ICHABOD, THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED - explores the Age of Apostasy, predicted in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, to attack Objective Faithless Justification, Church Growth Clowns, and their ringmasters. The antidote is trusting the efficacious Word in the Means of Grace. John 16:8. Isaiah 55:8ff. Romans 10. Most readers are WELS, LCMS, ELS, or ELCA. This blog also covers the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the National Council of Churches.
2. Secondly, he gives an example of great love, and he does this in many ways. First, in that he lets not only the pious, who followed him because of the signs and the Word, enjoy the food; but also the slaves of appetite, who only eat and drink, and seek in him temporal honor; as follows later when they disputed with him at Capernaum about the food, and he said to them in John 6:26: “Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because ye ate of the loaves,” etc., also because they desired to make him king; thus here also he lets his sun shine on the evil and the good, Matthew 5:45. Secondly, in that he bears with the rudeness and weak faith of his disciples in such a friendly manner. For that he tests Philip, who thus comes with his reason, and Andrew speaks so childishly on the subject, all is done to bring to light the imperfections of the disciples, and on the contrary to set forth his love and dealings with them in a more beautiful and loving light, to encourage us to believe in him, and to give us an example to do likewise; as the members of our body and all God’s creatures in their relation to one another teach us. For these are full of love, so that one bears with the other, helps and preserves what God has created.
President Trump started the day by joining NEWSRADIO 1040 radio host Simon Conway to preview his trip and highlight his America First policies that have benefitted all Americans.
In anticipation of President Trump’s return to the Hawkeye State, 3,500
patriots packed the Adler Theater, while thousands of people overflowed
outside of the venue. In total, over 16,500 grassroots sign-ups were
collected by Team Trump, representing 77 of Iowa’s counties. President
Trump drew nearly 10 times the crowd of his nearest challenger, who visited the area last week.
Paul Calvin Kelm's WELS mission tossed him out and asked for a LCA/ALC mission developer. WELS made Kelm an expert on Church Growth!
Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, sold their building to the U. of Chicago and sold a similar pipe organ to a Roman Catholic parish. "Whatever we own, owns us."
How many like Larry have made a life-changing bike pilgrimage to a holy man? I am biting my lip to keep from sobbing, tears of laughter shorting out my keyboard.
Valleskey and Maxwell as authors! I heard Maxwell speak live - he almost made me barf.
Larry Olson, DMin Fuller, denied he went to Fuller Seminary, where he earned a prestigious DMin. "Prove it!" I read his sleep-inducing essay at Martin Lutheran College library.
Valleskey taught WELS that they were "spoiling the Egyptians" by studying at Fuller Seminary. I pointed out that the Israelites took the valuables, not the garbage. And WELS still loves the garbage.
Our Guiding Statement: Trusting in the Spirit, we are journeying together with God's people so that all may discover and participate in what God is doing among us through Jesus.
Shared Values: Spirit-led and Christ-Centered | Justice, Equity, and Belonging | Becoming and Equipping
Our Priorities: Connection | Organizational Infrastructure | Spirit-Led/Christ-Centered Movement
"Now Praise We Christ, the Holy One"
by Martin Luther, 1483-1546
1. Now praise we Christ, the Holy One,
The blessed Virgin Mary's Son,
Far as the glorious sun doth shine,
E'en to the world's remote confine.
2. He who Himself all things did make
A servant's form vouchsafed to take
That He as man mankind might win
And save His creatures from their sin.
3. The grace and power of God the Lord
Upon the mother was outpoured;
A virgin pure and undefiled
In wondrous wise conceived a child.
4. The noble mother bore a Son,-
For so did Gabriel's promise run,-
Whom John confessed and leaped with joy
Ere yet the mother knew her boy.
5. Upon a manger filled with hay
In poverty content He lay;
With milk was fed the Lord of all,
Who feeds the ravens when they call.
6. The heavenly choirs rejoice and raise
Their voice to God in songs of praise.
To humble shepherds is proclaimed
The Shepherd who the world hath framed.
7. All honor unto Christ be paid,
Pure Offspring of the favored maid,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
Till time in endless time be lost.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #104
Text: Phil. 2: 6,7
Author: Coelius Sedulius, c. 450
Poem titled: "Paean Alphabeticus de Christo"
German version by Martin Luther , 1524, ab.
