Scottish Lutheran

Christmas Eve Sermon 2011

2011-12-24T21:31:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve/12.24.11

· We are going to start with everybody’s favourite kind of joke: a knock knock joke.

§ Knock Knock. Who is there?

· Mary. Mary who?

o Mary Christmas!

· “Merry Christmas!”

o This has become an interesting phrase hasn’t it?

§ It has even become a controversial phrase.

· Should we expect to hear someone wish us a merry Christmas when we are out shopping somewhere? Should we be offended if the cashier at Walmart wishes us happy holidays or Season’s greetings instead of merry Christmas?

o That is an interesting question isn’t it?

§ I have my own take on it – and it might surprise you – but we aren’t going to talk about that tonight.

· I want to talk about what we should really mean when we say “Merry Christmas!”

· We don’t use the word “merry” all that often really.

o “Merry” means to be cheerful, lively, happy, and light-hearted according to one dictionary I checked.

§ But we don’t use the word all that often. We don’t say “Merry Easter” or “Merry Birthday!” or “Merry anniversary!” or “have a merry day!”

· No, we reserve the word “merry” generally for Christmas – we wish you a merry Christmas!

o It is a kind and well meaning sentiment.

§ But what exactly do we mean by having a merry Christmas?

· A merry Christmas is when we have all our family and friends around with laughing and love and fun.

o A merry Christmas is when we have nice clean white snow and a fire crackling in the fireplace.

§ A merry Christmas is when the Christmas tree has a bunch of presents wrapped beautifully underneath

· A merry Christmas is when the turkey is browned just right and the stuffing turns out moist and the cranberries are perfect and the gravy is not lumpy, and the Christmas pudding has just the right amount of rum…

o A merry Christmas is when the kids open their presents and their eyes open up wide in astonishment and joy at their gift

§ There are a lot of things we need to have just right so we can have a merry Christmas isn’t there?

· All those things are great things and are wonderful to have at this time of year.

o But what if all of that doesn’t happen or fall into place this year?

§ What if all our family and friends aren’t all gathered in the same place this year?

§ What if instead of laughing and love and fun there is tension, anger and distrust?

§ What if we don’t get much snow or the snow is all dirty and melting?

§ What if you don’t have a fireplace for a warm crackling fire and instead have a lonely, empty, cold feeling room?

§ What if the presents under the tree are fewer this year?

§ What if the Christmas meal didn’t turn out or if there is an empty chair at the table to remind you of someone who is not with you this year?

§ What if the kids are all grown up and the magic of Christmas just isn’t there anymore?

§ What if the kids were not all that impressed with your gift? What if the kids are now teenagers and are generally unimpressed with most everything you do?

· If everything is not perfect can you still have a merry Christmas?

· I would suspect that there are very few of you here today who can say that everything is perfect tonight.

o For some of you a lot of things might be very good – but not perfect.

§ For some of you a lot of things are far from perfect – maybe you are even feeling like things are terrible and are miserable during this season.

· So what is so merry about Christmas anyway?

· The truth is that Christmas is a merry celebration – but it is not a celebration of our families, not a celebration of our gifts, not a celebration of our food – No, Christmas is a merry celebration of the birth of Jesus

o Christmas is a merry celebration of the greatest gift of all time – the gift of a Saviour

§ Christmas is a merry celebration because God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

· Christmas is a merry celebration because in Jesus we see forgiveness, life, and salvation

o Christmas is a merry celebration because in the baby laid in a manger we see the love of God.

§ Christmas is a merry celebration because this gift from God is for you – personally.

· That is why for centuries Christians have gathered with family and friends for the festival we call Christmas

o That is why for centuries Christians have gathered around a feast to celebrate the birth of Jesus

§ That is why for centuries Christians have gathered in merriment to give gifts in celebration of the greatest gift – Jesus!

o That is why for centuries Christians have held special Services at church to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to receive His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament

§ Christmas is a merry celebration because of Jesus!

· What has happened in our day and age is we have forgotten the real reason for the merriment of Christmas and instead have only looked to the things that are to help us celebrate the birth of Jesus

o We have made Christmas only be about our family gatherings and our feasts and our gifts

§ And if those things don’t line up just so – well, we feel, it is not such a merry Christmas after all.

· But when you keep in mind that those things are meant only to be a part of the celebration of the birth of Jesus – the very reason we would gather together and have a feast and give gifts

o Then no matter what the circumstances are in your life you can celebrate the birth of Jesus – because He is God’s gift to you.

§ You can be merry not because of anything that is or is not happening in your life right now – but because the truth is that God sent Jesus because of His unfathomable love for you

· The truth is that Jesus would lived for you a perfectly sinless life and that perfect life is credited to you by grace through faith

o The truth is that He loved you so much that He carried your sins to the cross and there died for them and received the punishment you deserve

§ The truth is that Jesus would defeat all your enemies – sin, death, and the devil when He rose from the grave

§ When you keep all this in mind, all that the gift of Jesus means for you now and into eternity – it is a merry Christmas no matter what the circumstances.

· It is a merry Christmas because of Jesus. And Jesus does not just come to you once a year.

o Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us – promises to be with you always.

§ He promises to be with you all the year – He promises to be with you to uphold you and strengthen you as you face all the ups and downs and uncertainties of the new year and the years to come.

· He promises to be with you with forgiveness and love, grace and mercy.

o But where does He promise to be for you?

§ In His Word and Sacraments in His Church – nowhere else.

· He promises to be with you and strengthen you when you read and hear His Word in the Bible, when you receive holy Communion, His very Body and Blood where He promises to strengthen you in your faith, and He promised to be with you always in your baptism.

o And Jesus always keeps His promises.

· So it might be true that not everything is perfect as you would like in your celebration of Christmas this year

o But don’t confuse the lack of perfection in your life with the celebration itself and the reason for merriment this Season

§ Remember the angel’s announcement to the shepherds in the field that holy night, and hear it again announced to you this holy night:

· For unto you this day is born a Saviour – Jesus Christ the Lord.

o Therefore – have a Merry Christmas!

What do you mean?

2011-01-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

I have come to realize, and have heard others say similar things as well, that nobody understands what another person is saying anymore.

We often hear certain Christian groups referred to as fundamentalist. The church body to which I belong has been called fundamentalist by some. What does that really mean? What is really being expressed by those who refer to groups of people as fundamentalists?

When I hear a report about fundamentalist groups the sense I get from the reporter is that this group of people are somehow a little "off." That they are not the mainstream within their group. That the people are somehow scary, brain-washed zombies.

But that is not really the meaning of the term "fundamentalist." Within Christian usage it goes back to an attempt to bring about unity in the Church by finding agreement in the every core basics of Christianity. In a sense the attempt was to identify those things that could not under any circumstances be altered. Within a wider framework it means a strict adherence to a certain set of beliefs.

So - really when someone is referring to someone else as a fundamentalist they are saying: "so, you really believe what you say you believe." or: "you really mean what you say!"

So when I say that the Bible is the Word of God - I mean it. This, according to some, makes me a fundamentalist. Some Lutherans of another stripe have referred to me in just such a way. So - when they say the Bible is the Word of God, don't worry, they are not fundamentalists - they don't really believe it.

When I say the Apostles' Creed - I actually mean and believe what I say. In a historical and physical sense. The things that I say I believe happened - I believe happened. But those who would call me a fundamentalist - don't worry, they don't.

Those who accuse others of being fundamentalists are just play acting. They say the same things as I say but think themselves too enlightened to actually believe it. They say the words but wink and grin at each other while they mock those who actually hold to it. It is how elitists lie. For some reason this group is unable to say what they really believe - that what the Christian Church has held as true for 2000 years is not really true. That they are more enlightened now than everyone before them. That they actually deny the very basics of the Christian Faith. They reinterpret the Christian Faith to make the realities of the historic Christian Faith irrelevant. It is a lie wrapped in pious actions and language that goes down smooth and easy.

It is made me all the more appreciate a church body's public confession of what they believe. It is sad but true - I need the public confession of another church body so I know what they mean when they say - I believe in Jesus Christ... . What do you mean? The Lutheran church is blessed with a robust explanation of what we believe. There is not a lot of ambiguity. Here it is. This is what we believe. Take it or leave it. And we believe what we say.

Insightful

2010-12-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

"A mood develops in which there is little respect for the past and even less knowledge of it. As the mood envelops pastoral work we are charmed into forgetting the very wisdom that we are called upon to share with others: the majestic reality of God and the immediate significance of each personal and local detail in the story of redemption. We are told that we must be au courant in the ways of looking at, studying, and working with persons, and that psychology and sociology will revolutionize our capabilities, putting us in the vanguard of those who will achieve a new human potential. But the whole work which has to do with the human's relation to God and God's will for the human does not come from knowing more about the times but from knowing humanity - and God. It has to do with continuities , not novelties; with what is essential in the human condition, not with what is accidental. that being the case, we are far more likely to get help from those whose experience has been tested in a variety of climates and cultures, and been demonstrated in the testing to be trustworthy." -- Eugene Peterson - Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work

I am still working through my summer reading list I had intended on completing - in the summer :-) I have read a few books that were not on that list in the meantime but now I am back to re-reading books that I read while in college and seminary that I felt were influential. the four books Peterson wrote on the pastoral ministry I recall being very influential when I read them 12-14 years ago. I am on volume 1. I think the above that Peterson writes is bang on. though I am uncomfortable with some of Peterson's approach to Scripture I think he has a lot of good things to say. I saw him give a presentation about 9 years ago and I was impressed. So - back to his books for the next little while.

2010-12-01T18:34:00.000-08:00

The 6th Annual St. John Chrysostom Lutheran Preacher's Retreat

June 20-22, 2011

St. Michael's Retreat - Lumsden, SK

Speaker: The Rev. Warren Hamp - Faith Lutheran Church - Kitchener, ON

For more information visit: http://lutheranpreachers.worthyofpraise.org/

Free Speech in England - So shall it be in Canada

2010-11-08T14:14:00.001-08:00

Here is a reasonable explanation of an important issue. Section 5 in England sounds eerily like our Human Rights Tribunals/Commissions here in Canada. See Ezra Levant and Mark Steyn for examples of the heinous abuse of their powers in our country. Anyway - take a look at this video clip - seems reasonable to me.

