Sunday, March 3, 2019

Found It - Transfiguration Sunday, 2019.


 Transfiguration Sunday, 2018

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson



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 #135  Tis Good Lord To Be Here           

 The Glory of the Son

The Hymn # 249    Isaiah Mighty Seer - Luther             
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 #45     Now the Hour of Worship  



2 Peter 1 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.     
Matthew 17 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
O merciful and everlasting God, heavenly Father: We thank Thee that Thou hast revealed unto us the glory of Thy Son, and let the light of Thy gospel shine upon us: We pray Thee, guide us by this light that we may walk diligently as Christians in all good works, ever be strengthened by Thy grace, and conduct our lives in all godliness; through the same, Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

Background for the Sermon
Lenski, p. 650: "The exact interval of time is stated, "after six days," in order to connect the new occurrence with what is recorded in 16:13-28. Jesus is preparing his apostles for the close of his earthly life and work. So after the great confession of his divinity in 16:16, the announcement of his passion, etc., in 16:21, and the words regarding the coming judgment in 16:27, 28, Jesus reveals his divine glory. Luke gives only the approximate interval, "about eight days," meaning"about a week."
2 Peter 1 - We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
John 1:15 - (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)
John 8 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.


Genesis 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

People often comment on the rainbow as God's symbol of His Promise, that He will never flood the earth again. But light is another representation of God - often borrowed by the occult for their satanic purpose. God created light first, before the sun, stars, and planets, so He is the source of light - their light symbolizes His light.




 The Glory of the Son


2 Peter 1 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

The religious nature of man can be seen in the manufacture of many religions and the combination of religions, one merged with another (which we see in Asia). And even in atheism, there are quite a few fellowships and confessions of unfaith. The American Humanist Society has leaders. people honored (the list is shocking), and their anti-religious materials. Some atheists are more open in denying God. Others start with Universalism and merge with the atheists in Unitarianism, who began with one god and progressed to no gods of any kind.

Each group, whether pagan religion or atheistic, has its cunningly devised fables. Luther once said, "Where man builds a cathedral, Satan builds a chapel." But now - Where man builds a chapel. Satan builds a cathedral and calls it Church Growth or Missional or Emergent until it collapses. That sours many on that fake Christianity, which people were told was the real, relational, and relevant Christianity for today's world.

So it is good to see what God planned for us, to bring us into His Kingdom, the Kingdom of Grace established by His Son. That is why we should be especially wary of the rationalists who would tear it down by injecting their own opinions.

First of all, as the Gospel of John teaches, directly from the Son of God, the Creating Word - Jesus the Savior taught the divine Word and performed great miracles with His teaching. Those miracles were intended to how people undeniably that the teaching they heard was from God.

That was important in teaching the masses, who heard this teaching and saw the miracles. And it was even more important to establish among the disciples who would continue the work of Jesus. Each man needed to be absolutely certain of Jesus as the Son of God. Therefore, all the apostolic teaching was founded upon the ultimate miracle - God's power over death - the resurrection of Christ.

As great the dread was when Jesus was crucified and impaled by the sword, even greater was the faith in Him when He showed Himself as risen from the dead. He defeated our three main enemies - sin, death, and Satan. He conquered sin by His righteousness, which we receive through faith in Him - sin is drowned in an ocean of grace.

Many are troubled about the past, when the powers of this world dragged them away and down into harmful, even Satanic practices which are promoted everywhere as special, unique, and known only to the elite. Or they are disguised in various forms of hedonism. The temptations do not come from figures dressed in red woolens and a pitchfork, but from so-called friends. A doctor told us a story about "friends" influencing his child - nothing dramatic - but the effects were alienating. Friends?

Against the temptations and weaknesses we have, God builds a fortress, the righteousness of Christ. Nothing is too great for Him to forgive - only denying trust in Him. And this is where Satan works his deeds. For some, it is intellectualism because the elite are not only well educated by smooth doubters. Sometimes it is "friends" who are agents. Often it comes from those who pretend to teach but are only eroding faith.