Titled: A solis ortus cardine
Translated by: Richard Massie, 1854, alt.
Tune: Christum wir sollen loben schon
1st Published in: "Enchiridion"
Town: Erfurt, 1524
1. Lord Jesus, Thou the Church's Head,
Thou art her one Foundation;
In Thee she trusts, before Thee bows,
And waits for Thy salvation.
Built on this Rock secure,
Thy Church shall endure
E'en though the world decay
And all things pass away.
Oh, hear, oh, hear us, Jesus!
2. O Lord, let this Thy little flock,
Thy name alone confessing,
Continue in Thy loving care,
True unity possessing.
Thy Sacraments, O Lord,
And Thy saving Word
To us e'er pure retain.
Grant that they may remain
Our only strength and comfort.
3. Help us to serve Thee evermore
With hearts both pure and lowly;
And my Thy Word, that light divine,
Shine on in splendor holy
That we repentance show,
In faith ever grow;
The power of sin destroy
And all that doth annoy.
Oh, make us faithful Christians!
4. And for Thy Gospel let us dare
To sacrifice all treasure;
Teach us to bear Thy blessed cross,
To find in Thee all pleasure.
Oh, grant us steadfastness
In joy and distress,
That we Thee ne'er forsake.
Let us by grace partake
O endless joy and glory.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #477
Text: Colossians 2:10
Author: Johann Mentzer, 1726, cento
Translated by: William J. Schaefer, 1938
Titled: "O Jesu, einig wahres Haupt"
Composer: Fritz Reuter, 1916
Tune: "Reuter"
"Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart" by Martin Schalling, 1532-1608
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878
1. Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;
I pray Thee ne'er from me depart,
With tender mercies cheer me.
Earth has no pleasure I would share,
Yea, heaven itself were void and bare
If Thou, Lord, wert not near me.
And should my heart for sorrow break,
My trust in Thee no one could shake.
Thou art the Portion I have sought;
Thy precious blood my soul has bought.
Lord Jesus Christ,
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
Forsake me not! I trust Thy Word.
2. Yea, Lord, 'twas Thy rich bounty gave
My body, soul, and all I have
In this poor life of labor.
Lord, grant that I in every place
May glorify Thy lavish grace
And serve and help my neighbor.
Let no false doctrine me beguile
And Satan not my soul defile.
Give strength and patience unto me
To bear my cross and follow Thee.
Lord Jesus Christ,
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
In death Thy comfort still afford.
3. Lord, let at last Thine angels come,
To Abram's bosom bear me home,
That I may die unfearing;
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in peaceful sleep
Until Thy reappearing.
And then from death awaken me
That these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my Fount of grace,
Lord Jesus Christ,
My prayer attend, my prayer attend,
And I will praise Thee without end.
Hymn #429 from The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 18
Author: Martin Schalling, c. 1567
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: "Herzlich lieb hab' ich dich, o Herr"
Tune: "Herzlich lieb hab' ich dir, o Herr"
1st Published in: Berhnard Schmid's Orgelbuch
Town: Strassburg, 1577
1. Lord, help us ever to retain
The Catechism's doctrine plain
As Luther taught the Word of Truth
In simple style to tender youth.
2. Help us Thy holy Law to learn,
To mourn our sin, and from it turn
In faith to Thee and to Thy Son
And Holy Spirit, Three in One.
3. Hear us, dear Father, when we pray
For needed help from day to day
That as Thy children we may live,
Whom Thou in Baptism didst receive.
4. Lord, when we fall and sin doth stain,
Absolve and lift us up again;
And through the Sacrament increase
Our faith till we depart in peace.
Notes from The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #288 from The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Ex. 20: 1-17
Author: Ludwig Helmbold, 1594
Translated by: Matthias Loy, 1880, alt.
Titled: "Her Gott, erhalt uns fuer und fuer"
Tune: "Herr Jesu Christ, mein's"
1st Published in: As Hymnodus Sacer
Town: Leipzig, 1625
Would you use a math textbook that said 2+2=4.0000000000001? Of course not!!! Yet Christians use Bibles that say a young woman shall conceive and bear a son in Isaiah 7:14 (RSV) instead of a virgin shall conceive and bear a son. (King James Bible). When I point this out they say, "Well that's close enough." Is 2+2=4.00000000000000000000001 close enough?
