Congregational Christmas Letter

Dearest children of the Heavenly Father:

Each week another candle on the Advent wreath is lighted, telling us that Christmas is nearer. Christmas is the Father giving us sinners the greatest gift of all: Emmanuel. And where there is Jesus, there is hope, peace, joy, and love. The four candles on the Advent wreath, each representing one aspect of our new life in Christ, remind us of this:

Hope

“Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will come, even He who arises to rule the Gentiles; in Him will the Gentiles hope.” [Romans 15:12]

Peace

“You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me one who is to be ruler in Israel, … and He shall be their peace.” [Micah 5:2-5]

Joy

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:10-11]

Love

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16]

In the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ, we live together as brothers and sisters. As God’s family. Rejoicing in each other’s joys. Sharing in each other’s sorrows. Carrying each other’s burdens. Praying for one another. Forgiving one another. Encouraging one another. Building one another up. As the body of Christ, we can do no less.

Whoever you are, whatever your past, whatever temptations and sins afflict you, whatever doubts have plagued you, whatever trials and tribulations might overwhelm you, you have a Savior who came to bring you hope, peace, joy, and love. For you He was born. For you He was baptized. For you He lived. For you He suffered. For you He died. For you He rose again. For you He ascended. For you He sent His Holy Spirit. For you He established His Church. For you He gives gracious gifts in Word and Sacrament. For you He still intercedes. For you He is preparing a room in His Father’s house.

As Advent gives way to Christmas, so the four candles will give way to the Jesus candle in the center of the wreath. He is, after all, “the Light of the world” (John 8:12) who brings hope, peace, joy, and love to our troubled hearts and lives. Enlightened by “the true Light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9), “let your light shine before others”—this Christmas, in the New Year, and always—“so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

On behalf of Adam, Michael, Caleb, Zachary, Lori and myself, God’s peace and goodwill to you. Now and always!

In Christ, Pastor Mumme

Suicide with Dignity

Dignity. It’s the hot topic right now. Especially for those who want to exit this life on their own terms. It’s all rather confusing. We are supposed to mourn the suicide of Robin Williams but celebrate the suicide of Brittany Maynard. Why? Both ended their lives on their own terms. Why aren’t both of these suicides considered tragedies? We have suicide prevention hotlines on the one hand and doctor-assisted suicide on the other hand. If we really want to empower individuals to die on their own terms, why aren’t we passing out guns, knives, ropes, and cocktail drugs together with “how to” pamphlets? After all, her body... her choice! His body... his choice! That’s the mantra these days.

It’s bad enough that our culture has bought into the lie that suicide is dignified. It’s worse that many who profess to be Christian are doing the same thing. Here are a few examples of individuals in Holy Scripture who died on their own terms:

• Abimelech, rather than having others say that he died at the hands of a woman, died on his own terms—presumably with dignity—by having his armor-bearer thrust a sword through him. [Judges 9:52-54]
• King Saul, rather than dying at the hands of the uncircumcised Philistines who had wounded him, died on his own terms— presumably with dignity—by falling on his own sword. [1 Samuel 31:1-6]
• Ahithophel, rather than living with the disgrace that his counsel was not followed, set his house in order and died on his own terms— presumably with dignity—by hanging himself. [2 Samuel 17:23]
• Zimri, rather than being taken prisoner after he conspired and killed the king, died on his own terms— presumably with dignity—by burning himself along with the king’s house. [1 Kings 16:18]
• Judas, rather than living with the regret of betraying Jesus of Nazareth to the Jewish leaders for thirty silver coins, died on his own terms— presumably with dignity—by hanging himself. [Matthew 27:5]

What dignity. What a triumph that these brave men died on their own terms. What courageous examples for us to follow when our backs are up against the wall of discomfort.

Dress suicide up in a prom dress. Cover it in chocolate. Wrap a pink bow around it. Put a cute puppy in its arms. It’s still suicide. And it’s still tragic. So why are we celebrating it?