Jesus made His disciples especially strong in faith by His public and more limited miracles. The Transfiguration was seen by only a few. That was their extra strength when doubts assailed them. They saw the glory of the Son of God.

As Lenski described it - Jesus was transformed before their eyes, so that He and His garments glowed with a supernatural brilliance, the divinity He cloaked in His humanity. That was a clear  message - "You and the rest will only see My Human Nature most of the time, even on the cross and in burial. But My Divine Nature is always present, always powerful, always more than the human eye can bear.






 His jade coffin has golden nails. No one knows the purpose of the golden nails, but I think that is on purpose. "Because I can do that."


This Greek word for transfiguration is used for the butterfly - metamorphosis. Many have heard that, and many use the butterfly as a symbol for resurrection. There is an important detail that people need to remember, which shows how the Creating Word left a special message in the "normal" life of every butterfly. 

Perhaps you and I had the same limited perception of this change. I saw the caterpillar creating his cocoon and gradually changing into a butterfly over time. I did this with two Monarchs and saw the change in colors as the cocoon matured and the butterfly emerged. I always thought of the creatures as developing those parts based on the original chassis. But no - the caterpillar becomes a liquid and then reforms itself as a butterfly. That liquid that was always an ugly worm knows how to be a beautiful, colorful flying insect.

I would call that a great symbol of the resurrection of Christ - the man, the Teacher, the Rabbi - changed into the risen Savior, similar but changed forever as the revealed and glorified Son.

17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

This Father-Son relationship is taught more in the New Testament than generally recognized - witnessed by the Holy Spirit. The Son receives the glory from the Father for His sacrifice, and the Son honors the Father. All the revelations of glory - since as the Baptism of Jesus - are declarations of this relationship.

This event prepared the disciples for the Passion, because their faith - though almost shattered - did not fail. As Jesus foresaw, Judas did not have sincere faith and fell away into betrayal.

These episodes of glory are significant for all believers, because they highlight the everlasting power of God in the midst of great trials and difficulties.

We can never predict outcomes, so we must rely on God to do the work He has chosen to do through us. Many times He moves us into new work through difficulties, as He did with the Roman Empire persecutions. Or we may head our own way and He sends some force, like a whale, to make an express delivery to Ninevah.

There is no conflict, only harmony between the Father and Son, so whatever the Son reveals is true of the Father. This is important for those who have been given the wrong idea about the Father being angry and condemning toward us. 

18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 

Since the apostles are the chosen instruments of God to speak about His glory, their Word is reliable and certain. Mankind lives in darkness, which is our default position, unless we have the light of Christ. The tiniest light shines in the darkness and changes all perceptions. The glorious light of the Gospel illuminates everything and shows us reality.

As we all know, partially seeing something can give us the wrong idea, especially if we are feeling nervous or experiencing a threat. The bright light of the Gospel removes doubt, but we have to hear and trust that Word for the truth to shine forth.

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

This counters the familiar claim that every verse of the Bible can be understood a different way. I agreed with the Mormon missionaries about this - "Sure 100 ways, Yes, 99 wrong ways and one correct way. Is God so poor a communicator that He cannot get His truth across?"

Notice they were attempting that old method of "many opinions and many versions so trust ours alone." After casting doubt on all these interpretations, they were really casting doubt on the power of God to reveal His truth as it is. That is what we get - exactly - from the Eugene Nida School of Modern Translations - "Oh, that is too difficult to understand in the KJV. We have changed it, so this is what the Holy Spirit would have revealed if He had our skills." - NIV, ESV, Surfer Dude, The Message, etc.

The thought that God's Word judges all books and all opinions should direct our minds to see the Scriptures as the foundational authority and the final authority.

As you will see from the Calvinism book, the alternate reading of the Bible, imposing man's opinion, will set up another Gospel (a false one), another view of man which is harsh and condemning or completely self-centered. 

Uncertainty means we can turn to the Word to have a better understanding and a firm faith in the graciousness of God. The Scriptures do not promote confusion but confidence in God and His Word.