Reformation Day Sermon

2010-10-31T14:54:00.001-07:00

Reformation Day/10.31.10/Fort Q & IH/Romans 3:28
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
The date today is October 31. For Lutherans this day is significant because it is Reformation Day. The day that we pause and reflect upon some of the core teachings of the Bible. The core teachings that the Lutheran Reformation brought back from the periphery and placed in the centre of the Christian Faith where it belongs. Often these are referred to as the “Sola’s” of the Reformation. Christ alone. Grace alone. Faith alone. Scripture alone.
Reformation Day is not a day for pride. Reformation Day is not a day to look down upon those who are not Lutherans. Reformation Day is a day to be filled with humble thanksgiving. It is to be a day of thanksgiving for the undeserved, unmerited, gracious goodness of God to us poor sinners. We rejoice and give thanks for the gifts God gives us for the sake of Jesus Christ.
However we are bold to say that what we believe as Lutherans today, in the direct line of the Reformers of the 16th Century, is what the Christian Church has always believed, taught, and confessed. What we believe is not new. What we believe is not something Martin Luther came up with 500 years ago. No! What we believe is what the Bible teaches. What we believe is catholic in the truest sense of the word. It is universal. What Lutherans believe, teach, and confess is what the Bible teaches and confesses.
But who cares really? What difference does it make? Does it really matter if you go to this church or that? They are all pretty much the same aren’t they? I mean the Anglican church’s liturgy and the Roman Catholic church’s liturgy are pretty close to what we do. The Baptists and Alliance folk believe in Jesus don’t they? What is the big deal?
Today we will see little ones, and some not so little ones, running around all dressed up in various costumes. Princesses and pumpkins, cats and hockey players, firemen and barbies. But, there are also those who will dress up like monsters. Vampires, ghouls, ghosts, etc. Monsters. Of course we know that monsters aren’t real. It is all for pretend and fun. It’s a little spooky. But there is one monster that I want to tell you about on this October 31st that is very real. It is the scariest and most deadly monster that has ever been. This monster is alive and well today.
The Monster of Uncertainty. Luther knew this monster well. In fact, it was he who coined the term – the Monster of Uncertainty. This is not a monster I have made up. It is real. It lives today. This monster prowls about looking to terrify consciences. This monster prowls about looking to cause doubt and fear. This monster prowls about looking to destroy trust and hope and joy. This monster prowls about looking to destroy peace.
The Monster of Uncertainty roars: “Did God really say?” The Monster of Uncertainty takes Jesus out of view and places you as the only player on the field. The Monster of Uncertainty calls into question God’s promises.
How do you know God loves you? How do you know that you are not left alone by God? How do you know your sins are forgiven? How do you know that particularly dark sin in your past is forgiven? How do you know that when you die you will not be damned to hell? How do you know that the gates to heaven are open for you?
Well, how do you know? Are you absolutely certain that God loves you? Are you absolutely certain that your sins are forgiven? Are you certain that when you die you will be welcomed into heaven? Does the Monster of Uncertainty lurk in the background of your life? Is the Monster of Uncertainty growling in the dark corners of your life? Does the Monster of Uncertainty strike fear and terror in your heart?
If you seek to answer these questions by looking to yourself – the Monster will win. You will never have any peace – only uncertainty. You will never have any comfort – you will only hear the Monster of Uncertainty growling and striking doubt and fear in your heart.
If you look to yourself and the good things you have done hoping that you have earned God’s love and merit – ask yourself – how do you know if you have done enough? Are you sure? Are you certain?
If you look to yourself and base your faith upon your action of deciding and accepting Jesus – ask yourself – are you sure you gave all your heart to Jesus? Are you sure you really decided to accept Jesus? Maybe it was just an emotional thing? Did you really mean it?
The Monster of Uncertainty points you away from Jesus and has you look at yourself for your assurance and your certainty of God’s love and forgiveness. The Monster of Uncertainty wants you to find your certainty and assurance somewhere in you.
Lutherans reject all of this and this is why what you believe matters. This is why not all churches are the same. Not all churches have an answer to the Monster of Uncertainty. Many churches will have you look to something in yourself for your certainty of salvation. You see Lutheran theology – which is Christian theology – points you in the exact opposite direction as the Monster of Uncertainty. We look not to ourselves for our assurance and certainty of God’s love and forgiveness. We look to Jesus. We look not to what we have done to earn God’s merit – we look to Jesus and what He has done for us. We look not to our accepting of Jesus – but to His accepting of us by grace through faith.
How do you know what Jesus did 2000 years ago in His life, death on the cross, and His resurrection is for you? For you specifically? Individually?
Because Jesus says so.
He said so in your baptism. Through the blessed waters of Holy Baptism He claimed you as His own and promised to always be with you and to remove your sin. Notice – not what you do – but what Jesus has done and promised to you. Therefore – you can have certainty that it is true for you.
Jesus speaks His word of forgiveness in the Holy Absolution to you and by His doing He erases your guilt. Again – this is not something that you do –it is something that is given to you by the Lord’s promise. His forgiveness of your sins does not rely upon you but upon Jesus Word and faithfulness.
In the Sacrament of Holy Communion He gives Himself to you – personally and individually. He promises to be there in the Sacrament for you in His Body and Blood with the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith. You don’t do anything to make this so. It is so because Jesus says it is so. It is sure and certain because it is not reliant upon you but upon Jesus.
Jesus provides you with these sure and certain places to find Him and His gifts for you. He does not want you to suffer through life with doubts and uncertainty regarding His love for you, His forgiveness of you, and His promises of eternal life for you.
For you. Specifically. Individually. For you. Jesus speaks it. Jesus promises it. Jesus gives it. For you. There is no doubt. There is no uncertainty. The One who rose from the dead and defeated sin, death, and the devil has spoken. This is most certainly true.
The Monster of Uncertainty is slain not by your efforts. The Monster of Uncertainty is slain not by your good works or merit. The Monster of Uncertainty is not slain by the strength of your faith. The Monster of Uncertainty is slain by Jesus. The Monster of Uncertainty is slain when we look to Jesus and Him alone for our life and salvation. The Monster of Uncertainty is slain when we by grace through faith trust Jesus’ Word and promises – the Word and promises that are given for you.
Dear friends, you can leave here this morning and go out into the scary world without doubt and fear. You can be fearless in the face of your sin and failure knowing that in Jesus you are forgiven. You can be fearless in the face of the trials and struggles of this life because you know that for Jesus’ sake you are beloved by God and are never left alone. You can be fearless when you face death itself because you know that in Jesus your death has been conquered – it no longer has dominion over you.
There is no doubt. There is no uncertainty. Jesus has accomplished it all for you. Jesus has given you all that He has done for you through His Word and Sacraments in the Church. On this Reformation Day let us rejoice in this Good News of Jesus Christ. Let us take comfort and have peace in our Lord Jesus’ work for us. Let us humbly acknowledge the great heritage of faithful biblical teaching that has handed down to us through the millennia. Let us seek to share this wonderful Good News with others who may be haunted by the Monster of Uncertainty. But above all else let us find peace in our Lord Jesus: For His sake - You are forgiven. You are loved by God. You have been given eternal life. This is most certainly true. Amen.

Funeral Sermon for John Craven

2010-10-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Funeral for John Craven/10.02.10/Fort Q/John 19:16-27

Today we gather to say goodbye to John. Though it has been two months since John died the pain and sadness remain. It is difficult when a loved one dies. The loss is felt for a long time. The hole that is left in our lives, in our hearts, remains. We gather this afternoon to say good bye. However we also gather to give thanks to God for the gift of life that He gave to John and our opportunity to share it with him.

It was my privilege to serve as John’s pastor for several years. He was the first person I talked to in Fort Qu’Appelle after I graduated from Seminary and was sent here by the Church. He helped organize the move from Edmonton and made sure all the arrangements that could be made for us when we got here were made. He was the first person who greeted me. He was the first person who took me for a tour of the church – then considerably smaller than it is now. He was the first President of a congregation I worked with as a rookie pastor. For my first few years in the Office of the Holy Ministry John was a constant companion. He would often stop into the church during the day to see what I was up to. Some might say he was making sure the new young pastor knew what he was doing. He would scold me because he saw the light on at the church too late into the night sometimes and tell me I ought to be home. He put many hours into this congregation both in his administrative role as President and also with the building project that began shortly after I arrived. I got to know John very well. And I know one thing: he would tell me to be quiet about all that now. No more talking about me. Talk to the people about Jesus.

We gather this afternoon so we might support one another, comfort one another, and encourage one another as we face this trial and struggle. Doris, all the family, and all who are gathered here this afternoon – it is OK to mourn. It is OK to be sad. There is no shame in it. There is no need for embarrassment. How else do we react when a loved one is gone? This is natural. This is normal. However, in the midst of your sadness and loss – hear Good News. Hear THE Good News. Here the Good News of Jesus Christ.

John 19:16-27: “So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,
“They divided my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.”
So the soldiers did these things, but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

In several instances throughout the Gospel of St. John there is a reference to “the disciple whom he loved.” This disciple is not named but is referred to as the “beloved disciple.” Who was this beloved disciple of Jesus? The beloved disciple was John the Evangelist. John who wrote the Gospel which bears his name was the disciple whom Jesus loved. Now why did he refer to himself in this way throughout the Gospel – never referring to himself by name? There are a few theories. One is that he was being modest, humble, he did to want to be identified. Another reason given is that perhaps John wanted all readers of the Gospel to be able to identify with this disciple – the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Just as John the Evangelist was loved by Jesus so was our brother John whom we say goodbye to this afternoon. John was loved by Jesus and is still loved by Jesus. But not because John was perfect. Jesus loves John not because John has somehow earned His love by all his service to the Church. No, Jesus loves John purely out of unmerited grace and mercy. I am sure, I know, John would agree. He knows he did not earn God’s love. But by grace through faith John has received it. It is a gift that God gives. You don’t earn a gift. You only receive a gift with thanksgiving.

