Sermon - Pentecost 13 - Luke 13:22-30

Luke 13:22-30
“Who Gets Saved?”

Jesus, as a great teacher and authoritative preacher, was asked many questions. Sometimes the questions were designed to trick him, like, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar??” or “What about marriage in heaven?'

Sometimes they were meant to change the subject: “Oh, I see you are a prophet! Let's talk religion; Where should we worship?”

Sometimes the questions are asked with honest intentions, “Teacher, how shall we pray?” and sometimes looking for self-affirmation, “What must I do to be saved?”

Today we have another question asked of Jesus in our Gospel reading from Luke, “Lord, will those who are saved be few??”

It seems like a fair enough question. Perhaps asked from general curiosity. Who gets in to the kingdom? How many are saved? Is it 90%? 50%? Only 1 in 5?

When we pastors are yet in school, an handy rule of thumb we are taught is not to answer a tough question too hastily. But rather, ask often, “why do you want to know?” Jesus, of course, doesn't need to ask that question. He already knows what the real questions is, or at least, should be. So his answer is not as straightforward as we might like, or as the original asker might have liked. Jesus doesn't simply say yes or no.

In a way, he answers the question behind the question. “What are MY odds of getting in?” or “am I likely to be saved?” Now that we make it personal, that question becomes much more important, and much more real.

What about you? Do you think you are likely to be saved? What if you had to put a percentage chance on it? 50-50? 75%? Of course we know in our heads, the answer we've learned, what we SHOULD say is 100%, of course, pastor! But is our faith always so unwavering? Or do we doubt and wonder?

Jesus says, in effect, “Don't you worry about how many others are saved. You be concerned about yourself, first. Make sure you strive toward the narrow door. For many will seek to enter and not be able.” WOW! So Jesus does answer – there are many who will not be saved! But am I one of them?

When he goes on to talk about those who will not be saved – it's not a pretty picture. Weeping and gnashing of teeth. The sense that those who are cast out know their misery well, and know that others have escaped it. We're talking about the torments of hell – eternal damnation. It's what we all deserve. Which makes the question even more pressing!
How likely is it that I get in that narrow door? Or will I be one of those on the outside, suffering the punishment I deserve?

Well there is a time when Jesus will cast away the wicked. Not everyone gets in. And it certainly isn't enough that we THINK we're deserving. Some will attempt to enter the kingdom on that basis, and Jesus will not accept them. He will look at all their supposed good works of merit and call them evildoers.

Nor is it enough to have a casual association with Jesus. Even some of those who met him in person, ate with him, and heard him preach will not enter the kingdom.

Nor is it enough to have the right birthright. To be born into the chosen people, whether we consider that to be as an ethnic Jew, or if we are born and raised in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. No, even some of those will certainly be turned away at the door.

So what is it then? What is the narrow door? How do I strive? How can I be certain? Forget how many and how likely. I want to know about my own soul, my own salvation, and have my own assurance that I get in!

Fear not, Christian, for Jesus has opened the door to you. And he has given you the kingdom. And you can be assured.

We know that God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to die for it... so that whoever believes will not perish but have eternal life. That means that the sins of the world are paid for – that no one is forbidden from the door. God's grace is an open invitation – even more – it is an undeserved kindness for all sinners. Salvation was won by Jesus at the cross where his blood was shed for all sin. But still, not all will receive this gift.

Some, even many, reject it. This is the broad road, the wide path to destruction. Disbelief. Those who do not trust in what Christ has done for them are doomed to eternal punishment.

But for us who believe, we are promised eternal life, freedom from hell, and all the blessings God has in store for his people. Faith in Jesus Christ is the narrow door. Only through him – the Way – can we receive the kingdom.

Faith, as we have said, is the assurance of things hoped for and the certainty of things unseen. Faith makes our salvation a certainly, not a likelihood. Faith says, I believe it, not because I am so good, but because God is! I trust, not because I am so trusting, but because God is so trustworthy. Faith always looks to God, to Christ, outward, not inward. And there faith finds its certainty.

You may say, “yes, but how much faith do I need?” And Jesus says, “only a mustard seed” But that seed of faith will always grow in his word. You may say, “What about my doubts and fears?” And Jesus says, like he says to Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe!” And you may pray, with the disciples, “I believe, Lord, help my unbelief!” And he will, by his Spirit, through his Word, in his Sacrament.

Faith looks to the promises of our baptism and the promises in God's Word, and the promise of his truly present Body and Blood for forgiveness, and faith is strengthened.

When doubt and fear ask the question, “who gets in to the kingdom?” Faith answers, “I do, but only through Jesus Christ my Lord. Who died for me, who lives for me, and who promises me life in his name.”

Of all the uncertainties and likelihoods and unlikelihoods and questions of life, here is one sure and firm and certain and unquestionable and rock-solid truth to cling to. Jesus died for you. You are saved through him.

Amen.

Lutheran Carnival LVII

Check it out at Random Intolerance

On "Christian News"

Most of us in the LCMS are well aware of the publication known as "Christian News". Check out their website, as the most recent issue has several of its stories actually posted to the web!

As I read through the most recent (print) issue (to which I do not subscribe, but always seem to get multiple copies of), I noticed that Rev. Paul McCain seems to be the topic du-jour. Which got me to thinking....

