"Lord, remember Your children who call upon you." Amen

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH- SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

Encouragement to an active Christian life is clearly a part of Christian teaching drawn from the Bible. Fruits of faith in Christ are evidence of the work of the Spirit in the heart of the Christian. It is as impossible for the Christian to say, " I choose not to bring forth fruit," as it would be for an apple tree not to bear apples. But everything in its proper order!

What has become the primary focus in the "evangelical world," today is the promotion of the "Christian life." Fine, except that the emphasis on the Christian life with the evident de-emphasis of Law and Gospel preaching has engendered subtle work righteousness. It has created an emotionalism and enthusiasm that measures holiness by deeds while showing disrespect for doctrine - Bible teaching. "Deeds, not creeds" is the rallying cry as efforts are made to promote what is perceived to be a more genuine Christianity. The emphasis today is on what one has done or should do, rather than what Christ has done for us and is still doing for us!

For our part, as children of the Reformation we begin with substance, with doctrine. Of doctrine Luther said, "It is true, where doctrine is not right, it is impossible for life to be right and good; for life is fathered and fashioned by doctrine" (WLS, Vol.1, Para.1229, page 417). Not any doctrine, but that which is set forth in, and drawn from the Scripture.

Absolutely, faith is to be lived. Christianity is not merely a "condition." Genuine faith is not sterile. Christianity cannot be real or faith genuinely fruitful without the Word of God, from which true doctrine is drawn. Again Luther said, "Everything depends on doctrine. Where doctrine is right, everything is right . . . Where doctrine is not right, everything is vain" (Para. 1226, page 416). Thus a blessing of the Reformation was a return to an appreciation of Bible doctrine. From the doctrine of the Law we gain an understanding of sin. For by the Law sin and its consequence are known. The substance of the doctrine of the Gospel is the message of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ. Through the Gospel alone is the saving grace of God known for the instruction and comfort of the troubled sinner. The doctrine of justification is the foundation of the Christian hope in that God the Father has in Christ justified, that is declared the world not guilty, for which reason all who believe in Christ, by the power of the Spirit (Doctrine of Conversion) have eternal life. Without preaching of the doctrine of justification any encouragement to fruits is simply veiled work-righteousness. The denial or compromise of the doctrine of justification undermines the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

It is God's promise that when all the doctrines of Scripture from the doctrine of inspiration, to the doctrine of salvation and the doctrine of the last times, and every other doctrine of Scripture is taught as our Lord has revealed it, fruits will follow. On the other hand it is equally true that where the emphasis is on fruits without doctrine there will be neither truth nor fruits of the Spirit.

The strength of historic Lutheran theology lies in the fact that the doctrine set forth in the Church and its confessions is Scripture and only Scripture. It was long ago that this promise was spen, " I solemnly promise before Almighty God that all my teachings shall be in conformity with His Word, and with the aforementioned confessions" (Those of the Bo of Concord of 1580) (Krauth, Conservative Reformation, page 165). That confession is no longer spen without reservation in the church in which C. P. Krauth was considered a respected champion of conservative Lutheran theology over a century ago. The Lutheran Church of which he was part has moved consistently further away from sound doctrine of Scripture. One may say, "But he lived over 100 years ago, and we are entering a new millennium." To that we answer, "True, but God's Word does not change!"

God's Word, the Bible, is still the source of our doctrine and our confession of faith today. Unfortunately, the public press usually headlines reference to the ELCA with "Lutherans . . . decide . . declare. . . join. . . etc." While it is not as much a lack of honesty as it is a lack of understanding, the fact is that the ELCA does not speak for all Lutherans any more than the Church of the Lutheran Confession which still treasures the heritage of the Reformation speaks for all Lutherans!

In a day when there is little tolerance for sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:1), and until the Lord comes, "Give attention to . . . doctrine" (1 Timothy 4:13). The fruits in the Christian's life and the fruit of eternal salvation in Christ will follow.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH: BAPTISM

This Sacrament, or sacred act, instituted by our Lord Himself (Matthew 28:19,20) is described in the inspired Word of God as " a washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5). It is a miracle of grace. In Matthew 28 we have the commission given to the Church to "teach (make disciples of) all nations (by) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you."

We conclude that a valid Baptism is in the name of the Triune God, and is to be done with water. The essentials of baptism are the Word and the water. The mode or manner of baptism is nowhere commanded in Scripture. Therefore whether the water is applied through pouring, sprinkling, or immersion is immaterial. Interestingly in Mark 7:3,4 the word "baptize" is used in reference to the "washing" of cups, vessels, tables (couches), etc.

Since the time of the early Church infants have been baptized. Among others, Origen who died in 254 said, "The Church has received from the Apostles the tradition (command) to baptize also little children." The decree of the Council of Carthage (418) in very sharp words declared. "Whoever denies that newly born children are to be baptized, let him be anathema." St. Augustine said that the custom of baptizing infants "stems from the Holy Apostles"(Quotes from "The Abiding Word", CPH, 1947, page 397). The Apostles received their instruction from the Lord Jesus. Indeed, our Lord Himself became indignant when the disciples attempted to turn away infants (Luke 18:15) from Jesus. They had been brought to Jesus that He should touch them and bless them. Whereas at that time they brought little children to receive the divine blessing through the physical touch of Jesus, our little children are "touched" and blessed by Him through this Sacrament, which He has instituted. The miracle of Baptism is a miracle of grace.

While the early church clearly practiced infant baptism, our practice of infant baptism is not based on the authority of the fathers but the teaching of Scripture. We baptize infants because

1. They are part of the nation (Matthew 28:19).

2. They have sin (Psalm 51:5, John 3:6, Romans 5:12) .

3. They are in need of forgiveness (John 3:5)

4. They can have faith (Matthew 18:6, Mark 10:15)

The context clearly shows that at Pentecost children were included when the Lord said through the Apostle, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children . . ." (Mark 2:38,39).

We have the witness of Scripture that infants are to be baptized. Thereby the Lord in His grace miraculously creates faith through the Word of Baptism. Indeed how the Spirit accomplishes this is beyond us, but so then is the fact of the creation of the world through the Word, the doctrine of the Trinity, the doctrine of the miraculous conception, and the virgin birth of Jesus. It is of God. God does not tell us to understand how or even why, but simply to believe His Word! That is enough for us. At the same time we have the witness of Scripture that adults who can be instructed as infants cannot, are instructed and then baptized (Acts 8:29-38).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Last week we spe of the institution of baptism and why we baptize infants. We saw from Scripture also that adults are instructed before they are baptized.

There is no blessing in the simple act of baptism. They who would turn baptism into a good work or meritorious deed on man's part are abusing this wonderful gift of God. Further, they who proceed to neglect the education of their children in the Word of God after the child's baptism are also abusing baptism, to say nothing of the terrible abuse of the child! The Lord has instructed that the baptized be taught His Word. Through the instruction in the Word of God the baptized grows in understanding as well as in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

To understand the blessing of this Sacrament, we remember that it is a "means of grace." Through the Gospel Word the Spirit transmits to the baptized and credits to our account all that our Lord Jesus Christ accomplished for us at the cross. Without Christ there would be no meaning to Baptism. Without the means of grace, there would be no vehicle to make what Jesus accomplished our own. This is why we appreciate the means of grace in Word and Sacrament.

The Word of Baptism, the Gospel, creates faith, faith which in turn believes the words and promises of God. Scripture says of Baptism, "Be baptized . . . for the remission of sins . . ." (Acts 2:38), and again, "Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16). Baptism works a change. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27). Baptism makes us partakers of the death and ultimately the resurrection victory of Christ over devil and death. "Know ye not that so many as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death" (Romans 6:3)? Baptism gives eternal salvation. Again Scripture is clear, "Baptism doth also now save us" (1 Peter 3:21). Every blessing of baptism is always connected to Christ. It is not faith in baptism that saves for it is faith in Christ alone that saves! But baptism is a means through which the Spirit of God makes the blessings promised our own! Since we cannot instruct infants as we can instruct adults, the Lord has instituted this sacrament as a means through which the Spirit works in their heart because He desires the forgiveness and salvation of little children no less than others.

For the Christian the blessings of baptism are precious. Because of the weakness of our own flesh we daily need the reassurance that our baptism gives: (According to His mercy He saved us) " But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying . . ."(Titus :4-8)

Finally we remember that Scripture says in Mark 16, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved . . ." That is God's promise which makes glad the heart of each believer. But what about those who are not baptized? Scripture does not give us the answer to that. Since Scripture is silent so also must we be. Since salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we are confident of the salvation of all who confess Christ. "He that believeth not shall be damned," is the conclusion of Mark 16:16 A confessor of Jesus Christ will not neglect baptism. Yet such as would refuse baptism place themselves under the indictment of the last half of Mark 16:16. If God Himself takes one in death before baptism that is His doing, and we bow to His will. On the other hand for peace of heart and mind Christian parents will not want to neglect the baptism of their children and subject themselves to the nagging question, "What happens to the unbaptized?"

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

As we come to the celebration of the Reformation, we hear much of Martin Luther. Martin Luther was God's "tool" in the Reformation of the Church. There had been many men before Luther who had dared to take on the establishment of the papacy. Some attacked the pope. Some attacked the wealth and politics of the Catholic Church. Some to on the life style of the papacy and the church. While many attacked the false doctrine and practice of Rome, the concern about the doctrine of Rome was Luther's concentration. Thus while the others prepared the way, it was Luther through whom the Lord chose to bring about the Reformation of the church.

The Reformation, which we celebrate, had three principles: "Scripture alone, Grace alone, Faith alone." When Luther posted the 95 theses on the church door it was not his intent to leave the Roman church. He was calling for discussion of doctrine. It was Luther's desire to bring the church back to the proclamation of the apostolic doctrine of which Jesus Christ, not the papacy, is the foundation and the chief cornerstone.

Today the church that was spawned by the Reformation and which holds the Lutheran name is in a very disturbing slide. The majority of Lutherans has or is forsaking the three principles mentioned above as well as the Lutheran Confessions recorded in the Bo of Concord of 1580. We must state clearly and emphatically that something or some church is not Lutheran because it says it is. The fact is that if what is taught is not SCRIPTURE it is not Lutheran. Compromise of the truth of Scripture was abhorrent to Luther. Frankly he would have a difficult time recognizing the Lutheran Church today.

Some have mistakenly suggested that Lutherans worship Luther. Nothing is further from the truth. Luther as a self described "maggot sack" is not worthy of worship. To worship him would be idolatry. Yet we show Martin Luther respect for his steadfastness to the truth as well as for the legacy that he has left us. We thank God for having raised up a man such as Luther at a critical time in the life of the church. To respect our "fathers" and to follow their faith is Scriptural. The Bible says, " Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spen unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation [manner of life]" (Hebrews 13:7). Our faith is not in the fathers. But neither can we ignore the fathers whose personal struggle led them into Scripture from which they set forth the truths of God. Their teaching is to be measured and adjudged in the light of Scripture. When it has been found in accord with Scripture we dare not reject them. Jesus said to His disciples, " Whoever despises you, despises me, and whoever despises Me despises Him Who sent me"( Luke 10:16). We thank our gracious God in Christ Jesus for the Truth of the Word, which embodies the message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. We thank God for the strength He gave Luther to see the truth, and to stand up for it against great odds. We thank God for Luther. Today the danger is not that Lutherans will worship Luther. The greater danger is that Lutherans will forsake the doctrines of Scripture for which he and others were willing to die!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

"LORD, GIVE US SUCH A FAITH AS THIS!" The work and teaching of Martin Luther did not meet with universal appreciation. Indeed many rejected the teaching set forth in the Reformation, even as today. But Luther's concern for the pure Gospel touched other hearts. Many were freed from the burden of seeking their salvation in their own efforts. Many were comforted in knowing and believing that Christ Jesus the Savior, the Son of God, bore the price of redemption. He bore it in His own body. It is amazing that to this day this simple truth meets with so much opposition. But we say thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and with Paul, "I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord" (Romans 7:25).

During and after the Reformation many were willing to give up their life to hold fast the teachings of Scripture and the pure Gospel. One who did was a man little known to us. His name was Patrick Hamilton. Born in 1504, he was of royal blood. He was acquainted with the writings of Luther as they were smuggled into Scotland. The introduction of Luther's writings was so great that in 1525 Parliament forbid their distribution. But the acts of Parliament could not stop God's Truth. Because Patrick was not bashful to confess the Scripture he was called a heretic by the archbishop. He fled to Wittenberg in 1527 and became a student of Luther.

Patrick Hamilton confessed that Jesus Christ was the only Savior of the world. Against advice of friends he returned to Scotland in 1527. There he proclaimed, " To believe the Gospel is this: That Christ is the Savior of the world. Christ is our Savior. Christ bought us with His blood. Christ washed us with His blood. Christ offered Himself for us. Christ bore our sins on His back." He set forth a preaching, which one said had never been heard in "the countryside before."

The archbishop was determined to stop the "Lutheran heresy" promoted by Hamilton. On February 27, 1528, he was apprehended and made a prisoner in the castle. At his trial this verdict was given: " We have found this same Patrick Hamilton, many ways infamed(sic) with heresy, disputing, holding, and maintaining diverse heresies of Martin Luther and his followers, repugnant to our faith, and which are already condemned by general councils and most famous universities . . . and therefore do judge and pronounce him to delivered over to the secular power, to be punished, and his goods confiscated."

The verdict was read in the church of St. Andrew in February 1528, not quite 11 years after the posting of the 95 theses in October of 1517.

Carrying the Bible, Patrick Hamilton, 24 years of age and recently married was led to a stake before the college of St. Salvator. He was burned to death, in a slow and agonizing death over the period of 6 hours. One who witnessed the death wrote, " But in all his cruel pains (he) offended them never in word and sign; but continually prayed for them, and gave thanks again unto God which made him worthy to suffer for His name." Thus ended the life of the first Lutheran preacher and martyr in Scotland.

"A final action in this life, was for Hamilton to raise three fingers of his burning hand and repeat: 'How long, Lord shall darkness overwhelm this realm? How long wilt Thou suffer this tyranny of men?' Then like Stephen, he cried out, ' Lord Jesus receive my spirit.' On the footpath, just outside the gate of St. Salvator's College, two letters 'PH' still signify the exact spot where Patrick died in the testimony of the Gospel."

Aware of his impending death, Patrick Hamilton said to onloers, "As to my confession I will not deny it for awe of your fire, for my confession and belief is in Jesus Christ … I will rather be content that my body burn in this fire for the confession of my faith in Christ than my soul should burn in the fire of Hell for denying the same."

(Much of this article is taken from Patrick Hamilton- Luther's Ambassador to the Scots. It was written by Rev. Bruce Adams and distributed through the Lutheran Laymen's League of North Adelaide, South Australia.

Our hearts are stirred by the boldness of those of whom we are the heirs. Our hearts are thankful to the Lord for the blessed Gospel, and for the power of the Word to stir hearts to confess His name. At the same time we are profoundly troubled at the ease with which so many within Lutheranism are willing to deny Christ, and His Word, and who have so little respect for the sacrifices that were made so that we might enjoy the pure Gospel and rejoice in the joy of a full and free salvation in Jesus. We lament indifference within our own fellowship when it arises. We have not yet resisted unto blood, as did our fathers, and more importantly our Lord Jesus Christ. May God the Spirit give us a renewed love for the Truth, and strengthen us for the fight. Above all may the Holy Spirit give us a simple childlike faith in Jesus, the Word made flesh, so that we might be more ready to give up our life of ease than to barter away our salvation on the altar of indifference and a vapid religiousness.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The Sunday after Thanksgiving introduces the season of Advent, a season of preparation for the celebration of the birth in the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we leave the old church year we are reminded of the passing of time. Each minute that passes adds up to hours, hours to days, days to months, months to years. Each step in that progression brings us closer to the end of life personally and of the world in which we live. This is truly a despairing progression except that as the old church year ends we enter into Advent and a new beginning. In each new beginning we are reminded of the truth that the Christian is closer to the entrance into eternal life, the ultimate blessing for all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. This calms our fears.

This writer knows from personal experience because he was on the receiving end of the professor's rebuke. As the student was watching the clock in class instead of listening to the lecture, the professor said nothing. He just pulled out a placard from under the lecture table and held it up before the class. It said simply, "Time will pass! Will you?"

That statement has a spiritual application. Time will pass. It is passing. We too will pass - from time to eternity. So the question really is, "Where will we spend eternity when time is passed?"

That is not a question that we can dismiss lightly. It is not one to put off until tomorrow. Tomorrow is guaranteed to nobody on this earth. We need to consider the question so that day by day we might be assured of the answer. The answer is that "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16). The believer in Jesus Christ will be saved. The believer in Jesus Christ is one who los honestly at his life past and says, "I have sinned." He who despairs over his sin need not despair over his future. In the confidence of faith he says, "God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13), and believes that God will show mercy because of and for the sake of the Lord Jesus "Who became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). For all such as believe there is no fear in the passing of time, for the passing of time is but the element through which we pass "into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:11). So this Advent season is for the faithful Christian a mini-celebration as we anticipate the greater, namely, the Advent of our Lord Jesus to take His children Home. Christmas itself is not only a time of celebration of what is past when Christ came to dwell among us, but a celebration of what is and shall be when believers in Jesus shall go where He is!

But let each ask himself- "How have I spent the past church year?" Has it been one of indifference, neglect, and spiritual self-abuse? If so, there is still time - time to repent and time to start anew, time to study and be refreshed and grow in faith in the Lord Jesus. As class time passes and a test is failed, the test can still be made up. When the time of life passes there is no making up. Let this Advent season approaching be a reminder to us all of the yearning that the Lord has for each of us. The Lord speaks through the writer to the Hebrews telling us of the blessing as well as of the loss should we not heed His yearning call. This call is no better manifest than through the fulfillment of the divine promise, the birth of our Savior.

"Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do away err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, they shall not enter into my rest.) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; While it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation" (Hebrews 3:7-15).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

As you read this it is just a few weeks until Christmas. You have been, or will be busy, increasingly so, preparing for Christmas. So how is your preparation proceeding? And what direction is it taking?

Some years ago we found this unidentified quote. "There are really two Christmases. The one is the Christmas which praises God for sending His Son into the world to save us from sin and to give us (eternal) life through faith in Him." The divine record testifies to the reality of the Heavenly Father's love in promising a Savior from sin. It witnesses to the fact that the Father nurtured His promise through the centuries. This in itself was no small expression of love because the people so often rejected Him. But He who is not willing that any should perish was not dissuaded. He is faithful! He sent and called John the Baptist to go before Jesus to call people to repentance. When the fullness of time was come God sent forth His Son. The eternal Son of God to human flesh and blood, yet without sin. He was conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. In a manger the shepherds found Him as it was announced to them. Finally at the divinely appointed time the Lord Jesus died upon the cross. From the first prophecy in Genesis 3:15 through the birth of Jesus to the cross upon which He died, the message is one of God's faithfulness and love for all people. It reassures and comforts all who believe in the Savior Jesus Christ Who atoned for our sin. For such it is the message of life.

True preparation for Christmas is not stressful. It costs nothing of a material nature. True preparation for Christmas is this simply that we repent of our sins and rejoice in the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This is one Christmas.

"The other Christmas is the nation-wide carnival that comes at the end of December, the Christmas of Santa Claus, which confesses no faith at all and in which any unbeliever or infidel can join without prejudice to his private beliefs or unbeliefs." It is the Christmas the preparation of which is hyping the sale of goods, and the emotion of which is determined by the welfare of the economy when it is over. It is the time of parties and festivities which when it all is said and done makes us yearn from exhaustion for the end of the season. Christians much to their dismay get caught up in the tidal wave of this carnival too. If you don't believe it, just ask yourself how you respond when someone asks, "Well, are you ready for Christmas?"