Jesus loves John so much that He lived a perfectly sinless life, died on the cross paying the penalty for his sins, and rose again. In our Lord’s resurrection He has defeated death, He has defeated John’s death. Yes, John has been taken away from us, but death has not won. “Death where is thy victory? Death where is thy sting?” No, Jesus has conquered death. John is with Jesus who loves him. John is with Jesus and is at peace. John is with Jesus awaiting the Last Day when Jesus will return and there will be the resurrection of the body where soul and body in a miraculous way will be joined together again to live for eternity with God.

Jesus loves John. When John was baptized Jesus reached down and washed him of his sin. In the waters of Holy Baptism Jesus reached down and claimed John as his own – His precious and beloved child. He promised to always be with him. And from that day forward Jesus kept His promises to John and continued to love and care for him. Jesus loved and cared for John through His Word and Sacraments in the Church. Jesus continued to feed and nourish John in his trust and faith through hearing His Word regularly in Divine Service Sunday mornings and through regular attendance at Bible studies. Jesus continued to care and love John as He forgave him his sins as John came to Services and confessed his sin and received the Absolution, the forgiveness of his sins, from Jesus. Jesus continued to care and love John as He strengthened him in his faith and the forgiveness of his sins through the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the very Body and Blood of Jesus given and shed for him. Jesus was with John through his entire life – just as He had promised him in his baptism. And on July 12, 2010 Jesus was with John in his death. Jesus was with John and took him to be where He is – in peace – awaiting the Last Day and the resurrection of the body when sin and death will finally and totally be destroyed. Jesus loved John all through his life. Jesus loved John through his death. Jesus loves John this very day in heavenly peace.

I know John would want me to add one more thing to the sermon preached at his funeral. Well, first he would check his watch to see how long the sermon has been so far – he always timed me to the second and would tell me how long the sermon was on the way out the door Sunday mornings. But John would want you to know that just as he was and is loved by Jesus – so are you. All that Jesus did for John He has done for you. Jesus lived a perfect life in your place, Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins, and Jesus rose from the dead and has defeated your death. Not because you’ve earned it. Not because you are good enough or have done enough good things… but because out of His grace and mercy Jesus loves you and forgives you. It is a gift. You receive it by grace through faith.

All that Jesus did by loving and caring for John throughout his entire life Jesus offers to you as well. But you might be asking – where do I find this? Where do I find Jesus and His gifts? Well that is easy. You find Jesus and His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation in His holy Word in the bible and in the Sacraments in the Church. Just as Jesus sustained John through life and death to eternal life through these means – so Jesus promises to do the same for you. Seek Jesus where He has promised to be for you - in His Word and Sacraments in the Church. There you will find forgiveness, life, and salvation. There you will find Jesus and all the treasures of heaven.

This day we say good bye to John. However we say good bye with the knowledge that he is safe and at peace with Jesus. We say good bye with the trust that because Jesus lives so shall we live. We say good bye with hope because of the forgiveness of sins and the life everlasting. Doris and all the family and all who mourn John’s death – as you go through the difficult times ahead without John know that you do not go alone. Your Lord and Saviour Jesus is with you. He will sustain you and strengthen you through His Word and Sacraments to face the tough times. And know that Jesus loved John. Jesus loves John now and into eternity. And know for certain as you leave this place - Jesus loves you. Thanks be to God. Amen.

What Books Would You Burn?

2010-09-15T08:59:00.001-07:00

Let's forget about the silly pastor in Florida who wants to burn the Koran. He has had enough publicity for acting like an idiot.

I am not in favour of burning books. It brings to mind Farenheit 451 and all that. However this crazy thing with the burning Koran has me thinking. If we would want to burn the Koran because it is evil - what other books would you burn?

Here is a list for starters in no particular order*:

Purpose Driven Life
Your Best Life Now
The Prayer of Jabez

*I am not really going to burn these books. I just think they are terrible. Truly terrible. Really, really bad.

Lutheranism 101

2010-09-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Below is a link to the new Lutheranism 101 blog. Lutheranism 101 is new book being published by Concordia Publishing House and I was honoured to have been asked to contribute a chapter. The link below goes to the Lutheranism 101 blog which has information about the book as well as some helpful information about Lutheranism. It is a great place to go if you are curious about what Lutherans believe.

http://www.lutheranism101.com/

And if you are interested in ordering a copy:

http://www.cph.org/p-17404-lutheranism-101.aspx?SearchTerm=lutheranism%20101

Steyn Hits It Out of the Park...again....

2010-05-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

Another must read by Steyn:

http://www2.macleans.ca/2010/05/27/were-too-broke-to-be-this-stupid/

Must read

2010-05-27T13:19:00.001-07:00

http://gottesdienstonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/piety-matters.html

2010-04-12T21:42:00.001-07:00

Holy Week Services

2010-04-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Below is the schedule of Holy Week Services this week:

Maundy Thursday: 7:30pm @ Our Saviour - Fort Q

Good Friday: 10:30am @ St. Paul - Indian Head
Good Friday: 7:30pm @ Our Saviour - Fort Q

Easter Sunday: 9:30am @ Our Saviour - Fort Q
Easter Sunday: 11:30am @ St. Paul - Indian Head

Tiger Woods Commentary

2010-02-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to a commentary I was asked to write for LCC InfoDigest:

http://infodigest.wordpress.com/2010/02/24/was-tiger-woods-apology-sincere/

Tell me what you think!

Great Promotional Video for Issues, etc.

2010-02-20T08:50:00.001-08:00

Construction at the Parsonage

2010-02-05T08:11:00.001-08:00

The good people I serve here at Our Saviour have decided to put in a bathroom and a bedroom in the basement of the parsonage. We are most thankful! Soon, Naomi and Abigail will not have to share a room... oh the joy!

I helped out Monday and Tuesday. I am useless - but I managed to hammer in a few nails and stay out of the way the best I could. Only two injuries to report. A sore thumb and a badly "stubbed" toe. I'll survive.

Yesterday and today the plumbing and electrical is being installed and tomorrow the drywall should go up.

St. John Chrysostom - January 27th

2010-01-27T08:19:00.001-08:00

Today is the day the Church remember St. John Chrysostom. A brief biography can be found here:

http://lutheranpreachers.worthyofpraise.org/why.html

Temple Prostitution - a Modest Proposal

2010-01-26T09:49:00.001-08:00

Follow the link and read this funny, sad, scary article...

http://www.alpb.org/forum/index.php?topic=2501.0

The 5th Annual St. John Chrysostom Lutheran Preacher's Retreat

2010-01-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

The 5th Annual St. John Chrysostom Lutheran Preacher's Retreat will be held June 7-9, 2010 at St. Michael's Retreat in Lumsden, SK Canada (just north of Regina, SK). The speaker will be the Rev. Klemet Preus from Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN and the author of The Fire and the Staff. (http://www.cph.org/p-657-the-fire-and-the-staff.aspx)

More information will follow regarding the 2010 retreat. More information and audio files from previous retreats can be found at the retreat's website:

http://lutheranpreachers.worthyofpraise.org/

What do we call...

2010-01-18T12:58:00.000-08:00

What do we call the tendency in the church to speak lots of words but ultimately say nothing?

In the realm of politics we call it "political correctness." There are other currents flowing under political correctness to be sure - but it does often lead to saying lots of words but in the end saying nothing and often being incomprehensible.

In the corporate world I have heard it referred to as "corporate speak" which is a mixture of political correctness and business. It is also rather incomprehensible.

But what do we call it in the church? The tendency to use lots of nice sounding words but to be so careful to say nothing that might be remotely offensive. The tendency to make statements that have words that are "fuzzy" and unclear and attempt to be profound?

I think I have coined a term. Ready?

Ecumenispeak. What do you think?

Let me tell you what I think clearly and perhaps even offensively.

I think it is brilliant. I think it is on the same level as Colbert's "truthiness." I think I should be interviewed on Issues, etc., because of the brilliance of coining this word.

Don't you?

Ecumenispeak. I think it sums it up. It sickens me.

Ecclesia Immunodeficiency Heresy (EIH)

2010-01-08T08:48:00.001-08:00

Ecclesia Immunodeficiency Heresy (EIH)

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Bonhoeffer's Life Together

2010-01-05T16:52:00.000-08:00

Interesting how some things work out sometimes. The day before we left for five days vacation after Christmas I was looking through my books for a short quick read while away. I came upon Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together. This was a book I read while in first year seminary in Dr. Dean Hempelmann's class - Introduction to the Pastoral Ministry. I don't know if it was because of the adjustment to life at the seminary or if I was over burdened with work or what it was - but I didn't "get" it at that time. I read the book but was not overly impressed. I read it over the Christmas break. It is a great book and speaks to our contemporary situation very well.

What is interesting is that I have recently been playing around with iTunes and seeing what it is all about. I went to iTunes U and looked around and found Concordia Seminary - St. Louis had begun a campus wide study of Life Together this past Fall and there are two convocations to download. How interesting! I am curious to see what the convocations are all about!

Christmas 2 Sermon: “Do and Done”

2010-01-03T19:04:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2C/01.03.10/Fort Q & IH/Ephesians 1:13-14

· Do and done.

o The difference between these two words is the difference between your salvation and your damnation.

§ Seems too simple doesn’t it?

· Do and done.

o One grants you entrance into heaven and one sends you to hell.

· One is a verb and one is a past participle.

o One of the words indicates action needed and one indicates action completed.

§ Do and done.

· The difference between these two words is the difference between Christianity and all other religions of man.

o Do and done.

· One word calls you to action – the other word calls you to trust.

o One word calls you to look to yourself – the other word calls you to look outside yourself.

§ Do and done.

· We naturally tend to be people of action.

o We are doers.

§ We don’t like to be told we can’t do something.

· You tell me I can’t do something and I will show you I can.

o Anything you can do I can do better.

§ The rebellious nature in us all rises up against the cant’s of life.

· I can do that. I want to do that. I will do that. Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do.

o I will do what I want, where I want to do it, when I want to do it, and how I want to do it.

§ We are doers.

· Every false religion of man is a religion for doers.

o And that is why we find them so attractive, so seductive.

§ Every false religion is an attempt to bridge the gap between us and God.

· In one way or another every false religion is an attempt to do something to appease God or earn His favour.

o This plays to our pride. It gives us the false sense that we can do something.

§ Some Christians even get this wrong – they will say all you have to do is believe. All you have to do is make a decision.