Saturday, March 2, 2019

Save Time with Exposing the ELCA Website.
Featured with Top Blogs, Left Margin

ELCA Bishops

When I began this blog, ELCA had enough cash to put out press releases fairly often. Since then, the need to find more information about this catastrophe has diminished - and so has the denomination's cash for everything, including seminaries.

Exposing the ELCA is a great time-saver for those who want to discover the latest about this gathering of the worst ideas, the most incompetent leaders, and the most bizarre behavior.

The website is carefully researched and sensible.

I left the ELCA before the merger, but found the LCMS-WELS-ELS too eager to mock the radicals while inviting them for lectures, meetings, evangelism, and joint worship.



Lo, the Demons Merge
I have attended various Church Growth gatherings, listening carefully to their messages - which are never sermons. WELS pastors remember P-boy, who loved to talk about his nose and other body parts, everything about himself.

I went to a big gathering of cell groups in Columbus, where the speaker gave a one-hour talk, never mentioning God until the 45 minute mark. (I kept track.) He talked about himself, and the audience cooed and giggled.

At the ELCA, then LCMC Church of Joy, the senior pastor (Fuller D.Min.) spoke about his musical ability, his Hawaiian shirt, then transitioned to his "birthday suit." The audience was with him for his non-sermon.

And now we have ELCA's Nadia, exquisitely boring, because she is another Growther. All her talks are about Nadia. Her radical fans want everyone to cry about the United Methodists remaining traditional, as if their 2% should rule over the 98% forever. Yes, that is roughly the gay population - 2%. But that is far beyond Nadia's scope, since she sticks to what she knows - or pretends to know - Nadia.

I wonder - given the weeping and gnashing of sensitive, triggered teeth about their issues only - how many people are attracted to the ELCA seminaries, ELCA missions, and ELCA publications? The answers seem to be - precious few.

This should be a cautionary tale. So many are trained by Fuller Seminary and even more ridiculous Willow Creek, that this sappy me-talk has taken over and replaced the sermon with Mirror, Mirror, On the Way, Who's the Most Narcissistic of All? 




Friday, March 1, 2019

Why Are the Swedish and Norwegian Lutheran Colleges So Highly Rated in America?

 Synodical Conference colleges have been used to keep the family secure and the alcoholics working. Hazing at Northwestern College meant abusing The Sprinter. Your pastor will explain, or more likely, change the subject.
 https://www.walkermn.com/news/religion/the-scandinavian-heritage-the-scandinavian-colleges-in-america/article_6ae5e160-3c28-11e9-a72f-032440a0df6a.html

I did not want to pay for the article, but the lead was intriguing, especially because it quotes a famous leader from the LCA side of Lutherdom - George H. Gerberding - see the Lutheran Library Publishing Ministry.


George H. Gerberding - see the Lutheran Library Publishing Ministry.

DO NOT PANIC - Written in Large, Friendly Letters.
How To Start Reading Greek,




ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ 1 1550 Stephanus New Testament (TR1550)

αρχη του ευαγγελιου ιησου χριστου, υιου του θεου
ως γεγραπται εν τοις προφηταις ιδου εγω αποστελλω τον αγγελον μου προ προσωπου σου ος κατασκευασει την οδον σου εμπροσθεν σου
φωνη βοωντος εν τη ερημω ετοιμασατε την οδον κυριου ευθειας ποιειτε τας τριβους αυτου
εγενετο ιωαννης βαπτιζων εν τη ερημω και κηρυσσων βαπτισμα μετανοιας εις αφεσιν αμαρτιων

A. Start by learning the alphabet and reading the text out loud. We will read it out loud in class too.
B. Look for words you know or words based on the Greek. Mark 1:1 - I see archaeology - the beginning of history; Good News, also good and angel; Jesus Christ; theology.

Basic translating means - Translate the words you know and guess the rest. In simple passages we already know the other words - or at least we think we do. This approach gives us a sense for the Greek rather than that slow style of 
  1. What does this word mean?
  2. How do I parse it?
  3. What is the grammar rule?
The slow style means that a few learn Greek or Latin or German in spite of the teacher. The fast style or immersion is used for quick, effective ability in the new language. We don't have the luxury of total immersion, but we can repeat how we first learned our language.

