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