· Do, do, do.

o All this doing will damn you.

· You cannot do what is demanded.

o You cannot do enough.

§ You can never bridge the gap.

· You cannot do anything to appease God or earn God’s favour.

o Even what you do “do” is tainted with sin.

§ The Buddhists have it wrong.

§ The Muslims have it wrong.

§ The Jehovah’s Witnesses have it wrong.

§ The Mormons have it wrong.

· Some Christians have it wrong.

o Some Lutherans have it wrong.

§ Do you?

· If it is not done by Jesus it is left to you to do.

o If it is left to you to do - you will fall short because of your sin.

§ This not a question. This is certain.

· Your sin will damn you no matter what you do.

o If the doing is left to you and not to Jesus you are damned.

§ That is what will be done with you if Jesus has not done it all for you.

· Do and done.

· Listen to what St. Paul writes in his letter to the Christians at Ephesus nearly 2000 years ago and hear it as if it were written to you:

o “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (1:13-14)

§ Listen to what has been done by Jesus for you.

· You were sealed with the Holy Spirit – this is baptism.

o This is not something that you do.

§ This is something that is done to you.

· This is something that has been done.

o No “do” here. This is past tense.

§ Nothing left to do.

§ It is done.

· The Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Good News of the Christian Faith, is so foreign and so unnatural to us that we instinctively reject it

o We are doers

§ And Jesus comes and says we can do nothing and He has done it all for us

· Without the work of the Holy Spirit in us we spit in Jesus’ face

o We become offended and angry at Jesus for telling us what we can and cannot do.

§ Without the work of the Holy Spirit we turn to the false religions of man and their false ways of “doing” to appease God and earn His favour.

· Without the grace of God working through the Holy Spirit we are lost and dammed in our own doing.

· But the Holy Spirit does come through the Word and Sacraments in the Church

o Jesus does not leave you in your lost state of hopelessly doing. He sends the Holy Spirit, the comforter.

§ The Holy Spirit comes and does His gracious work in your heart

· The Holy Spirit works in you to make you recognize your sin and your complete lack of ability to do anything for your salvation

o The Holy Spirit works in you so you come to repent of your sin and seek forgiveness

§ The Holy Spirit turns you from looking at yourself and your “doing” to looking to Jesus and what He has done for you.

· Do and done.

o Take comfort dear Christian – it is done.

§ There has been nothing left undone.

· There is nothing left to you to do.

o It is done.

§ In Jesus all has been done.

· You have been sealed and guaranteed it.

· In Holy Baptism all that Jesus has done is given to you.

o His perfectly lived life without sin or failure.

§ His death upon the cross for your disobedience.

· His resurrection from the dead.

o It is done.

§ Nothing for you to do.

· It is something that is given to you – it is outside you.

o It is done.

· In the Words of Holy Absolution the removal of your guilt and sin is done to you by Jesus

o There is no “doing” here.

§ It is based upon that which was done by Jesus.

· Jesus grants you forgiveness because of His life, death, and resurrection.

o It is done.

· In the Sacrament of Holy Communion you come forward and receive the body and blood of Jesus

o Nothing you do makes it so

§ It is done because Jesus promises to be here for you in His body and blood granting you strength and faith.

· It is done.

· This is the Christian Faith.

o It is a “done” faith.

§ It is done by Jesus.

· It is done to you.

o It is done for you.

· It is not something that is left “up in the air” as if we wonder how things will turn out in the end.

o It is done.

§ The devil has been defeated. Death has been destroyed. Sin has been slain.

· Jesus has done it.

o He has done it for you.

§ It is done.

The Eighth Day of Christmas

2010-01-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I know many have moved on and think Christmas is over - but it is the eighth day of twelve.

A couple years ago I had the idea (stolen from someone else) that we should try and observe the twelve days of Christmas in our family. To aid us in doing this we would give a gift to our three kids each of the twelve days. In a sense - spreading out the present opening madness from one day to twelve. Sometimes the presents are not exciting toys (socks, soaps, etc) and sometimes they are exciting gifts like Lego and Cabbage Patch Dolls.

As is often the case with my ideas it means that my wife has to implement it. I didn't realize how much work it would be - but she does it. She finds a gift for each of the three kids for the twelve days of Christmas. Figures out which gifts to give on which day depending upon where we may be on that day. Also, to "equalize" the gifts so that one child does not receive a pair of socks and another an exciting race car. She does a lot of work in planning and shopping and I am thankful for it.

I enjoy waking up each of the twelve days and having the kids excited to open another gift. They probably don't get any more than they would normally - we just spread it out. They enjoy it and so do I.

And at the end of it all is the Epiphany of our Lord on January 6th. At our church I started a few years back the tradition of having a grand potluck supper where people bring a dish from their cultural background - a lot of German and Scandinavian dishes show up. I brought a haggis one year. This to represent that Jesus has come for all people of all nations as the Magi were the first non-Jews to worship the Lord. After the Potluck supper we have Epiphany Vespers. It is a wonderful evening.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the twelve days and look forward to celebrating the Epiphany!

Star Wars Humour...

2009-12-14T19:46:00.001-08:00

see more deMotivational Posters

Thanks Windows Update...

2009-12-09T21:18:00.001-08:00

Windows told me it had updates to install. "OK" I thought. What harm could there be in that - I mean after over two years what could go wrong? Well, now my computer is unable to detect my speakers, microphone, and webcam. I have no sound. At all. Nothing. I have the speaker icon with a red "X" over it. It tells me: "No audio output device detected." Awesome. A quick search on Google reveals this not uncommon after a Windows update. It also reveals that most people have found it to be very difficult and time consuming to fix. Awesome again! I have always had a quiet disdain for Microsoft. Now - it is anger, outrage, and sadness. Microsoft - you have made me very sad. I may cry.

Why Smart People Do Stupid Things | By Kurt Kleiner | Dysrationalia, Why People are Irrational | University of Toronto Magazine

2009-12-09T08:43:00.001-08:00

Why Smart People Do Stupid Things | By Kurt Kleiner | Dysrationalia, Why People are Irrational | University of Toronto Magazine

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Scary Canadians

2009-12-03T19:08:00.000-08:00

see more Epic Fails

A Good Example of How the Church Should Go About Her Business

2009-12-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

Pastor David Petersen, past speaker at the St. John Chrysostom Lutheran Preacher's Retreat, is hosting a free conference on January 18 discussing the Brief Statement of the LCMS. I am not entirely clear of the Brief Statement's place in LCC though I believe it would be considered part of our teaching as well. I have always had some questions and concerns regarding the document which Pastor Petersen outlines on his blog regarding the conference to be held:

http://redeemer-fortwayne.org/blog.php?msg=11849

I applaud Pastor Petersen and the organizers of this conference. This is the way the Church needs to go about her business. When we have questions regarding theology and practice we should not go about dealing with them by politically motivated power plays. We should sit down with each other and in a civil manner discuss and debate the issues. I wish I could be there!

This is Your Brain on Political Correctness

2009-11-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

An Absolute MUST read by Mark Steyn.....again. But this time.....really. He comments on the Fort Hodo shootings and the media coverage afterward. Go, read it. Amercian. Canadian. Doesn't matter. Read it. Please.

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/11/26/major-nidal-hasan-had-an-enabler/#

MUST READ POST ON ELCA

2009-11-19T09:39:00.001-08:00

Dr. Veith has an important post regarding a development in the ELCA in light of this past summer's convention decision to accept practicing homosexuals into their clergy..... see it here:

http://www.geneveith.com/elca-splits/_3894/

Sunday Sermon – The Resurrection of the BODY

2009-11-17T08:42:00.001-08:00

Pentecost 24/11.15.09/Fort Q & IH/Daniel 12:1-3

· Two weeks ago today was All Saints’ Day

o The day the Church as for centuries set apart to remember those who have gone before us and died in the Christian Faith

§ We give thanks to God for the gift they were in our lives and most especially we give thanks to God for the salvation He has provided them in Jesus Christ

· We take comfort in the promise of Jesus when He said: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).

o We trust that those who have died in the faith are with the Lord

§ But what then?

· For too many Christians it stops there.

o Many of us have an incomplete understanding of what our Lord Jesus has promised us when it comes to eternal life.

§ Many of us picture eternal life as some “floaty” thing – like the Philadelphia cream cheese commercials - floating around on clouds eating bagels

· Many people think that eternal life is all spirit and no substance

o That when you die your soul goes to be with God your physical body is tossed aside, and that is the end of it.

§ Yes, many people believe that, but that is not Christian

· This is nothing new

o The early Christian Church wrestled with this also

§ There was a group of people who were called Gnostics who denied that Jesus had become a true man, they argued that He only appeared like a man

· They believed that the physical, material things of this life were evil, things to be shed, and that only the spirit was important

o So they viewed the body almost as a cage or prison for the soul and when a person died their soul was set free.

§ Does that sound familiar?

· Have you heard something like that in your time? Maybe even thought it or said something like that?

o I bet you have.

§ And it is completely unchristian.

· In our culture we have become essentially Gnostic, even if we had never heard that term before

o We tend to think that the spirit is good and the material is bad, or at least not as good

§ But this is not how the Bible presents this to us

· As someone once said: “God likes matter, He created it!”

o The material, the physical, is as much a creation of God as is the spiritual

§ The spiritual and the physical are both fallen and sinful

· But Jesus came to redeem not only the spiritual but also the physical parts of creation

o And so Christians for thousands of years have joined in saying: “I believe in… the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

· “the resurrection of the body”

o Jesus did not just rise as a spirit – in fact the Gospel writers go to great pains to point out that His resurrection was a physical resurrection

§ Remember when Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection?

· From Luke 24: 36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, [2] 43 and he took it and ate before them.

o It is clear, Jesus did not rise a spirit, he rose physically

§ “Touch me and see!” He instructs the disciples

· And just to drive the point home he takes some fish and eats it

o No spirit here! No, a real body, a physical Jesus stands resurrected before the disciples

§ It is this physical resurrection to eternal life that our Lord Jesus has promised to those who trust in Him.

