Let Jesus Be Jesus

The latest fad blanketing social media is creating a stick figure meme with a few lines using your first name and something you do or like. The meme ends with the words, “Be like [first name].” I suppose it was inevitable that someone would come up with one of these that ends with the words, “Be like Jesus.”

A Christian should know better. Your calling as a sinner is not to be like Jesus. Your calling is to repent and believe the Gospel. To confess your sin and be absolved. To hear God’s Word, hold it sacred, and gladly hear and learn it. To receive our Lord’s true body and blood.

There is one Jesus. One Savior. One Lord. He alone is the Father’s only-begotten Son. He alone is the Word through whom everything was created. He alone is the virgin’s Son. He alone is the world’s Redeemer. He alone is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He alone rose from the dead on the Third Day, never to die again. He alone is head of His body, the Church.

At best, “be like Jesus” is another law that reveals just as sinful you are. At worst, it creates modern day Pharisees who think they can please God with their best efforts.

Let Jesus be Jesus. If you want to imitate someone, be like Abraham. Be like David. Be like John the Baptist. Be like Paul. Be like countless other sinners who lived in repentance and faith. Like them, your calling is to live by faith in Jesus Christ!

The Problem with “50 Reasons Why I Don’t Drink”

I know several people who have recently posted/shared an article titled 50 Reasons Why I Don’t Drink on social media. I am friends with them. They are good, honest, faithful people whom I admire. I believe they are well-intentioned. I love them and mean no ill toward them in what I’m about to write. However, since the author of this article invokes Christianity and consistently draws a number of false theological conclusions, and therein may very well lead fellow Christians to a false understanding of the Gospel freedom that is ours in Jesus Christ, I feel the need to respond.

Alcohol is one of the many good gifts—First Article gifts as we Lutherans like to call them—that God has given to humanity. God’s Word is not silent on the consumption of alcohol. Below is a sampling of what God teaches us in His Word:

• Melchizedek—a type of Jesus Christ—brings out bread and wine for Abraham (Genesis 14:18).
• Part of Isaac’s blessing to Jacob is that God would give him “plenty of grain and wine” (Genesis 27:28).
• The psalmist confesses that God is the One who causes the earth to sprout and grow, that man may bring forth “wine to gladden the heart” (Psalm 104:14-15).
• Solomon writes, “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do” (Ecclesiastes 9:7).
• Isaiah’s picture of paradise includes “a feast of well-aged wine, … of aged wine well refined” (Isaiah 25:6).
• Through Joel, God promises to send His people “grain, wine, and oil” to satisfy them (Joel 2:19).
• Jesus’ very first miracle was turning water into an abundance of wine at a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).
• Wine is essential to the Sacrament of the Altar instituted by Jesus Christ and given to His Church to do until He comes again in glory (Matthew 26:27; Mark 14:23; Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:25-28).
• Paul writes, “Let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink” (Colossians 2:16).
• Paul commends “a little wine” for the sake of the stomach and other ailments (1 Timothy 5:23).

As every Christian knows, drunkenness is a sin. No Christian can credibly dispute this. But drunkenness isn’t the issue here. The issue is whether a Christian may responsibly enjoy alcohol as a good gift from God.

To that end, here are the 50 Reasons and my brief response to each (be warned that you will hear a common theme in my response to every single reason):

1. I can’t be sober-minded if I’m not sober.

This is an argument against drunkenness (and other things that cause a person not to be sober-minded), not responsible drinking. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

2. Alcohol has an assignment: destruction.

Alcohol is an inanimate object and has no assignment at all. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

3. Alcohol is a depressant. Anything that depresses should be avoided at all costs.

Then why does Holy Scripture commend the responsible use of alcohol? Would the author also avoid at all costs any prescription drug that is also classified as a depressant. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

4. I don’t want to make my brother or sister stumble in the name of exercising my “Christian liberties.” My choice to drink could lead to someone’s demise.