Let us do what we can as family, friends, and neighbors to care for those who are terminally ill, bring hope to those who are at the end of their rope, and comfort those whose future seems bleak. As Christians we have much to offer. We have a Savior who underwent suffering and death and then rose triumphantly on the Third Day that we would be partakers of His new life. Baptized into His death and resurrection and living from His gracious gifts, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. In life and in death. God, the author of life, will take us home on His timetable. And then there will be no more pain, no more suffering, no more tears, no more death. For the former things have passed away. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Congregational “Viability”

I recently read an article titled Revitalization: Abiding as the Declining Church on the LCMS Leader Blog webpage. Most of it was very well written and a good reminder to the Church at large. However, the following sentences troubled me:

Our natural tendency in revitalization is to focus on preserving the institution of the church. This shows itself in a congregation’s stubborn refusal to close its doors long after it has passed the point of viability. It shows all the more clearly when the surviving members are willing to exhaust the resources that could be used for a new ministry in order to prolong one that has effectively ended.

Is it possible for a congregation to be “stubborn”? Of course it is. Congregations are made up exclusively of sinners. That being said, stubbornness can be found in both small and large congregations, in both poor and rich congregations, in both declining rural or inner city and thriving suburban congregations.

My questions are these: How does the institution define “the point of viability” for a congregation? Why does the institution assume that “a new ministry” is better than an existing one? How can the institution say that an existing ministry “has effectively ended” if God’s Word continues to be preached faithfully and His Sacraments continue to be administered according to the Gospel in that place for the benefit of God’s saints?

Jesus promised, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Is a small congregation of 2 or 3 (even 20 or 30) less viable than a congregation where 2000 or 3000 are gathered in His name?

It seems the real issue at hand is “the resources that could be used” elsewhere—resources that the institution thinks it is better prepared to spend than the local saints who gave and are still giving of their firstfruits.

Perhaps it’s not stubbornness.

Perhaps it’s simply the desire to receive Christ’s gracious gifts from the font, pulpit, and altar consecrated for those very purposes by their forefathers.

Egyptian Papyrus

It was recently reported that a 1500-year-old ancient Egyptian papyrus was found (rolled up in an amulet) that contains a noteworthy Christian confession. Just as the early church fathers spoke often and highly of the Lord’s Supper, so does the confession of faith written on this papyrus:

Fear you all who rule over the earth. 

Know you nations and people that Christ is our God. 

For He spoke and they came into being, He commanded and they were created; He put everything under our feet and delivered us from the wish of our enemies. 

Our God prepared a sacred table in the desert for the people and gave manna of the new covenant to eat, the Lord’s immortal body and the blood of Christ poured for us in remission of sins.

Two Parables, Revisited

This past month I wrote a newsletter article on two of Jesus’ parables: the parable of the hidden treasure and the parable of the pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). Below is an excerpt from that article:

Over the years, I’ve heard many people explain these parables as follows. Jesus is the treasure hidden in the field. Jesus is the one pearl of great value. He is so valuable, so precious, so important that we should be willing to go and sell all to have Him. What’s the problem with such an interpretation? It’s not faithful to God’s Word.

A friend and brother in Christ asked me about the final two sentences. I’m glad he did, because I did not choose my words very wisely, nor did I communicate my thoughts as I should have. For that I apologize. I do believe one can explain these parables as described in the aforementioned paragraph and still be faithful to God’s Word.

Below is my revision of the aforementioned paragraph and what I should have stated from the start:

Over the years, I’ve heard many people explain these parables as follows. Jesus is the treasure hidden in the field. Jesus is the one pearl of great value. He is so valuable, so precious, so important that we should be willing to go and sell all to have Him. While such an interpretation is faithful to God’s Word, I believe there is an equally valid Christological interpretation that is worthy of our time and attention. For both parables beautifully teach us how much God values us and how much He gave up to win us back in Jesus Christ!

The late Rev. Professor Kurt Marquart (one of my favorite profs) often asked questions of us students such as, “How does this text extol Christ and His work for us?”

When I hear the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value, Professor Marquart’s question comes to mind. How do these parables extol Christ and His work for us? While that isn’t the only question one can ask, it is a valid and central one. Examining the text, I believe a Christological interpretation of these parables is very appropriate. And I am not alone in this.