· In the Old Testament reading for this morning we read:

o “Those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake”

§ The Christian Faith is not a “floaty” faith

· It is a down to earth, real life, flesh and bones, kind of Faith

o Our Lord Jesus came down and got His holy hands dirty by living a perfect life for you

§ He sweat blood in the garden of Gethsemane

· He bled real blood and felt real pain on the cross

o He cried out in desertion

§ He died a real death

§ But He rose to a real resurrection!

· When we Christians say that Jesus has conquered death for us – we mean He has conquered death for us!

o Not in some “floaty” spiritual way

§ But in a real physical way!

· You see when God created us He made us soul and body, together

o Death is the separation of soul and body, death is the tearing apart of the way you are meant to be – that is the wages of sin – death, the rending of body and soul

§ Yes, by the grace of God in Jesus Christ, when you die your soul will go to be with the Lord

· But that is not the end, that is not all there is to it

o Because that is not the defeat of death that is promised – the defeat of death that Jesus has promised is a true defeat of death – your soul and body will be reunited again – in a glorified physical body that has no sin

§ This is the promise your Lord Jesus has made to you.

· When people die in the Faith their soul goes go to be with the Lord

o We can’t say too much here – it is a little bit foggy for us as Scripture does not give us a clear picture of what this entails

§ But we can take comfort in knowing that those who have gone before us and died in the Faith are with the Lord – and that is a very good place to be

· But we can look forward to the Last Day, the Day when our Lord and Saviour Jesus returns

o And upon that day we are promised: “Those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake”

§ Body and soul will be reunited and we will live in the new heavens and the new earth forever in the physical presence of Jesus

· “I believe in… the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting” we say.

· The physical body which God has created for you is not a cage or a prison for your soul

o It is you

§ God created you body and soul together

· When you die and we are standing at your grave the pastor will speak this ancient blessing over your body laying in the casket about to be lowered in the grave:

o “May God the Father, who created this body; may God the Son who by His blood redeemed this body; may God the Holy Spirit who by Holy Baptism sanctified this body to be His temple, keep these remains to the day of the resurrection of all flesh.”

§ Does that sound like Christians view the body as something to be discarded?

· Does that sound like Christians view the body as something unimportant?

o No, because God has created your body

o Jesus came to redeem that body by His life, death, and resurrection

o And that body has been washed clean and made holy by the Holy Spirit through Holy Baptism

§ Your body is not some disposable container like a Big Mac box because Jesus has promised us and told us to look forward to “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

· “Those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake”

o The resurrection of the body was what made the Greeks laugh and sneer at St. Paul when he preached and taught them

§ It was utter nonsense to them

· In our day and age – it may very well cause many around us to laugh and sneer also

o Many people will allow for some sort of spiritual afterlife

§ But a physical resurrection? Come on – that’s crazy they will say.

· I fear that many in the Christian Church have also bought into this Gnostic way of thinking – and perhaps the thought of the resurrection of the body is something that causes you to laugh and sneer

o But I urge you to not think as the world does – but think as God does – be informed by the Word of God

· God created everything – body and soul

o Jesus loved you so much that He came to save you – body and soul

§ And He has – His physical resurrection assures us that He has conquered sin, death, and the devil

· And Jesus promises that as He lives so shall you live

o That He has defeated death, and that on the last day you will be raised – body and soul to new life

· “Those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake”

o We live in the peace and comfort of knowing that by grace through faith in Jesus we are promised this eternal life

§ And until the last day we are strengthened in this Faith and trust through God’s Holy Word and Sacraments in the Church

· And together with the brothers and sisters around us and with the saints who have gone before us and who now await in peace in heaven the Last Day, we look forward to “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

A Sincere Question for Confessional Lutherans

2009-11-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

So, what are we going to do about the variety of teachings and practices regarding the Office of the Holy Ministry among us?

In Flanders Fields.... On Remembrance Day

2009-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

Sunday’s Sermon

2009-11-08T18:50:00.001-08:00

Pentecost 23/11.08.09/Fort Q/Mark 12:38-44

· A pastor is not supposed to get up into the pulpit and go on and on about how he struggled and wrestled with a text the past week

o Because then the sermon is more about him and his struggles and wrestling

§ But you know what? I really struggled and wrestled with this text this past week!

· I have for sometime struggled and wrestled with how to interpret what our Lord says regarding the poor widow at the Temple.

o What I found out this past week is that many pastors were struggling to understand what Jesus was saying when He commented on the poor widow at the Temple.

§ And since I believe a sermon is not a place for a bunch of uncertainties and personal thoughts and opinions – but a place to find the sure Word of God – I am going to avoid the widow at the Temple – and maybe next time the text comes around I will have a more solid understanding

· But I do know what Jesus was telling us in the first part of the Gospel reading this morning

o “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honour at feasts, who devour widows’ houses and for a pretence make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

§ You see, the scribes were the professional scholars of their day, experts in interpreting the Old Testament.

· But technically they had no role to do so – since they were not part of the priestly tribe of Levi

o So in other words they took upon themselves this responsibility of interpreting the Old Testament and teaching the Old Testament when it had not been given them to do

· It had been given to the Levitical priests to teach God’s people His Word

· The Scribes were a “showy” bunch

o They liked to be seen and noticed for their religiosity

§ They liked to be seen as important, as pious

· They liked to be seen as above others

o Self important, self centred, self righteous

§ If there is one thing that really seems to get Jesus “worked up” is self righteous pride

· And in the reading we just had – Jesus levels the Scribes

· “Beware of the scribes” Jesus warned.

o I tell you this morning:

§ Beware of those who think they are holier than others because of the size of the cheque they place in the offering plate

§ Beware of those who think they are holier than others because they go to church every Sunday

§ Beware of those who think they are holier than others because they don’t drink or smoke

§ Beware of those who think they are holier than others because they are Lutherans

§ Beware of others who think they are holier than others because they have not had an abortion

§ Beware of those who think they are holier than others because they are not homosexuals.

· Beware of those who think they are holier than others because of something they do or don’t do.

o “Beware of the scribes” Jesus warned.

· Where do we find the scribes of our day?

o Where do we find such people who think they are holier than others because of what they do or don’t do?

§ In the mirror.

· Look in the mirror and you will find a scribe.

o “Beware of the scribes” our Lord Jesus said.

· What? What do you mean I am a scribe? What do you mean I think I am holier than others?

o This time you have gone too far pastor!

§ Am I not supposed to point out sin and disagree with it?

· Am I not supposed to speak up for the truth?

o What are you saying? Am I just supposed to ignore abortion? Should I just go out be a drunkard? Should I skip church?

§ No, I am not saying that. We must speak up for the truth. We must speak our disapproval of sin. We must seek to live lives according to out Lord’s Word.

· But we must recognize that doing so does not make us holy.

o We must recognize that doing so does not make us better than others.

§ We must recognize that we are damnable sinners like everyone else.

§ We must recognize that we are God’s people not because of what we have done but because of what Jesus has done for us.

§ If we do not see that: then we are scribes.

· We are all scribes at heart.

o It is so easy for us to become a scribe.

§ Because we would much rather see things according to works

· It is so much easier for us to divide the world up into bad people and good people by seeing what they do

o And as long as someone does not do something obviously bad – well, they are a good person

· We look down at others who have committed public and obvious sin

o When a politician is caught in a scandal we look down upon them with scorn and feel rather high and mighty

§ When the mighty fall, deep down we revel in it and enjoy it

· Because it makes us feel better than they

o It’s true isn’t it? You know it is… you don’t like that it is true about you, but it is. It makes you squirm that you know what I say is true. But it is true.

§ You are a scribe. How do I know this? So am I.

· “Beware of the scribes” our Lord Jesus warns.

· Jesus comes to stamp out the pride that dwells in your heart.

o Jesus comes to root out your self righteousness.

§ Jesus comes to put down your holier than thou attitude

· Jesus comes to turn you from your self centeredness

o Jesus comes to kill such thinking that He might make alive.

§ Jesus comes to turn you from relying on yourself to relying on Him

· “Beware the scribes” Jesus says

· You see, once we recognize that we are not better than anyone else

o Once we recognize that we are not holier than others by what we do or don’t do

§ Once we recognize that our holiness comes not from us and what we do but is a gift received by grace through faith in Jesus

· We can stop worrying about who is better than others

o Because we can recognize that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

§ And instead of trying to prove ourselves as better than those around us we can rejoice in the gift of righteousness we have received from Jesus

· Instead of trying to show everyone around us how good we are – we are moved to show everyone around us how good Jesus is!

· Give up your self righteousness

o Give up your self made holiness

§ Beware of such thinking

· Jesus is your righteousness

o Jesus is your holiness

§ The righteousness and holiness He has earned for you by His life, death on the cross, and resurrection

· He gives to you, freely – by grace through faith

o He gives it to you through His Word and Sacraments

§ He comes to you this very morning in His Body and blood in Holy Communion

· While we must not remain silent in the face of sin

o We must approach these things from a position of humility, not superiority

§ Christians have done a poor job of this

· Too often we approach this from the perspective of “Well, I don’t do that bad thing that you do, so I am better than you are, and I am here to tell you how bad you are for doing that!”

o No! We are to approach this as one sinner to another

§ Not necessarily agreeing with what someone has done or not done, but we come not from a position of superiority, but a position of humility, a position of love

· As someone once said – it is like one poor beggar telling another poor beggar where to find bread.

o That is the picture dear friends we ought to have in our minds.

· You are a beggar and by the grace of God He has shown you where to find bread

o The Bread of life – your Lord Jesus Christ

§ In Him you find your holiness and righteousness

· Rejoice in that good news and take comfort in it.

o For the sake of Jesus you are holy and righteous.

§ “Beware of the scribes” indeed

· But rejoice in Jesus and His gift of holiness and righteousness.

o It is yours freely by grace through faith.

All Saints’ Day Sermon

2009-11-02T13:00:00.001-08:00

All Saints’ Day/11.01.09/Fort Q & IH/Revelation 7:9-17

· People are freaking out! People are concerned. People are worried.

o We hear about it on the news almost everyday.

§ H1N1.

· Should we get the vaccination or not?

o What precautions should we take?

§ Where should we go?

· What are we going to do!?!?

· What we are told is that the most effective way to prevent getting sick is to wash your hands regularly or use sanitizing gel regularly.