I may exercise my freedom not to drink in the presence of someone who has a problem with alcohol. But that does not exclude the responsible use of alcohol elsewhere. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

5. Alcohol skews my judgment.

No. Excessive alcohol does that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

6. Alcohol leaves me worse, not better.

No. Excessive alcohol does that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

7. What I do in moderation, my children will do in excess.

Says who? My parents always drank responsibly. Neither my siblings nor I drink excessively. I eat in moderation; my children do not eat in excess. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

8. Even the unsaved know I shouldn’t drink. Bible in one hand, beer in the other—any lost person could point this out as a confusing contradiction.

Holy Scripture allows the responsible use of alcohol. To say otherwise is to call God a liar. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

9. Alcohol doesn’t bring others closer to the Lord when they see me drinking, but further away.

This may be the case with an alcoholic. As stated earlier, I may exercise my freedom not to drink in the presence of someone who has a problem with alcohol. But that does not exclude the responsible use of alcohol elsewhere. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

10. Alcohol doesn’t bring me closer to the Lord when I drink, but further away.

The responsible use of alcohol does neither. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

11. I want to be fully awake and ready for the return of Christ, not drowsy, sluggish and fuzzy.

The responsible use of alcohol does not hinder this in any way. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

12. Show me a family for whom alcohol has made a positive difference in their lives. You won’t be able to.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

13. I have never heard anyone say, “Wow, that gin and tonic made me feel so Christlike!”

Neither does watching television with my wife, disciplining my children, reading a book, doing my taxes, mowing the lawn, etc. That doesn’t make it wrong. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

14. I want to avoid all appearances of evil.

Alcohol, in and of itself, is not evil. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

15. Alcohol makes it much harder for me to practice the fruit of self-control.

No. But the abuse of alcohol might very well do that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

16. Alcohol causes me to lose my filter.

No. But the abuse of alcohol might very well do that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

17. Alcohol is a legal mind-altering drug.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

18. Alcohol is addictive.

That is why one guards against its abuse. Food can also be addictive (coffee, chocolate, etc.). That doesn’t mean food needs to be avoided. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

19. Alcohol is a numbing agent for pain and sorrow only Jesus can heal.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Not everyone who enjoys an occasional drink does it to numb pair or sorrow. Those who do need help. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

20. Many regrets are associated with alcohol. (I can give you a whole bunch!)

Not the responsible use of alcohol. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

21. No one has ever said, “If only I had taken a drink, things wouldn’t have gotten out of control.”

Not the responsible use of alcohol. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

22. Alcohol causes me to act in ways I normally wouldn’t.

Not the responsible use of alcohol. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

23. Alcohol kills brain cells.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

24. Alcohol is a counterfeit and provides a false peace.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

25. The Bible says that no drunkards will enter the kingdom of God. Being drunk starts with one drink. I don’t want to see how far outside the lines I can color when eternity is at stake.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

26. Alcohol is a waster—money, gifts and talents, destinies and so on.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

27. Alcohol leads to really bad behavior. It is a factor in 50 percent of violent crimes.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol, used responsibly, is a good gift from God.

28. Alcohol distracts and derails you from living the victorious life for which Christ died.

No. Sin does that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

29. Wisdom is the principle thing that I need to pursue at all cost; alcohol makes me stupid.

I agree that godly wisdom is good, but w=here does Scripture say that “wisdom is the principle thing that I need to pursue at all cost”? Alcohol does not make anyone stupid. The stupidity is there before someone abuses it. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

30. Alcohol has ruined many, many marriages.

No, it hasn’t. But the abuse of alcohol can do that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

31. The only influence I should be “under” is God’s.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

32. The Bible tells me to be alert; alcohol delays my reaction time.

The Scripture’s call to be alert has nothing to do with reaction time; if it does, then all those who are severe physical or mental disabilities are sinning simply by having a condition. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

33. If I don’t start drinking, I’ll never have to stop.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

34. Alcohol severely tarnishes my testimony.

No. The abuse of alcohol does that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