The Lord's Supper, so called because our Lord instituted it, is also known as the Sacrament of the Altar because it is received at the altar. It is also known as Holy Communion. Communion is a compound word which means "in common with" or "union with." It is a communion as described in 1 Corinthians 10:16, " The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" In a mysterious way there is a union between the wine and the blood of Christ, and the bread and the body of Christ. This is a miracle. This passage declares that the body and blood of Christ are really present in the Sacrament. It is a commentary on our Savior's words of institution. He bre the bread and gave it to his disciples saying, "This IS my body. . ." He gave them the cup to drink and said, "This cup IS the new testament in my blood." Scripture teaches then what we call the REAL PRESENCE. This we believe though we cannot either understand it or explain it other than to say this is what our Lord said, and this is the way it is! It is a matter of faith. Unless one believes the words of our Lord concerning the REAL PRESENCE he receives the sacrament to his judgment. Scripture says, "Whosoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:27). " He that eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks damnation (judgment) to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." (11:29).

For whom then did the Lord institute this wonderful supper of salvation? Not for perfect people, but for sinners. But what kind of sinners? Penitent sinners. A penitent sinner is one who recognizes the reality of sin in his life, confesses his sin, believes in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and believes that in the Sacrament there is forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. The Sacrament of the Altar is a means of grace through which the Lord gives us the blessings which He won for us on the cross. The forgiveness pronounced through the sacrament is no greater than that which is spen in the Word itself as it is preached or pronounced in the absolution on Sunday. The blessing of the Sacrament lies in the fact that it conveys in a very personal and most intimate fashion the forgiveness which comforts the heart. It is as if the Lord called each communicant by name and said, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." For that reason the Christian will want to receive the sacrament often and not neglect it. He will enjoy it in communion with his fellow believers.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

When our Lord instituted the Sacrament He declared that in, with ,and under the bread and wine the communicant receives the real body and blood of the Lord Jesus (Real Presence). Through this means of grace the penitent sinner receives the forgiveness of sins. That is the primary purpose for this sacrament. We appreciate the thought of Luther that where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. As the communicant attends the sacrament he also shows his appreciation for this means of grace. Our Lord said through the Apostle: "As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). In other words, faithful attendance at the sacrament witnesses to our faith and our appreciation for the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. That then leads us to ask a question: "What is the individual who treats the sacrament lightly or who attends it infrequently, if at all, showing?" We are not speaking of those who on occasion are not able to attend, but of those who don't?

So how often should one come to the Sacrament? The answer is that Scripture does not give us a number. Our answer is that he should come as often as he feels the need, bearing in mind also the words of our Savior, "This do in remembrance of me."

Martin Luther asked in the Christian Questions about one who "feels no hunger and thirst for the Sacrament." He answered that one should investigate whether he still has flesh and blood and then believe what Scripture says about it. He should recognize that sin is still in the world, and that he will have the devil constantly about him. Surely one who recognizes his own sin, and who feels the need of forgiveness and who feels the need to be strengthened against the devil will want to come to the Sacrament often. He will want to witness to his faith and his thankfulness for the blessings of this Sacrament and the love of God.

How often should the church offer communion? Again, there is no answer in the Bible. It is up to our sanctified judgment. Typically we have had communion ever Sunday and on Good Friday and New Year's Eve. Some of our churches have it twice a month or oftener.

"We know from history that the early Christians had daily communion; also in the post-apostolic days for several centuries the daily, or almost daily, use of the Sacrament is often mentioned. During the 5th century it became customary to attend communion only rarely. . .The Pope made a law (Council of Trent) for all church members to commune once annually. While Luther objected to the all legalistic methods, he emphasized that Christians should be diligently taught and admonished to come to the Lord's Supper frequently; and he warned against the great danger of neglecting or despising the Holy Supper" ( The Abiding Word, CPH, page 1947, page 441).

The Apology of the Augsburg Confession says in Article 24, " At the outset we must again make the preliminary statement that we do not abolish the Mass, but religiously maintain and defend it. For among us masses are celebrated every Lord's Day and on other festivals in which the Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it. . ." The Augsburg Confession, article 24 says, " Wherefore the Mass is to be used to this end, that there the Sacrament [Communion] may be administered to those that have need of consolation . . . Now, forasmuch as the Mass is such a giving of the Sacrament we hold one communion every holy day. . .

The Church in our day need not have communion as often as at the time of the Reformation. We are free. But the confessions do show us the respect, which this blessed means of grace held in the church of the Reformation. At the same time the confessions warn against the abuse of the Sacrament.

Likely there was concern that "too much" Lord's Supper would make it commonplace and thus lead to disrespect of it. Possibly there was the concern that people would compare their Christianity to others, and think themselves better Christians because they went oftener. That would indeed be an abuse of the Sacrament, and also endanger souls. Another reason may have been the horribly misguided idea that the service is too long during the Lord's Supper and that some who do not plan to attend would stay away from the service. However, we prefer to believe that where Christians recognize that they daily sin much, and with believing hearts desire this very personal assurance of forgiveness from the Lord, and where they respect the command and invitation of God they will not abuse the sacrament. Surely we cannot hear too much Gospel or gather around the Means of Grace too often.

In our society there is a secondary (The first is the blessing we receive) advantage to having the sacrament oftener simply because we are a mobile society. There may be a Sunday when one cannot be at the Sacrament because one is traveling; possibly one is ill or has to work. That means that such a one will have opportunity to come to the Sacrament without having to wait a month. Of course one can always ask the pastor for private communion, which he is happy to give in such cases. But there is a blessing in coming within the fellowship of the congregation whenever that is possible.

We should indeed be concerned that no one abuses the sacrament by believing that he is better because he attends often than his fellow member. We should also guard against letting the Sacrament become "commonplace" in our heart and mind. If that is a temptation, nevertheless there is a greater concern. It is not that some will come too often and thus abuse it, but that there are those who having the opportunity to attend the sacrament nevertheless abuse it and their own souls by neglect and indifference toward this gift from God.

The Lord invites us, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). This promised rest come to us through the means of grace in sacramental word and spen word. May we appreciate it and receive with believing hearts.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

What used to be common practice in the Lutheran Church in years past has become a practice that is now a doctrine, which confessional Lutherans have to defend. With the casting aside, or at very least a compromising of the fellowship principle of Scripture as outlined in 1 Corinthians 1:10 and Romans 16:17,18 the practice of "close" communion is now an archaic practice. Public opinion and compromise has replaced Scripture as the determining factor. "Open" communion, which operates on the principle of "ya'll come," has replaced the principle of unity of faith and confession as an operating principle. In our congregation and throughout the Church of the Lutheran Confession is still practiced what the confessional Lutheran Church of years past practiced. That of course, in itself, does not make the practice correct. However, we believe that the practice was and is firmly based on Scripture.

Whereas Jesus has told the Church, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them . . ." (Matthew 28:19), He has not told the Church to go out and commune the world. When He instituted the Lord's Supper, He instituted it within the intimate circle of His disciples. The Lord's Supper is just that, His Supper, not ours. We do not have the right to change what is His as though we know better than He who gave it.

The practice of "close" (some call it "closed") is not a judgment on the heart or the salvation of people who are denied the Lord's Supper at our altar. But it is practiced for compelling reasons. First of all, Scripture teaches it. Secondly, the Sacrament instituted for blessing ( Forgiveness of sins and eternal life) and the comfort of the penitent sinner can be received to one's judgment (1 Corinthians 11:29). Thirdly, inherent in the word "communion" is the expression of oneness. This oneness is recognized, not by the faith of the heart, but by the confession of the mouth. We have to assume that people who belong to a given church or church body believe and confess what that church teaches or they would not be part of it. If the public confession of that church is not in keeping with Scripture and we believe ours is, it is dishonest to suggest that we are in "communion" when we are not. Again, our practice is not a matter of judging heart; it is a matter of honesty.

The 1943 edition of the catechism which we use (The old LC-MS catechism, 1943) asks: To whom must the Lord's Supper be denied? It answers, " The Lord's Supper must be denied -

This practice of the old LC-MS was also the practice of other Lutherans who now make up the ELCA. We have not invented a new doctrine or practice, but have maintained the old! The practice of "close" communion is an exercise of evangelical love and concern for the Truth as well as for the communicant.

We can understand why lay-people of other churches may have a difficult time understanding our practice. If the teachers and pastors of the church have lost the fellowship principle it follows that the people will not understand it.

We suspect that much of the misunderstanding of the practice of close communion is based in a lack of understanding of the Sacrament itself. The Sacrament of the Lord's body and blood was given by the Lord for the strengthening of faith and for the assurance of divine forgiveness. The body of Christ, given for you" and the blood of Christ "shed for you" in, with, and under the bread and wine is a seal of our Lord to us. In other words, in the sacrament it is not we who are doing anything but receiving. It is the Lord who is giving. The blessings of the sacrament come to us not because of merit on our part - if we had such merit we would not need it- but because God is gracious and merciful, compassionate and forgiving.

And just because He wants us to derive the blessing inherent in it, He Himself gives the warning, " He that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation (Judgment) to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (1 Corinthians 11:29). A faithful pastor cannot in good conscience give the sacrament to someone whom he does not know, and thus be a purveyor of possible judgment to the communicant. (If there are members who have spen all the correct words and publicly confessed agreement with the congregation before the altar, he will receive them to communion. If one comes as a hypocrite, God is His judge. The pastor and the congregation are absolved of the "blood" of such a person). Further, since communing together is a witness of the unity of faith and understanding, a pastor cannot distribute the sacrament to some whose public confession and faith he does not know. Further, he must also be concerned lest he offend fellow confessing Christians through indiscriminate distribution of the sacrament. Surely the easy thing would to be to adopt "open" communion." Then fewer visitors to the service might be unhappy and more might be inclined to come back again. But the easy way is not always the right way. Furthermore, the confessional Lutheran pastor has to live with his conscience and answer before God for his actions. Where that conscience is bound by God's Word, "open" communion is not an option.

We are always ready to show and explain our practice to such as ask. But please do not expect that a faithful pastor or congregation will bend the Word. However we also believe in the power of the Word. We believe that when people who earnestly desire the sacrament carefully think about the sacrament as well as what Scripture says about it both with respect to its blessing and its judgment they will agree, however grudgingly it may be, that the practice of "close" is the Scripture way because it is the Lord's way. If we strip away all personal opinions and simply let our practice reflect what God speaks in His Word, blessing will follow.

Upon the dedication of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Weslaco, Texas

A church building be it a humble chapel or a grand cathedral is simply a building of wood, stone and mortar. The organ and the furnishings are not different in a chapel than in a cathedral, except that those of a cathedral may be more elegant.

Dedication is not the dedication of a monument to any person or self. We do not dedicate a church to be a social club. No politician shall ever search for votes within our walls or from the pulpit of our church. Among us the dedication of a church building is the consecrating or setting apart of the building for sacred use. What is dedicated is dedicated to the glory of God, who has called us individually to faith in Christ Jesus, and who has brought the assembly of believers in Christ together in one place. To dedicate a church to the glory of God is an implicit and explicit expression that within its walls God's Word shall be preached. His name shall be hallowed. How? By teaching the Word of God in its truth and purity. Within the walls of a church dedicated to the glory of God we will preach Law. The preaching of the Law is enjoined upon the Church in order that the sins of the flesh may be exposed. Within these walls the predominant preaching shall be the Gospel, for the Gospel is the healing balm for sinners as it is the pronouncement of forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus alone. Sinners troubled by their sin and seeking release from their guilt should find in a church dedicated to the Lord God and His service, peace of mind and hope of heaven. God is where His word is and the sacraments administered according to the divine institution. They who enter a church dedicated to the service of the Lord should know that they have been in the presence of God. A church dedicated to the glory of God will be a place within which the Gospel is taught so that unbelievers may be converted, and believers in Christ may be strengthened. It is a place within which they who gather will mutually confess their sins, receive the absolution of the Lord, and reflect this divine love in their relationship with all people.

Where the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity there God is pleased to dwell. He tells us in Exodus 20:24, " In every place where I record my name, I will come to you and I will bless you." A Christian church dedicated to the glory of the Lord is a place to which God's people will come in confidence, as the hymn writer wrote:

And seek deliverance there. (Lutheran Hymnal 636)

The dedication of a building, however, is quite meaningless if the people who make up the congregation are not first dedicated in their heart to love the Truth as it has been taught, and to serve the Lord in the spirit of faith and holiness. The apostle Paul wrote by inspiration concerning the Corinthian Christians who had opened their hearts with a liberal outpouring of gifts for the Christians in Macedonia. He tells us how the Corinthians "first gave themselves to the Lord. . ." (2 Corinthians 8:5). What a beautiful example of dedication! As the Lord has redeemed us from sin and given us an inheritance with the saints, He has set us aside as individuals calling us "temples of the living God" (2 Corinthians 6:16) He says, " I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people." Blessing rests upon such as are dedicated to the Lord and who worship in a building dedicated to the glory of God.

The hymn verse applies whether speaking of our heart or a building dedicated to the praise of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. We pray:

And we as living temples Thine. (LH- 637)

The word "grace" is a charming word. It has a pleasant ring to it. There is a hymn in our Lutheran Hymnal that begins: "Grace! 'tis a charming sound, harmonious to the ear. . ." But what does it mean, and what is its significance?

Words change over time. They take on different meanings to different people depending upon their understanding and the circumstances. Today grace means many different things. Grace is a female name. It may be used to describe elegance or dignity, or even movement. It is used to describe a period of time following a due date- a grace period. One could fall into another's "bad grace." A little closer to the spiritual, it may even refer to prayer as to say "grace."

The definition that elicits the first line of the song quoted above is that which is near and dear to the Christian heart. The Christian recognizes grace as the "unmerited favor and love of God." Grace is "undeserved love!" Grace comes from God the Father because "God is love." It is shown to sinful man who by reason of sin deserves divine wrath and everlasting punishment. Yet God is gracious, and manifests grace to sinful man, not because man deserves, but because God is good!

The apostle Paul described himself as "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). One reason for that personal assessment was that fact that "I persecuted the church of God" (1 Corinthians 15:9). Paul was undeserving of anything but divine wrath and judgment. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. . . when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son. . . (Romans 5:8,10). That is grace! Paul further rejoiced in the undeserved love of God toward him as he testified that "the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant" (1 Timothy 1: 14) toward him. Paul testified to this abundant grace in the beautiful words of Ephesians 2: 8: " For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast." Paul was saved! He had a future. In heaven. With the Father. Forever. Not by works or personal merit. Not by infused grace! By grace, pure and simple. The sinner is saved by grace alone through faith alone! Period. Scripture says, " And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace; but if it is of works, it is no longer of grace; otherwise work is no more work" (Romans 11:6).

Life itself is a time of grace, a time of God's undeserved love toward us in every way. Life is a time of undeserved love for it is the time during which the Father in heaven would bring us to faith, that faith which apprehends the grace of God. God showed His grace to all in the person of Jesus Christ. He calls all through the means of grace- the Gospel in Word and Sacrament in order that "faith which comes by hearing" may be created in the heart, for without faith in Christ it is not possible to enter into eternal life. Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ is the bottom stone of Christian teaching! Listen carefully when you hear, "Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 1:1).

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" (Romans 6:1), Paul asks. He answers his own question: "Certainly not" ( 6:2)! By God's grace we are saved through faith. Not to sin but to live to God's glory in this life, until the grace of God is fully appreciated in heaven, forever.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The word "righteousness" is an important word in Scripture. The word righteousness is used over three hundred times in the Bible. It was the misunderstanding of this word that kept Martin Luther enslaved, and fearful for many years.

There is a righteousness which is of the Law. The Apostle Paul recorded these words of the Spirit of God, "Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the Law, 'The man who does those things, shall live by them'"( Romans 10:5). God demands righteousness but the accomplishment of righteousness which is of the Law is beyond the ability of man. Paul wrote again, "If there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been of the Law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin" (Galatians 3 :21,22). Consequently, the Apostle, writing the Word of the Lord, said, "Israel, pursuing the Law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness" (Romans 9:31). Mankind, "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) cannot attain righteousness unto salvation through the righteousness of the Law because man cannot by his own actions, merit, or pursuit attain the perfection that the divine 1aw demands.

That is why penitent Christians appreciate the blessing that is ours through " The Lord our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 33:16). Christ is the "end of the Law for righteousness to everyone that believes" (Romans 10:4). The Lord Jesus fulfilled all things for us. Perfectly. His righteousness is imputed (credited) to the account of the sinner who believes in Christ. The Father who " reconciled the world unto Himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19) by the death of His Son los upon the believer in Christ as righteous. "For He made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus died for all people. But they who reject Jesus or who believe in their own meritorious deeds remain in their condition of unrighteousness. The righteousness, which counts before God unto salvation, is that which He gives to the sinner, and which is apprehended through faith. This righteousness is not a demand upon us but a gift to us. Luther said, "Christ is known only through teaching and the external Word. Therefore the Gospel is, as it were, the vehicle which brings Christ with His righteousness and all gifts to us," (WLS, page 1229,Vol III). Until Luther understood that righteousness is a gift of God through faith to all who believe he says, he "hated" righteousness. It frightened him.

How beautiful is the righteousness of Christ. We sing therefore, "Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress; Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, with joy shall I lift up my head" (LH 371). And again in hymn 370, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness . . ." On the day of judgment the believer will not hold before God as reason to enter heaven his own works and righteousness, but the righteousness of Christ.

Those, whose righteousness is in Christ, are not, nevertheless, excused from pursuing a life of righteousness. Scripture exhorts the Christian to present himself " to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God, for sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the Law but under grace" (Romans 6:13,14). They who are righteous unto salvation through faith in Christ have not been released from the condemnation of the law in order that they might live the life of sin and unrighteousness. The believer in Christ does not attain in this life the righteous life as much as he desires and pursues it. He is still in the flesh a sinner. Nevertheless he pursues a life that reflects righteousness with a new attitude. Luther said, " Ah, how large a part of righteousness it is to want to be righteous" (WLS, page1233,Vol. III). To put it simply, they who trust in Christ and His righteousness will want to live as instruments of righteousness to the glory of God who has clothed them freely in the righteousness of Christ unto salvation. How beautiful is the gift of righteousness in Christ!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Pollute: "To make foul or unclean; soil, taint; to corrupt or defile; make morally unclean; to profane, desecrate." Such is the definition in the dictionary. Pollution then is the end result. We are very conscious in our day of environmental pollution. But there is another pollution, an even more deadly one, about which Scripture speaks.

When sin entered into the world through Adam and Eve mankind was then and there fouled, corrupted, made unclean. Man no longer measured up to the standard of divine. Sin had rendered him unacceptable to God, for holiness and sin cannot exist together. The result of man's sin was that he was condemned to everlasting condemnation.

Something had to change if man would be returned to the good graces of the offended Father in heaven. Something had to change if man would live eternally in heaven and not die eternally in hell. The Lord God to this matter into his own hands, because He is gracious. God who could not and would not justify sin determined then already in the Garden of Eden to justify the sinner! God did for man what man could not do for himself.

The common and wrong idea is that man can make amends to God by an act of justifying himself. This happens in various ways. One may think that by comparison he is not as bad a sinner as others. It is a strange notion that somehow the Heavenly Father will receive into heaven those who are not as bad as others. It is also eternally fatal! God does not ask us to compare ourselves to others. He asks us to compare ourselves to Him. By the divine standard we are all miserable failures. Others hope to justify themselves by their own works, their good intentions, or their good effort.

Scripture tells us however, "Whoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2:10). God demands total perfection. "By the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified in His sight" (Romans 3:20). Man is justified without the deeds of the law. That is clear as one reads Romans 3:28.

Yet there is hope for the sinner. Though "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), they are "justified freely by his [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24). Grace, undeserved love, moved God to justify the sinner. God has declared the sinner righteous and holy, but note, not apart from Christ Jesus, but in Christ Jesus. Jesus Who kept the Law perfectly and thus fulfilled it for us nevertheless to the sins of the world upon Himself. Bearing the sin of the world He suffered and died in the place of the sinner. He paid the debt the sinner owed. The Heavenly Father accepted the merit and work of Jesus as the payment for the sins of the world. What is paid is no longer demanded. God declared the world just in His sight, again, not apart from Christ, but in Christ!