§ We have all become a little more aware of this of late haven’t we?

· I bet there are a few more purses carrying sanitizing gel out there than a year ago.

o We have been using the sanitizing gel for quite a while up here before we distribute communion and before Service when the vessels are being prepared by the elders.

§ These are precautions that need to be in place

· And for good reason

· We all want to be clean

o The advertising agencies have picked up on this now too

§ Many commercials show you the microscopic little germs on the kitchen counter and then how their product can kill the germs dead

· Or how certain sprays can kill germs in the air

o If you go to the store you will get dizzy as you look at the shelf and all the different choices you have for anti-bacterial soaps

§ We all want to be clean

· But there is a deeper desire we all have to be clean

o Yes, we do want to be cleanly in our lives to prevent sickness and disease

§ We should be diligent in this, especially in our day and age

· But it goes deeper

o We have a desire to be clean

§ A desire to be clean deep down in our soul

· We see it all around us

o People who live with guilt and shame

§ People trying to forget their past

· People who try to justify their actions but deep down they know they can’t

o We see it all around us in the world

§ A particularly stark, yet strange, example of this is the great number of online sites for people to go and anonymously confess their sins.

· They type in their confession in an anonymous way, telling the world what they have done

o There is no forgiveness to be had there – it is just a way to get it off their chest, so to speak

§ Many people in our world have guilt and shame, they feel dirty and unclean, but have no idea where to go with it, they have no idea where to go with their guilt and shame, they have no idea where to go to become clean.

· But what about in the Church?

o What about the people who sit in the pews on Sunday mornings?

§ Do people in the pews in a church have guilt and shame?

· Of course they do. Of course you do.

o You come into this church not because you are perfect.

§ You come into this church not because you are better than others.

· You come into this church with all your junk, with your life not the way it ought to be, you come into this church “a poor miserable sinner,” you come into this church “unclean.”

o So do I.

§ But the question is: Do you know what to do with that? Do you know where to go to become clean?

· Friends, there is nothing you can do to cleanse yourself of your sin, your guilt, your shame.

o You can try and scrub and scrub and scrub your life clean by piling up good work upon good work, but it does not get the stain of sin out of your life.

§ You can try and sanitize your life by giving to this good cause and this charity – but the disease of sin and death still clings to you.

· You can try everything – but there is no cleaning agent in this life that can cleanse you.

· That is why the vision of heaven that John is given in the book of Revelation is such good news to us

o In the reading we have from Revelation for All Saints’ Day gives us a beautiful picture of heaven

§ We read: “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

· Those who are in heaven have been washed in the blood of the Lamb - Jesus

o They have been washed clean by Jesus.

§ Their sin and guilt and shame have been washed away by Jesus.

· They have been sanitized, they have been purified, they have been cleansed by Jesus

o Jesus has given them His perfect pureness

§ Jesus has wrapped them in His robe of righteousness

§ Jesus is the only cleaning agent that can clean the stain of sin

· That is the cleanness we all seek deep down in our soul

o We all want our sin, our guilt, and our shame to be washed away

§ And the only way this can be done, the only way, is through Jesus

· There is no other way – only Jesus can cleanse you of your sin, guilt, and shame

o What do we do with our guilt and shame?

§ Where do we go to be cleansed?

· To Jesus.

· Friends, we have the answer to the question many around us are asking, even if secretly and silently

o We have the answer to the silent suffering of so many who are weighed down by their guilt and shame

§ We have the answer for so many who think God does not love them because they have done some terrible thing or because they are somehow unworthy of God’s love

· The answer is JESUS!

o The answer is not try harder.

§ The answer is not do this or that and you will have earned forgiveness.

· The answer is not feel guilty enough, feel bad enough, suffer through life enough, and then maybe you will have paid the penalty.

o NO! The answer is Jesus!

§ Jesus did what needed to be done.

§ Jesus took upon Himself your guilt – so there is no guilt remaining!

§ Jesus suffered on the cross so you need not suffer the penalty for your sin.

§ Jesus loved the unworthy to make them worthy.

· The answer is Jesus and His cleansing blood.

o The answer is Jesus and His cleansing life, death, and resurrection.

§ The answer is Jesus who takes all your sin, guilt, and shame and nailed them to the cross

· The answer is Jesus who took all your sin, guilt, and shame into the grave and they are no more

o The answer is Jesus whose powerful Word of forgiveness in Holy Absolution erases your sin and removes it as far as the east is from the west

§ The answer is Jesus who cleanses you in the pure and holy waters of Baptism, washing away the guilt of sin

· The answer is Jesus who comes in His very Body and Blood in Holy Communion and removes your shame, forgives your sin, and strengthens you in your life

o The answer is Jesus who comes to you in the dark night of the soul, when you have fears, doubts, guilt, shame, worry, and He says: “Peace to you.”

§ The answer is Jesus.

· Friends, the picture we are given of heaven is of those who have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

o We can take comfort in the fact that those who have gone before us are in heaven, not because of what they have done, but because of what Jesus has done for them.

§ We can rejoice that for the sake of Jesus our loved ones are washed clean, and they are with Jesus.

· But you can also rejoice this All Saints’ Day and find comfort in knowing that you too have been washed clean by Jesus

o You too have been cleansed and in your baptism Jesus robed you in His righteousness

§ You can take comfort in knowing that when God looks down upon you He does not see your sin, your guilt, or your shame – He looks down and He sees the robe of Jesus’ righteousness that covers you

· Your sin, guilt, and shame have been cleansed by Jesus

o In Jesus you are clean.

· Dearly beloved, live with this knowledge

o Do not live under the weight of guilt and shame

§ But live in the joy and peace that comes from knowing that Jesus has lifted that weight from you

· This All Saints’ Day remind yourself of the white robe you wear – the white robe of righteousness that Jesus has given you in your Baptism

o Live in the joy and peace of knowing that in Jesus you are clean.

The Burden of the Divided Church

2009-10-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

Reformation Day approaches and as it does I feel the burden of the divided Church. It is not the way it ought to be. However, it is as it must be this side of heaven.

Saying that, however, has proven not to be very popular. To make the claim that the differences in what we believe actually MATTER - matter to the point where we will not be in altar and pulpit fellowship - is almost like farting loudly in a room full of people. People look at you with both shock and disgust.

I have been asked to take part in a joint Service with other denominational clergy particpating a few times in our community and when I decline people seem offended. In our day where we have such nonesensical sayings as "reconciled diversity" passing as wisdom - the way we Lutheran Church Canada folk approach doctrine seems unintelligeble to many. Many would say that the differences in beliefs are not significant and not worthy of causing division. We maintian that the differences in beliefs are the sole reason for maintiaing the divisions.

So, it has me thinking, as we approach Reformation Day. For those who truly believe in "reconciled diversity" and do not believe that the differences in what you believe matter - why not fold all those church bodies into one big church body? In fact - is it not sinful to maintain the divisions if they don't really matter anyway? For example, in Canada the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Anglicans have declared themselves in fellowship. Then why have two church bodies? If the differences don't matter then why not dissolve the ELCIC and join the Anglican Church of Canada - or vice versa?

Three Years Later from America Alone

2009-10-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that it was three years ago that Mark Steyn published America Alone. If you have not already read it - you should. It is even in paperback now!

Here is an article he writes with reflections on the past three years:

http://www.steynonline.com/content/view/2561/30/

Funny

2009-10-23T18:18:00.001-07:00

Funny stuff...........and true.

even in the US!?

2009-10-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Father Hollywood, one of my favourite bloggers, posted this. It seems even in the USA the hands of the government are getting a tight grip...

http://fatherhollywood.blogspot.com/2009/10/doesnt-anyone-read-orwell-anymore.html

An Invitation

2009-10-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

Post Pastoral Conference

2009-10-06T15:25:00.001-07:00

We had a good pastoral conference in Lumsden. Our speaker was the Rev. Dr. Tom Baker - he had a good presentation and made me think - which for me is always key - even if I don't necessarily agree.

It was good to see the brethren and to have many great discussions. We solved all the problems each night - but they seemed to be there in the morning.

Anyway, nice to be back home.

It can be tough...

2009-10-01T10:13:00.001-07:00

being a pastor some days. No, this is not a "boo hoo" poor me kind of thing. It can be tough when you are having a discussion with someone and you raise a clear point from the Word of God and they want nothing to do with it. I mean, all you can do is show them the Scriptures. And if they want nothing to do with it, if they reject the Word of God, well you have done all you can right?

But it never ends there. You know you are a poor miserable sinner. You begin to question yourself. Did I somehow get in the way? Did I present the Word of God in such a manner as to have caused the rejection? Maybe if I had just nuanced it this way. Maybe if I had said this or had not said that.

But then you chasten yourself for thinking that you can do anything and it is not the Word of God. You begin to think: "You dumby, it is not your eloquence that accomplishes anything it is Jesus working through His Word!"

A vicious cycle sets in. The doubt still lingers... what did I do that I should not have and what could I have done that I didn't?

Lord, have mercy.

Song Similarities

2009-09-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

I am always hearing similarities between songs from the past and songs coming out today. I have blogged two other cases where I am convinced:

http://scottishlutheran.blogspot.com/2008/09/metallicas-new-song-and-80s.html

http://scottishlutheran.blogspot.com/2008/09/another-song-within-song.html

OK, here are two other songs that have very similar sounds.... One from back in the day and one more recent. Do you think Mobile are U2 fans...I think so...

International Free Press Day

2009-09-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the International Free Press Day - so declares the International Free Press Society. Now why September 30th as the day? It was four years ago on September 30th that the now infamous "Danish cartoons" were published and causes the riots, bloodshed, and murder. (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyllands-Posten_Muhammad_cartoons_controversy). It was also in response to the many media sources that refused to show the cartoons that Ezra Levant's The Western Standard published the cartoons and was then taken to human rights hell.

I normally wouldn't care about a self designated "day." However, this is important. How are we doing with freedom of the press in Canada? Is it truly free? Free enough to publish the cartoons? Apparently not. The fact that the CBS, Global, CTV, and as far as I know every newspaper chain refused to publish the cartoons is an act of self censorship that boggles the mind. The cartoosn were THE STORY but none of us were able to see them. Why? I am guessing because the media sources feared retribution - perhaps of the physical type seen around the world but likely as much from Human Rights charges. They were wrong not to publish the cartoons but sadly they were right about the human rights charges.