Children learn language by hearing it and learning what it means in its context. "No" to a small child means "Let's start debating."

PS - "DO NOT PANIC - Written in Large, Friendly Letters." That is the beginning of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, a great satire novel.

The article (the) tells us the case and number of the word it is with, making Greek especially easy.

WELS Bailing Out with Parochial School "Evangelism" (Ha) and Voucher Subsidies (Haha!)

Gender fluidity follows truth fluidity.



Good morning Pastor Jackson,
    The WELS Titanic may be sinking but the band plays on. Most members probably believe that it is business as usual in the WELS but decreasing membership equals decreasing offerings. You have to wonder if the leaders are using fuzzy math like poor economists. Back in the mid 80's when our child began attending a WELS elementary school, about 60% of the congregational budget went to the school. The members were given priority over non-member families for the enrollment of their children. There was no tuition for members' children. There was a book rental fee of $125 annually per student and a few other minor expenses. The school existed primarily to serve the members. 

I understand that coincidence does not produce causation. But I also realize that many actions can produce unintended consequences. The paradigm shift occurred when the talk started about the school being a mission arm of the congregation. The LES was often no more than a one room schoolhouse, especially in rural settings like Trinity.

"Everyone is jealous of our outstanding educational program."


Then the school choice/voucher program was set up in Wisconsin. It was designed to give parents an alternative to failing public schools. In 2009, I left one WELS parish because of the manner in which they were fleecing their members to get their multi-million dollar expansion. Shortly thereafter, that church and Shoreland Lutheran High School became participants in the voucher program. Before all of this, the church's enrollment was typically between 100 to 125 students, mostly from member families. Presently, the church has about 200 students with well over half coming from the school choice program. This translates as non-member enrollees. 

In the mid 90's when our oldest began at the high school, the tuition was about $2500 per year per student. Additional support came in from the 20 congregations in the federation. The area Roman Catholic high schools had a price tag that was double that amount. Now, the cost is approaching $7000 annually per student at Shoreland

The enrollment is close to the same number with over half of the Shoreland students being school choice participants. If a parochial school wants to participate in the choice program, they must allow student to opt out of religious instruction if they want to. What about the Lutheran school being a "mission arm" of the congregation? What happened to that idea?

Wisconsin's new governor, Democrat Tony Evers has issued several executive orders recently. This is one of them:

***

GJ - My expert in this field saw it coming decades ago. Once WELS coveted gubmint funds, the path to perdition was paved with a thick layer of Fool's Gold.

SP John Brenner would not take a dime from the gubmint, not even for the milk program. 

Where is WELS now? Martin Luther College is training dumb kids in how to run Diaper Changing "Christian" Academies. No, really. They have a building just for that.


The Laity Have Seen the Light - The More the OJ Salesmen Push Their Errors, The More Obvious the Toxin Is


Pastor Greg, I was struck with how disjointed, unconnected and mis-applied the common passages used to “prove” UOJ are and how easily laypeople either just believe something because their Pastor tells them or because their church body produced a paper or a statement.  Contrast that with how harmonious Scripture is and how little “proving” needs to be done for Justification by Faith when you let the Word of God speak for itself……

Justification of the World – try to find God actively and forensically declaring the world righteous in here

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.  John 1:29 KJV

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.  John 19:30

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  Romans 5:18 KJV

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.  1 Timothy 2:6 KJV

Faith Counted as Righteousness – Harmonious

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.  Genesis 15:6 KJV

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  Romans 4:3 KJV

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.  Romans 4:5 KJV

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.  Galatians 3:6 KJV

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.  James 2:23 KJV

Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.  And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.  Psalm 106:30-31 KJV

The Just Live by Faith - Harmonious

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.  Habakkuk 2:4 KJV

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.  Romans 1:17 KJV

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  Galatians 3:11 KJV

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

Righteousness of Faith - Harmonious

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:  Romans 3:22 KJV

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:  Romans 4:11 KJV

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.  Romans 4:13 KJV

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.  Romans 9:30 KJV

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  Galatians 5:5 KJV

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:  Philippians 3:9 KJV

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.  Hebrews 11:7 KJV



The Gospel of Mark in Greek - Starts Ash Wednesday - Continues in MidWeek Lenten Services.
Aimed at Beginners






Following the midweek services, which are recorded, we will study St. Mark's Gospel in Greek. I will simply move from the final hymn to the lesson.