A Christological interpretation of these two parables is spelled out exegetically in Matthew 11:2–20:34, Concordia Commentary (St. Louis: CPH, 2010), 716-721. What’s more, below is a brief note from The Lutheran Study Bible for consideration as well:

“Difference interpretations of this short parable exist. One may naturally see the man as any man and the treasure as the kingdom of heaven that he discovers. However, a more Christological interpretation describes the field as the world, the treasure as you (the hearer), and the man as Christ, who gives up the glory of heaven to win you.” [The Lutheran Study Bible (St. Louis, CPH, 2009), 1610]

How much does Christ value us? He gave up everything to purchase us from sin, death, and the devil. By God’s grace, we in faith value Christ and His kingdom above all else.

God Isn’t Tardy or Absent

It’s that time of year again. The kids are back in school. And that means a whole new round of frenzy over why God is not in our schools any more.

This past week I’ve seen numerous people post a photo of children to Facebook with the caption, “Let’s let God back in our schools!” (together with the obligatory “Share if you agree!”). Such sentiments are put forth by well meaning people. Perhaps they are lamenting the fact that a Christian teacher may no longer ask her students to bow their heads as she offers a prayer. Maybe there are other related reasons as well.

I refuse to jump on this bandwagon. For starters, do you really believe that a school district has the power to kick God out of school? If so, you worship a weak God. Try running away from Him sometime. Jonah tried. Epic fail! God is present everywhere. The psalmist rhetorically asks, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). The answer: Nowhere. God is present everywhere.

But even better than the omnipresence of God is the God who came to dwell among us, full of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ. Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is God for you. Jesus comes to you in Word and Sacrament that He might dwell in you and you in Him.

In Holy Baptism, the Father named you His beloved child, clothed you in Christ’s perfect righteousness, and gave you His Holy Spirit. Each and every Lord’s Day He feeds and nourishes your baptismal faith in Him through Word and Sacrament. All so that you may go forth into your various vocations in His forgiveness, with His blessing, and as His people. Where you go, Christ goes. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). Thus, it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. And the life you now live in the flesh you live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you (Galatians 2:20).

You are mistaken if you think the Triune God is tardy or absent from your school. For where you are, so is the Triune God whose name you bear. In you, God is present with skin on. Martin Luther wrote, “It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.” School in one such setting in which your vocation includes being Christ to your neighbor. What a joy!

So your school does not allow your teacher to pray publicly with her students. It cannot stop her from praying privately for her students and fellow teachers. Nor can it stop you from praying for your teachers, your fellow students, and anyone else who needs your prayers.

So your school exclusively teaches the theory of evolution and will not allow any talk of a seven-day creation. It cannot force you to abandon the truth of God’s Word anymore than it can stop you from speaking about it with your friends.

So your school bans or limits “Christian” organizations. It cannot stop you from attending the Divine Service, Bible study, and Sunday School at church, from devotion and prayer at school or home, and from inviting others to join you in growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

Sometimes I wonder why Christians think they can have their Jesus, their Scriptures, their faith without the hatred and persecution that come with it. Since no one can rob you of your faith, your worship, your devotions, or your prayers, why do a secular school’s rules so upset you? Perhaps what upsets you is not their rules, but the fact that you are called to deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Christ, and endure the persecution that comes your way on account of Him. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18).

Jesus said it would be this way. So get out there, go to school, remember who you are as a baptized child of God, and “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9), “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). Will you be mocked or ridiculed? Possibly. Laughed at or reviled? Perhaps. In Christ, you already have God’s approval. So why do you seek man’s approval?

God grant you the faith, the strength, and the courage to be the hands and voice of Christ to those whom He places in your path. Especially at school!

The Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed, confessed weekly in the Divine Service, is a summary of what the one, holy, Christian, and apostolic Church believes, teaches, and confesses about the Triune God. It is called Nicene because, in its original form, it was adopted in the city of Nicaea by the first ecumenical council, which met there in A.D. 325. Athanasius and the church fathers chose each word and phrase carefully to protect, defend, and confess the Scriptural faith handed down to us from the prophets and apostles. This creed explicitly confesses that Jesus is true God in opposition to Arius, who claimed that Jesus was created by God.

Below is a Scriptural look at the Nicene Creed, prepared by Richard Gilbert of Hacienda Heights, California.