Andrew Hamilton warned that democracy cannot be born or survive without a free press. It seems to me that we may be testing that hypothesis in Canada.

The 4th Annual St. John Chrysostom Lutheran Preacher's Retreat Audio Files Availlable

2009-09-25T08:50:00.001-07:00

The audio files are available now for the 4th Annual St. John Chrysostom Lutheran Preacher's Retreat with Pastor David Petersen. There is some great stuff in there - so download and enjoy! The files can be found at:

http://lutheranpreachers.worthyofpraise.org/2009.html

An announcement regarding the speaker for next year's Retreat is expected shortly.

Those Human Rights Commissions I have been worried about....

2009-09-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well, somebody wrote a song about them! He doesn't like them either:

Sacred Sandwich.....with a bite!

2009-09-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

The Sacred Sandwich cracks me up. Below is a link to the article: Denomination Votes to Allow Drunken Clergy.... this in light of the ELCA's decision to allow practicing homosexual clergy. Read it. Laugh. But then maybe cry a little....

http://sacredsandwich.com/archives/5575

The God Whisperers

2009-09-21T19:35:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to leave a plug for the great Internet radio show The God Whisperers. Pastor Bill Cwirla and Pastor Craig Donofrio host it and have lots of fun doing it. However, there is some great theological discussions on the show. They cover some very deep stuff but they do so in a very understandable way. Give it a listen!

http://www.godwhisperers.com/

NFL Season Opener

2009-09-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today is the day. The day to which I look forward to every year the minute the SuperBowl ends. Today, the new NFL regular season begins.

It is true, of course, that the Canadian Football League has been playing and I am a huge fan. However, the NFL is, well, simply better. I know for some Canadians saying that amounts to treason. But I stick by it - and I think it is clear. I love watching CFL and cheer for the Roughriders avidly. But the NFL - it is a cut above.

This evening - a certain joy will fill the land.

Sermon - Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9

2009-09-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Pentecost 13 (Proper 17)/08/30/09/Fort Q & IH/Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9

A rhetorical question is a question that is to make us think. The answer is, in fact, meant to be obvious – the asking of the question is only to bring the answer to the mind of the hearer. In the text for this morning we have a rhetorical question being asked of us. Deuteronomy 4:7 reads: “For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to is, whenever we call upon him?”

And what is the answer? There is no other nation! God has promised to be near to His people.

Do you feel that God is near to you? Do you feel that God is near you when you come into this church building? Do you feel that God is near you when you are in your home? Do you feel God is near you when you go about the daily routine in your life? Do you feel that God is near you?

Sometimes we do, don’t we? Sometimes we feel like God is right by our side. Maybe when we were going through a difficult time in life and we leaned heavily on the Lord. Maybe at the birth of our children when we came face to face with the mystery of life. Maybe at some particularly joyful event in the past we felt as if God was near us.

But it is not always that way is it? We don’t always feel like God is near us at all. In fact, there may be times in life when we feel nothing. When we feel nothing but coldness, like God has abandoned us. At times in life we may feel like God is a million miles away and we have no road map showing us how to find Him.

Do you feel God? Is He near or far? How do you know? What does He feel like?

There is a lot of talk about feeling God’s presence in the Church of our day. I have been to some non-Lutheran church services when I was a teenager and have been asked questions like “Can’t you just feel the Spirit of God here today?” or “God is present here, can you feel Him?” Not wanting to be outcast I lied and answered “Yes.” But the truth is I didn’t feel anything particularly special. And truthfully, how would I know what God’s presence is supposed to feel like anyway?

I had been conditioned by the culture of our day and by these non-Lutheran churches to seek God in my feelings and emotions. After a time I recognized that what the Lutheran church taught was what the Bible taught and I began going through adult Catechism classes. After quite a while of study and after becoming a member of a Lutheran church I was welcomed to receive the Lord’s Supper. It was a big deal for me. I still recall going forward to receive the Sacrament for the first time – excited, nervous, not entirely sure what to expect. After I received Holy Communion for the first time I went back to my pew – rather disappointed. That was nothing special – I didn’t feel anything miraculous at all! I didn’t feel God – I just tasted some stale wafers and rather poor wine.

What should have been a faith strengthening experience turned out to be a disappointment because I was looking for God in my feelings. Is that where we are really supposed to look? Is that where you look for God? Is that how you know if God is near you? By your feelings?

Do you feel God is near you? Dear friends, that is the wrong question. If someone asks you that question don’t answer it. It is the wrong question. It is not a question a Christian can or should answer. The question is not “can you feel God is near you?” but “Is God near you?” And the question makes all the difference.

You see to answer the question “Do you feel God is near you?” turns you to rely on your feelings – your spiritual antenna, so to speak. And if you are anything like me, and I know you are, sometimes that antenna is tuned in to God and sometimes it is not. Sometimes God comes in loud and clear and sometimes He seems very fuzzy and full of static. The question is not whether you feel God is near you – your feelings in this are irrelevant. The question ought to be: IS God near you? And the answer is: YES! God has promised to be near to His people.

God came near His people most especially in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus, true man and true God, came near to us. He came to us because we cannot go to Him. Our sin prevents us from being able to go to God. Our sin prevents us from knowing God. God must come near to us, we do not go to God. The gift of our Lord and Saviour Jesus at Christmas is the gift of God coming near. God came near – because we could not.

Is God near you? How do you know? It is so important for us to know how and where God is near to us. It is vital to know how God walks with me and talks with me. It is not in some unspecified way or in some experiential way but in very concrete and certain ways. Is God near you? How do you know?

You know because He has promised to be near you in His Word. He has promised in His Word to be near His people. When we hear or read the Holy Word of God He comes near to us. He comes to us and speaks to us in the Word of God written in the Bible. Through the Word of God the Holy Spirit works in us, drawing us to faith and trust in Jesus. In Christ’s Word of Holy Absolution He speaks His Word of forgiveness and peace to you. God is near you in His Holy Word.
He has promised in His Word that through the waters of Holy Baptism you are made part of His people, you are made a child of God. In Holy Baptism God came near you. In Holy Baptism God promised to always be near you. This is not a conditional promise. God did not say: “I will be near you if…” and then rattled off a laundry list of things for you to do. No, God made a promise to you. He promised to be near you in Holy Baptism.

In Holy Baptism Jesus applied to you the forgiveness He earned on the Cross. In Holy Baptism Jesus gave you the new life He gained for all believers in His resurrection. This is not dependent upon your feelings. It is entirely dependent upon God’s Word and promise. It is not something left in doubt. It is not something left in the shadowy corners of feelings. It is sure and certain. In Jesus God is near you. In your baptism He is always near you.

God comes near you in the Sacrament of the Altar. There Jesus has promised to be for you in His Body and Blood. It is a miraculous meal, a meal that goes beyond our comprehension. But it is not a meal that is based upon our feelings. Our Lord Jesus comes near to us in the Holy Supper not because we feel Him there but because He has promised to be there in His Word! We don’t trust our feelings here but we trust the sure and certain promise of Jesus! There, in this Blessed Sacrament, you can come and be certain and sure that God has come near you. Our Lord Jesus has had mercy on us and given us who often have trouble believing and trusting in His promises this wonderful Sacrament. In this physical and tangible way our Lord comes near to us – forgiving us our sin and strengthening our faith. In the Lord’s Supper He is always near you.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Lord our God is near to us. It is sure and certain. You will not always feel as though He is. But He is. He has promised to be near you. Seek Him where He has promised to be found. In His Word and Sacraments in the Church. By grace through faith we trust our Lord’s sure and certain Word of promise over our unreliable feelings. When you leave here this morning you enter a world full of uncertainty. But of this you can be certain, dear Christian - God is near you.

Amen.

Must Hear Sermon in Response to the ELCA

2009-09-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

Pastor Wil Weeden preached a sermon that is a must listen. Below is the link:

ELCA and Practicing Homosexual Clergy

2009-08-27T15:29:00.001-07:00

The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted to open the ministry of the church to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships. This vote was able to be passed because within the ELCA the Bible is not held to be the Word of God written but a book that contains the Word of God. Therefore, it is up to the interpreter to determine that which is the Word of God and that which is not. The clear Scriptural prohibitions against homosexaulity in the Scriptures are no longer held to be the Word of God by the ELCA.

However, I find this action of the ELCA rather confusing. They have chosen to disregard the Word of God when it comes to homosexuality but then they restrict such homosexuals seeking to serve as pastors to those in committed life long relationships. Why? Why would the ELCA place such a restriction on those seeking that Office? If the prohibitions against homosexuality in the Scriptures can be dismissed as culturally bound - then why not the Scriptural instruction regarding monogamy?

Much of the argument that was used in the ELCA to argue for this action was that to not allow practicing homosexuals into the Ministry is exclusive. However, is it not true that to restrict those homosexuals who are not interested in being in a life long committed relationship but enjoy multiple partners also exclusive?

Those of us in the LCMS and LCC must be saddened by this action of the ELCA. We must also seek the Lord in prayer that we would be humble before the Word of God and that the Lord of the Church would keep us steadfast in the true faith.

The ELCA 2009 Convention

2009-08-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

I am presently watching/listening to the ELCA convention and at this time they are discussing the document "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust." The ELCA is presently discussing a statement that would accept same sex marriage and blessings in the ELCA thereof and later they will debate allowing the ordination of practicing homosexuals.

It is sad to see such a discussion taking place. However, I find it rather odd that while I have no idea what the convention will decide regarding these two matters, I am ambivilent. Why? Because I don't think it matters. The fact that the discussion is occuring and the decision is teetering one way or the other means the battle has essentially been lost.

From a number of conversations I have had with members of ELCA/ELCIC congregations - if the respective church bodies do in fact accept and bless same sex marriage and accept actively homosexual people into the Ministry they will seek to leave their church. However, many will not find a home in the LCMS/LCC. They fully endorse female ordination and most disagree with the practice of closed communion. I fear that these people will be left floundering on their own.

On a completely different topic: Wow! I love the electronic voting system they have - I hope we can get those at our conventions soon!