Elon Musk will never get to Mars using this kind of math and reasoning. Math books and math reference tables must be taken as a whole. The Bible must be taken as a whole. One error, omission, footnote in just one place destroys, undermines, and weakens the entire Bible. The new Testament teachings, doctrines depend on the Old Testament.
The doctrine of Christ that He is God and man in one person is taught throughout the Old Testament and then quoted in the new Testament. For example Matthew quoted Isaiah 7:14 in the new Testament. In Matthew 1:18- 25 we read, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. Remember there are NO alternate readings or texts other than the text chosen and used by God the Holy Ghost during the reformation: The King James Bible and Luther's Bible and the TEXTUS RECEPTUS. The NU text (Vaticanus, Nestle-Aland etc.) were REJECTED by God the Holy Ghost for the Reformation. LCMS and WELS were vibrant, strong, and growing with the King James Bible and the TEXTUS RECEPTUS. Now they are frail, weak, and shrinking with the ESV, NIV, RSV, NRSV, NKJV and their rejected corrupt foundation (Vaticanus, Nestle-Aland, United Bible Society or NU text). Like Arius the heretic, LCMS, WELS, etc have received their reward : big salaries, endowments, and big empty church buildings.
This is their reward for rejecting the ONLY Bible chosen by God for the reformation: King James Bible, Luther's 1545 German Bible and their foundation: the TEXTUS RECEPTUS. No one can deny this. Yet they chirp, "Oh it's close enough." or "Well it's just a nuance. It's saying the same thing." NO it isn't. The corruption of Nestle-Aland text is massive with over 8,000 changes, and deletions (see 8,000 Differences, Dr. Jack Moorman, London, England, ISBN #1-56848-054-7 and The King James Version, Gregory L. Jackson PhD, ISBN #9798429093451)
I thought my eyes needed some improvement so I made an appointment with my eye surgeon. He did not think so a few months ago. Today he thought it was a good idea to zap some scar tissue behind the lens, a common occurrence. I asked the assistant if they played laser tag during lunch break. She laughed but thought it unlikely.
I sat in a chair and looked through one eye, then another. Each times I heard a series of clicks and it was over. I was cautioned to wait before leaving the office, so I waited and then stopped at the nearby Panera's to recover some more.
Much later today, I can really see the difference. It reminded me of the time we saw lasers at Dow Chemical in the 1980s. A sign in the room said, "If a laser hits you in your eye, stay still and use the protection we gave you - for the remaining eye." That was quite motivating.
1. In today’s Gospel Christ gives us another lesson in faith, that we should not be over-anxious about our daily bread and our temporal existence, and stirs us up by means of a miracle; as though to say by his act what he says by his words in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” For here we see, since the people followed Christ for the sake of God’s Word and the signs, and thus sought the Kingdom of God, he did not forsake them but richly fed them. He hereby also shows that, rather than those who seek the Kingdom of God should suffer need, the grass in the desert would become wheat, or a crumb of bread would be turned into a thousand loaves; or a morsel of bread would feed as many people and just as satisfactorily as a thousand loaves; in order that the words in Matthew 4:4 might stand firm, that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” And to confirm these words Christ is the first to be concerned about the people, as to what they should eat, and asks Philip, before they complain or ask him; so that we may indeed let him care for us, remembering that he cares more and sooner for us than we do for ourselves.
I am filled with cheerfulness, comfort, and joy by the faith of professor Nils Dahl (PhD*, Yale University) when he said, "The text! The text! We have the text!" (The King James Version, Gregory L. Jackson PhD, p, 189 footnote.)
* GJ - Dahl earned his doctorate in Europe, studying under famous New Testament scholars, including Bultmann. Dahl did not agree with them and focused on the content of the Bible, Old and New Testaments. He was considered the greatest Biblical exegete by Harvard Dean Krister Stendahl.