The Nicene Creed According to the Scriptures

I believe
Romans 10:9, James 2:19, John 14:1

in one God,
Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 44:6

the Father
Isaiah 63:16, 2 Peter 1:17, Matthew 6:9

Almighty,
Genesis 17:1, Psalm 91:1, Revelation 4:8

Maker
Job 4:17, 35:10, Isaiah 17:7, 54:5

of heaven
Genesis 1:1, 8

and earth
Psalm 104:5, Jeremiah 51:15

and of all things
Genesis 1:31

visible and invisible.
Psalm 89:11-12, Amos 4:13, Revelation 3:5, Colossians 1:16

And in one Lord
Ephesians 4:5

Jesus Christ,
Acts 10:36, 11:17, Romans 1:7, 5:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, 6:11, 2 Corinthians 1:2, 8:9, Galatians 1:3, 6:14, Ephesians 1:2, 3:11, Phililppians 1:2, 3:20, Colossians 1:3, 2:6, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 2:14, 1 Timothy 6:3, 14, 2 Timothy 1:2, Philemon 1:3, 25, Hebrews 13:20, James 1:1, 2:1, 1 Peter 1:3, 3:15, 2 Peter 1:8, 14, Jude 17, 21, Revelation 22:20-21

the only-begotton
John 1:18

Son of God,
Matthew 3:17, John 3:16

begotten of His Father
Hebrews 1:5

before all worlds,
John 1:1, Colossians 1:17, 1 John 1:1

begotten,
John 1:1, Hebrews 1:5

not made,
Micah 5:2, John 1:18, 17:5

being of one substance with the Father,
John 10:30, 14:9

by whom all things were made;
1 Corinthians 8:6, Colossians 1:16

who for us men
Matthew 20:28, John 10:10

and for our salvation
Matthew 1:21, Luke 19:10

came down from heaven
Romans 10:6, Ephesians 4:10

and was incarnate
Colossians 2:9

by the Holy Spirit
Matthew 1:18

of the Virgin Mary
Luke 1:34-35

and was made man;
John 1:14

and was crucified
Matthew 20:19, John 19:18, Romans 5:6, 8, 2 Corinthians 13:4

also for us
Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:15

under Pontius Pilate.
Matthew 27:2, 26, 1 Timothy 6:13

He suffered
1 Peter 2:21, Hebrews 2:10

and was buried.
Mark 15:46, 1 Cor. 15:4

And the third day
Matthew 27:63, 28:1, 1 Corinthians 15:4

He rose again
Mark 16:6, 2 Timothy 2:8

according to the Scriptures
Psalm 16:10, Luke 24:25-27, 1 Corinthians 15:4

and ascended
Luke 24:51, Acts 1:9

into heaven
Mark 16:19, Acts 1:11

and sits at the right hand of the Father.
Psalm 110:1, Matthew 26:64, Acts 7:56, Hebrews 1:3

And He will come again
John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16

with glory
Matthew 16:27, 24:30, 25:31, 26:64, Mark 8:38, Colossians 3:4

to judge
Matthew 25:31-46, Acts 17:31

both the living and the dead,
Acts 10:42, 1 Peter 4:5

whose kingdom
John 18:36, 2 Timothy 4:1, 18

will have no end.
Luke 1:33, Revelation 11:15, Psalm 145:13

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:19, Acts 13:2

The Lord
2 Corinthians 3:17

and giver of life,
John 6:63, Rom. 7:6, 8:2, 2 Cor. 3:6

who proceeds from the Father
John 14:16-17

and the Son,
John 15:26, Romans 8:9, Galatians 4:6

who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped
Luke 4:8, John 4:24

and glorified
John 4:24, 1 Timothy 1:17

who spoke by the prophets.
1 Peter 1:10-11, 2 Peter 1:21

And I believe in one
1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 12:12-13

Holy
Ephesians 3:16-17, 5:27, 1 Peter 2:9

catholic
1 Corinthians 1:2

and Apostolic
Ephesians 2:20, Revelation 21:14

Church,
Acts 20:28, Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians. 1:24, Hebrews 12:23, 1 Peter 2:9

I acknowledge one Baptism
John 3:5, Romans 6:3, Ephesians 4:5

for the remission of sins,
Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21, Titus 3:5

and I look for the resurrection of the dead
1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:12-13, 16, 52

and the life of the world to come.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57, Revelation 22:5

Amen.
Psalm 41:13, 2 Corinthians 1:20.

