story of Jesus in Pictures, illustrated by Norma Boeckler. The kids grabbed their books and took off for home.

One reader sent this yesterday:
"My Photoshop skills completely pale in comparison to Norma Boeckler's artwork.  I hope she knows how much her efforts mean to your readers.  It feels like a lot of work to simply dabble as I have done.  Her art is a gift in its own right.  However, by her combining it with God's Word, it becomes so much more meaningful to every reader."

Mrs. Wright came over for tea with Mrs. Ichabod, and she commented on the growing garden. She saw the bulb flowers getting ready to emerge. Roses are her favorite, so she has an idea what is coming soon.



Uncommon Creation Garden Solutions

Here are some uncommon Creation solutions to garden issues:

Weeds - cover with newspapers and wood mulch. They turn into rich soil and a great place to plant.

Weeds in the sidewalk - use some saltwater. Weeds will dry up and not come back for a long time.

Bugs - mulching will promote spiders and birds. Both feed on bugs. I already have silky strands on my dormant roses.

Wasps - these are a solution, not a problem. We had them get into the house in Bella Vista, but they never bothered us. Wasps and hornets attack insect pests.

Soil fertility - add some red wigglers and mulch extensively. The earthworms and soil creatures will keep the useful organic elements in the root zone and make the soil rich, easy to work with.

Attracting birds and butterflies - think of many shallow pans of water, flat muddy places. I have about 10 locations with water. The Jackson Bird Spa needs fresh water twice a day now. The other shallow pans are renewed from the outside faucets: dump to clean, run the water faucet.

Unproductive flowering bushes - prune them as it warms up. Use the pruned branches cut up, as mulch (exception - roses). When there are grass clippings and chopped up leaves from mowing, rake them under the bushes for additional mulch. Wood mulch is also good. Drop a few red wigglers on the mulch. Trim twigs and dead wood from the bushes. Add some extra water when needed. People will be in awe of the show of flowers. Solar lights are a big plus - we use tiny LEDs in bushes and along the fenceline. Some use solar landscaping spots.

God has been managing His Creation for thousands of years. If man abandons an area, God's own weeds and animals reclaim it and make the soil rich again. In contrast, if man works an area with modern plowing and inorganic chemicals, the soil will die and blow away.

Zo - garden mit da German chemists, spend all your money, and wreck the soil. Or - let the Creator do His work, control the pests, attract the birds and butterflies, and enjoy the harvest of food, the profusion of flowers.