Darwinian Evolution and My Son

2009-08-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Royal Tyrrel l Museum in Drumheller, AB (www.tyrrelmuseum.com). The museum is situated in the Badlands of Alberta and houses one of the largest and most impressive collection of dinosaur fossils in the world. It is a truly spectacular place to visit.

At one stage in the tour through the museum there is a display telling of Darwin and the theory of evolution. On one wall was a display much the same as that pictured here. My son Noah, 6 1/2, sees the picture and walks up to it pointing and says - "We don't believe that. We don't believe that." A few people looked at him - perhaps thinking he was odd. It brought a smile to my face. I don't believe we have had a long serious discussion over the issue of evolution as of yet - though it has come up. He is fascinated by dinosaurs as most boys are at his age and we have read countless books on the creatures. Darwinian evolution inevitably comes up. I guess in the little discussion we have had and in his reading and hearing of God's Word the theory of evolution does not fit. Thanks be to God!

Chew on this for a while...

2009-08-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

"The paradoxes in which the church fathers so often reveled in the life of God, revealed to us perfectly in Christ, are all glorious impossibilities: God became man, omnipresence became circumscribed, the sinless became sin, omniscience became ignorant, omnipotence became impotent, and the immortal died. Tertullian said, Credibile est, quia ineptum est: 'It is believable because it is, from the human point of view, absurd.' But rationalist theologians, liberal or conservative, don't like paradoxes. Instead of looking for them as signs marking places where inquiry stops and doxology begins, they resist them on instinct and principle, and take out their hammers."

- From Touchstone "Paradox Lost" by S.M. Hutchens (July/August 2009 p.14-16).

I love that. It reminds me of what Melanchton said somewhere:

"The mysteries of God are not to be investigated but adored."

Touchstone Gold - AGAIN

2009-08-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

I have been singing the praises of the journal TOUCHSTONE for years now. I began reading it when I worked nights at the seminary library. I have subscribed to it ever since I have been in the parish. It is simply excellent. Even though I do not get any "kick-backs" from Touchstone a few of my friends have also subscribed to it lately. If you do not regularly read Touchstone - you should start. Check it out at http://www.touchstonemag.com/

I have not finished reading all the latest edition. However, there are two articles I have read that were so excellent that I have to mention them. One of them you can read online.

Leon J. Podles writes an article called "Unhappy Fault" and examines the rightful place of anger in the Christian's life. He notes that in contemporary Christianity anger is seen as a sin and something that is un-Christian. He calls this thinking into question in the article. You can read it here: http://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=22-06-012-v

In another article that I found so excellent I have read it twice. This article has put into words some thoughts I have had bubbling around in my mind for a long time but couldn't quite get a handle on them. This article puts it together. The article is written by Ken Meyers and is called "Contours of Culture: Waiting for Epimenides." Meyers calls into question the contemporary Church's seeming desire to adapt the Church to the culture. He notes that this is quite contrary to what St. Paul is advocating in Titus. This is truly an excellent article and I wish many would be able to read it.

I might also note the Editorial at the beginning of the Journal is also excellent as it examines certain ways of thinking regarding abortion. You can read it here: http://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=22-06-003-e

I am happy to pass on the this Touchstone gold... enjoy. I would love to hear your comments regarding any of those articles.

A Call

2009-08-02T19:50:00.001-07:00

I have recieved the call to serve Beautiful Saviour Lutheran Church and School in Winnipeg, MB. Please keep me, Our Saviour, and Beautiful Saviour in your prayers as I consider this call.

A Pastor's View of Listening to Preaching

2009-08-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

I rarely have the opportunity to hear preaching on a Sunday. Most parish pastors are busy preaching on Sundays and rarely have the opportunity. Often the only opportunity is at Winkels or at conferences and conventions. The two past weeks at Our Saviour we have had guest preachers. I led the Liturgy but I was able to listen to the sermons.

It is great to hear the Word! I have truly appreciated hearing the Word these two weeks. Don't get me wrong - I love preaching. It is one of the great joys of being a pastor as far as I am concerned. However, it is very refreshing to hear someone else preach now and again.

So - I was thinking. How can we parish pastors hear preaching more regularly? Maybe it is not possible - but I wonder if there is a way we could do it? Any ideas?

Hat Fail

2009-07-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

This one kills me. I don't know why. I didn't get it the first time I looked at it. Took me a while. Then I got it. It is always more enjoyable that way isn't it?

see more Fail Blog

The Honour of The Office of the Holy Ministry

2009-07-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am aware that what I write below is nothing new. In fact, that gives me great comfort.

In the reading of the Lutheran Confessions given in the Treasury of Daily Prayer for today we read from Article IV of the Apology:

"We do not exclude the Word or Sacraments, as the adversaries falsely charge against us. We have said that faith is conceived from the Word. We honor the ministry of the Word in the highest degree."

This is the reason why Lutherans ought to hold the Office of the Holy Ministry in high regard. For no other reason than it is through this divinely instituted Office that the Word of God is spoken and the Sacraments are administered. It is through this Office that God has deigned to work in this way. It is through His Word and Sacraments that God creates and strengthens faith.

The man in the Office is irrelevant. Cover him up with vestments representing the Office. Hide the man! The Office which he bears and the Word that is spoken is what is relevant. We honour the ministry of the Word in the highest degree because of the WORD - not the man.

Prime Minister of Canada and Holy Communion

2009-07-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

So the Prime Minister of Canada goes to a funeral in a Roman Catholic church and goes up to receive Holy Communion. He was given a wafer. There is some uncertainty as to whether he consumed the wafer or if he pocketed it. You see, our Prime Minister is a devout evangelical. You can't make this stuff up! Check out this clip and watch closely - it looks to me like the Prime Minister definitely pocketed the wafer!

http://www.catholicregister.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3257&Itemid=849

So, there are a number of issues here.

1. The unfaithfulness of the Roman Catholic priest to his church's teachings. Only Roman Catholics are to be admitted to Roman Catholic altars. It is not only Lutherans who practice closed communion. The priest should have politely informed the Prime Minister that he was not able to receive the Sacrament.

2. As an evangelical the Prime Minister should have known better than to go forward to receive the Sacrament. It is a confession of faith - one which he does not share with the Roman church.

3. He pocketed the wafer! Likely he did so because he did not want to participate in a practice which as an evangelical he likely views as silly superstitious belief. However, after the event it seems it is being covered up by saying that he consumed it. But watch the clip - it does not look like he consumed it to me - unless he did so out of his pocket back in the pew.

So, the practice of closed communion is in the news. Most of the call in shows have discussed it. Most of the people calling in are shocked to hear that all may not be welcomed to approach the altar. Perhaps it will be good for discussion even within our own parishes!

Anniversary of Ordination

2009-07-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today is the 8th anniversary of my ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry. Today, eight years ago I was ordained and installed as the pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church - Fort Qu'Appelle, SK. Luther's sacristy prayer remains so true and a prayer I pray regularly:

Lord God, You have appointed me as a Bishop and Pastor in Your Church, but you see how unsuited I am to meet so great and difficult a task. If I had lacked Your help, I would have ruined everything long ago. Therefore, I call upon You: I wish to devote my mouth and my heart to you; I shall teach the people. I myself will learn and ponder diligently upon You Word. Use me as Your instrument -- but do not forsake me, for if ever I should be on my own, I would easily wreck it all.

Thanks be to God for His grace!

Israel's Unfaithfulness

2009-07-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Today is a cloudy, damp, rainy day. I was alone at Matins this morning. I prefer when some members show up and I am blessed to have a couple members who join me for Matins most mornings. However, this morning I was alone in the church praying Matins as I listened to the rain fall on the roof of the church. It was lovely in a way. I did my best to chant (no one was there!). And then I sat down to read the Old Testament reading for today from the Treasury of Daily Prayer - Judges 2:6-23. I was struck by God's patience and grace.Over and over Israel turns from God to idols. Over and over Israel forgets God. Over and over they treat God like garbage. And yet God continues to reach out to them. I even marvelled at how God grew angry for their sin and stubbornness. After a while you would think God would just give up on them - turn His back on them and not give them another thought. I mean, after a while, wouldn't you just give up and stop caring? Not God. He keeps reaching out to Israel. He still cares enough for them to have His anger kindled when they wander.

Perhaps it may seem strange to see grace in God's anger over Israel's unfaithfulness. However, as I was reading the text this morning it just kept striking me - why would God care anymore after all the times Israel wandered from Him. I mean, how much can He take? Why would He keep coming back to Israel only to have them thumb their noses at Him time and time again? The fact that He did not completely abandon them and still cared enough to get angry with them is a sign that He still cared and loved them. Despite their unfaithfulness He was faithful. They were His people - the apple of His eye and amazingly no matter what they did this remained true. His anger was kindled by their sin - but wouldn't indifference be much worse? Wouldn't simply no longer caring enough to grow angry be worse? God's indifference would be terrible. Perhaps that is what Hell is? Perhaps that is what Jesus suffered on the cross when He cried out "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?"

The grace of God is greater than we can fathom. His grace seems wasteful to us at times. I suppose that is why I was marvelling this morning. If it were me I would have left the Israelites to suffer on their own and eventually would have grown cold to them - not even caring enough to get angry.

The way we see God acting toward Israel is the way He acts toward us today in Jesus Christ. My constant wandering in my life as saint and sinner is the same way the Israelites wandered to idols. We need to be constantly called back through repentance. Luther was right of course - the life of the Christian is one of repentance. As a poor miserable sinner it gives me great comfort to see how God did not forsake His people throughout the Old Testament. I can trust that for the sake of Jesus He will not forsake me either!

Happy Canada Day!

2009-07-01T19:56:00.000-07:00

It was a great day around here today! My parents are visiting from Alberta and my brother and Natalie came to visit from the neighbouring parish in Melville. We went to the Canada Day parade and then came home for hotdogs. Then we threw the football around a bit in the afternon for a while followed by some Cribbage. My Dad and I skunked Murray and Natalie and won the other game. We then had BBQ ribs and Natalie brought a great rhubarb crisp for desert. Now we are waiting around for the Canada Day fireworks. Lots of fun and a great day!

More Sacred Sandwich

2009-07-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

http://sacredsandwich.com/archives/5116