Keep Watch Over the Door

King David penned numerous prayers and hymns, many of which are recorded in the book of Psalms. His prayers and hymns are applicable to every generation, for they speak of despair and hope, temptation and perseverance, suffering and endurance, sorrow and joy, sin and grace. Whatever the topic at hand, he loves to remind God’s people that one’s voice is continually to praise the name of the one true God.

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1).

“My mouth is filled with Your praise, and with Your glory all the day” (Psalm 71:8).

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 89:1).

Do these words describe you? Is God’s praise continually in your mouth? If a person reads these psalms in isolation, he might conclude that praising God’s name comes naturally and effortlessly for the Christian. Nothing could be further from the truth. As sinners, our mouths all too often spew forth the opposite. Foul language. Cursing. Broken promises. Little white lies. Gossip. Tearing others down. There’s a reason why two of the ten commandments—the Second and Eighth—deal directly with one’s mouth. “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7). “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). The truth be told, we sinners love to use our mouths, our voices, our words for unholy purposes.

For that reason, King David also teaches us to pray: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3).

As a Christian, you do well to pray this prayer daily. To beseech God to set a guard over your mouth to deliver you “from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue” (Psalm 120:2). To ask God to keep watch over the door of your lips to “keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit” (Psalm 34:13). To implore God to forgive you for all the times you’ve opened the door of our lips and spoken words that tear down rather than build up. To pray that God would set a guard over your mouth so that your words will “always be gracious” (Colossians 4:6). For “whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit” (1 Peter 3:10).

Keep watch over the door of my lips, O Lord, for “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person” (Matthew 15:11). By Your grace, “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Keep watch over the door of my lips, O Lord, and help me to choose my words carefully, to speak the truth in love, to confess Jesus faithfully and fearlessly, and to adorn my speech with Your gracious words and promises. Because Your help is needed, I pray: “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise” (Psalm 51:15).

Keep watch over the door of my lips, O Lord, that I may serve You with gladness, that I may come into Your presence with singing, that I may enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise. For You are good; Your steadfast love endures forever, and Your faithfulness to all generations.

In joyous response to all that my Lord Jesus has done to save me from sin, death, and hell, “I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:6).

This article appears in Divine Shepherd’s June newsletter.

A Demonic Parody

Infant Drowns in Flood, Given New Life

There has been a lot of talk this past week about Noah, the ark, and the flood. For the accurate, authentic, historical account, one simply needs to turn to Genesis.

This morning I got to witness something far more extraordinary than a couple hours of Hollywood fiction. I was privileged to administer the very flood to which the original one pointed: Holy Baptism. Holy Scripture teaches us that baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word (cf. Matthew 28:19).

Two things happened before our very eyes this morning as we stood around the baptismal font. First, the flood of God’s wrath against sin came thundering down as the infant being baptized drowned and died. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3). Then, the flood of God’s mercy in Christ came raining down as the infant being baptized emerged and arose to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. “We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

It’s no wonder Saint Peter, when speaking of the flood in Noah’s day, writes: “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21). Jesus Himself adds: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

The baptismal rite we follow here at Divine Shepherd comes from Lutheran Service Book (LSB) and includes Martin Luther’s “flood prayer” below. Read and pray it yourself. It’s dripping wet with flood water and God’s mercy in Christ. What’s more, it reminds us that Holy Baptism places us in the holy Ark of the Christian Church, wherein we travel with our Lord Jesus across the tempestuous sea of this life to the very shoreline of His heavenly kingdom.

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Let us pray:

Almighty and eternal God,
     according to Your strict judgment You condemned the unbelieving world through the flood,
    yet according to Your great mercy You preserved believing Noah and his family, eight souls in all.
You drowned hard-hearted Pharaoh and all his host in the Red Sea,
     yet led Your people Israel through the water on dry ground,
     foreshadowing this washing of Your Holy Baptism.
Through the Baptism in the Jordan of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
     You sanctified and instituted all waters to be a blessed flood and a lavish washing away of sin.