35. Don’t want your teenagers to drink? Yep, same reasons apply to you.

I teach my children this: Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

36. God is holy; alcohol is not.

Using this logic, the author should stop living in a house, driving a car, eating food, and pretty much everything else outside of hearing God’s Word, receiving His sacraments, praying, etc. because all of these earthly things are common (not holy). Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

37. Alcohol and prayer don’t mix.

Good gifts from God can be enjoyed. Just because someone may not “mix” alcohol and prayer does not make them mutually exclusive. Sex and prayer don’t necessarily mix either. That doesn’t mean a husband and wife cannot enjoy this gift from God. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

38. Alcohol and Bible study don’t mix.

See #37. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

39. Alcohol lowers my resolve to resist temptation.

No. The abuse of alcohol does that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

40. Alcohol = Brokenness (broken lives, health, dreams and so on).

No. The abuse of alcohol does that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

41. When the world sees us drinking, it sends the message that Jesus isn’t enough.

I suppose the author thinks that people who eat also send the message that Jesus’ isn’t enough. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

42. Moderate drinking? How about moderate pornography or moderate heroin use or moderate lying or moderate adultery?

Unlike the sins lists, alcohol is not inherently sinful. It is abuse of alcohol that is. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

43. Christians are called to live a life of total surrender and separation from the world.

Our call to be in the world but not of the world does not mean that alcohol is sinful. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

44. Alcohol makes me forget. It can make me forget that I am married, that I am saved and so on.

No. The abuse of alcohol can do that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

45. “I don't get drunk. I only have one or two drinks.” If they didn’t affect you, you would drink soda.

This statement does not logically make sense. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

46. I should never look to the glass or bottle for joy, which can only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The author is telling me that I cannot find any joy in my family, my wife, my children, my friends, my church, etc. because joy can “only be found in the Lord Jesus Christ.” You don’t understand the First Article of the Creed. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

47. Alcohol fills my mind with impure thoughts.

Alcohol is incapable of putting any thoughts (good or bad) into your mind. The devil, the world,you’re your own sinful flesh do that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

48. If it could hinder my faith walk or love walk or dishonor the lordship of Jesus Christ, I need to forsake it.

Tell that to Jesus, who turned water into wine. My marriage could hinder those things, as could my parent, my children, and a whole host of other things. I don’t forsake them because they are capable of doing that. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

49. Alcohol doesn’t help me run the race that Jesus has marked before me to finish with more accuracy. It does the polar opposite.

The responsible use of alcohol neither helps nor hinders my faith. It is one of many good gifts that God has given us. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

50. For any argument that tries to justify Christian drinking, there are at least 50 other reasons not to. The writing is on the wall. It’s not God’s best for Christians to drink.

There is no such thing as “Christian drinking.” There is, however, freedom in Holy Scripture and the Gospel to enjoy this good gift from God responsibly. To say otherwise is to call God a liar. Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly.

Did you catch the common thread woven into every answer? Alcohol is a good gift from God; Christians are free to enjoy it responsibly. God’s Word says so. I hope the author will search the Scriptures on this issue. Speaking out against the abuse of alcohol and working to help those caught up in this sin would be much more beneficial than forbidding something that God allows. On that point I believe we can all agree.

The original article 50 Reasons is found here.

Do Not Listen to Your Heart

Roxette’s single “Listen to Your Heart” hit number one on the Billboard Top 100 chart in 1988. I was in college at the time. Not a bad song. But what happens when “listen to your heart” becomes the basis for one’s theology? Take the following meme as an example...

Believe it or not, “listen to your heart” theology is quite prevalent in many circles. What does God think of you? Listen to your heart. What does God want you to do about such-and-such? Listen to your heart. It sounds so easy. It sounds so convincing. It sounds so right. But is it?

Search the Scriptures. Nowhere does God tell you to listen to your heart when it comes to matters of faith. Nowhere does God tell you that He speaks to you in your heart. Nowhere does God tell you to search for Him in your heart. Nowhere! The reason why many love listening to their heart is because one’s heart can say whatever one wants it to say—often times contrary to God’s Word.