But then why are not all saved eternally. Because the declaratory act of the Heavenly Father is assimilated through faith. Scripture says, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Romans 3:28). Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). The work of redemption itself has been accomplished. The declaration of God upon the world has been made. But it cannot help and benefit one unless it is believed. They who reject Christ or what He has done are still in debt. This is the tragedy of all tragedies. On the other hand, they who believe in Jesus can be at ease for they shall stand before the Heavenly Father on judgment day clothed in robes of Christ's righteousness.

Such faith in Christ is saving faith. Faith which assimilates the blessings of Christ's redemption is a fruit of the Gospel, the Means of Grace. Through the Gospel, the Spirit of God works faith, which says, "I believe." Scripture tells us that "whoever believes in Him (Jesus) should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:15).

"Justification by grace, through faith," is the chief teaching in the Christian church. Martin Luther called the doctrine of justification the "head and cornerstone" that builds, preserves and defends the church. That church is a blessing, which proclaims Christ. Blessed are they who believe in Christ for they shall see life.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

We pray in the Lord's Prayer, "Lead us not into temptation." Immediately we are confronted with the need to understand something of Bible interpretation. It is an essential necessity to understand that the Bible does not contradict itself. God is the Author of the Bible and He cannot contradict Himself. So the prayer we pray is not a suggestion that God would tempt us to sin. Scripture interprets itself. It tells us in the bo of James, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man; but every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed" (James 1:13). In other words, no one can excuse evil by saying, "God made me do it."

Scripture says, "Out of the heart proceeds evil thoughts, murders adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies" (Matthew15:19). When Christians pray to the Heavenly Father, "Lead us not into temptation," they are praying that the Lord would protect them from temptation, give them good judgment to recognize temptation, and the strength to resist the temptation. Scripture tells us, "The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you and keep you from evil" (2 Thessalonians 3:3). But how does the Lord "stablish" or strengthen us against evil? He has done so by giving us His Word. With instruction from the Word we can recognize evil when we see it. With the Word as our shield (Ephesians 6) we can resist the temptation. With the Word of God we can send the devil fleeing. Three times in His first confrontation with the devil, Jesus used the Word. Each time that He was tempted He said, "It is written" (Matthew 4). The Word of God is both our shield and our weapon against temptation. "And take . . . the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God" (Ephesians 6: 17).

Since the initial fall man has by reason of his sinful flesh fallen again and again. But as there is less and less respect for the Word of God in our day, sin increases and becomes a pleasure to be pursued rather than an offense to be avoided, and when committed, a cause for which to repent. It is a contradiction in our life that, hardly is the prayer for protection against temptation off our lips, than we often flirt with the very temptations from which we ask the Lord to protect us.

The honest Christian will acknowledge his sin and thank the Lord that "Jesus was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). These clear words, incomprehensible in their depth, are words of comfort, because they tell us that Jesus was indeed innocent and completely free of any evil in thought or deed. He was therefore the perfect and sufficient payment for sin when He died on the cross. Now, most thankfully, when we fall we can go to the Father and find forgiveness for our sin because Jesus has already paid the price. This in turn will make our prayer, "Lead us not into temptation" the more earnest.

To avoid the temptations that are all too ready to play on our own sinful flesh, we will want to avoid as much as is possible those situations and places where temptation lies lurking. We are in the world and interact with many people by necessity, but we will want to be careful about the friends we pick, the entertainment we choose, and the activities in which we engage. Surely we will also want to be the kind of people others can choose as friends without fear of being tempted to sin and evil. Therefore "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion walks about seeking whom he may devour; whom resist steadfast in the faith" (1 Peter 5:8,9).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Palm Sunday is the last Sunday in Lent. It introduces the Passion week which consists of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The week is concluded with the celebration of our Savior's resurrection from the dead. On Palm Sunday Jesus, who humbled Himself, that is made no show of His equality with God, came into Jerusalem on a lowly beast of burden. He was greeted with palm branches and hosannas. The entrance into Jerusalem in this manner was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9. Christ came as the King He was though in lowliness, not as an earthly king to satisfy the dreams of men. He came as the King whose kingdom is spiritual and Whose scepter is peace. He brought His royal rule of peace to all in the world who, feeling the burden of their sin, find their forgiveness and eternal hope in Him.

Palm Sunday was observed in the Greek Church as early as the 4th century and in the Western Church since the 7th century or earlier. Greek and Roman churches held a procession on that day. The members carried branches which had been previously blessed. During the Middle Ages a live donkey, beautifully decorated and carrying a priest with a consecrated host and the Bo of the Gospel, headed the procession. In England Palm Sunday was formerly celebrated with much ceremony, but during the reign of Edward VI the blessing and procession of palms was discontinued in the churches of England.

Many rites that are not with us today were conducted on this day throughout its history. In the Lutheran Church Palm Sunday became a traditional day upon which confirmation was observed. The result was that the real significance of this day was lost upon many.

On the first Palm Sunday the people sang hosanna to the Lord. No doubt there were many sincere expressions of praise. But the reality is that many who sang hosanna were among those who by the end of the week were crying for Jesus to be crucified. In other words, they became caught up in the emotion of the moment on Palm Sunday, an emotion that soon wore off. It is an easy thing to become emotional about Jesus. But emotion lacks substance if it is an emotion not grounded on a firm foundation. The Lord does not desire mere emotion but is pleased with an abiding faith anchored in His sacrificial atonement. Such faith prevails through the peaks and valleys of life. Such faith is not swayed by the opinion of the moment. It is not embarrassed by the lowliness of the Savior. Rather it rejoices in His lowliness believing that in His lowliness the believer in Christ is exalted to heaven. That is good reason to sing "Hosanna" and to pursue a life that gives supports the word of praise. Faith, "steady as she goes," los unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, Who shall return in glory to take His people home.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Easter! It is the oldest of Christian festivals. It is the most joyous for those who are well grounded in the knowledge of Christ. The early Christians were often in sadness because they were persecuted and in danger of their life; but on Easter day they lifted up their heads; their hearts were filled with joy. They embraced each other, crying out to one another: "The Lord is risen!" " He is risen indeed." This is the most glorious news contained in the entire Gospel. Jesus who died and paid the debt demanded by the Law, restored life by His resurrection. He lives to die no more and has become "the Author of salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9).

Martin Luther wrote on the wall of his room "He lives! He lives!" to remind himself daily that Jesus the promised Messiah came and fulfilled the will of His Father. He suffered and died, but lives as our Savior, King, and Advocate with the Father. When the morning sun was rising and chasing away the shadows of night, Jesus rose from the dead and chased away the shadows of death. He promises in His Word, "Because I live, ye shall live also" (John14:19).

Christ's resurrection, itself an attested historical event, is conclusive evidence that God has reconciled the world unto Himself. It is the foundation of the Church, the life and breath of each believing heart that pilgrims through this life, but yearns for something better. "Here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come" (Hebrews 13:14). That is the Christian faith. The event of Easter makes it real, and guarantees that the believer in Jesus shall come to the better one. Human existence is in reality one long procession to the cemetery. That is reality. But for those who are alive in Christ the procession is but a rite of passage for Jesus says, " He that lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:26).

Atonement, redemption, forgiveness, pardon, justification, reconciliation, salvation - these are all-important words in Scripture. The discerning Christian will recognize that they all have to do with the subject of eternal salvation. Each of these words in its own way is part of a mosaic which we know as the Gospel. The Gospel is the gracious power of God through which sinners are made saints by the working of the Holy Spirit. It is the power of God unto salvation. The Gospel is the message of God's undeserved love, commonly known as grace.

But it is the will of our heavenly Father Who has saved us by the merit of Christ Jesus, that while we live here on earth, we live the salvation life, a life of sanctification. Sanctification in its wide sense includes the entire work of the Holy Spirit from the creation of faith to perseverance in faith to good works which proceed from faith to the impartation of the end result of redemption, namely, eternal salvation.

In the narrow sense, the word describes the work of the Spirit so that one can now overcome sin and produce good works. Having been "made clean" because of the Gospel-word, Christ's disciples "will bear much fruit" (John 15). While our salvation is complete, sanctification in the narrow sense is an on-going exercise. Through daily repentance we drown the old Adam with all his sins and evil lusts that again the new man manifest in God pleasing works might come forth. "This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor . . .that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother" (1 Thessalonians 4). Because of our sinful flesh, which still clings to us, we need the daily assurance of God's grace in order that the sanctified life might manifest itself in love toward God and our neighbor. A sanctified life is not a fruit of a "good" seed within us, but is the fruit of God's love toward us and active in us. We read, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). Why should the Christian desire to do good works? Not for one's own benefit or glory! Scripture says, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Repenting of our sin daily, and being assured of salvation by the perfection of Christ, may we press on daily in pursuit of that which serves God and our neighbor. To that end may the Word of God dwell in each of us richly.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

"Sing praise to the Lord, You saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name" (Psalm 30:4).

"To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 1:1).

"To me, who am least of all the saints. . ." (Ephesians 3:8).

"Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. . ." (Philippians 4:21).

What do we note about the above passages? Saints are being addressed. They are all alive. Addressing them as saints was not a posthumous designation given to those who earned such status by a life of good works. The believers who have been called to their eternal home are indeed saints but the designation is not reserved for those who have died. The saints were the shopkeepers, the farmers, the father, and mother, and their children, men and women of high degree and of low degree- all who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the Hebrew and in the Greek there are various words that are translated "saint" in our Bible. They have different shades of meaning in the literal sense, but basically designate the pious, the called out ones, the separate or the holy ones.

But how do people of sin attain such a grand designation? They are not called saints because they are without sin or have earned that name. Sin still clings to the living saints such as were addressed in the passages above. Saints are sinners who have been called out of darkness to the light. All those addressed as saints are common ordinary people who have attained sainthood though a foreign holiness, namely that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ's blood has cleansed the sinner. Through faith the sinner assimilates the perfection of Christ. They who are saints have been called to that blessed status through the Gospel. The Heavenly Father los upon the one who believes in Jesus as holy. Believers in Christ confess, "Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness, my beauty are my glorious dress. . ."

Surely this is a mystery of divine proportions that believers are "sinner-saints." We are sinners by reason of our flesh; we are saints, and should see ourselves as such, in the sight of God who remembers our sin no more for the sake of Jesus Christ Who bore our sins on the cross. "But you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). The name "saint" and all the blessings associated with it are ours. The credit and the glory is God's. A saint has not earned the blessed status of sainthood, but he will pray the Holy Spirit to give him the appreciation and the strength to reflect his heavenly status while he awaits the call to join the saints in heaven. "Therefore Saint (Your name), "Love the Lord. . . For the Lord preserves the faithful. . .... Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord" (Psalm 31:23).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Ordination to the ministry by the laying on of hands and prayer is not a divine ordinance. However, while it is not commanded in Scripture, it is mentioned as having been practiced. 1 Timothy 4 speaks of the "laying on of hands of the presbytery" (An assembly of elders). Ordination does not confer any special character upon the individual. Ordination does not make the pastor. A candidate for the ministry is not the pastor of a congregation by the ordination, but by the call and its acceptance. Further, when he is no longer serving a congregation he is no longer a pastor in the real sense of the word. He who has no sheep to tend is no shepherd.

The Lord has given the Gospel and the administration (Ministry of the Keys) of it to the Church, not to a special class of people. In the exercise of the Keys the Christian congregation calls a man to serve as pastor of that flock. His is a divine call because it comes from Christians to whom the Lord has given the authority to call a shepherd to function in its behalf. It is a matter of divine will, and orderliness.

The ordination of a candidate into the ministry out of seminary is the public declaration of the church that he is prepared and fit to take on the responsibilities of a pastor in the congregation. The Church lays hands upon him and implores the Holy Spirit to bless him with wisdom and faithfulness for the task of shepherding the flock. The Smalcald Articles say, "Formerly the people elected pastors and bishops. Then came a bishop, either of that church or a neighboring one, who confirmed the one elected by the laying on of hands; and ordination was nothing else than such a ratification." "Bishop," by the way, means "overseer." The office of bishop today has in many circles become some hierarchical office created by the church. Timothy and Titus speak of the qualifications of a "bishop." The description clearly defines the activities of that one whom we call pastor. The Smalcald Articles say again, " The true Church certainly has the right to elect and ordain ministers since it alone has the priesthood."

Our Lord Jesus Christ through the Apostle Peter told the believers that they are "a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). That means that all Christians have the right to speak the Gospel, the essence of which is the pronouncement of forgiveness in the Lord Jesus Christ. While not any member of the "royal priesthood," should serve as pastor (shepherd) or bishop (overseer) in the congregation and serve in the public ministry unless he is properly called, the fact is that the word of forgiveness is not more effective because it comes from the mouth of someone who is ordained. God's Word is God's Word and accomplishes what He pleases regardless from whose mouth the Word comes! The voice of authority in the Church is that of the Lord Jesus, and not of men. We bow before no man as though he is higher than another in the kingdom of God. We do respect those who bring us the Word of God faithfully for they lead us to bow before the Lord. We respect those who are elected as pastors by the congregation, not because they are more noble Christians or indelibly impressed, but because the Lord has instructed us to remember them who bring us the Word of God. Ordination and installation of the pastor into the public ministry does not create an "upper class Christian citizen" to which all unordained and uninstalled are second class by comparison! We ordain and install simply because it is good order in the church, and in order to seek divine blessing upon the pastor-elect as he takes on his responsibility which is to take heed to the flock, "Among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He has purchased with His own blood" (Act 20: 28)

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The dictionary defines worship as "performance of devotional acts in honor of a deity, as a church service; the act of paying divine honors to the Supreme Being or other divine power; religious exercises."

Everyone is of course free in this land to worship "a deity" or the "Supreme Being" of his choice. Nevertheless, Christian worship is worship and prayer addressed, not to a nameless deity or Supreme Being, but to the Triune God. Our Lord said, "I am the Lord; My glory will I not give to another, Neither my praise to graven images" (Isaiah 42:8). This Old Testament expression of God is verified by what He said in Matthew 4:10, "Thou shalt worship the Lord Thy God and Him only shalt thou serve." The Apostle John wrote the word of the Lord, "All men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son honors not the Father who has sent Him" (John 5:23).

For that reason Christians will want to worship and pray to, not a nameless, faceless god of many names, but the Triune God who has revealed Himself in the Scriptures as the one and only true God. We do not expect that everyone will agree with us. But we will not deny our Lord or our faith to satisfy the whims of society, or to accommodate the winds of change, even as we expect others will do not want to deny their deity.

Our worship service is built around the Word of God, and is addressed to the Holy Trinity. Our liturgy begins in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The elements of our worship are in praise of the Trinity. Our prayers are addressed to the Triune God. The service closes with benediction to the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.

In the religious milieu in which we live in this world it is a matter of confession that we worship the Triune God and Him alone. It is also a matter of confessional principle not to participate in worship or religious exercise with those whose god is not the Triune God, or whose confession is that every god is the same as every other god. To stand on our confessional principles is a right afforded us under the constitution of our country. More importantly, it is a conviction based upon the Holy Word of God.

Witness to the truth and to the God of our salvation, as well as concern for souls who do not know the Triune God demands that we confess God honestly in our preaching, in our prayers, and in our life.

The Psalmist said, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord. . ." (Psalm19: 14). A Christian cannot be true to that prayer and engage in worship or prayer that allows that prayer to any god is God-pleasing, so long as it is prayer and is done sincerely.

This is not a popular position in our day. The popular notion is that it makes no difference whom one worships or to whom one prays. An old preacher in Chicago in the 1940's put this to the test. He said, "I have invited some of them to carry out their statement that there are no differences, and prove their sincerity by coming over and joining my church. But they invariably back away. They say we are all aiming at the same thing, but I cannot get them to aim with my shotgun."

These convictions we hold, not because we are against prayer. We are for it. Our Father has commanded us to pray. We hold these convictions, not because we want to put God out of the lives of people, but because we want to lead them to the God of Scripture. We hold these convictions because living the truth witnesses God's love to our neighbor.

We hold these convictions because they are taught us from God through His Word. God Who speaks in His Word is He Who sent His Son to take away our sin through the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross. This is the God who brought forth from the dead the Lord Jesus Christ that we might be assured of our reconciliation with Him. It is He who says that He is pleased with prayer offered in the name of Jesus. This is the God Whose return we await when He comes with all His holy angels to take His children home to heaven.

We worship Him, and pray to Him alone because we cannot do otherwise. We do so also because we do not want by our silence or our actions to give a false witness, which misleads people. Our call is to lead people to Jesus Christ their Savior. We pray the Heavenly Father to give us the strength to worship in spirit and in truth. We pray to Him for the salvation of all.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

In the Lutheran Church we have traditionally celebrated Ascension and Pentecost together with the festivals of Christmas and Easter. We like to believe that Pentecost is still celebrated in most Lutheran Churches for greater reason than that it falls on a Sunday. However, Ascension has become what might be termed a stepchild. Traditionally it has been observed with a worship service on Thursday. Unfortunately, not much is made any longer of this festival that occurs on the 40th day after Easter.

Sadly, much of the church has moved on to other things it feels more important. Social activities, social causes, political agendas, politically correct causes and many other such things which the church and society feel are more in tune with the times have removed from the consciousness the significance of Ascension, to say nothing of the things of God Himself.

Even if Ascension Day is not celebrated with a worship service, as Christians we want to pause to think about what it means. We confess in the Creed: "He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty." Jesus was born into the world in lowliness as a child of flesh and blood. He left the throne of the Father to dwell among men as Man. He suffered for our transgressions and was buried. He rose again on the third day and restored life. Now that the work of redemption was complete and sealed, He ascended into heaven and entered into the glory of His Father, which He had with the Father from eternity. "He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens" (Ephesians 4:10). He ascended to the right hand of the Father whereby He rules over all things with power and majesty, also according to His human nature. He did not ascend to a place of honor, but to an exercise of authority! All things have been put under His feet. God the Father "Gave Him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His body. . ." (Ephesians 1:20-23).

What an experience was afforded the disciples as Jesus led them to Bethany, spe to them, and as He spe was received up out of their sight. The last view that the disciples had of their Savior and Master was He with His hands lifted in blessing upon them. No wonder that they sat there with their mouth agape loing up into the heavens as He went.

He is ascended but yet is present. There is no place in heaven or one earth where God’s right hand is not present. There is no place where Jesus our Savior is not present. Reason cannot comprehend what faith knows! He has not left us! Our Savior Jesus Christ, the "one Mediator between God and man"(1 Timothy 2:5) ever lives to make intercession for us before the Father (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25). Jesus Who prayed His Father that those who are His may be with Him where He is (John 17:24) has gone to His Father’s house where there are many mansions, there to prepare a place for His children. And then He says "And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am there you may be also" John 14:3). And it will happen. The angel told the disciples on the mount of ascension, "This same Jesus, Who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts1:11).

What precious promises belong to believers in Christ! What a moment to which to lo forward when Jesus comes to take His children home!

In the trials and sorrows of life, when devil, world, and flesh make our life difficult, they who believe in Jesus have a secure anchor in Jesus Who died in our place to take away our sin. He rose again to restore us to life, and ascended to prepare a place for us with Him where He is. In the meantime we have His promise that He will not leave us nor forsake us but will accompany us through life. The wordling without Christ will never understand it. We will be eternally grateful. It is a matter of faith. "Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Fifty days after Easter is Pentecost. The world does not celebrate Pentecost. It has already defiled the two main festivals in the Christian Church, Christmas and Easter. It does not recognize Pentecost because it does not know what to "do" with the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Ghost, or as Scripture also calls Him the Holy Spirit. Thankfully, the festival of Pentecost belongs to the church alone.