We pray that You would behold _______ according to Your boundless mercy
     and bless him/her with true faith by the Holy Spirit,
     that through this saving flood all sin in him/her,

     which has been inherited from Adam and which he/she himself/herself has committed since,
     would be drowned and die.
Grant that he/she be kept safe and secure in the holy Ark of the Christian Church,
     being separated from the multitude of unbelievers and serving Your name at all times with a fervent spirit and a joyful hope,
     so that, with all believers in Your promise, he/she would be declared worthy of eternal life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Noah

It’s here. The big-screen release of Noah. Complete with a high-profile cast, lots of special effects, and a $130 million budget. If you plan to see this movie, remember that it is a fictitious adaptation by Hollywood and not God’s holy and inerrant Word.

For the real events surrounding the worldwide flood in Noah’s day, dust off your Bible, open it up, and read Genesis 6:5—9:17. Here you will find the accurate, authentic, historical account of Noah and the flood. It’s worth your time and attention.

As an added bonus, here are a few additional things God’s Word teaches about Noah’s righteousness and the flood, things you won’t learn from the movie.

True Righteousness: Always a Gift from God

God’s Word describes Noah as “a righteous man, blameless in his generation” (Genesis 6:9). This righteousness is not Noah’s own doing, but a gift from God through Jesus Christ.

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. [Hebrews 11:7]

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9]

The Flood: Preview of the Last Day

Jesus teaches that the coming of the flood in Noah’s day is a preview of His own coming on the Last Day. It will be sudden, unexpected. Most people will be unprepared, lacking faith in Him as the Savior of sinners and the only One who justifies.

“Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” [Matthew 24:36-39; cf. Luke 17:26-27]

The Flood: Baptism Saves

Peter teaches that just as God brought eight persons safely through water in the days of Noah, so He uses the water of Holy Baptism to save His people from their sins.

Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to Him. [1 Peter 3:18-22]

Go ahead and see the fictitious adaptation if it interests you. But don’t forget to read the real thing, the historical account in Genesis 6:5—9:17 and take to heart the aforementioned references.

Like Noah, you, too, are righteous in Jesus Christ. For He has saved you—a sinner—through Holy Baptism. And He delights in preparing you for His return on the Last Day through His holy Word and blessed Supper.

When it comes down to it, 138 minutes of Hollywood eye candy is nothing compared to an eternity with Jesus Christ and all His saints, including Noah, in the Church Triumphant!

Dear Future Mom

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3). This includes children born with down syndrome...

Source: Dear Future Mom (YouTube)

Ash Wednesday Prayer

Gracious Savior, prostrate I fall before Your feet this day as Your Church once more enters the Lenten season to meditate upon Your passion, by which we have been eternally redeemed.

In spirit I appear before You in sackcloth and ashes in true repentance; let me receive Your full pardon. Do not let the pleasures of life, the worries of the day, and the activities of my daily routine crowd You out of my heart and out of my thoughts. Draw me to Your wounded side, and cleanse me with Your most precious blood. Bring healing to my soul and peace to my mind. By Your grace, let me crucify my sinful affections, lusts, and desires. Make me more than conqueror over every temptation.

I confess to You all my sins. Let none of them cling to me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Teach me to love You more and more. Give me grace to confess You as my Savior, who has redeemed me on Calvary, lifting me out of the darkness of sin to be Your own. Gracious Savior, let Your constraining love keep me and all God’s children steadfast to the end. Amen.

Ash Wednesday, Lutheran Book of Prayer, p. 127, © 2005 CPH

(click here to order your copy today!)

Ashes to Go

It’s the latest convenience. Ashes to go on Ash Wednesday.

Now Christians can get their ash on, show everyone their spirituality, and altogether avoid the Divine Service where our Lord speaks to us in His Word and feeds us in His Supper.

How sad!

Christians are free to receive or not receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. It is neither commanded nor forbidden in Holy Scripture. But for those who do receive them, don’t use them to draw attention to yourself. What’s more, ashes to go is no substitute for joining God’s people in God’s house on the first day of Lent, confessing one’s sin and hearing Jesus’ absolution, taking to heart His Word, and partaking of His body and blood.