I will save each video link in the Facebook page for Greek, but people can also look them up by date. We will continue when midweek services are over.

This set is aimed at beginners, so we will start slowly.

  1. NT Greek is easy! It only needs time for the brain switch-over.
  2. Start with the alphabet, then reading out loud.
  3. Grammar is simple. I downplay grammar, emphasize time on the Greek text alone.
  4. Do not write in the English words above or in the text.
  5. Do not use an interlinear text (Greek-English).
  6. Do not leave your KJV Bible open, but you may use it rarely for emergencies.
  7. Paine covers the basic grammar issues, using John's Gospel. Get a used copy here - about $15 - 25Or from Alibris - as little as $7 plus shipping. (Use the low to high price filter.)

Bethany New Testament Greek Lessons on Facebook



New Testament Greek is fun, easy, and gives us an enormous vocabulary in medicine and science. Our entire Western civilization is based upon the Golden Age in Greece (especially Athens) - and Alexander the Great spread this through conquest.

Greek was the universal language of commerce and culture at the time of Christ. Any decent Roman citizen knew Greek. Later, St. Augustine wrote in Latin but often quoted in Greek.

The Founders of America knew Latin and Greek.

"Rome had the drains, but the Greeks had the brains."

 The Parthenon in Athens

Caution! This Luther Quotation Will Topple All Objective Justification Salesmen and Church Growth Foxes


[22]  Also St. Paul in Rom. 12:7 says: "Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith." That is, all doctrines must harmonize and agree with faith, so that nothing be taught but faith. He who has not this faith cannot judge of any doctrine correctly, for here the carnal minded who are smart and worldly wise are incompetent, only pious spiritual hearts can do that...
 
[25]  Therefore learn well to be on your guard, and thoroughly examine all doctrines, whether they rightly teach, and apply this chief and fundamental doctrine, that is, whether they preach Christ correctly and purely. For you will certainly find among all factions and sects, that they always either omit this article entirely, or bring something with it to which they lead the people as though that were particularly necessary to salvation.
 
From Luther's Church Postil, "Eighth Sunday After Trinity. Third Sermon: Matt. 7:15-23. Concerning False Teachers"

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Upcoming Books in Order - Calvin, Luther, and the Ichabod Lutheran Dictionary

AKA Martin Chemnitz, aka the Second Luther, aka the Senior Editor of the Book of Concord. 


First
Calvin Ruined the Protestant Faith is almost done. The book will be in larger print, full-color, also in Kindle, and later a free PDF. The book includes Zwingli's influence, but try to fit that into a book title.

The author's price will be about $5, so it will be attractive as a book for adult classes.

I am looking into making all my books free PDFs in their most edited form, the level of near perfection sent off to the printers.

Second
We have Luther's House Postils ready for printing next - very close to it. These are sermons for the household, which Ludwig Fuerbringer valued for their advice about marriage, children, and other household matters. There are three volumes, illustrated by Norma A. Boeckler, and to be in color, black and white, and Kindle. Gems will be published a little later (not started yet).

Third
The Ichabod Lutheran Dictionary is being worked on - definitions, trivia, a little fun here and there.

Fourth
Justification by Faith - Exegesis. So many ignorant louts are braying and hee-hawing about their Objective Justification that someone needs to provide the exegesis for Justification by Faith, the Chief Article of Christianity. 

The plan is to do this in English and Greek, with English being dominant. Exegesis simply means - to declare, which means explaining what the text actually says. 