Pentecost is one of the two earliest festivals of the church. The Hebrews observed the day as a day of thanksgiving for the completed harvest. Later they celebrated it also as the anniversary of the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. Pentecost was 50 days after the beginning of Passover. It was also called the Feast of Harvest or the Feast of Weeks. Pentecost itself was one day. This explains the reference in Acts 2:1, " Now when the day of Pentecost had fully come. . ." and why they "were all gathered with one accord in one place." The Lord utilized this day to fulfill His promise of sending "another Comforter." The Spirit of God descended in a miraculous manner upon the disciples. They shared the Word of God. Note the stirring sermon of the Apostle Peter in Acts 2. Through the Word, the Spirit in turn won the hearts of many people so that they were added to the Church. For Christians the day of Pentecost is observed as a commemoration of the "birthday" of the New Testament Christian Church.

The day is also known as "Whitsunday" (White Sunday). The name was derived from the custom of the early church of having candidates for holy baptism dress in white garments.

What most people remember about this day is that it is the day that the disciples spe in foreign tongues. This was not "gibberish" but recognizable tongues as is evident from Acts. This was accompanied by the sound of wind, and tongues that to on the resemblance of fire and hovered over the disciples. This was indeed spectacular. However, nothing should distract from the fact that the important thing that occurred on that day was the preaching!

By the power of the Word of God hearts were pricked, led to repentance, and comforted. The third Person of the Trinity works through the Word. There are many blessings that attach themselves to us through the Spirit of God. By the Spirit of God we attain understanding of the true God. He calls us out of the darkness of unbelief into the light of faith. He creates the faith that leads us to confess the Word, trust in Jesus Christ, and in Him assimilate the forgiveness of sins as well as the confident hope of life and salvation. The Spirit is the "Lord and Giver of life. . . Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the prophets. . ."

All are truly baptized with the Spirit who confess the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, for no one can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:3). They shall be saved (Acts 2:21). Praise God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Scripture tells us, "Judge not that you be not judged" Matthew 7:1). The context in Matthew tells us that we will be judged by the same judgment with which we judge. We are to take the plank out of our own eye before we try to take the speck out of our neighbor's. This passage in its context was spen to those who self-righteously sat in judgment of others. That context must be remembered so that we do not fall into false interpretation.

This is a favorite passage of those who not knowing the context, or having forgot it, suggest that we should not sit in judgment of another's action or teaching.

We are not to judge hearts or motives. That is God's work. And we certainly are not to sit in judgment of anyone with an air of superiority. But we are to make judgments!

We are to judge actions, not by our personal standards, but by the standard of Scripture. If God's Word calls an action sin, then it is sin. The application of God's Word to an action is not our judgment but God's. If we care about the individual, and even society itself, we will lo first after ourselves in this regard, but also be honest to alert the neighbor to and turn him away from a sinful action. If an action is immoral or in any other way contrary to God's will, we have one of three choices. We can ignore it and thus tacitly approve it. We can approve it. Or we can judge it! Our Lord expects us to do the last. No matter how respectable, how decent, how godly in appearance, Jesus judged the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He exposed them. In the parable of the unjust steward (Matthew 16) judgment was passed on the one who would not forgive as generously as He had been forgiven. At the same time Jesus spe kindly to those sinners who repented of their sin. He readily forgave them.

The Christian will judge His own actions as well as others by the standard of God's Word. He will repent of his sins, and seek to lead his neighbor to repentance. He died for them!

Paul says to the Corinthians "Judge ye what I say" ( 10:15). We are to judge that which is taught. Again, this judgment is not to be by the standard of our own subjective opinion, but upon the basis of the Word of God. For one who believes the Bible, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1) means what it says. Anything contrary to what the Bible says is wrong. We should expect people to judge our teaching, and we have to judge the teaching of others. Jesus own teaching, "Beware of false teachers " (Matthew 7:15), calls for such judgment of what is being taught.

Lacking the exercise of judgment according to the Word of God would mean that any activity of sinful man is acceptable and any teaching is acceptable. There then would be no order and no truth among us!

Phariseeism, hypocrisy, and an attitude of "anything is acceptable," are equally sin. (That is a judgment).

Let us learn to be very gentle with those who have sinned in their weakness; let us seek to restore such in a spirit of meekness, as we would want them to do unto us. Let us oppose earnestly all that is contrary to God's Word in teaching or in life.

Let us be thankful for the sure and certain Word of God from which we are able to distinguish between right and wrong, between truth and error. Above all let us rejoice in Christ who to our sins upon Himself and bore them on the cross of shame, and for His resurrection from the dead whereby we are reconciled unto the Father. It is our judgment based upon the Word and promise of God that He is indeed gracious.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

As we come to the middle of summer and move into fall we will have witnessed the political conventions as well as the campaigns for president. Political campaigns test the patience of most people and certainly the good will of many Christians. In an imperfect world, political campaigns are a good mirror of that imperfection. There is very little in campaigning that recommends itself as candidates walk on the edge to out-do one another to win our hearts and votes. Yet it is our political system in which, unless we are going to abdicate our responsibility and endanger our freedom, Christians as citizens of this country will participate. Good citizenship involves voting. It involves praying for those in authority as well as for our country. It means maintaining a level of interest and participation. Good citizenship involves living one's faith according to the will of God. We are in the world but not of it. We are in the world but as Christians cannot drop out of it. Scripture tells us in Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 that we should respect and be obedient to those who are in authority. God the Father is pleased to bless a nation for the sake of the believers in Christ who live in it. After all, our nation is where we live. We should want to do what we can in order that the blessing of God may fall upon it.

The Christian can endure in this imperfect world and nation because he knows that there is a release. The Lord God has promised to believers in Jesus a full and perfect life in the perfection of heaven. Christians have dual citizenship. The one is here as citizens of this nation. The other is greater and eminently more desirable. Scripture says, "Your citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ . . ." (Philippians 3:20). It is in heaven where our thoughts are focused. Temporal government is not our provider. Our Father in heaven is! Temporal government is not our Savior. The Lord Jesus is! Temporal government is not forever. The kingdom of God is eternal. Here is not our home. Heaven is!

Theoretically, citizenship in a nation carries with it certain rights, privileges, and protections. At the same time we know that rights, privileges and protections are under constant danger of being lost. There are the unscrupulous who for personal gain and ego want to rob us of our citizen rights. There are the well intentioned who want to do for us what we can and should do for ourselves. In either case they diminish what is our citizenship in a free country. On the other hand the citizenship, which we enjoy as citizens of heaven, is not subject to private interpretation or the whims of any who abuse our freedom as citizens. Greater than the bill of rights which speaks to our citizenship in America is the Guarantor of our citizenship in heaven. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Guarantor of our citizenship in heaven. God our Father cares about the citizens of heaven while they are still here on earth. He will come to His children. He will deliver us. God our Father for Jesus' sake has laid up an inheritance for us in heaven. For the citizens of heaven there is this divine promise, "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God" (Hebrews 4:9). The citizenship of God's people in heaven and its blessings will not be stripped from them, nor diminished.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

People with "attitudes" are some of the most committed people, for better or for worse. People with bad attitudes often are people who have a single-minded purpose to disrupt, and generally cause chaos, and make others miserable. A different attitude inspires those who do that which is good.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was committed to a cause. Jesus had but one under-girding commitment and that was to do the will of His Father. "My meat is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34). The Savior’s commitment to the Father was manifest by His commitment to bear the sins of the world and to die on the cross for the

redemption of mankind. He said, "For this cause came I to this hour. . ." (John 12:27). He spe of the hour of His death. All people on the face of the earth were the objects of Jesus’ love. They who believe in Him are the possessors of all the blessings that Jesus accomplished for them through His life, and death, and resurrection. Jesus’ attitude was one of love. "As the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you . . ." (John 15:9).

May God who is gracious, long-suffering, and ready to forgive, forgive us our sins, and renew in us each day the zeal to be committed Christians!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The corporate world is changing. Old-line companies are being bought and sold; sometimes they are merged with others. Start-up companies appear and often are swallowed up. It almost seems as if there is a merger-mania. The basic purpose of mergers and buy-outs is to affect the "bottom line." These activities occur sometimes because of greed and sometimes of necessity. Sometimes it benefits the consumer, and sometimes it hurts.

In our age there is a merger frenzy occurring also in the church. Unfortunately and at great spiritual loss most mergers in the church are also "bottom-line" oriented. The church in the world today is becoming more conglomerate and corporate, than it is spiritual. Whatever the alleged benefits of that attitude, the fact is that the loss is incalculable when merger is at expense of truth.

It is a Biblical truth that all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are saved regardless of the name by which they call themselves. Scripture tells us, "The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" ( 2 Peter 3:9). Therefore the Heavenly Father determined a plan and brought it to pass. He sent the Lord Jesus Christ into the world. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . ." Furthermore He gave promise "that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). . . To bring His loving purpose to pass in individual hearts, He left us with His Holy Word, and commissioned His Church, believers in Christ, to "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). By this blessed Gospel message the Lord comforts troubled sinners, brings people under His gracious rule, and keeps them unto eternal life in heaven.

To the accomplishment of his purpose, it is God’s will and command that only Truth be taught. He attaches freedom to Truth in John 8. The end result of dilution of truth is error. Error is dangerous. It undermines the confidence of salvation as it undermines the objective Truth of the Bible. It leads people away from Truth and thus salvation. All people are saved by grace. Thank God! But the church is not to challenge that grace by denying Truth. The Lord warns Christian to "Beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15), and tells us what to do when we are confronted with error. We are to come out (2 Corinthians 6:17) and avoid it (Romans 16:17,18).

But promoters of merger- mania in the church seldom respect the Truth. This disregard is to a great extent rooted in rejection of the divinely appointed purpose that God has given to His Church. This purpose is not social, political, financial, or the self- aggrandizement of the leaders. The purpose is not to define and redefine Scripture as though the Holy God did not know what He was talking about. The divinely appointed purpose is to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the whole counsel of God. If merger is based upon a common agreement and acceptance of the Word of God, God will bless such a merger. It is His will and command that Christians be "of the same mind and of the same judgment" (2 Corinthians 1:10) in matters of Scripture.

If the "bottom-line" of the church in the world is not God’s, which is truth and faithfulness to the word, and ultimately eternal salvation, whatever other "bottom line" it establishes for itself is without merit or blessing. For if Truth and the eternal salvation of souls redeemed through the atonement of Jesus is at best an after thought rather than the essential thought, if it is even a thought, "they shall not profit this people at all, says the Lord" (Jeremiah 23:32). It is clear from Scripture: any self-ordained "bottom-line" pursuit of the church that is not true to God’s purpose and Truth means that the "consumer" is always hurt.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The word "reconciliation" is a word that goes to the very heart and core of our preaching. The preaching of reconciliation goes to the very heart of what the church is to be about in this world. The thrust of the reconciliation preaching in the church is not political, social or cultural. Within the context of preaching the word addresses the relationship of God and man. To understand the necessity of the preaching of reconciliation we need to remember certain things about God. First of all, God is! God is holy, perfect! He is not satisfied with anything less. Anything less than absolute perfection is sin. Concerning the consequence of sin, we read, " But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you" (Isaiah 59:2). There is no greater loss or no greater judgment than to be separated from God, or to have God hide His face from us.

Man’s solution to his problem is to deny sin. He prefers to deny that he is a sinner. He tries to forget it, in a horribly misguided idea that if he does not think about sin he either does not have any or at least it won’t affect him. Yet no one can escape the consequence of sin which is death! Everyone dies. Man cannot make himself right with God. Man cannot seek out God, because he is afraid of God. After sin entered the world, Adam and Eve did not go loing for God. When He came into the Garden of Eden they hid, and made the lame excuse that they hid because they were naked.

The Gospel is that God did for man what man could not do in this regard. God in His grace sought out the fallen, and gave the promise of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus should be all that man could not be - holy, perfect. Jesus should do all that man could not do. He should keep the Law in man’s place. Jesus should pay what man could not pay, namely the debt owed because of sin. Our sin was laid upon Him. Jesus would knock down the wall of partition that separated God and man. Jesus would reveal the gracious face of God. Jesus would reconcile God and man. Scripture tells us, "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing (not holding) their trespasses unto (against) them" (2 Corinthians 5:19). Jesus changed the relationship of two parties to one another, two parties who were at odds with one another through the divisive actions of one party, man.

Reconciliation between God and man did not come by compromise. It was accomplished at a price. Jesus who led the perfect life nevertheless died for and in the place of the guilty. This was the price of reconciliation!

God reconciled the world unto Himself. That is everybody. But the blessing of that reconciliation through Christ belongs to those who by the power of the Spirit believe in Jesus Christ. It is the tragedy of tragedies that they who reject Christ have no peace with God. They are still at odds with God the Father. They can con themselves into thinking all is right through their own efforts, their own works, and negotiations with God. Woe to those, and double woe to those who deceive people into thinking "peace, peace, when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 8:11). They die in their lie and self-deception.

Peace with God and confidence of heaven comes through Jesus Christ. To those who believe in Christ the Scripture says, "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

Surely this reconciliation, the ultimate fruit of which is eternal life in heaven, has its fruits here while we wait. The reconciled unto God will manifest their secure relationship to God through the exercise of a life of reconciliation with others within the church, the family, and the work place. What a wonderful Lord to have made us right with Himself and thus also to have given us will and ability to live peaceably with our neighbor!

It all stems from the Gospel. Where the Gospel is there is new life and new living. We implore with the Apostle, "Be ye reconciled unto God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). In other words, we implore you to hear and believe. In Christ, peace to all who believe. This is our message, and in our church our invitation!

OUR EMPHASIS

Jesus instructed His disciples, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). He also declared the blessing of the Gospel saying, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved. . ." (16:16). Paul carried the Gospel into Asia and Europe. He who had persecuted the Church in its infancy had himself been won by the Gospel. Paul declared, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). We understand the reason for his appreciation of the Gospel. He said, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. . ."(1 Timothy 1:15). He further declared by the power of the Spirit, "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8). This message of the precious Gospel of our Lord Jesus we believe and preach!.

Though the Word of God has not changed, unfortunately through the centuries after the establishment of the Church at Pentecost, the Gospel message became diluted, diminished, and rejected. By the time of Luther the emphasis was no longer on the authority of the Word and an unadulterated Gospel. The authority of the Word was replaced by papal authority. The question was no longer, "What does the Word say?" but "What does the church say?" Further the message of the Gospel of salvation in Christ without works was replaced by indulgences, penance, meritorious works, pilgrimages, and relics, and purgatory. Masses were purchased for a price. The result was indifference on the part of some, slavish fear on the part of others, and an empty exercise of religiousness on the part of most. Certainty of the salvation through faith in the finished work of Jesus was replaced by an uncertainty of whether one had done enough to merit salvation.

We have Luther to thank. Under God Luther unwittingly spawned the rebellion against spiritual tyranny that returned the Gospel to its rightful place in the life of the Church. The Reformation put the Gospel in its rightful place as the focus of Christian teaching and preaching. The Gospel was, " The sermon that Christ gave Himself for us that He might save us from sin, that all who believe this might certainly be saved . . . and that thus sinners, despairing of their own efforts might cling to Christ alone and rely on Him" (What Luther Says [WLS], Vol. II, page 562).

The Law does not save. It condemns. We preach the Law, but the Gospel is at the center of our preaching! Sadly much of Lutheranism has come full circle, as it has turned from a Gospel focus. The Law for its own sake, universalism, political correctness, mere religiosity, compromise, self-aggrandizement, indifference, together with the inherent fleshly emphasis on salvation by works, and charismatic pursuits--these all have fleshed out Luther's lament when he said: " But this is what happened to the Gospel before, and it will happen again. The children of Israel were badly plagued in Egypt . . . But after they got out and were redeemed from the Egyptians, they soon completely forget their former plight and remembered only the onions and fleshpots. This is what is happening to this day" (WLS, Vol. II, page 564). The repository of the pure Gospel after the Reformation was the Lutheran Church. Today the Lutheran Church for the most part is in need of another Reformation lest what Luther said also come true. "Very well, all sorts of plagues will follow upon this attitude" of indifference and lack of unadulterated Gospel preaching manifested by a failure to hold Christ and His cross at the center of things.

Purity of doctrine, sanctification, a fervent spirit of religiousness, a social conscience is important. But unless they are born of the Gospel and are in the service of the Gospel the exercise and pursuit of the same is a replay of the self-deception that enveloped the church before the Reformation.

For our part, we say with Luther that the Gospel of eternal salvation by grace through faith in Christ shall, "be diligently presented in my sermons, for I see well enough what it does where it is present and what harm is caused where it is absent" (WLS, Vol. II, page 564). God help us!

As we are committed in our church to proclaim the Gospel of Christ without shame or apology, we invite "All who are in distress of mind and heart because of their guilt and condemnation in the sight of Almighty God and seek the pardon and comfort which only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can confer" (CLC Statement of Faith and Purpose).

Our Lord Jesus said, " I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven "(Matthew 18:3). In Mark 10 we read, "I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it" (v.15).

The reference to children is not an exhortation to return to childhood. The thought is not that if we were not converted and brought to faith as a child we are outside of the kingdom of God. The instruction of our Savior speaks to the attitude of heart.

We acknowledge that it does not take a child long to grow suspicious and to ask, "Why?" Nevertheless, the point is clear. At whatever age we are, we are to have the simple, unquestioning faith of a little child. A little child accepts what mom and dad say. It does not cross its mind that mom and dad would tell a lie. Unfortunately evil men play on this simplicity of little children to abuse them.

Nevertheless, in matters of faith we want to have such a child-like faith. A child may ask about Jesus. But when the answer is given, he believes. He believes that grandfather or grandmother is in heaven with Jesus. His mind is not cluttered with all the doubts and questions that clutter the mind of adults, who analyze, rationalize and so often reject the Lord and His Word. The faith of a little child is born anew of the Spirit through the power of baptism and the Word. With faith that it cannot even explain it implicitly trusts what God says. A little child believes the Word of God, just as he believes mom and dad. In this way a little child is often far ahead of the intellectual, the philosopher, the theologian, the so called "wise of this world," who are cumbered with an insatiable necessity to question and doubt the Word, and even to argue with God. Humble trustfulness characterizes a little child. He has no inclination to doubt. If only adults could sing with child-like confidence, "Jesus loves me, this I know; for the Bible tells me so …!"

How much better off we would all be if we observed a child and learned from him. As one man wrote, "A king’s child plays with a beggar’s child, and neither feels above the other or beneath the other" (Lenski). Pride, arrogance, and pursuit of legacy so often characterizes the pursuits of adults. A child doesn’t even wonder if others will like him or what others will think of him. The point of comparison is not innocence, but ingenuousness, the absence of arrogance, simplicity, and humility.

Finally, a little child does not wonder what he has to do to get to heaven. He believes that "Jesus is the Savior who died on the cross to save me from my sins."

In a sense, it is too bad that a little child grows up so quickly and adopts the mind of rationalizing adults. That child is truly blessed who under the Spirit resists a false intellectualism and maintains his child-like faith through adulthood with all simplicity, and trusts in the Word of God. We pray that being as little children in our faith and Christian life describes us. Let the world laugh and scorn, for it is those who hold such faith or whom it is said, " Of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14). The Lord said it. Blessed are they who believe it.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Truth is a small word with a large meaning. In the Living Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary we find these definitions: "Conformity to fact or reality; veracity, a true statement, fidelity." Unfortunately, truth is a word whose concept is horribly abused. People from children to adults to unscrupulous politicians to people of every walk of life, sadly even clergy, have played loose with the truth. This is a reality of life ever since Satan (Genesis 3:4) told the first lie in Eden.

Church life, personal relationships, commerce, civic welfare, politics, and relations between nations and between races – all depend on truth as a staple of their existence and to the accomplishment of their ends. Lies, the absence of truth, and liars, the purveyors of untruths, have wreaked havoc in all of the above. We see something about the depths of human self-deception and deceit in the comment of a presidential candidate who recently said that he does not believe that he has ever told an untruth. Pilate’s question, "What is truth?" is not so far fetched in the context of human behavior today!

Now concerning Scripture we have this definition of truth. Jesus addressed the Heavenly Father in John 17 and said, "Thy word is truth." Moses and Isaiah speak of "the God of truth." The Psalmist says, "Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth" (31:5). Paul writes the inspired Word. He says in the letter to Titus, "God, that cannot lie promised…"(Titus 1:2).