So go and receive ashes if you desire. Just don’t forget to receive what is truly important. After all, Ash Wednesday is not about you and your forehead, but about Jesus, what He won for you on the cross, and the means through which He gives you His blood-bought gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Come and hear His life-giving Word this Ash Wednesday!

Sunday in America

Sometimes a picture says a thousand words. This one reveals a sad truth about many in our country who want Christianity without all the Word and Sacraments stuff He has given us.

To All Completely Committed Followers Who Aren't Fans

It’s one of the latest Christian fads. You see it on social media, church websites, and bumper stickers. There’s even a “program” behind it. So what is this latest fad and the slogan that accompanies it?

not a fan.

COMPLETELY. COMMITTED. FOLLOWER.

Or simply: “I’m a completely committed follower, not a fan!”

I have no doubt that those who believe these words are well intentioned. Nor do I question their faith.

I do, however, question this slogan and the arrogance it conveys. “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—not like that spiritual infant who is still being fed with spiritual milk, not like that individual who struggles against but occasionally gives in to his sinful desires, or even not like that lowly ‘fan’ of Yours. I am a completely committed follower.”

There’s no Jesus in the words “I’m a completely committed follower, not a fan!” No forgiveness. No mercy. No grace.

Only condescension. Arrogance. Haughtiness. Superiority. Conceit. Pride.

[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” [Luke 18:9-14]

The truth be told, my sinful pride loves to shine the spotlight on self and tout that I am a completely committed follower. My narcissistic self loves to look down on those whom I deem to be only fans. My fallen nature loves to stand before God and show Him my commitment, my dedication, my loyalty, my devotion, my piety, my steadfastness.

But that sinful pride, that narcissistic self, that fallen nature must die. And it must die daily. For only in dying to self—crucifying the flesh with its passions and desires—is one raised to new life in Jesus Christ. This is true of those who see themselves as completely committed followers and it is true of those who are seen as being only fans. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23; cf. Romans 7:14-25; 1 John 1:8).

If you desire to boast, then join Saint Paul in his boasting. “I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). And again: “Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).

The world around you—as well as your brothers and sisters in Christ—will be better served if you approach them not as being more committed than them (whatever that means), but as fellow sinners who live daily by God’s grace in Jesus Christ. Point to His mercy, not your faithfulness. His grace, not your commitment. His forgiveness, not your piety.

That’s why the Christian daily confesses: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). We confess this daily because, by God’s grace, we believe His words and promises. “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Christianity is all about Jesus.

Christianity is all about His birth. His baptism. His life. His suffering. His death. His resurrection. His ascension.

Christianity is all about His Church. His Word. His Sacraments.

Christianity is all about His grace. His mercy. His forgiveness.

Christianity is all about His salvation. His redemption. His atonement.

All of this Jesus is for you! All of this Jesus gives to you!

That’s why I’m neither a fan nor a completely committed follower of fads and slogans and programs that exalt self instead of exalting Jesus. Give me Jesus. Only Jesus!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Thrivent's So-Called Neutrality

Thrivent Financial (used to be “for Lutherans”) caters its financial services to Christians. Their website touts that they are a “faith-based” organization, “supporting the values of faith.” But given their recent decisions, one wonders what type of faith and values they are touting. Though Holy Scripture declares in no uncertain terms that abortion and homosexuality are sinful, Thrivent has chosen to label these sins as “social, politically partisan, or health and human services causes and issues.” Shame on you, Thrivent!

Below is what has transpired the last couple months. I hope to update this timeline as time allows.

December 2013

12/?: Thrivent temporality suspends all Choice Dollars to both pro-abortion and pro-life groups. [This statement has been removed from Thrivent’s website.]

12/17: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s dangerous game. Click here to read.

12/19: The LCMS issues a statement about Thrivent Choice Dollars. Click here to read.

12/19: The Reporter (LCMS) reports on this issue. Click here to read.

12/19: The WELS issues a statement about the Thrivent Choice Program. Click here to read.

12/20: The LCMS responds to Thrivent’s “Choice Dollars Statement.” Click here to read.