In John 1 - the Logos is the exegesis - He declares the true nature of the Father. Jesus is the exegesis, so we should not be shy declaring the text as revealed - rather than theses from Halle Pietists and Fuller alumni.


Public Domain Notice for All My Books


To help distribute more Gospel material freely, I have made all my books public domain, which means no permission is needed to reprint, edit, or translate my publications, past or future included. No fees are necessary or expected. Giving credit for using the original is sufficient – name, author, and date.





Do Dogs Change Behavior as They Grow Older?
Yes, Sassy Is Definitely More Mischievous

 Sassy's missing leg, amputated because of a horse kicking her, is the result of neglect from long ago. We adopted her because we could see her personality on the website featuring rescues.

Someone wrote a story about dogs changing their personalities as they grow older. Yes, they lose their puppiness, but Sassy seems to have more of those appealing qualities than ever before.

For example, she enjoys her little pranks. I was watching the news when she decided to put her claw on my stomach. She communicates with her paws a lot. This time she slowly dragged her claw on my skin. I yelped and she laughed. She does not just grin, but really laughs at the fun. My wife Chris said, "And you laughed." Yes, of course, but I am blamed for encouraging her. That was a one-time trick.

 Sassy tolerates her Voyager but loves the Town Car limo.


She returned to getting my attention with strange noises. I look up and wonder if something is malfunctioning. I looked up twice before I noticed it was the claw plucking at the metal shelf.

Some other claw tricks are:

  1. Batting my leg lightly, which calls for something I should do.
  2. Making the touch a little stronger each time.
  3. Dragging her claw across my kneecap with some force.
  4. Triple-dragging her claw, looking fiercely at me.
  5. I often ignore that at first and say, "Watch Sassy." I know - it is my fault for encouraging her.
Once she has established friendship with someone on the block, she sits down on the sidewalk, in their way, until they pet her and talk to her about how sweet she is. I said to one, "You made her day." She said, "She made my day." If they are brother and sister, both have to pet her and compliment her.



One couple demands "love" from Sassy before we go. They cup a hand and Sassy pushes her soft muzzle into it, licking the hand. At that point she backs away and barks sharply. "Do you have something to do?" Bark! Bark! "Do you have an appointment?" Bark! Bark! Bark!!

Sassy is friends with a lot of dogs who bark at her and play tag a bit through the fence. She loves to get three pit bulls barking at her, so she only needs to be nearby to hear them on alert. She loves to walk "innocently" near their wooden fence to start a ruckus. She watches me because I discourage it. That is just as much fun for her as seeing her favorite huskies and shepherds. She has overdone this at times, so she acts like it is just another stroll in someone's  front yard.

Sassy walked into view to be in this photo. Our granddaughter went over backwards and held the pose, laughing and unhurt. Sassy upstaging her made it even funnier.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Experts on What Is NOT Lutheran Preaching.
Don't Fail To Miss These Two Speakers on Universalism in Preaching -
Justification without Faith - UOJ

 What happened to Dr. Walter A. Maier (far more qualified that these politicians) and Justification by Faith?

Why do the "conservative" Lutherans continue to yank us around with their Objective Justification and Church Growth?

Wayne Mueller said at the WELS youth conference that evangelism was easy because we could "just say - you are already forgiven."

Rolfie One-Note is so blind to Justification by Faith that he edited his father's last book, Justification and Rome, and never saw Objective Justification repudiated in it. Now that I have pointed it out about 20 times, he omits that from his temple talks. Rolfie One-Note objects to my habit of quoting his father against his one and only dogma.

 This settles the issue, but the Preus Clan will not admit it.

 Wayne is very good at covering his points with fog, but he seems to be saying that the Confessions welcome a change in Biblical doctrine. He was so slippery in talks that his peers made him write down in advance what he was going to present. WELS is against the Book of Concord. As one member of their leadership said, "The Confessions are boring and irrelevant." A 1987 graduate said, "Zwingli was right about the Lord's Supper - Luther was wrong."