Our Heavenly Father inspired the Holy Scriptures. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s Word and truth is one and the same thing. Of the Word of truth we read, "Scripture cannot be bren" (John 10:35). "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Word shall not pass away," (Matthew 10:35). The truth shall endure in spite of Satan and man’s most intense efforts to destroy it. However, God’s Word (Truth) cannot be destroyed anymore than the eternal God can be destroyed. When people attack the truth of God’s Word, God does not lose. The attacker loses. But again we are faced with the unhappy reality (truth) that denial and rejection of God’s truth by theologians or anyone else that attacks it leads to the destruction of others. If the liar succeeds in confusing his neighbor or convincing others to buy his lie he has a destroyed a soul. "Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ?" (1 John 2:22).

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him (God) a liar, and His Word is not in us" (1 John 1:10). What a horrible indictment to be charged with making God a liar! On the other hand, "And if anyone sins we have an advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the righteous, And He Himself is the propitiation (Blood-covering) for our sin, and not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1,2).

God’s Word from creation, to the fall into sin, to the description of the human condition, to the identification of that which God calls sin, to the promise and sending of the Savior, to the suffering and death and resurrection of Christ, to salvation by grace alone through faith in Christ, to judgment either to heaven or hell is truth - absolutely. The downhill spiral of society since the fall is a result of the rejection of God’s Truth. The moral and theological relativity of our age is reaping its own reward.

The truth is that God’s Word is truth – absolutely. With God there is no such thing as "relative truth." The sinner will either be saved from eternal death through the Truth - "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 4), or be judged to eternal death by the Truth.

Politics is in the air. We are subjected to hype, hyperbole, attack ads, mud slinging, deceit, character assassination, lies, boasting, misrepresentation and confusion. If our system of elections is the best example of the democratic process in action, it also reveals the consequences of Satan’s deceit in the Garden of Eden.

As citizens of heaven who lo for the appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we live on this earth, and in this nation until He comes. We are concerned about the nation in which we live. We want to let our light shine as our Father exhorts us, and thus be an instrument for blessing in our nation. The light of the Christian shines as a reflection of our gracious God when we believe in Him, trust in Him and live according to His will.

Our Lord did not institute a particular form of government. He did institute civil authority (Romans 13) for our benefit, and has told us to be subject to it. Jesus Himself lived on earth during the time of the corrupt Roman government. When the Pharisees sought to discredit Him, they asked Him about paying taxes. Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s" (Matthew. 22:21). The apostles also lived under the burden of a corrupt civil government. Neither Jesus nor the apostles counseled overthrow of the government (1 Peter 2:13-17).

In our country we speak of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Who then is the government? It is we. We elect from among our own those who represent us. Luther said that nations sometimes get the kind of government they deserve. If those in authority are less than we expect or desire, we should first of all lo at ourselves. We should examine the demands we place on them. It is not an easy task to serve in authority when one is being pressured by people with different moral, social, and political agendas. We expect disagreement over programs. Nevertheless, we have the right to expect decency, morality, and truth. But ask yourself again: Do we as citizens measure up to the decency, morality, and truth we expect of those whom we elect? How do we act when we are in a place of authority?

Repent and pray. Pray for forgiveness and wisdom for yourself and your family. When you go to the polls remember to pray for our nation and for those elected to serve. And remember, the Lord makes all things work out to the benefit of His children on earth. Remember further, that righteousness above all else reaps blessing for this nation; therefore live righteously before God. Live your faith here while you wait the end of faith in heaven. Above all, pray for God’s grace that you be kept strong in faith in Christ Jesus, that when life in this vale of tears is ended you may enter into the eternal home. Yes. Pray and continue in the Word!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Everybody is interested in security. The outcome of political campaigns revolves a great deal around who people think can best give them security, be it personal, financial, or national security. As Christians living in the world we are not disinterested observers. But the Christian, defined as one who believes the word and promise of God and in the Savior Jesus Christ, is realistic. He knows that all things of this life are as a shadow. What gives security today may be gone tomorrow.

The cause of all insecurity, temporal or eternal, in the world is sin. If one doubts that, think back to the Garden of Eden. Before sin there was no insecurity. What man proposes for security comes to pass only if the Lord blesses. Man’s best-laid plans will not come to pass if God determines that it should not be. Furthermore, as the majority of humanity sees this life as the end all, it finds no absolute security.

The Christian believes God’s Word. He knows that the Heavenly Father is in control of all things. He also knows that there is more to life than life here. God exhorts us not to be tied to the things of this world. They are fleeting and passing. He directs us to real security. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:1,2). "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matt 6:19-20).

Our Lord Jesus Christ has prepared for us an inheritance in heaven. It is reserved for all those who believe in Him and die in Him. The death and resurrection of Jesus assure it. The Word of the eternal God guarantees it. When death comes, as it inevitably will to all, and all the accumulated things of this earth which deceived us into a sense of false security are rendered worthless, the child of God shall enter into eternal life. The promise is secure, and the life in heaven is secure.

We are not worthy of such a secure hope. Yet God is gracious for Jesus’ sake. To fleeing Jacob he said, "And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spen to thee of" (Genesis 28:15). As God kept His promise to Jacob, so He will keep it to all His children. He will bring us to the better land. He said it. That is security – the best of all. The end of such faith is heaven eternally. The ultimate security!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

People have "different needs as far as church services and …you have to attend a church that meets your needs…(and) that brings the person closer to God?" A young man recently had to respond to such a statement. The comment begs the question, namely, "What is man’s greatest need?" We know that man is a lost and condemned creature. Sin has separated mankind from God. Sin has driven a wedge between God and man. On the basis of that we submit that man’s greatest need is to be reconciled unto God, the eternal judge of all.

So what church meets your needs? That church which preaches the Gospel! Friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus to heal him. Surely it was a noble desire and hope of his friends that Jesus should heal the man. What did Jesus say? "My son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you" (Matthew 9:2). Jesus was not unconcerned about the man’s paralysis. But He saw the greater need – relief from the paralysis of sin. When Jesus’ authority to forgive sins was challenged, He demonstrated His divine authority by healing the man. Jesus transmitted the authority to forgive sins to the Church when He commissioned the Church to go in His name and preach the Gospel (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15), and when He said, "repentance and remission of sins should be preached" (Luke 24:47). The Spirit of God works through the precious Gospel to draw the separated to God, and keep the penitent close to God.

Nothing in the public service should replace or have precedence over the preaching of Law and Gospel! A Christian Church sings praise unto the God of our salvation. A Christian church will exercise its faith in being friendly, sociable, caring, loving, supporting. It will serve young and old. These are fruits of faith and privileges, which flow from the Gospel. So then in serving, what is the church’s primary responsibility as it seeks to serve people?

Maybe this answers that question. On your deathbed, do you want to be reminded of how friendly, sociable, caring, loving and supporting your church was? Or would you rather be reminded and assured of how loving and caring the Lord Jesus is in forgiving your sins by His death and resurrection, and how He has prepared a place for you in heaven? Our church service proclaims that every Sunday. Whether our church and our service meets one’s greatest need depends on whether or not one understands what his greatest need is!

Believers in Christ have been called by the Truth. The Father regularly comforts the heart through the Truth of our redemption in Christ. That is the sum and substance of Scripture. He has sent us to proclaim the Truth. "Let Him that has my Word speak my Word faithfully" (Jeremiah 23:29). Indeed God the Father does not take kindly to teaching error. "Behold I am against those… who cause my people to err by their lies and by their recklessness" (23:31).

Christians will speak the Truth in love. Love is not haughty. It does not pick a fight. Love has at heart the interest of those to whom the Truth is spen. Love speaks sincerely because it recognizes that error is an affront to God, and is dangerous for the hearer. Love cares!

The proclamation of Truth does not avoid the reality of the Law, and sin that is uncovered by the Law. What is more loveless than to deceive someone into thinking that he does not need the Gospel. The proclamation of Truth emphasizes the Gospel, the good news of the blessings of forgiveness and salvation that God the Father gives us in His unique Son, Jesus Christ, true God and Man. The truth brings us to the cross and comforts us from the cross. Truth cannot abide error, because when truth and error are mixed only error exists.

When walking in the forest we admire the greenery, but we must also point out the poison ivy. Preaching of the Truth is like that. Error so often imitates truth. So preaching involves pointing out those things that are contrary to the Truth. Jesus often warned of the leaven of the Pharisees. The epistles of Paul preach the Truth of God, and expose the error and the errorists. It is not love to do one and not do the other.

This is not popular preaching. A pastor does not like to do it. People do not like to hear it. But on occasion it is necessary. Our Lutheran Confessions make the point. " Moreover, since for the preservation of pure doctrine and for thorough, permanent, godly unity in the Church it is necessary, not only that the pure, wholesome doctrine be rightly presented, but also that the opponents who teach otherwise be reproved, 1 Timothy 3 (2 Timothy 3:16); Titus 1:9 - for faithful shepherds, as Luther says, should do both, namely feed or nourish the lambs and resist the wolves so that the sheep may flee from strange voices, John 10:12, and may separate the precious from the vile, Jeremiah 15:19" (Formula of Concord- Thorough Declaration, Of Articles in Controversy. Triglotta, page 857).

From Scripture as well as from our fathers we are taught to speak the truth in love. Such speaking also involves pointing out the error and errorist so that precious lambs of God are not deceived and do not lose eternal life. Some mushrooms are good for eating. Others will kill you. To fail to point out the difference is not love, in the woods or in the church!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

This writer has learned a bit about carpentry and home construction over the last years. However he is not ready to do fine carpentry or undertake the construction of a home - two left hands as the saying goes, as well as not enough patience. One thing is clear however. To build anything there has to be standards.

It simply does not work to build a home or do carpentry by eyeballing width and length, or angles and lines. One needs a tape measure. But even the tape measure is of little benefit if one cannot read it, or confuses the fractions of inches. It hardly seems possible that the difference between an eighth and a sixteenth can make a difference. A builder and a carpenter know it does. So does an amateur carpenter.

Scripture speaks of the Church as constructed upon the doctrine of the Apostles and Prophets, "Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building being joined together grows into a holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:20,21). If pastors are going to be instruments of blessing, their teaching must be built upon the Word. Their teaching and that of the church itself is to be judged by whether or not in their ministry Christ is the Cornerstone by which all else is measured and established.

A particular teaching or doctrine is not correct simply because the pastor teaches it or the church supports it! It is not correct because the church headquarters or the pope passed it down. It is not correct simply because it is what the church has always taught or because what is done is the way the church has always done a particular thing (tradition). Conversely, something is not error because a church, a pastor, or a member says it is, or thinks it is. Something is not wrong simply because someone does not like what is being taught or practiced.

The standard of truth and error, right and wrong, is Scripture, God’s Word. One may even believe that and still have it wrong if he does not understand Scripture. Remember the tape measure. You not only have to have one; you have to know how to read it! What is taught in the Church has to be measured by the standard of Scripture. A Bible student will recognize that he is not the interpreter of the Bible, but that the Bible is its own interpreter.

In determining truth from error and right from wrong we do not want to use (abuse) Scripture. We want to pray and then read it, study it, listen to it – it is the voice of God- and follow where Scripture leads. With that approach we cannot go wrong. We will not be misled. Indeed our Lord will bless.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The question posed above is an important one. The answer is also important. If one insists on using that expression, our answer is in the affirmative as well as the negative. But how can it be answered both ways?

Before we answer, consider how faith is born. Scripture tells us, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Paul wrote to the Corinthians, " In Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel" (1 Corinthians 4:15). Jesus prayed for those "also which believe on Me through their Word" (John 17:20). The Spirit declares through Peter that we are born again by the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23). Faith is born of the Gospel by the power of the Spirit, not by exercise of the sovereign power of God. If in fact God created faith by exercise of His omnipotence, no one could resist. But He works through the word of the Gospel. The Gospel can be rejected!

How is saving faith secured and retained? Again, not by God’s sovereign power. God has created the world and "upholds all things by the Word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3). God has created us. He has not promised to sustain our life if we go on a hunger strike. Once saved, always saved? Not if one rejects the Word of God, or fails to nourish faith with the Gospel. It is a deadly fallacy to think that since God exercised His power upon one a person is saved regardless of whether or not he believes, what he believes, or whether or not he remains in Christ Jesus.

Once saved, always saved? Always and only in connection with Christ Jesus! Never apart from Christ or part from faith in Christ! The believer in Jesus and His cross need not doubt. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father Who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand" (John 10:27-29). Note for whom this assurance holds meaning – those who hear the voice of the Good Shepherd. The power of God unto salvation (1 Peter 1:5) is according to Romans 1:16 the Gospel.

Therefore, believer in Jesus, "Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of…" (2 Timothy 3:14). Continue in the Gospel and the Spirit will keep you in the faith. And to those who remain in the faith until death will come the blessed invitation, "Come you blessed of My Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world …" (Matthew 25:34). Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it" (Luke 11:28).

October 31 is Reformation Day. The principles of the Reformation are treasured by Lutherans who appreciate the blessing that the Heavenly Father worked through His servant Martin Luther. Those principles are "Sola Scriptura, Sola Fidei, and Sola Gratia." These Latin expressions declare that "Scripture alone, Faith alone, and Grace alone" are the hallmarks and the foundation of teaching in the Lutheran Church. That being the case, it is not unnoticed by the discerning Lutheran that another Reformation is needed. The Lutheran world today is a far cry from the confession that Luther made when he said, "I know that I would be the most agreeable and the dearest person if I were to say this one word revoco, that is, I recant (withdraw what he had taught). But I will not turn heretic by contradicting the opinion which made me a Christian. I would rather die by fire or be exiled and cursed" (WLS, III, page 1184, para. 3779). It is a signal grace that while forerunners of the Reformation such as Wyclif, Huss and Savanarola died violently for defending the faith, that man upon whom the Lord laid the burden to bring the Reformation to fruition died a natural death in spite of the threats that he endured.

We are bold to say that the Lutheran church in general ought to be ashamed of itself for becoming a church of which Luther would want no part! We ourselves ought be ashamed if our observation is no more than a nod and lip service.

Through the Reformation that began in 1517, many changes were effected in the church, in the educational world and in society. Many of them still carry influence today.

When we think of the Reformation we appreciate the fact that above all it was about the preservation of the Gospel. Luther said, "We are asking nothing more, nor have we ever asked for anything more, than the free Gospel" (para.3778). Slavishness to the law, human tradition, and papal authority had robbed the troubled sinner of the comfort of the Gospel. The message of the Gospel drawn from Scripture (Sola Scriptura) is simply this that God the Father determined freely in His own heart to send His Son for the salvation of mankind (Sola Gratia). The gift of salvation is assimilated through faith (Sola Fidei) which is itself a gift of God through the Spirit Who works through the Gospel. "Throughout the Gospel, Christ does no more than draw us out of ourselves and into Himself; He spreads His wings and invites us to take shelter under Him" (Vol. II, page 361, para 1703). What security the child of God has in the Gospel, and what hope for the future when death calls us from the present realm into the next!

The essence of the Reformation was not a movement to establish a "pure" church. The essence of the Reformation was to rekindle an understanding of and appreciation for the "free Gospel" from which flows the confidence of salvation, and thereafter a commitment to "contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Many of us are breathing a deep sigh of relief because the election campaign is over. While free elections set our country off from many others, and our manner of choosing our government is an envy of many, the fact is that it also reveals the dark side of the human nature in the lies, innuendo, and slander that characterizes many campaigns. However good the system, it is a flawed one in that candidates often seek to win by destroying the opponent rather than by promoting their program.

While each nation is free to choose its government in its own way, the fact is that the institution of government is of God. While we may find it difficult to have respect toward individuals, yet we are to have respect toward God’s institution. In Romans 13 we read, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." In 1 Peter 2 we read, "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." Our Lord Jesus Himself told the people to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s (Matthew 22:21). Jesus and His apostles lived during the time of a heathen and corrupt government. Nevertheless, they did not counsel rebellion.

Martin Luther, who is remembered for being God’s instrument in the Reformation of the church, also had an influence on the political life of his time. He speaks yet today. "Government is instituted, not in order to seek its own profit at the expense of its subjects and to exercise its self-will on them but in order to provide for the best interests of its subjects" (WLS, Vol II, para.1767). He wrote in 1523, " Here you see that government should be elected by the votes of the people. Reason also dictates this. … For to force a government upon a people against its will is perilous and pernicious" (Para. 1755). One time he said that if a country cannot have a wise and prudent rule, a wise and wicked ruler is to be preferred over a saintly but stupid one.

With the conclusion of the election, some will feel they got a "ruler" with whom they completely disagree. Others, even those whose candidate won, will not have gotten the one with whom they agree in all things.

Yet the Christian realizes that the will of the people has been worked under God. God has permitted to come to office for His own purposes that one who now is elected. We realize also that ultimately it is God Who is the determiner of the fates of nations (Acts 17:26). Regardless of who sits in the seat of authority, the Lord will work His will for the welfare of the nation whether it is for judgment or blessing. And without doubt the will of God will serve the benefit of His chosen, holy nation – the believers in Christ Jesus. It certainly is not to the loss of a Christian if the governance of this nation should fill us with greater longing for heaven!

In the meantime, Christians who are pilgrimming through this world will respect God’s institution and pray that the Lord will bless all who are elected with wisdom, courage, integrity, and moral strength and rectitude to govern for the welfare of the nation they serve.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The principle truth of Scripture is that the sinner is saved through the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace. Scripture tells us that the blessings of the accomplished salvation become the sinner’s own through faith in Christ Jesus. The sinner is saved by grace through faith! Faith is a gift of God the Holy Ghost who gives knowledge of Jesus’ atonement, and works faith to believe it through the Means of Grace- the Gospel in Word and Sacrament.

Scripture could not be clearer. Works of men do not save the sinner, in whole or in part! Ephesians 2:8 speaks of salvation as a gift. Romans 3:28 says, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the works of the Law." This was said to have been Martin Luther’s favorite passage. When works are worked into the article of justification and the sinner’s salvation violation is done to the Gospel. In Romans 11 we read that there is a remnant "according to the election of grace." It then goes on, " And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace …" The Lord did not provide the lumber and tell the sinner to build a ladder to heaven. The Father provided an elevator and that elevator is Christ Jesus.

Yet faith is never alone. Faith produces fruits. Faith produces good works whereby the Christian gives witness to the fact that he is saved. So we sum up by saying, "The Christian does not do good works to be saved; he does good works because he is saved!" A believer in Christ can no more be barren in his faith life than a fruit tree can still be called a fruit tree if it never bears.

One such fruit of faith is evident in Christian giving. The Gospel is free, but in this world the church depends upon the fruits of God’s people to do its work whether on the home front or on the synodical front. The church is not excused from paying its bills. Scripture further says concerning those who serve, "The laborer is worthy of his reward" (1 Timothy 5).

The status of the church treasury whether it is in the red or in the black should not be the standard by which one gives. Rather the grace of God should move the Christian to give according to the measure of grace, and according to the measure with which one has been blessed.

Giving is a fruit of faith and love: "For the love of Christ constrains us" (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Giving is the privilege and responsibility of all: "Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give …" (1 Corinthians 9:7)

Giving is Christian giving when it is done:

1) Cheerfully — "Every man, as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver" (1 Corinthians 9:7).

2) Willingly — "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has and not according to what he has not" (2 Corinthians 8:12).

3) Regularly — "Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him" (1 Corinthians 16:2).

4) Untiringly — "And let us not be weary in well-doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Ephesians 6:9)

Christian giving is giving what one can: Remember the poor widow who gave 2 mites: "Everyman shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God, which He has given thee" (Deuteronomy 16:17).

Christian giving receives blessing: "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Hebrews 6:10).

Christian giving is not giving to the church, or for this or that. Christian giving is giving to the Lord for the work to which He has assigned us- the proclamation of the Gospel.

Begging is considered unseemly. Why must the church be a beggar?