12/20: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s 

12/20: Pastor Schuermann lists Thrivent’s suspended organizations. Click here to read.

January 2014

1/13: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s denial of Choice Dollars to pro-life organizations. Click here to read.

1/15: The LCMS responds to Thrivent’s funding of pro-abortion organizations. Click here to read.

1/15: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s direct funding of Planned Parenthood and NARAL. Click here to read.

1/29: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s funding of pro-abortion organizations by the numbers. Click here to read.

February 2014

2/6: Thrivent releases its “Financial Neutrality Policy.” Click here to read.

2/6: Pastor Peperkorn writes about Thrivent’s halting of funds to pro-life organizations. Click here to read.

2/6: The WELS responds to Thrivent’s “neutrality” policy. Click here to read.

2/7: The LCMS responds to Thrivent’s “neutrality” policy. Click here to read.

2/7: The ELS responds to Thrivent’s “neutrality” policy. Click here to read.

2/7: Pastor Schuermann writes an open letter to Thrivent CEO Brad Hewitt and the Thrivent Board of Directors and asks those who agree with his stance to sign a petition. Click here to read the letter. Click here to sign the petition.

2/7: Pastor Schuermann writes what Thrivent’s “neutrality” means for pro-life organizations. In 2011 (the most recent year where all of Thrivent’s records are public), pro-abortion organizations received $1,373, while pro-life organizations received $878,569. In other words, pro-life organizations are being hurt 640 times more than pro-abortion organizations (in 2011 dollars) because of Thrivent’s recent decision. Click here for more info.

2/7: Scott Diekmann writes about Thrivent’s blood money. Click here to read.

2/7: Pastor Schuermann speaks on Issues Etc. about Thrivent’s “neutrality.” Click here to listen.

2/11: Rev. Dr. James Lamb, executive director of Lutherans for Life, issues a statement. Click here to read.

2/14: Christianity Today writes about this issue. Click here to read.

Notes

Click here for a longer list of resources regarding Thrivent’s recent decisions, with special thanks to the Rev. Michael Schuermann.

How American Homeschoolers Measure Up

The following graphic speaks for itself (the link at the bottom jumps to a website where it is more readable).

Source: Click Here

Beloved Are You, Mom!

Myrna \ proper name \ pronounced MIR-nah \ of Irish and Gaelic origin \ means “beloved.”

Beloved are you, Mom!

You were baptized into Christ and, by God’s grace, faithfully lived your baptism by daily dying to sin and rising to newness of life in Christ.

You lived not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, teaching your family to treasure the same.

You ate and drank regularly at the Lord’s table and therein were strengthened in faith toward God and fervent love toward neighbor.

You sought first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in Christ, not worrying about worldly wealth or fame or pleasure.

You loved, honored, and cherished Dad for 49+ years of wedded joy, patterned after the Church’s faithful submission to Jesus Christ, her Groom.

You loved, taught, guided, supported, fed, disciplined, and demonstrated Christ’s forgiveness to us five kids, modeling kindness and gentleness in all you said and did.

You faithfully taught us the faith at home and brought us to church, that from childhood we would be acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make us wise for salvation.

You were an incredible Grandma to your 20 grandchildren, loving and cherishing them just as you did us kids.

You cherished your siblings, got to know your extended family from all over the world, were well liked in the community, and were always willing to say “Hi” to a stranger.

You were a blessing not only to me, but to Lori and our four boys, all of whom miss you dearly and are thankful for the time we got to spend with you on this earthly pilgrimage.

Blessed are you, Mom!

Today—January 24—as the Church remembers Saint Timothy, whose mother and grandmother brought him up in the one true faith, so we remember you and thank God for your faithfulness and love. Yes, we miss you. But we also rejoice that you are now asleep in Christ, resting from your labors, and awaiting the resurrection on the Last Day. Our goodbye one year ago today is only temporary, for an eternity awaits us and all of God’s beloved at the wedding feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end.

Blessed are you, Mom! And blessed are we because of you!!

Selfie Syndrome

Are YOU the most interesting, most important person on earth? Chances are pretty good that YOU think YOU are! Check out this link for a fun, insightful read. Also, see below...