The text we have is the TEXTUS RECEPTUS not Vaticanus (Westcott-Hort/Nestle Aland Text). Vaticanus was soundly rejected for the Reformation, not just by a man (Erasmus) but by God the Holy Ghost Himself. He alone guides His church into all truth: the TEXTUS RECEPTUS and translations of the TEXTUS RECEPTUS: Luther's 1545 Bible, and the King James Bible. This is why the King James Bible is the only dominant Bible among Christians today (50% King James to 30% NIV).** The King James Bible is the only translation that never changes. This makes sense because God's word never changes. So here is God's unchangeable, eternal word: the King James Bible and it's unchangeable eternal foundation: the TEXTUS RECEPTUS.
** GJ - The KJV/NKJV combined may be more like 60%. Scholars are divided. I question the 30% figure for the NIV, easily the worst of the bad paraphrases. The Evil Four - NIV, RSV, NRSV, ESV - include three paraphrased licensed by the National Council of (Marxist) Churches.
Why is only 15% of a book written by Luther and yet is called Luther's Large Catechism? We will be teaching Luther's Large Catechism itself, not as the ruminations of a horde of dyspeptic men and prating women.
The sermon quotations will continue both in the masthead and now also in the body of the blog, so people can take advantage of the RSS feed.
17. But when the stronger man, the Gospel, comes, peace flees, and he rages like a madman, for he resents being condemned, unmasked, punished, and publicly branded. Then he gathers up his armor, the powerful, wise, rich and holy people, and sets them all to attacking God’s Word, as we see in the persecution of the teachers of the Gospel. Such rage and persecution signify that the devil retires very unwillingly and raves in his whole body; for as he acts in the body and its members when he must depart, so he also behaves in the whole world, resisting with all his power when he is to give place to the Gospel; but it is all in vain, he must be expelled.
18. For a Stronger One, that is, Christ, comes and overpowers him and takes away his whole armor, that is, he converts some of those same persecutors, and to that extent makes him weaker, and his own kingdom stronger. He divides the spoils too, that is, those he converts he uses for various offices, graces, and works in Christendom, of which Paul writes in Romans 12:6. He is also in the court yard or ante-room of the palace, for the devil’s kingdom consists in outward appearances and pretenses of wisdom, holiness, and strength; but when it is captured by the Gospel it is found to consist of pure folly, sin and weakness.
Luther was mocked wearing St. Patrick's livery and a bishop's hat at ELCA's Wartburg Seminary.
The Gloria Patri The Kyrie p. 17 The Gloria in Excelsis The Salutation and Collect p. 19
Collect
We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy humble servants and stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.
The Epistle and Gradual Ephesians 5:1-9 The Gospel Luke 11:14-28 Glory be to Thee, O Lord! Praise be to Thee, O Christ! The Nicene Creed p. 22 The Sermon Hymn #524In Thee Lord Have I Put My Trust (alt tune #177)
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 #568 We Praise Thee O God
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
KJV Luke 11:14
And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. 15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. 16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house against a house falleth. 18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. 19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. 24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Opposing the Gospel
KJV Luke 11:14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
The greatest folly today is rejecting the concept of the Underworld - not just organized crime, but Satan and his underlings, servants, managers, and stormtroopers. The occult is just part of it, and so are the pagan religions, including those followed by middle-class, supposedly normal people. I had two of those in a religion class. Once they identified each other in introductions, they were glued together. Satan's name is literally "the Opposer" and we should not take that lightly. One online student said she was an ordained priestess of a forgotten, ancient Egyptian religion. She began attacking everyone who expressed faith in Christ, but alas - that was not allowed. The venom was real.
When we belong to Jesus Christ, He protects us as a shepherd protects the flock. When people spend time with the occult, they fall into its grip and are terribly weakened. Luther concluded that this man was terribly weakened and came to Jesus, helped by friends. The Savior took away his spiritual disease and made him whole again, so he became coherent and began to speak. The audience marveled at this, because the man went from total captivity to health.
15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. 16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign [GJ- miracle] from heaven.
Two kinds of unbelief followed. Attacking Jesus, they accused Him of serving Satan (Beelzebub), so they accused Jesus not only of being demonic but being subordinate to the Devil. They remind me of the person who acted super-spiritual, as if she had swallowed the Holy Spirit, feathers and all (as Luther once said). She was always attacking and undermining, at work and at church, and she drew people into her circle. The others attacking Jesus demanded a miracle from heaven, even though one took place in front of them. Those are good examples of people so hardened that they reject the Gospel or they demand a miracle just for them.