Promotions, schemes, professional advertising campaigns, bazaars, high pressure efforts to fill the church coffers are equally unseemly. God loves a cheerful giver.

One obvious and practical principle to Christian giving lies in the participation of every member of a Christian congregation participating according to one’s personal blessing and ability. Another lies in remembering the Lord’s work so that one gives off the top rather than giving the Lord the left overs. They who give the Lord what is left seldom have enough for anything. They who give the Lord the first fruits find that they never lack!

The year 2000 is one to remember for many reasons and different reasons. As we come into the season of Advent in the church, we are still witnessing one of the sorrier spectacles in the recent history of our nation. The campaign for president, which began a couple of years ago, was to culminate on Election Day, the first Tuesday of the month of November. As we approach the season of Advent the machinations and shenanigans of politicians have kept this nation tied in knots. Lawyers and political cronies are still trying to figure out how to win the election for a specific candidate. Whatever political persuasion one might be, the whole sorry spectacle has created an attitude of distrust and frustration.

It is just such machinations of sinful man that creates in the Christian a longing for the better home, for the rest that is laid up for the people of God in heaven. One day, believers in Jesus Christ will enter into that home where rust will not corrupt and thieves will not break in and steal. It will be a grand day!

Advent reminds us of this coming day. While Advent ushers in the celebration of our Savior’s birth, the thoughts of Christian are turned simultaneously to the return of our Lord in judgment. Christians, still people of flesh and blood, and therefore still afflicted with sin, are exhorted to penitence and faith – to contrition over their sin, and confident trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Advent means coming. For centuries the Old Testament people of God knew Jesus was coming. They waited for the fulfillment of the Father’s promise of a Savior. The time was a time of stress and sorrow, of personal failings and sins. It was a time of national disgrace and religious apostasy. It was not unlike the time in which we live. But through it all, God Who is faithful, nurtured His promise, and sent the One who delighted the heart of Simeon, and gave hope to Elizabeth. In the midst of darkness, the promised Light had come!

For us who live in an ever-darkening world, the waiting is of a different nature. We are reminded at Christmas that we are not waiting for the One who should redeem the world from sin and death as they were in the Old Testament. Christmas tells us that He has come. In the fullness of time He came as the Father had planned. The unknown period of waiting is over; the Savior has come.

Yet in this Advent season we are waiting – waiting just as eagerly for the Father to fulfill His promise to restore the penitent and believing to the former state of perfection in heaven. When we are beset and bedeviled by the evil around us, we are reminded "Our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we lo for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). How much our hope and expectations have changed from that condition and time when we were strangers and foreigners to God being estranged, and hostile in our minds toward God. That was a condition of absolute hopelessness as the Apostle tells us in Ephesians. It was a condition of everlasting condemnation.

But God promised. Advent (Promise) turned into Christmas (Birth), and Christmas into Lent (Suffering) and Lent into Easter (Resurrection) and now we wait in hope – all who have renounced the devil, the world and our flesh wait with confidence because our Father in Christ Jesus who promised is faithful.

May the Lord give us strength this Advent season to blot out everything around us, and give us the faith to lo up to heaven from whence our Lord Jesus Christ came in lowliness and from whence He will come again to take His waiting people home! The blessing of Advent reaches its pinnacle when the waiting have received that for which they have waited! We are among the waiters for the Savior to return. Be patient and believing. He will!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The latest report that was heard on the Christmas shopping activity is that to the surprise of many it was up. The post-Thanksgiving shopping in this year of 2000 surpassed what the merchants expected. Reports are that toy sales increased. This means that many children will have a "good" Christmas. We hope so.

The promotion of Christmas according to the world’s standard, the standard by which many people judge what is a "good" Christmas is quite easy. One does not have to teach children in this regard. They absorb the ads on TV. They listen to the tales of Santa Claus. They make their Christmas lists. They walk through the toy stores and the malls. They absorb Christmas by osmosis. Sadly, that is the most that many children know about Christmas, or at least the most they remember. Well-meaning adults who ask, "Did you have a good Christmas," reinforce this when they ask, " What did Santa Claus bring you?"

We lo at Christmas in a different manner. We start from the premise that there would be no Christmas, no "Christ-festival" if there had been no Christ. The world, while giving lip service to Christ, in fact uses the birth of Christ to serve its own purpose. The achieved result is that the blessing of Christmas is lost, because the Christ of Christmas has been diminished.

The real meaning of Christmas is not absorbed. It is found in Scripture. It is taught!

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14,15). "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" (2 Timothy 1:3-5).

It falls primarily upon the parents to teach their children. This responsibility secondarily belongs to the church as assistant to the parents in loing after the spiritual welfare of children. Children need to have a clear understanding of sin. Without sin and its condemnation there would have been no need for Jesus to come into the flesh. The instruction of children will include the teaching of Old Testament prophecy, namely that in the Old Testament the Heavenly Father prophesied through the prophets about Jesus Christ. Children are to be taught who Jesus is. He is true God become Man to be our Savior. "Savior" is the meaning of the name, Jesus. They need to know that life on earth is passing, and that the real life is in heaven. Jesus is the only way to heaven, as Scripture clearly teaches. Children need to be taught of the love of God, and how the epitome of this love was the sending of Jesus Christ into the world so that when toys are bren, clothes are outgrown, games are over, and life on earth is past and gone, trusting in Jesus they may enter into life everlasting.

All the trappings and giving of Christmas will come home to haunt those parents who have not taught their children what Christmas really is. What will be the response of parents to those children who naturally like to ask why? What will they say when on judgment day the child asks, "Why did you not teach us what Christmas was really about? Why did you not lead us to Jesus, and teach us the Gospel?"

The Gospel and the message of Christmas, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior" (Luke 2:11), is not absorbed. It is taught. The Word confirms what is taught from the Word. Therefore let your Christmas be first of all built around the Word. Then it will be a good Christmas. Without the Word, a good Christmas is not the best.

We all know that Christmas time is the season for gift exchanges. This can be a costly exercise. But we celebrate another exchange that to place at Christmas, costly to One, but without cost to the other. We speak of course of the exchange that our Lord Jesus made with us.

We are told in Scripture that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). That means that the best works of man in the flesh, however noble and grand and praiseworthy in the sight of man, are still inadequate and without worth in the sight of God. All our righteousnesses are still tainted by the flesh and sin. Now think about it! If even our righteousnesses are as filthy rags what shall we say about our unrighteousness? Truly our condition is a desperate one. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9)?

Yet the believer in Jesus Christ is confident before God. This is where the exchange factor enters. Our Lord Jesus came to earth for the specific purpose that He might make an exchange. It is one of which He is the author and the sole benefactor. We are the beneficiaries. Scripture says that He became sin for us. Jesus to our unrighteousness upon Himself, and gave us His righteousness.

This exchange was costly for Him. But the cost did not deter Him. For this cause He came into the world. He fulfilled the will of the Father. He kept the Law for us. And then He died for us and in our place. We received as it were a "blood-bath" though which all our sins were washed away. The righteousness, which we possess, is a gift of God; it is of grace. To clothe us in righteousness that is acceptable to God for salvation cost us nothing. Never before in the history of the world or in the exercise of giving has there been an exchange like that! We give nothing, but are unburdened! The fruit of Jesus’ exchange becomes ours through faith, itself a gift of the Holy Ghost. Paul wrote to the Romans, " Abraham believed God, and it (faith) was counted unto him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3). With the heart one believes unto righteousness, Paul says. So we sing in one of our grand hymns:

Blessed are they who believe in Jesus and "know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving! Therein lies the believer’s assurance of righteousness and his confidence of salvation.

During the whole interminable election process, we observed the perverseness of the flesh in action. Some will claim that we have seen the democratic system at its best. Whether we have arrived at the correct conclusion depends on one’s personal opinion but does not change the fact that how we got there is flawed, to put it mildly. Because we end up with the personal conclusion we prefer does not necessarily mean that the means by which we got there was moral or right. A person who cheats in a test may have the right answer, provided he copied the right student’s answers. The right conclusion by the wrong means! Be that as it may, as we entered into the third week of December we still did not have a president of these United States.

As troubled and emotional as some of us may have been as we observed these events in our national life, there was and is a certain and unchangeable reality that assured Christians: WE HAVE A KING. OUR KING REIGNS! He reigns even if we do not have a president. He reigns when we do have a president. The prophet Zechariah wrote the Word of the Lord, "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and His name one" (14: 9). Likewise Isaiah wrote the Word of the Lord, " For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (9:6-7). These prophecies were fulfilled in the birth of Jesus of who it was said in the angelic announcement to Mary, " And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:31-33).

The kingdom of God has been established. The royal Ruler is Christ. The royal subjects are all who have been called by the Gospel. The believers in Jesus Christ are the subjects. While men contend against one another here on the earth for positions of honor, power and authority our King who has laid up for us an inheritance in heaven reigns without contest! O yes, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us" (Psalm 2:2,3), but it is a futile battle for "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure" (4).

We are citizens of two realms. We are citizens of this nation on earth in which we live. The duration of this citizenship is limited. But our citizenship in heaven is without limit. Our King’s royal scepter is the Gospel Word. His gracious purpose is to save all. He will save all who live under Him in His kingdom. He will give to them eternal life. This promise will not fail. When the kingdoms of this world over which men seek with a passion to rule fail and crumble as they have and inevitably will, the kingdom of God shall stand forever. In this blessed Christmas season in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus our Savior and King, do not let the distress of this life cast a shadow or blind your eyes to the fact that while men do their thing for their own purposes and ends THE KING STILL REIGNS eternal in the heavens to the benefit of all whose weariness of this life is far exceeded by the certain confidence that as royal subjects we shall see the King Who even now reigns unmolested and without challenge.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

As we come to the end of a most eventful year, we will read many reviews of the year past. Individuals also lo back to see how they kept their resolutions made a year ago. The thought of unkept resolutions is a source of year-end laughter. An introspective lo back is a good thing. As Christians we join in the levity of resolution making. But our year-end review will also take on a serious bent.

Honesty compels us to do that which we don’t like to do, namely, measure our past in the light of God’s holy will. Have we always and without fail loved God above all things? Have we always shown respect to the name of God? Have we always and regularly heard and learned His Word gladly? Have we always respected authority? Have we never spen an evil word against our neighbor, and always befriended him in need? Have we led a chaste and decent life, a life free of sexually perverted thoughts, and maybe even acts? Have we never sought to take advantage of our neighbor instead of helping him to improve his property and business? Have we never spen evil of our neighbor, or coveted that which belonged to him? Are we ready even now to confess to sin, or are we trying to find some excuse for it? Are we thinking that whoever wrote this must be a killjoy, or be one who delights in making people miserable? Honesty can create misery, a misery however, from which there is release as the Christian remembers with thankfulness the grace of a lifetime past and a year past.

That grace is the grace of God Who gave His only begotten Son into death. The Son Who came to earth kept the Law in our stead. He bore our sins and gave us His righteousness. He who died and rose again delights in forgiving the sins of those who in honesty say, "I have sinned." He delights to speak these words to those who call upon Him, "My son, my daughter, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you." Indeed His name is Jesus "for He shall save His people from their sins." The Heavenly Father no longer counts our sin against us. They are drowned in the depth of the sea; they are removed as far as the east is from the west. The Christian’s glory as he los back is not that he is without sin, but that His sin is forgiven. And as Luther said, "Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation." A lo back for the penitent Christian is a joyful lo as he remembers the words of Scripture recorded in Romans 8:31-39. In these words as we honestly lo into ourselves, and then out from ourselves to Christ, we see that the embrace of grace is even greater than our sin, "For where sin abounded, there grace did much more abound" (Romans. 5:20).

The resolution that is meaningful is not that which we make at the beginning of the year, but the resolution that God made in eternity and kept!

Warmed by this assurance we enter into the New Year. Drawing on the accomplished commitment of Christ and energized by Him in whom we can do all things (Philippians 4:13), let us make a commitment unto Him. He will Himself be with us to accomplish it. "Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Whatever resolution you choose to make, let it be first a commitment to the Lord. "Commit thy way" therefore "unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:5). In oursuit of our commitment there will be the inevitable lapses and sins, which do not diminish the striving after, but lead us again to rejoice at the end of the day and the end of the year that God is gracious and forgiving.

With Him as Lord to lead our wayGod, Father, Son, and Spirit hear!

In want and in prosperityTo all our pleas incline your ear;

What need we fear in earth or space, Upon our lives rich blessing trace

In this new year of grace. In this new year of grace.

(Worship Supplement-2000, 716)

January 6 is the 12th day after Christmas. The date for Epiphany is one of the immovable festivals of the church year. The Christmas season is generally considered to be the period from December 25 to January 6. In some parts of the ancient church the birth of Christ was observed on January 6. The word "epiphany" is derived from a Greek word that means "manifestation," or to "make clear." Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of Jesus to the wise men who traveled from the east. The length of the Epiphany season in the church year depends upon the date of Easter. It was first commemorated to celebrate the baptism of Jesus.

Abraham and his descendants were chosen of the Lord to be the ancestors of the Lord. They were the descendants of Shem. Their selection was an exercise of grace. Jesus told the woman at the well of Samaria, "Salvation is of the Jews" (John 4:22) All the prophecies of the Old Testament pointed in that direction. Jesus according to His humanity was born of the line of David, who was born of the tribe of Judah, who was the son of Jacob who descended from Abraham.

We thank God for His faithfulness in keeping His promise. But while salvation was of the Jews, it was not exclusively for the Jews. The Heavenly Father said to Abraham, "In thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). Simeon declared the Savior to be "the light to lighten the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32).

The wise men as we know them, however many there were, followed the special star until it stood over the house where the Savior was. The wise men were the first Gentiles to worship the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Now, and hereafter in the Gospel, "The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared unto all men" (Titus 2:11). By reason of sin, mankind could not rise to God so God stooped to live among mankind in the person of His Son, Jesus declared by Scripture to be God and Man (1 Timothy 2:5).

Epiphany is the celebration of the fact, as well as a witness to our faith and confidence, that Jesus Christ, true God who became Man of the chosen virgin is our God and Savior. He shall bring to glory from Jew and Gentile all those who trust in Him and worship Him as such.

The age in which we live is said to be a religious age. For the most part, it is a godless age. Yes, godless unless Christ is believed in and trusted as the true God and the only Savior. Observation shows us that the majority of humanity does not confess Him, and among some who claim to worship Him allowance is made that one can still come to God without Christ. Scripture tells us that the Ephesians were at one time without Christ, hopeless and without God (Ephesians 2:12).

As Gentile Christians we do not want to let Epiphany die among us, but faithfully believe and confess, "I believe that Jesus Christ, True God, begotten of the Father from eternity and also true Man, born of the Virgin Mary is my Lord …" Holding that Epiphany faith we can join with the son of Abraham and say with confidence and certain hope, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation…"(Luke 2:29,30).

As churches come to the beginning of a new year, they compile their statistics for the year past. We know that statistics are subject to abuse and that they can be "coed" to satisfy whatever it is that one desires to prove.

Statistics are neither here nor there. To the effective work of the church they could be forgotten. In fact many may best be forgotten if "head-counting" leads to pride. That was a problem in 1 Samuel 21:1. On the other hand the Lord commanded Gideon to make a count in order to guard against pride (Judge 7). One of the statistics churches often keep is that of attendance. For the most part compiling church attendance is more humbling than it is a temptation to of pride.

With regard to attendance at worship service, the most meaningful is the record that the individual keeps for himself. For those who attend regularly it is a good practice to question oneself occasionally as to why one attends. Is church attendance habit or pride? If that is the case repentance is in order. Or is attendance at worship born of a heart-felt need to hear the Word of God for one’s instruction and ones comfort? Might one’s desire for fellowship with Christian brethren be a contributing reason to why one delights to attend worship? Our Lord Jesus Christ desires that we come together to worship Him. Worshipping the Lord together serves to mutual encouragement. Besides the personal blessing that comes to the Christian through the Gospel, the blessings of fellowship with brethren are special as like-minded Christian gather around the Word and Sacrament.

But what about those who seldom or never worship? We expect this of heathen but not of such that profess to be Christian. What do they do on Sunday morning? Let us grant the benefit of the doubt that they faithfully carry on an active confessional life, confessing their sins unto the Lord, an active prayer life, an active study life, as well as an active worship life in their home with themselves and family. Let us grant that they do this each day of the week as well as on Sunday.

Yet corporate worship is God’s will. "Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner as some is" (Hebrews 10:25). There is a certain catharsis in joining with the brethren in confession of sins. Mutual confession of sins equalizes all, children and adults, rich and poor, men and women, before the cross. Together we rejoice for ourselves and each other as we hear the words of absolution: "Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, hath had mercy upon us and hath given His only Son to die for us and for His sake hath forgiven us all our sins…." The joy of worship is not what we are doing for God, but what He has done and is doing for us. The message of the living Gospel energizes the chords of the heart in thanksgiving for the grace of God, which has appeared to all men bringing salvation. This joy is ours personally, in church or at home, but it is a precious privilege to raise heart and voice in united voice within the assembly of God’s people and declare, "For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised" (Psalm 96:4).

Fellowship is a wonderful blessing. A Christian has fellowship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is the Author and Creator of such fellowship through the Word of the Gospel. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The response of the Christian to this relationship into which he has been brought is a fruit of faith; the fellowship which God has created with Himself elicits from the Christian a "Yea and Amen" to the will of God, as well as to the blessings of God. One of those blessings is the fellowship with fellow believers. It is manifest through mutual support and encouragement of one another. Not the least of this encouragement is when Christians worship together. In this context, worshipping together says, "I need you, and your presence assures me that you need me," as we walk in common faith through a hostile world to the mutual goal in heaven. This is true regardless of the size of the congregation, but it is especially meaningful in small congregations where the very existence of the congregation may depend on the activity and participation of all the members. Fellowship is a blessing, but fellowship implies joining with others. One cannot fellowship with self!

Finally, attendance at worship is a witness to the world. What does it mean to the neighbor who hears one claim to be a member of a church, hears the same member make a sterling defense of the truth of God’s word, and then observes that same member seldom attend worship in the church where he claims to be a member? Yes, we can and sometimes must worship in our homes as a witness. But when we have opportunity and privilege to worship in a congregation where God’s Word is taught and the Gospel proclaimed in its entire splendor, and we do not do so, our witness is muted if not dead.

Statistics are in themselves quite meaningless. But numbers do tell some things. They tell us that some within a congregation have deprived themselves of the blessings of the Word, and the comfort of the Sacrament. They tell us that some have deprived the congregation of the pleasure of their company and of the joy of sharing the Gospel message. They tell us that the mutual support system is not as strong as it could be because a link in that system is missing.

The Psalmist said, "I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord’" (122:1). With good reason! "I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation" (111:1). Surely we are among those for whom he prays, " Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love your salvation say continually, ‘Let God be magnified’" (70:4) until finally those who have rejoiced in the message of salvation are numbered among all those to whom the Lord says, "Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

What is the Heavenly Father’s will for all? His will is clear from the Scripture. After the fall into sin in the garden, He could have destroyed man. He owed him nothing. But He did not. Instead He gave a promise. Out of the graciousness of His own heart He promised a Savior. We know the passage well: "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). He fulfilled His promise of a Savior because He "is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). For this cause Jesus came into the world, namely to redeem lost mankind. For this reason the Holy Spirit through the power of the Gospel creates faith unto eternal salvation. Let this suffice as a summary of all the passages that speak of God’s will for our salvation.

There is another will. It is the will of Satan. Need we spend time explaining His will other than to say again, "Satan’s will is to destroy in hell?"

For that reason he works mightily to lead us into "misbelief, despair, and other great shame and vice." Like a sniper aiming at his prey from the shadows, the devil snipes at us. Because we have the flesh, he finds an inviting target. Because we believers still have our flesh about us and are so often forgetful of God, the devil succeeds more than any of us wants to admit. We sin.