So where do you turn to know what God thinks of you? To know what He says to you? To know where He locates Himself for you? Instead of listening to your heart, listen to God’s holy and inerrant Word. Don’t believe me? Then believe God. Here is a sampling of God extolling His own Word so that you may know what He thinks of you, what He says to you, and where He locates Himself for you...

Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. [Deuteronomy 8:3] 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. [Psalm 119:105] 

“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” [John 17:17] 

These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. [John 20:31] 

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. [Romans 10:17] 

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. [Romans 15:4] 

From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. [2 Timothy 3:15-17] 

No prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. [2 Peter 1:21]

So go ahead and look for Christ this Christmas (as the meme says). But do not look to your heart, for even a Christian’s heart is full of vile things (cf. Matthew 15:19; Romans 7:18-19) and so easily goes astray. Look instead to that place where Jesus Christ has promised to be found for you. For your good. For your forgiveness, life, and salvation. You will find Him wrapped up in the swaddling cloths of His holy Word and blessed Sacraments, lying in the manger of His Church. All for you!

Syrian Refugees: A Call for More Fruitful Debate Among Christians

I love the fact that Christians are looking to reach out with compassion to those who are refugees. I also love the fact that Christians are looking to God’s Word for guidance in this area.

Unfortunately, the refugee crisis in Syria has brought out the worst in many Christians who are quick to assign sinister motives to those with opposing viewpoints, imply that there is only one correct answer to this crisis, and/or belittle or mock anyone who disagrees with their own opinion. What kind of witness does this give to those outside the one true faith?

God’s Word has much to say about welcoming the stranger, compassion, and love. It also has much to say about the governing authorities protecting citizens by carrying out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

So, by all means, let’s look at the various options by which these refugees can be helped. Let’s ask questions, listen to different points of view, and debate the advantages and disadvantages of each option. But most importantly, as Christians let us do this without slandering one another, without assigning sinister motives, and without haughtiness. Instead, let us put the best construction on everything and explain everything in the kindest way.

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” [Colossians 4:6]

Saint Luke the Evangelist

October 18 is the feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist.

Saint Luke is mentioned by name only three times in the New Testament (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24). He was a Gentile by birth, well educated in Greek culture, a physician by profession, and did mission work with Saint Paul after his conversion. After careful research with eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word, and by the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, he authored the Gospel that bears his name and the Acts of the Apostles. By volume, these two books make up more than one-third of the New Testament.

The name Luke means “light.” His writings enlighten us about who Jesus is, why He came, and what He accomplished for us. Together with Matthew, Mark, and John, he is called an evangelist (evangel is the Greek word for good news or Gospel). That’s also why the first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels.

Drawing on the imagery of the four living creatures in Ezekiel 1, Saint Luke is often pictured as a winged ox in artwork, icons, and stained glass. The ox, an animal of sacrifice, was applied to Saint Luke because his Gospel repeatedly speaks about the temple and emphasizes the priestly and sacrificial work of Jesus. The wings remind us that repentance and forgiveness of sins are proclaimed in Jesus’ name to the ends of the earth.

Without Saint Luke’s orderly account, much of the story of our salvation (as well as the record of the early church in Acts) would not have been passed down to us. Luke alone records the following:

• Gabriel’s visit to Zechariah in the temple, announcing the birth of John the Baptist;
• Gabriel’s visit to the virgin Mary in Bethlehem;
• Mary’s visit with Elizabeth and song of praise (the Magnificat);
• John the Baptist’s birth and Zechariah’s song of praise (the Benedictus);
• Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem;
• the angels’ song of praise (the Gloria in Excelsis);
• the shepherd’s visit to baby Jesus;
• Jesus’ naming and circumcision on the eighth day;
• Jesus’ presentation in the temple on the fortieth day and Simeon’s song of praise (the Nunc Dimittis);
• 12-year-old Jesus teaching the teachers in the temple in Jerusalem;
• seven of Jesus’ miracles: the miraculous catch of fish, the raising of the widow’s son in Nain, the healing of a possessed mute man, the healing of a disabled woman, the healing of a man with dropsy, the cleansing of the ten lepers, and the reattachment of Malchus’ ear;
• twenty of Jesus’ parables, including the Merciful Father (a.k.a. the Prodigal Son) and the Good Samaritan;
• the story of Mary and Martha and the one thing needful;
• the story of Zacchaeus and how Jesus has come to seek and to save the lost;
• Jesus’ word from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (23:34);
• Jesus’ word from the cross: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (23:43);
• Jesus’ word from the cross: “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” (23:46); and
• the opening of the Emmaus disciples’ eyes in the breaking of the bread on Easter Sunday.

Church tradition teaches that Luke traveled with Paul during his second missionary journey, joining him after Paul received his Macedonian call to bring the Gospel to Europe. Luke most likely stayed behind in Philippi for seven years, rejoining Paul at the end of the third missionary journey in Macedonia. He traveled with Paul to Troas, Jerusalem, and Caesarea, where Paul was imprisoned for two years. While in Caesarea, Luke may have researched material he used in his Gospel. Afterward, he accompanied Paul on his journey to Rome. Luke died a martyr’s death at the age of 84.

Let us pray: Almighty God, our Father, Your blessed Son called Luke the physician to be an evangelist and physician of the soul. Grant that the healing medicine of the Gospel and the Sacraments may put to flight the diseases of our souls that with willing hearts we may ever love and serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Your Church Family Loves and Misses You

To those of you who have stepped away from your church family over the years, as well as those brothers and sisters in Christ whom we do not see very often…

We love you. We miss you. We desire nothing less than to have you join us again so that together we may receive Christ’s gracious gifts as a family. We’d love to welcome you back with open arms and great joy.

There are many reasons why someone steps away from a congregation, or makes the receiving of Christ’s gracious gifts in Word and Sacrament a low priority. Life is busy. Schedules are full. Work. Sleep. Family. Sporting events. People said things they shouldn’t have. Feelings were hurt. Was asked to volunteer. Wasn’t asked to volunteer. Don’t like the pastor. Don’t like the service. Don’t like so-and-so or such-and-such. I can be spiritual without going to church. They’re all hypocrites anyway. And so on and so forth.

Whatever your reason(s), we ask you to remember who we are and whose we are.

We are a congregation made up exclusively of sinners. People who have hurt others by our words and actions. People whose hearts have been filled with anger, hatred, resentment, lust, greed, envy, jealousy, selfishness. People who have idolized all sorts of false gods. People who have taken God’s name in vain. People who have despised preaching and the Word. People whose sinful nature too often gets the best of us. There are sinners of every stripe in our midst. Young and old. Extrovert and introvert. We are far from perfect. Never have been. Never will be on this side of death. In fact, we are a family of poor, miserable sinners. We are neither better nor worse than you. Each of us is broken. Each of us is weak and weary. Each of us is in need of God’s grace. We do not have all the answers to life’s questions. Nor can we solve every problem.

But this we do have. A God who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. A God who has compassion on us and loves us unconditionally. A God whose love for us moved Him to take on our flesh and blood, walk this sinful earth, breathe this poisoned air, shoulder the entire burden of our sin, and die in our place on a cross so that we would never taste of eternal wages we deserve. A God who grants new life to those dead in trespasses and sins. A God who loves, forgives, and shows mercy without end. A God who creates clean hearts and willing spirits. A God who claims us as His own at the font, fills our ears with His life-giving words and promises, and feeds us the very body and blood of Jesus that unites Him to us and us to Him. A God that gathers His children together into a household—a congregation—wherein He abundantly pours forth His gracious gifts.