17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house against a house falleth.
This is an important lesson by itself. Jesus knows our thoughts. That is why we can pray silently to Him. Those who reject His divinity also reject praying to Him, except perhaps in well crafted general prayers. A survey of LCA pastors showed that most did not pray much at all. Faith moves us to offer Him requests and praise, but the hardened see no use for it. Faith and unfaith are opposed and will bring themselves into ruin, because faith tolerates unfaith and becomes no faith at all.
People should ask why the whale-sized churches and colleges turn into shells where no Christians worship and the buildings serve as movie theaters, banks, or Islamic colleges. Yale began as a college in 1701 to train ministers and a bit later -leading citizens serving the public. In spite of merging four seminaries together at Yale Divinity School, the "divinity" faculty is comprised of anti-Christian "scholars" and advocates of the worst sort. The math is simple: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 1/2, because a four-way seminary merger turned into one, which was cut in half due to lack of interest and high costs. (YDS = the original Yale college, plus Berkeley Episcopal, plus Andover Congregationalist Seminary which merged some time ago with Newton Seminary.)
18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
3. In the first place, with honest and reasonable arguments he concludes from two comparisons that one devil cannot cast out another; for if that were so, the devils would be divided among themselves and Satan’s kingdom would indeed not stand. For nature teaches that if a kingdom is divided against itself and its citizens drive out each other, it is not necessary to go to war against it, for it will come to ruin soon enough of itself. Likewise a house divided against itself needs no other destruction. Even the heathen author Sallust, teaching only from the light of nature and experience, says: “Great wealth passes away through discord, but through concord small means become large.” If now the devils were divided among themselves to such a degree that one should drive out the other, Satan’s dominion would be at an end, and we would have rest from his attacks.
We have slid into an era where disbelief is honored and the Christian Faith is considered backwards, prejudiced, evil, and destructive. The root of it goes back to the ministry of Jesus Christ. The number one source of opposition was His teaching about faith in Him, something we find throughout His work but especially in the Gospel of John. The final Gospel of four quotes Jesus preaching faith in Him rather than good works. The ultimate or foundational sin is not believing in Him. He stated clearly that the Holy Spirit (Scriptures, preaching, teaching) was being sent to convict the world of unbelief in Him.
KJV John 16:7 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;
The modernists reject John's Gospel and place it 300 years later - a mockery - and discounts its content altogether. That is the position of all the Left Wing denominations and many of the so-called conservatives. The greatest and most dangerous sin is not believing in Christ, His Virgin Birth, His miracles, His atoning death, His Resurrection and Ascension.
19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
This is the logical conclusion, based on what the opponents are saying in accusing Jesus. The "religious" are often the most antagonistic today because they have been trained in unbelief and social activism. Good works alone cleanse the apostates of their guilt - so they think. I know two highly trained engineers who cannot wait to trade their gas stove (boo hiss) with something else that will not hurt the environment. There are networks of people who feel the same way and act on it, too.
21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.
This predicts the growth of the Christian Faith. Satan owned the whole world except for a little tribe in a little known province, and it was under the military might of Rome. There was no threat from Judaism against Rome, and they feared losing their sponsorship if Jesus became a "real" king, at least in the eyes of the Empire. Everything was relatively peaceful until the Apostles and newly convert believers from Jesus' miracles and sermons. Christ Jesus in the form of faith in Him caused turmoil everywhere.
All over the world are examples of the Gospels reaching unbelievers and influencing government. The power and government of Satan has been thwarted to some degree, and his wealth has been divided among his enemies. Nevertheless, we have to say today, "Wherever a chapel is built, Satan builds a cathedral next door." (Luther said the opposite, but this is true to the Scriptures, because we are in the end times.)
23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. 24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
This is a little parable where someone is cleansed of an evil spirit and becomes a more inviting target. I have seen that in addictions, where everything is really good and going well. Then the individual who was straightened out and baptized gets into a fight and commits a felon, worse off than evrey before.
27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
The final section warns about elevating the Virgin Mary to a status equal to Jesus. He clearly taught against such an equation in the Gospel of John, at the wedding at Cana and during His execution, both times addressing Mary as "mother."
The Word of God is so harmonious that we find the same lesson taught in different ways, so they form a remarkable unity and purpose.