Therefore the Lord God finds it necessary to discipline us. In the bo of Judges we read how God time and again disciplined a forgetful people who "did evil in the sight of the Lord." Did He do this because He wanted to destroy His people? No! He did it because He loved them. He disciplined them lest they go on in their sin and destroy their own souls. He disciplined them, sometimes harshly, but always in love, because He wanted to bring them to repentance. The message of his discipline was always "Return to Me, for I have redeemed you" (Isaiah 44:22). His discipline always has a saving purpose.

By His Spirit the Lord has called us into His family. We are children of God. By his Spirit He has called His children who are one in faith and confession into a mini-family, which we call a Christian congregation. In this family believers find mutual joy and strength through the Gospel in Word and Sacrament. As family members we sit at the cross together in humble confession of our sin, and with thankful appreciation for the forgiveness that shines from the cross of Jesus. Within this family we are called to help one another, warn one another, support one another, comfort one another, and care about each other. Within this family we hurt when we see one of our spiritual siblings neglect these blessings and responsibilities, or even wander from the path of righteousness to follow the path of Satan and the world. Members of the church family are not to sit idly by. We cannot sit by while one of the family appears to be walking the path to eternal death. It is our responsibility to care, not as "nosey people" but as concerned Christians who themselves have been rescued from the way of death. And surely if the evidence is clear that one is spurning God and manifesting impenitence we have the God given responsibility (Matthew 18:15-18) to intervene, and to exercise discipline. Not because we delight in causing grief, but because we desire to spare our brother or sister the grief that will indeed come if he or she continues in a life of spiritual neglect and impenitence.

The exercise of Christian discipline is hardly practiced in the church any longer. That is not surprising when the Word of God, which is the wellspring of the Christian life, is no longer received as the power of God unto salvation, and the foundation and energizer of Christian living. Where God is no longer permitted to speak with authority there is no longer fear of sin, much less appreciation of forgiveness. Consequently the concern of a pastor or a Christian congregation for a brother or sister caught in sin is loed upon as meddling and vindictive. All the protestations that "I am a Christian" are at best suspect and at worse a cruel self-deception if one chooses neglect and sin as a way of life, and rejects the loving concern of members of the family.

Exercise of discipline is not often appreciated by those are on the receiving end. Rest assured that no one who exercises this responsibility finds delight in doing it, much less is one seeking situations in which to practice it. Yet it is necessary, for the Lord who shed His blood does not want his blood spilt in vain. He "is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

When we exercise discipline we should do so as people who are well aware that we too are sinners. But in fulfilling our call we are also the voice of God as we bring His word to bear. If we are one who is receiving discipline we should not resent it or reject it because they who are bringing it are also sinners, but rather we should see them as ones sent by God on a rescue operation. They who speak God’s word to us are God’s voice. If there is an edge to that voice, it is nevertheless one of love. If we listen to it we shall hear the softness of that voice in the words, "Thy sins be forgiven thee." As one goes in peace the purpose of Christian discipline has been fulfilled. God’s will and purpose is done. The will of the devil has been thwarted!

Thank God for His love exercised by discipline, and for fellow Christians who love us enough to practice it!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

There was a movie that was promoted heavily on radio and the internet. Its title was "Left Behind." It was a dramatic story based on the false, premillennialistic doctrine of the rapture, the seven-year tribulation, the rise of anti-Christ, the mass conversion of the Jews, the battle of Armageddon, etc., etc., etc. Remember Hal Lindsey's "Late Great Planet Earth," and "Countdown to Armageddon"? This movie was in the same vein. One pastor wrote, "Those of us who have served in strong pre-millennialistic parts of the country know how this false doctrine can really mess up a Christian with simple, child-like faith." The movie is based on the bo of the same name. The story no doubt, and from reports, was well written and was intriguing. The Internet as was very attractively done! Therein lay one of the dangers. The so-called "rapture" that the bo and the movie promoted is a favorite theme of so called evangelicals, the Reformed, fundamentalists and holiness bodies. The teaching of the rapture is false teaching wrapped in deceptive wrapping and presented as Christian. In reality it led people away from their steadfastness and quiet hope in Christ. The focal point of Biblical teaching is Christ, and the central doctrine of salvation is justification, and salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. That is not the central teaching of those who concentrate on the rapture.

The teaching of the millennium of which it is part is a false teaching. The idea that Jesus is going to come and set up a physical kingdom on earth and reign for 1000 years is based on misinterpretation of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation. It is false teaching. It directs peoples’ attention away from heaven to the earth.

The rapture is to precede the millennium in this scheme of things. The rapture can be defined as "The Lord’s coming FOR His Church in contrast to His later coming WITH His Church." It will be sudden and secret. Believers will be snatched (raptured) secretly and silently off the earth.

There are 4 basic ideas that are promoted by millennial promoters:

1. Christ, at the rapture, takes the believers out of this world to be with Him.

2. Christ pours out his judgments on the world during a 7-year tribulation.

3. Christ at the end of the tribulation destroys the Anti-Christ and his followers.

4. Christ sets up His millennial Kingdom which itself consists of different stages including Christ’s physical rule on earth which finally ends with a new heaven and a new earth. (Source: Paul F. Nolting- The Doctrine of he Last Things).

Indeed, they who promote these false ideas bring Bible passages as support. But they take the passages out of context. They overlo the fact that we are already living in the last times (1 Peter 1:20). They overlo the fact that the Old Testament prophecy of Christ was fulfilled with His coming, and that the New Testament speaking of the coming of Christ at His return to judge (1 Peter 4: 7), at which judgment believers in Christ will go to heaven, and unbelievers to hell. They conveniently forget that the time of the end is sure. The time of the end is known only to God (Mark 13:22,2 Peter 3:10), which would not be the case if there were rapture and a millennium. Events would permit men to calculate the end of time. Scripture says it cannot be done! The Lord warns Christians to be alert for the judgment ("that day") lest it catch them unaware. This is quite meaningless if they won’t even be here because they have been raptured away! They overlo that the kingdom of God is already here (Luke 17: 21). The kingdom of God, His gracious rule to save, resides in the heart of Christ-believers. The presence of this kingdom is manifest through the confession of Christ. In the judgment it will be made visible. Whereas the millennial rule of Christ according to those who teach it will be a time of peace, the Lord says that in the world we will have tribulation. Peace, eternal peace, perfect peace, peace without tribulation will come when we are taken to heaven to be with the Lord.

Those who promote the rapture say that it will be silent. One of the favorite "proof" passages for the rapture is 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17: "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

However, the context clearly shows that the words are comfort for those who were concerned about Christians who had died. They will not be left behind in the judgment! The passage hardly can be interpreted to support a "silent" rapture (shout, trumpet, voice of the archangel).

The millenialistic teaching offers no comfort. It strikes fear into the heart. For example, it includes the Tribulation, and the battle of Armageddon. Furthermore, those who fly on an airplane better hope that the cockpit crew is heathen, for if they are to be raptured away the landing will not be at their destination and it will not be a soft landing.

The world still stands because the Lord is patient and not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3). He extends the time of grace of people and nations because He does not delight in the judgment of the wicked. The world will stand until He has through the Gospel gathered all the elect into His Kingdom.

When will that be? We do not know. Therefore we do not know when the end will be. But when it comes none who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ will be left behind All, the living when He comes and those who have died in the Lord, will be with the Lord in heaven. On the other hand, they who have rejected Him will be damned!

Do not be misdirected from that which we believe and confess: "The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven; And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead."

Jesus said, "Surely, I am coming quickly." Jesus defines "quickly."

We as Christians respond with John, " Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

A word that has made its way into the vocabulary of the church is the word "unionism." When we speak of "unionism" we are speaking of the joint worship and church work among and with such as are not agreed in the doctrines of Scripture. Unionism is practiced under the guise of love. In other words, if we really love one another, the saying goes, and want to practice love among Christians in the world today, we will not make an issue of the doctrinal differences that divide the church. We will rather get together on the things upon which we are agreed, and not be troubled by the things upon which we are disagreed. That philosophy works in the world; for better or for worse; politics thrives on compromise. But in the church compromise of the Word of God, of Biblical principles, of matters of faith, is dangerous. Unionism is an agreement to disagree in matters of faith. Because it encourages sitting at the feet of false teachers it is more than dangerous. It is wrong!

In the name of love we may bow to those who think differently than we in secular matters within the church. We may compromise for the sake of peace where God’s Word is not involved. But how dare we in the name of love change what God says in order to get along with our neighbor? God’s Word is not ours to change or compromise unless we want to suggest that at best God could not, or chose not, to tell us the truth in a way we can understand it. At worst it suggests that God is a liar. How can we in the name of love relinquish, or compromise, our principles of faith to get along? The issue is not whether or not we want to get along with others. Sure we do. But at what cost? If we believe God’s Word and we believe it is truth, how can we give it up for a half-truth or no truth? Compromisers of truth always end up with untruth. In the church we call it error! One cannot mix black (error) and white (God’s truth) and ever end up with white. Gray or black is not white. Plain and simple, compromise, which is the staple of unionism, is condemned by the Lord (2 Corinthians 6: 15 – 18).

Since they who in word and deed promote unionism, and since unionism is a compromise of the Word of God, they who practice and promote it are undermining respect for and confidence in the Word of God. When confidence in the Word of God is undermined, faith itself has lost its moorings. When there is no mooring for faith there is no confidence of salvation. To some that may be a stretch. But consider it. If God did not mean what He said when he warned against false teachers and how we should react to them, "Avoid them" (Romans 16:17), "Come out from among them" (2 Corinthians 6:17), how can we be sure that He meant what He said when He gave us the message of Jesus, our Savior? If the church which has been entrusted with proclaiming the Word of God (Matthew 28:18-20) compromises what God says for our protection ( Romans 16:18) how can anyone trust what it teaches concerning salvation? Furthermore, if the guardians of the Word compromise it, why should the man in the street not compromise it in life and morals?

Compromise and absolute truth are not compatible. If we believe that God’s truth is absolute we cannot compromise; we cannot be unionists. Indeed we confess that we believe that God’s Word is truth. His Word tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "Now I plead with you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." Our Lord binds freedom to truth, not compromise. In John 8, He says, "If you continue in My word, then you are my disciples indeed and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Fellowship that is based on compromise of truth is a misnomer, and a contradiction. The fellowship of the early church is the fellowship that we are to treasure. "They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). No unionism there!

(To be continued)

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Compared to "unionism" which is the joining together of such in joint worship and church work those who are not agreed in the Word and doctrine, "fellowship" as we speak of it is the exercise of togetherness in worship and church work between such as are agreed in the doctrines of the Bible. We speak of altar, prayer and pulpit fellowship. They are three manifestations of the same principle.

In the early church fellowship consisted of

1. A joint expression of faith in doctrine, breaking of bread and in prayers, having all things common and works of charity, Acts 2:42,44,45

2. The kiss of peace, 2 Corinthians 13:12

3. The right hand of fellowship, Galatians 2:9

4. The confession if sins, one to another, with the accompanying prayer, James 5:16

5. Assembling together in worship and proving to good works, Hebrews 10:24,25

6. Receiving the Lord’s Supper together, 1 Corinthians 11:24,25, 1 Corinthians 10:17

7. Helping the poor, Acts 11:29

8. Bearing the infirmities of the weak, Romans 15:1,5-6

The above expressions of fellowship are indicative of a common thread. They are expressions of faith activity of those who spe the same thing, among whom there were no divisions, and who were perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). Such expressions of fellowship are pleasing unto the Lord.

When we speak of Christian fellowship, or church fellowship, we are of course speaking of fellowship within the sphere of the church or in spiritual matters, within the church or out. Whether a Christian should, or to what extent he should interact with unbelievers or those with a false confession of faith in given situations in the secular world where the Word of God is not involved is not a matter of right and wrong, but a matter of wisdom. Obviously, we are in the world and cannot leave it. At the same time Scripture says that we are in the world, but not of it. Therefore whether matters of spirit and faith are involved or not, a sensitive Christian will want to exercise care, always bearing in mind that he is a child of God called upon to let the light of the Lord shine through him.

How shall we determine with whom we may fellowship within the church? Since faith is a matter of the heart and thus invisible to us, we cannot determine fellowship on what is hidden. Fellowship is based on an objective standard. First of all Scripture, and then the stance of a church in relationship to the Word. Fellowship is based on a profession of faith. Scripture calls upon us to be watchful and to discriminate between truth and error. What is truth and what is error is not based on a subjective opinion of the observer, but by comparison of Scripture to whatever is taught and promoted within a church body. Where it is determined that the church body teaches, tolerates, or defends error in its pulpits, publications, or schools that is a church body together with its teachers which according to Scripture we are to "avoid" (Romans 16:17). We do not worship with it or its adherents, carry on church work, join in its prayers, or commune at its altars. To do so is contrary to the Word of God. On the other hand where the Word of God is taught in its truth, manifest again in its pulpits, publications, and schools, there the Christian will be happy to extend the right hand of fellowship and love.

The withholding of fellowship is not a judgment of the heart of those with whom we cannot worship. It is a simple but honest statement that we are not one in our confession of the Word. In that circumstance to suggest that we are one through fellowshipping together is dishonest. If some would suggest that withholding fellowship is loveless, we would counter that Christians are called to love God first. God speaks to us in His Word and we cannot separate Him from the Word. At the same time the highest form of love is to stand fast in the Word and not mislead others into thinking that faithfulness to the Word of God is of little matter. Scripture says differently, "If you continue in My Word, then are you my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). In Jeremiah 23 we read, "He who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully."

Fellowship between and among like-minded confessors is a beautiful gift of the Spirit. It is mutually edifying and supportive. To raise one’s heart and voice in community with confessors with whom one is in agreement is a gift of which we will not think lightly. On the other hand it is very fragile and calls for faithful study and daily recommitment to God’s Truth through which we have been called into the fellowship of the saints.

(To be continued)

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Fellowship with its blessings, and bad fruits of what we call unionism, are evident already in the Old Testament. In Genesis 12, the Lord told Abraham to leave country, relatives, and home because of the idolatrous practice in Terah’s house. It was surely a difficult thing for Abraham, but he left. He was blessed in his obedience. The history of Israel is replete with instruction from the Lord not to intermingle with the heathen and to avoid the gods of the heathen in the land in which they lived. They disobeyed and suffered the consequences.

It does not matter if the error is considered by man to be great or small. Whether the errors are many or few is of little consequence. When it is evident that false doctrine has gained a foothold in a church, Christians are to avoid it. That means avoiding the error and those who proclaim it. We do not sit at their feet to be taught; we do not enter into spiritual fellowship with them through prayer or support! We read, "Mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them" (Romans 16:17). We are to have no spiritual fellowship with the error or the errorists! The Christian will be careful not to jump to conclusions. He must be sure in his own heart what He believes and that what he himself believes is indeed Scripture truth. He will want to be sure that he has understood what a church or its teachers are saying. When he recognizes that error is more than a mis-speak but is defended, promoted, and taught he will "avoid."

The present state of the church in the world is a good example of why the Lord gives the instruction that He does. Because the church in the world has not applied Romans 16:17, it today harbors doctrines of all kinds, disagreement in doctrine, different concepts of truth, and a spirit of unionism that is undermining the understanding and faith of many. The church is like Israel of old. Israel flirted with the world and heathenism, and soon became part of it. Many churches within the pale of Christianity today are going the same route. They have succumbed to error so that many no longer can distinguish between truth and error. They have made Jesus’ warning, "Beware of false teachers" (Matthew 7:15) meaningless; if any teaching is acceptable then there can be no such thing as a false teacher. While the consequences of entertaining error are all about us, unfortunately the ultimate consequence will not be known until it is too late, when at the day of judgment people who have lost their faith, having been deceived, will lose eternal life. Error is that dangerous!

That brings us to the very heart of why the Lord speaks as He does in Romans 16:17. The Lord does not tell us to avoid error because He is mean and cruel. He does so because He loves and cares for those for whom He died. He does not want to see a single soul lost. The Lord quarantines error and warns us to stay away, as surely as we will stay away from a communicable disease. Romans 16:18 says, "For those who are such, do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (base desires), and by good (smooth) words and fair (flattering0 speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." False teachers sound dangerously like the true ones. The simple, that is the inexperienced, do not expect to be deceived. They cannot always distinguish between the Word of the Lord and that which sounds like the Word of the Lord.

Elijah was told to slay the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). The Lord does not tell us to slay false prophets and deceivers in the New Testament. For our protection and for their admonition He does tell us to avoid them. Further He says that we should not lend them support (2 John 10,11). The enclosure that the Lord has built around His people is for their protection. We breach it only at peril to our soul.

Practicing what we believe in this regard is not easy. We become the butt of ridicule, and are subject to the accusation of lovelessness and pride. Some leave us. Some who visit us do not come back. Nevertheless, it is God’s Word. We ask Him to give us the strength that he gave to Daniel’s three friends who would not fall down to Nebuchadnezzar’s gold image. They said, "No." Furthermore, they felt no necessity to justify their action before the King. They said, " O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case (that they would be cast into the fiery furnace), our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you. O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up" (Daniel 3:16-18).

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

The exercise of church fellowship manifest in joining in worship, prayer and church work with those of one’s own faith and confession is not understood by many Christians today because it is not taught or practiced by most Christian churches. It is difficult for many of us to appreciate it because there is something about it that sounds so exclusive, and it is characterized as such by those who believe that truth is not as important as getting along.

For the sake of the argument let us respond to the charge of exclusivism. "Concerning Church fellowship" [CCF], (Page 16, CLC-1961) declares, that an exclusive attitude "is in complete accord with the heart of the Gospel. In fact the Gospel of universal salvation for all sinners that is at stake. God’s plan of salvation carried out in Christ indeed embraces all sinners. It is all-inclusive… False doctrine is always a threat to the very universality and completeness of the redemption, which is in Christ Jesus. It is in the interest of the preservation of the Good News that God is so explicit in forbidding fellowship with error."

The issue is not what we think of other people, or a matter of judging their heart. God is the reader of hearts, and He alone. The issue is simply a matter of truth. What does God say, and why does He say it? That is the issue. What God says is in the Bible, and why He says it manifests His desire for our salvation. But if one exposes himself to error under the delusion that he himself is so strong that he will not lose his faith, how does he explain the fact that God the Father says, "Don’t do it." Furthermore, what witness does the fellowshipping with error give to those who do not know the truth? That is an aspect of fellowship that is too often forgotten. The fact is that to fellowship with error says to the neighbor, "It doesn’t make any difference what you believe, as long as you believe something." Who can honestly claim to believe the Word of God and promote the idea it does not make any difference what one believes of it?

Sure, there can be a wrong exclusivity. The CCF says, "Where pride in one’s self or in one’s particular groups is the motive for isolation, this is sinful and shows a grave lack of understanding of the Gospel. Such was the separation of the Pharisees – and they have many followers who by their exclusive policies glorify only men. Any separation in the Church which is not made in the interest of God’s glory and the glory of His Gospel is to be condemned just as much as unionism, the fellowshipping of false teachers" (Page 17).

The understanding of fellowship exercise begins with understanding the purpose of the Church. Scripture calls us to sanctification, and to exercise of faith and love. Such manifestations were evident in the early Church. The Church will be sociable, but its primary mission is not the promotion of social causes. The commission of the Lord is to preach the good news, salvation in Christ Jesus.

Joining with or supporting false teachers demonstrates a loss of focus that undermines the truth of the Gospel. One may say, "But such joining under certain conditions broadens the outreach of the Gospel." But then the question arises about what the message and the substance of the Gospel are. There is such a thing as preaching "another Gospel" and being deceived by it. This troubled the apostle who said, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him" (2 Corinthians 11: 3, 4). Their simple hearts would be deceived (Romans 16:18) which is precisely what Satan wants.

If we go with the religious crowd so as to "get along" they will never have reason to ask us of our hope. On the other hand if we confess the Word, live our faith, and practice Scriptural fellowship in the promotion of the Gospel, we will be showing love- love for God, and love for our neighbor whom God loves, and whom He desires to save through faith in Jesus Christ who died for all. In the cause of salvation of souls that can be saved only through the proclamation of the truth of the Gospel, and not through compromise of the truth, exclusivity is not a vice!