It’s easy and convenient in our day and age to want to go it alone. To think that Christianity is simply “me and Jesus.” But God’s Word says otherwise. God the Father—through His Son and in His Spirit—adopts us into a family. His family. As His family, the Lord calls us to gather together in His house around His table for His meal. That’s why the apostles established congregations. Why Saint Paul addressed his letters to congregations. Christians congregate. They meet together. They gather together where the Triune God comes to bless in Word and Sacrament.

By His grace and in His name, on Christ’s terms and not our own, we gather together on the Lord’s Day to hold His Word sacred and gladly hear and learn it, to hear anew the story of our salvation, to eat from His table, to put to death our selfishness, to be transformed by the love of Christ, to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, to pray for the needs of all, to bear one another’s burdens, to encourage one another, to build one another up in the one true faith, and to promote works of love and service to those whom God places in our path.

We love you. We miss you. We will not stop reaching out to you. We desire nothing less than to have you join us again so that together we may receive Christ’s gracious gifts as a family. We’d love to welcome you back with open arms and great joy.

Will you join us?

Graciously,
Your Brothers and Sisters in Christ

A Beloved Mother

Today is Mother’s Day. In addition to thanking God for my own mother and my own wife (the mother of my four boys) this day, I pray that our gracious Lord would mercifully grant His love, strength, forgiveness, hope, comfort, peace, and joy to the following:

• the woman who, together with her husband, is bringing up their child(ren) “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4);
• the woman who longs to have a child, but can’t;
• the woman who gave up a child via adoption;
• the woman who adopted a child not her own to love and nurture as her own;
• the woman who is raising a child alone;
• the woman who ended her pregnancy;
• the woman whose unborn child died in utero;
• the woman whose child was born prematurely;
• the woman whose child was born stillborn;
• the woman whose child was born with some sort of disability;
• the woman who has had to bury a child; and
• any and every other woman not fitting the categories above.

Though every earthly mother is flawed to one degree or another, we have a heavenly mother who is the bride of Christ. To the eyes she is deeply flawed, wrinkled, covered with warts. But by God’s grace she is pure, holy, righteous. Saint Paul writes, “The Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother” (Galatians 4:26). She gave birth to us in Holy Baptism, feeds us the pure milk of the Word, and sets a table before us with the holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If you don’t know this mother yet, get to know her. The Father created her from the Second Adam’s side. The Son loves her and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, so that He might present the Church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. The Spirit works through her and her means of grace to create and nurture children of the heavenly Father.

That’s why my prayer this Mother’s Day is this:

Thank You, dear Father in heaven, for our beloved mother—the only, holy, Christian, and apostolic Church. In Christ, she is beautiful, loving, forgiving, and welcoming. In Christ, she is an endless supply of hope, comfort, peace, and joy. We thank You this day for giving her to us that we might know You, the only true God, and therein be partakers of the forgiveness, life, and salvation Your Son graciously bestows on us in Word and Sacrament. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Lust noun \ləst\

lust noun \ˈləst\

• an intense or unbridled desire
• a fixation on the pleasures that absorb the mind—usually, but not exclusively, sexual

synonyms

• covetousness
• desire
• longing
• yearning

antonyms

• chastity
• contentment
• purity
• satisfaction

Holy Scripture

• The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust. [Proverbs 11:6]
• “I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” [Matthew 5:28]
• Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. [Romans 6:12]
• But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. [Ephesians 5:3]
• But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. [1 Corinthians 7:9]
• Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [Galatians 5:24]
• Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [1 Peter 2:11]

Prayer

• Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden, root out all lust from our hearts and covetous desires from our minds, and cleanse us by Your Word and Sacrament, that we may lead a chaste and decent life in what we think, say, and do and love You with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lutheran Service Book, #211 For Purity, adapted]

Sloth noun \sloth\

sloth noun \ˈslȯth\

• the quality or state of being lazy
• not wanting to act or work
• the spiritual apathy or laziness that slowly lets go of Christ and His gracious gifts

synonyms

• apathy
• idleness
• indolence
• laziness

antonyms

• ambition
• diligence
• motivation
• zeal

Holy Scripture

• The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. [Proverbs 12:24]
• Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger. [Proverbs 19:15]
• Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks. [Ecclesiastes 10:18]
• Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [Romans 12:11]
• And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. [1 Thessalonians 5:14]
• We command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. [2 Thessalonians 3:6]
• The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to … live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. [Titus 2:11-14]