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Our Lord Jesus Christ is described in Scripture as the Servant of God (Isaiah 52:13). As the Servant of God the Father, Jesus came into the world to fulfill the Father’s will. The Father’s will was that Jesus should die for the sins of the world. The Father’s will for us is that we should be saved. We are, through faith in Christ alone! In other words, we are the recipients of the Savior’s faithful service to the will of the Father. The Father’s will for us is that while we await the fullness of our life in heaven we reflect in our Christian life a spirit of service. This service is manifest through good works. Good works are fruits of faith. The doer is the Christian. The generator of such fruits is the Spirit of God without whom we can do nothing (John 15:1-5). "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…" (Ephesians 2:10). The thankful Christian brings forth fruit to the glory of God.

Glorifying God is manifest in love toward God - through love of His Word, faithful hearing of His Word, and confident faith in His Word and promise. Glorifying God is manifest in love toward our neighbor. Showing love to our neighbor begins first with having a concern for His spiritual welfare. Thus we will share the Gospel with him.

But Scripture also tells us, "Therefore, as we have opportunity let us do good unto all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Doing good begins at home (Household of faith), but is not restricted to that. The verse says to "all". The poor shall always be with us, (Mark 14:7). This is a fact of life, the do-gooders and wealth-distributors not withstanding! At the same time this reality presents opportunity for Christians who are blessed more abundantly to share with those who are not. It is an opportunity to bear "faith-fruit."

We are reminded of this through the well intentioned, if misconceived, idea of the new administration in Washington to return tax money to "faith-based" institutions" to help them fund charitable enterprises. We will not get into the state/church relationship, which is an issue in itself. Nor will we get into the issue of supporting any and every kind of religious or "faith-based" organization. The expression "faith-based" is an expression that covers the whole religious spectrum.

One of the stipulations of the suggested program is that money given to such "faith-based " institutions has to be used for charitable works. This does not include sharing one’s faith. It would be contrary to federal law to use tax-money given for charitable purposes to try to inculcate spiritual values or faith.

We agree tax money should not be used for such a purpose. In a land of many relgions, we would not want our tax money supporting in a round about way any preaching or teaching that is contrary to the Word of God. But at the same time we would not agree to the stipulations for another reason also. We believe that the most charitable act we can manifest is to share the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with the poor and the needy, or the rich for that matter. How could we as Christians agree to receive tax money under the stipulation that we shall not speak of our faith? How could we agree to feed or in some other fashion assist the depressed and distressed poor, but not nourish the soul of the depressed and distressed spirit? For all its good intent, the program is unworkable in that it will necessitate a federal bureaucracy to monitor compliance with the stipulations. Furthermore, from a spiritual point of view participation in such a program is impossible because our Lord has called upon us to speak the hope that is in us, and not be silent about it. We would not enter into such a program because it restricts our freedom to witness to the truth and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot for any appearance of caring, sell our responsibility to bring Jesus to souls whose human condition and welfare is not improved unless it is in connection with Christ.

As children of God let us exercise our faith according to the measure of strength and ability the Lord gives us. Within our fellowship and outside of it let us extend our aid through prayer and through sharing of our abundance, as well as lending a helping hand to the weak and needy. That is the mind of Christ. Remember how He fed the 5,000 because He had compassion on them! Let our faith be more than words (James 2:14-18). As we do so from a willing heart and without government intrusion, we reserve the right and the privilege to speak to the greatest need of our neighbor, the need of His soul. We reserve the right to call the sinner to repentance and to share the Gospel with the distressed soul.

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

We regretfully suspect that the subject of the vicarious atonement is one that is not heard much in the Christian church today. It seems as though this essential doctrine concerning the salvation of sinners has fallen by the way as the church addresses what it sees to be more pressing matters.

Yet what is more pressing and wonderful than the matter of redemption from sin and the salvation of the soul? However important many of the issues that occupy the church’s attention, they are of little consequence in the grand plan of life that ends either in heaven or in hell.

The appreciation of the vicarious atonement necessitates accepting the fact that is difficult for human nature. That fact is that our sins have separated us from God. Our sins have merited the wrath of God. Our sins deserve the severest penalty. The consequence of sin is eternal death.

But the Heavenly Father had mercy. He promised the Savior. He laid our sins on Jesus. He punished Christ in our stead. Jesus who had kept the Law perfectly, nevertheless died in our stead. In other words, Jesus was our substitute. He to our place. The substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross is what the vicarious atonement is about. It is the theme of Isaiah 53.

In the 3rd verse [of Isaiah 53] we read, "He is despised," for us, that is, in our place; He was "rejected by men," for us. Verses 4-6 say, "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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Notice the prevailing thought of those verses: "He for us." "He in our place." The Apostle Peter in the first epistle, chapter 2, speaks of Jesus "Who himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree." By Jesus’ suffering and death, and by the shedding of His blood He has covered, atoned for, our sin. For the penitent sinner there is no greater word in Scripture than that which Jesus spe from the cross when he said, "It is finished." For Jesus’ sake the Father has reconciled us unto Himself.

When we have run our course and draw our last breath we can do so in confidence for the Father accepted the sacrifice made in our place. Therefore:

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

This indictment of Israel was made during the time of the Judges, following the death of Samson. It is a sorry but accurate description of the nature of man in rebellion against God. It is a graphic description of sin, for what is sin but man doing it his way rather than God’s? It makes no difference if it is out of ignorance or with intent; sin is doing what the sinner chooses to do.

That is the philosophy of the world. The world chooses not to accept the fact that there are absolutes in life. Everything is relative. The consequence is chaos, rebellion, and distrust. These are the opposite of order, harmony, and trust. If there is no objective fixed standard by which one can know what is moral or right and wrong, man is left to do what is right in his own eyes. But there is an objective fixed standard of morality, of right and wrong. It is found in the Scriptures. It is called the Law. On judgment day no man will have an excuse! The Law that exposes sin will condemn everyone whose philosophy of life has been to do what he chooses to do in mocking disdain for God.

The attitude of the world is seeping noticeably into the life of the church. And when faithful Christians or pastors (who by the way have the same intransigent flesh) seek to point it out they become the "bad guys." They who choose to do what is right in their own eyes will defend their action by saying that the Scripture is outdated, written for another time. A favorite line of defense says, "I can do what I want to do. Don’t try to impose your morality or your understanding of truth on me." Fair enough. But if one is a Christian, he will want to do what is right in God’s eyes, won’t he? Or will one say, "I know what Scripture says, but…" Or "I don’t care what Scripture says." Maybe, "I don’t believe the Bible anyway!" One who thinks he is a Christian may speak that way. One who is a Christian will not, and will repent when he does. A Christian cannot exercise safely the option to do what is right in his own eyes, if what is right in his own eyes is sin in God’s eyes!

There is another absolute in Scripture. It is the Gospel absolute. The Gospel is expression of what was right in God’s eyes, as well as in His heart of love and grace. Thank God! The penitent sinner thanks the Lord Jesus Christ that what was right in the eyes and heart of the Savior was in perfect harmony with the will of the Father. Christ Jesus came into the world to bear the sin and guilt of the world. He came to fulfill the Law in man’s behalf, and to die under that Law to pay the debt we owed but could never pay. All this was expressive of what was right in God’s eyes and heart, not because man deserved such love, but because our God is a God of love, mercy and compassion.

Now then we are saved through faith alone. By grace (Ephesians 2:8,9). As Christians we will glory, not because we do not sin, but because our sin is forgiven. We are saved by the atonement of our Lord Jesus. To Him alone be glory, now and forever.

This Gospel absolute is the comfort of the Christian. But such as teach salvation by works, or who, in other words, teach a conditional Gospel abuse even this absolute. They thus undermine (if it were possible) the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16), as well as the grace which creates the life of sanctification

On the other hand, the penitent who with eyes of faith views the Savior bearing the cross, will thank God that Jesus willingly did what was right in the Father’s eyes, so that we might have forgiveness and eternal life. Such will also pray that He daily forgive us our sin, and strengthen us in His grace so that we will gladly do what is right in His eyes--- and not in our own!

Many people, even many who otherwise do not have much respect for Scripture, know this passage. This passage is misused when it is used to deflect an expression of concern or a call to repentance. It is misused when it is used to defend a person’s desire to do what is right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6). On the other hand, we understand this passage if we take it in its context, and realize that it forbids self-righteous, hypocritical judging, a judging from an attitude of "better than thou." That indeed is sin. Scripture has much to say against such judging.

People who say that we are not to judge are in fact saying, "I reserve the right to judge, but you shouldn’t." The truth is that people are making judgments everyday. One cannot have it both ways. Elections are a matter of judgment. We judge one candidate to be more suitable than another. When an employer terminates the employment of an employee, he has made a judgment. When one marries a spouse for better or for worse, one makes a judgment! When one purchases an automobile, one makes a judgment. All of us have made the judgment that a motel was too expensive, or not clean, and we have chosen another. When one chooses to be a Viking fan instead of a Packer or Cowboy fan, he has made a judgment. This should be enough to put to rest that we should not or do not make judgments.

But this is so often what we hear in the church, including among ourselves. "You should not judge other churches." We don’t! We judge their doctrine. Why? Because God tells us to do so. "He who is spiritual judges all things…" (1 Corinthians 2:15). Matthew 7:15 says, "Beware of false prophets." 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Testing the spirits involves making a judgment. We judge what is taught to be true or false. In 3 John 11 we read, " "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good…" How is this possible without making a judgment? The child of God knows that the standard of judging doctrine is not a subjective opinion. He knows that the standard for judging doctrine is the Word of God. He also knows that such sanctified judgment is necessary lest he or others be confused or be misled by that which is false. Everything contrary to the Word of God bears with it the potential to destroy faith. In fact we invite judgment of our doctrine by members as well as those who are not. If what we teach is the truth of God, why should we fear to have our teaching judged in the light of Scripture? The apostle in 1 Corinthians 10:15 said, "… Judge for yourselves what I say."

One can test the sincerity of people outside one’s fellowship who say, "You should not judge." Ask them to join your fellowship. If after study of the Word, their answer is yes, they have made a judgment of their former fellowship. If their answer is no, they have made a judgment of your fellowship. Only dead people do not make judgments!

The Law of God uncovers sin. It uncovers our sin. It condemns us all for all, have fallen short of the glory of God. The fact that all are sinners, while it makes self-righteous judging sin in itself, does not forbid passing judgment on sin. If we are not to pass judgment on peoples’ actions (Judging their heart is God’s business), then we must conclude that worshiping a false god is fine. It is alright then to curse God and man; it is acceptable to neglect word and sacrament; it is appropriate to disobey parents and authority; it is right to murder; it is allowable to commit adultery; it is to steal; it is right to slander and ruin another’s reputation; one can be greedy and envious of another’s goods. Unfortunately and to great harm our politically correct and feckless society is suffering the consequence of the misguided "no-judgment" policy!

Have we all abused "judging?" Surely, we have from both sides. We have abused it by self- righteous judging. We have abused it be refusing to exercise the responsibility. Either one is sin!

At the end of the day, we pray for forgiveness of sins by the merit of Christ who was judged worthy of death in our place. We further pray the Lord God will help us make proper judgment until we shall stand in His judgment.

Palm Sunday is a traditional day of confirmation. The rite of confirmation is not commanded in the Scriptures. Much less is it a Sacrament as claimed by Rome. It is a custom. It is one of the meaningful traditions worth retaining. Confirmation is closely related to Baptism. In confirmation the confirmand repeats with his own lips that confession of faith and promise of faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word that were made for him at baptism. A confirmand presents himself for confirmation upon instruction in the Word, and as witness that the Spirit has worked such understanding that he is now ready to receive the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Confirmation is a serious matter as the following questions and answers show. Unfortunately in our day, it too often has become a rite of passage with little significance. That in part may explain why so many young people appear to have forsaken their vows, some almost before they are out of the church door. Let us pray as parents that our young children give themselves to their study for confirmation with all seriousness, and we ourselves set the example. We will see to it if we remember that the purpose of Scripture study is not primarily to be confirmed but to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. If we appreciate that, study will not cease with confirmation but continue! Let us pray for those who are confirmed that they will continue steadfast unto death as they promise. Let us all examine ourselves, and ask the Lord regardless of our age to give us a renewed and daily appreciation of His love, and the significance of the vows we made at our own confirmation.

Here then are the vows of confirmation. Think upon them, and ask the Lord to help in the keeping of them.

Many congregations have an Easter sunrise service. Joyful hearts sing the Easter message with enthusiasm in the early morning. I will never forget the Sunday morning that started with an overcast sky, but how during the sermon -"He is not here, but is risen" - the sun burst through the window behind the pulpit. It was as if the Lord Himself were punctuating the message of forgiveness sealed by our Savior’s resurrection. The message of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation sheds light and warmth into the heart.

On Easter day, the Savior attached Himself to the Emmaus disciples who were discussing the day’s events as they returned home from Jerusalem. " We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel" (Luke 24:21). The report that certain women did not find His body where He had been laid, but instead had seen a "vision of angels who said He was alive" left them confused. Jesus then "expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Him" (27). They were so taken by the instruction of this Man whom they did not recognize that they invited Him to remain with them. "Abide with us. For it is toward evening and the day is far spent" (29). Jesus remained with them. Over bread they recognized Him.

The Easter sunrise resurrection became an Easter sunset revelation! The Emmaus disciples had an Easter sunset service. They returned to Jerusalem and announced to the other disciples, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared unto Simon" (34).

The sun is setting upon the nation and the world in which we live and upon the church in the world. Each ache and pain reminds us that it is setting on us as individuals. Observe the activities in the world and the nation and recognize the lies of Satan in this post-Christian age. Consider the direction that the church is going and even the challenges within our own. Recognize the weaknesses and sins in your own life. In weakness and weariness and maybe in a state of confusion we wend our way toward the sunset of life and the end of life’s day. To paraphrase, " We thought that Jesus was the one who had destroyed the power of the devil."

Today so much of the church and the religious world have lost their focus. It is easy for us to get caught up in the flurry of activity and empty religiousity. In the necessary confessional challenges that confront us regularly it is not surprising if in the thick of such challenges we are overwhelmed by events so that the message is momentarily forgotten. Surely, Jesus had explained to the Emmaus disciples what would happen to Him, and that He would rise again. They had heard it, but events overwhelmed them, so much so that they did not even recognize Him when He walked with them. He touched their heart with the Word.

Most graciously, He has left us with his Word. When we hear we remember. Our Lord was, crucified, dead and buried. "On the third day He rose again from the dead." Jesus lives. He has overcome the devil as He said. Because He lives, we who believe in Him have life and shall live. At the end of the dark night of this life, we shall bask in the brightness of the Son before the throne of the Father. It is God’s promise. "Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). Heaven!

That Word of God makes our heart burn within us. Maybe at the end of the day we should have an Easter sunset service! May the message of the Easter sunrise service – "Christ lives, the victory’s won – translate into a regular invitation, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening and the day is far spent."

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

When we enter into the discussion of eternity, the natural question is, "When did it begin, and when does it end?" In reality, discussion of eternity takes us deeply into the mysterious. We have only a vague concept of what eternity is as when we occasionally say of an event or circumstance, "It seems as though it was an eternity," as in "a long time." That expression is used to define an event or circumstance that had a beginning. Reality is that eternity is timeless; it has no beginning and no end. That is what we mean when we confess that the Triune God is from eternity. Of all living beings in heaven and on earth, only He is from all eternity or is eternal. "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27). Our God is from everlasting to everlasting, "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2). God’s self-portrait painted in Scripture is an irrefutable indictment against all the "gods" constructed by men and nations. The contrast is stark and unmistakable. Scripture tells us that the eternal God is the maker of man. Heathenism tells us that man is the maker of his god. This fact gives lie to the idea that all people worship the same God regardless of the God they worship. They who worship another god than the eternal, everlasting God Who has revealed Himself as the Triune God are worshiping an idol.

The word eternal is also used in Scripture to define the condition into which one enters at death. Upon death, which is the end of life here on earth, we enter into eternity or an "eternalness." We enter into a condition that has no end. The believer in the Lord Jesus Christ enters into a condition that is described in Scripture as "everlasting life." It is the kind of life that God intended for mankind when He created him and placed him in the garden. Yet sin ruined the bliss of such a life, for had sinful man lived forever he would have been in a continual condition of dying and all that that implies — sorrow, pain, unhappiness, misery — without ever being able to be rid of it. What a miserable condition! Therefore, the Lord God put man out of the garden and placed an angel at the gate (Genesis 3:22) lest man should eat of the tree of life and live in a state of dying forever. The everlasting Father conceived another way. Jesus would come into the world, bear man’s guilt and shame, suffer the consequence, die, and rise again. While man would still suffer the consequence of sin, which is death, in Christ he would be blessed with the life that God intended: a life of bliss, peace, rest, joy (Revelation 7:13-17). It would be a deathless life, an everlasting life in heaven (Revelation 21:4). It is the life promised by the Lord to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus we are already possessors of eternal life. However, the "hands-on" possession of our eternal inheritance begins when we are called from time into eternity.

There is another side of eternity. It is perpetuation of the continual dying that was introduced by man with the entrance of sin. It is called everlasting death. As compared to the peace and tranquility in the presence of the Lord God which the believers enjoy in heaven, it is described in Scripture as a condition of forsakenness where "their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9).

For the Christian the toils of this life make it seem like an eternity before we, according to promise, are able to be with the Lord where He is. Nevertheless, the day is surely drawing nigh when the seemingly eternal wait shall be turned into the reality of the eternal now! Just as surely is the day coming when those who have wasted their life on earth shall enter into an eternity they wish would end, but won’t.

Today then is the day to contemplate eternity before it comes. When it comes the Shepherd of the sheep shall take the sheep into the everlasting "pasture of peace" and send the goats to the everlasting "wilderness of doom."

UNDERSTANDING OUR FAITH:

Mother’s day, is not a church festival day. It is not exclusively a day observed by Christians. In the world it is a day that seems contradictory. Why? Because it contradicts the feminist agenda which belittles marriage as well as motherhood. In Bible times, being a wife and being a mother was held in highest honor. To many today, being a wife in the pattern that Scripture teaches (Ephesians 5) is rejected by both men and women; motherhood is loed upon as an inconvenience in some cases, and a time of life that hopefully passes quickly so that one can get on with life. What a shame!

The Lord God instituted marriage for the benefit and blessing of man and woman. Living within marriage is an opportunity for husband and wife together to "give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Submitting yourselves unto one another in the fear of God" (Ephesians 5:20,21). Within the framework of marriage, God has established an order – and it works – where the wife recognizes her husband as the head in Christ, and the husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church. To the furtherance and well being of this relationship Scripture says, "Nevertheless, let everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence (respect) her husband" (Ephesians 5:33).

On this day, husband, thank the Lord for your Christian wife, and if you mean it you will do so on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! Give her a card. Buy her flowers. Take her to dinner. But do not let your thankfulness to God, and your love for her wane with the setting sun.

Scripture leaves us the example of God-fearing mothers – Sarah, Rebecca. Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary. Mothers faithful to the Lord who lo after their child’s foremost needs are the greatest of blessings to children. Paul commended Lois (grandmother) and Eunice (mother) who gave time and care to Timothy to see to it that he was made wise unto salvation. How can children show their love for mother? First, by thanking the Lord for her. Such children will also appreciate the fact that a mother after the heart of God desires only the best for her child, even if that best is discipline that gives the child understanding and direction in life. A nurturing mother who gives of self for the welfare of her family has a good conscience before God, and is well spen of by her children. "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised " (Proverbs 31:30). Parenting is not an easy task; parents are not perfect. Yet, they who live in faith in Jesus and call upon Him, will find peace of heart in knowing that God who gives children, and to Whom they are precious, will give wisdom and strength to raise His children. On this day we thank Him, and express our thanks to wife and mother whose "price is far above rubies" (Proverbs 31 10).