Prayer

• Almighty God, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts that He may rule and direct us according to Your will, keep us from the sins of sloth and idleness, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth that we, being steadfast in faith, may increase in all good works and in the end obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lutheran Service Book, #183 For the Holy Spirit, adapted]

Wrath noun \rath\

wrath noun \ˈrath\

• a strong vengeful anger or indignation toward another person
• an irrational temperament and the seeking of vengeance

synonyms

• anger
• malice
• retribution
• vengeance

antonyms

• concord
• harmony
• meekness
• reconciliation

Holy Scripture

• A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. [Proverbs 15:1]
• A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression. [Proverbs 29:22]
• Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” [Romans 12:19]
• Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger. … Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [Ephesians 4:26, 31]
• Now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice… [Colossians 3:8]
• I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling… [1 Timothy 2:8]
• Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. [James 1:19]

Prayer

• Lord Jesus Christ, in Your love for us and for our salvation You suffered the Father’s wrath upon the cross. Deliver us from anger and resentment, hatred and revenge. Grant that we may forgive as we have been forgiven and stand reconciled before You in Your righteousness and purity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [LSB Pastoral Care Companion, #799 Times of Spiritual Distress: Anger and Bitterness, adapted]

En·vy noun \en-ve\

en·vy noun \ˈen-vē\

• the painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another, joined with the desire to possess the same advantage
• looking at others with an evil eye

synonyms

• bitterness
• jealousy
• resentment
• spite

antonyms

• care
• concern
• friendliness
• goodwill

Holy Scripture

• A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. [Proverbs 14:30]
• “From within, out of the heart of man, come … envy … All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” [Mark 7:21-23]
• Let us walk properly as in the daytime, … not in quarreling and jealousy. [Romans 13:13]
• Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. [1 Corinthians 13:4]
• Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. [Galatians 5:26]
• Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. [James 3:16]
• Put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. [1 Peter 2:1]

Prayer

• Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need, and especially when tempted with envy or jealousy, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lutheran Service Book, #209 In Times of Temptation, adapted]

Greed noun \gred\

greed noun \ˈgrēd\

• the selfish desire to have more of something
• placing the love of things above the love of God and neighbor

Synonyms

• avarice
• covetousness
• craving
• stinginess

Antonyms

• contentment
• generosity
• happiness
• thankfulness

Holy Scripture

• A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. [Proverbs 28:25]
• “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” [Luke 12:15]
• I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of … greed … not even to eat with such a one. [1 Corinthians 5:11]
• I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. [Philippians 4:11]
• Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: … covetousness, which is idolatry. [Colossians 3:5]
• Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. [1 Timothy 6:6-8]
• Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” [Hebrews 13:5]

Prayer

• Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lutheran Service Book, #195 Against the Love of Money]

Pride noun \prid\

pride noun \ˈprīd\

• the selfish belief that you are more important or better than other people
• an exaggerated opinion of oneself
• the root of all sins

Synonyms

• arrogance
• conceit
• haughtiness
• smugness

Antonyms

• gentleness
• humility
• meekness
• restraint

Holy Scripture

• Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. [Proverbs 8:13b]
• Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. [Proverbs 16:18]
• “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” [Matthew 23:12]
• “From within, out of the heart of man, come … pride … All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” [Mark 7:21-23]
• For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment. [Romans 12:3a]
• Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant, [1 Corinthians 13:4]
• Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. [Philippians 2:3]
• People will be lovers of self, … proud, arrogant, … Avoid such people. [2 Timothy 3:2-5]
• “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” … As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. [James 4:6, 16]
• Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, … Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. [1 Peter 5:5-6]

Prayer

• O God, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [Lutheran Service Book, #216 For Humility]

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.