What does the Lutheran Blogosphere think of Christian News?

I know that there is a variety of opinion in the LCMS, ranging from disdain to admiration. At the recent convention, I heard CN referred to as a kind of "third-rail of LCMS politics", and that candidates endorsed by CN stood little chance. "Kiss of death" was the exact phrase I heard.

Many pastors simply won't read the publication. One of our former St. Louis prof's told us in a "fireside chat" setting that we simply shouldn't read it.

Some, like me, read anyway... with variously sized grains of salt. On some things, CN has been "right on". Other times, way off.

What are your observations/comments/evaluations of CN? Is it good, bad or ugly? Should a Lutheran read it at all? Why/why not?

I would also make the following observations/comments about CN:

- The sheer volume of production is overwhelming. Too much of a good thing, perhaps? I wonder if all the small print and long articles don't turn off some readers.

- The layout is often awkward and hard to follow.

- One of the better things CN does is simply re-print articles of note (from all sides). Jesus-First and Day-Star to blog articles to whatever... I am sometimes uneasy about how careful CN is to get permission for all these re-publications, but then I don't know the "rules" that well either.

- Sometimes CN seems to cross the fine line of satire and into the realm of "just plain mean".

- CN tends to repeat itself, from issue to issue and even within issues. This gives the publication more a feel of propoganda than an actual news publication.

- I realize there is quite a history to CN, and that I don't know much of it. Maybe that makes me ignorant, maybe it makes me unbiased?

- I don't think anyone will deny the influence CN has had and continues to have, but I do think that influence is certainly declining. CN is, in a way, part of the "old media" of the LCMS - and I think internet sources, in particular, the Lutheran Blogosphere are in some ways replacing it. Still there is an elderly subset who won't ever get up to speed with the internet, but as they die off so too will CN's audience. (Unless CN changes somehow - crossing over into the internet. I was surprised, as I wrote this, to see they are actually doing something with their website. But how successful this will be remains to be seen).

- How much of CN is simply Rev. Otten himself? Or will CN live on beyond him? Is there an heir apparent, or could there be?

What are your thoughts and opinions on "Christian News"? Leave a comment!

Wild Speculation Sans God

This is what happens when the human imagination runs wild and excludes God and his divine revelation from the picture:

Findings
Our Lives, Controlled From Some Guy’s Couch

By JOHN TIERNEY
Published: August 14, 2007
Until I talked to Nick Bostrom, a philosopher at Oxford University, it never occurred to me that our universe might be somebody else’s hobby. I hadn’t imagined that the omniscient, omnipotent creator of the heavens and earth could be an advanced version of a guy who spends his weekends building model railroads or overseeing video-game worlds like the Sims.

(Click here for the entire article)

Kieschnick Statement on ELCA Action

MEMO
TO: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
FROM: Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, President
SUBJECT: Statement regarding 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action
DATE: August 13, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ, Savior of the world and Lord of the universe, through whom alone we receive forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation!

On the final day of its 2007 Churchwide Assembly in Chicago (Saturday, August 11), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a resolution which “prays, urges, and encourages [ELCA geographical] synods, synodical bishops, and the presiding bishop to refrain from or demonstrate restraint in disciplining those rostered leaders in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship who have been called and rostered in this church.”

News of this action troubles me greatly and is causing serious concern and consternation among the members and leaders of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). We in the LCMS hold firmly to the conviction that, according to the Holy Bible, homosexual behavior is “intrinsically sinful.” We are deeply disappointed that the ELCA, by its decision, has failed to act in keeping with the historic and universal understanding of the Christian church regarding what Holy Scripture teaches about homosexual behavior as contrary to God’s will and about the biblical qualifications for holding the pastoral office.

The LCMS firmly believes that the sin of homosexual behavior, like every sin that fallen human beings commit, has been paid for in full by the life, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The LCMS also believes that we must continue to reach out in love to all people on the basis of what God’s Word alone teaches about human sinfulness, God’s grace in Christ, and the new life empowered by God’s Holy Spirit.

It should be noted that the ELCA voted not to amend at this time its governing documents regarding the expectations of its ordained workers in this area (this matter was referred to its task force on sexuality). However, its decision “to refrain from or demonstrate restraint in disciplining” ELCA workers in “a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship” raises troubling questions about whether the expectations set forth in its governing documents will be taken seriously by the ELCA or by the task force. The potential implications of decisions such as this for future LCMS-ELCA relations have been discussed in previous meetings involving leaders of the LCMS and the ELCA. In addition, I stated in my official greetings to the 2007 ELCA Assembly on Friday, August 10, “For the sake of our mutual witness and service together, the implications of such action, should it be taken, would need to be addressed, fraternally and evangelically.”

As the LCMS noted in a resolution adopted at its 2001 Convention (Resolution 3-21A), “we of the LCMS recognize that many of our brothers and sisters of the ELCA remain faithful to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and we resolve to reach out to them in love and support.” As President of the LCMS, it is my ongoing hope and fervent prayer—as stated in my remarks to the 2003 ELCA Assembly—that the ELCA’s continuing “study and deliberation of this matter will be made in the light of the biblical understanding of human sexuality and the qualifications for the pastoral office.” I also pray that God the Holy Spirit will lead and guide all Christians and Christian denominations everywhere to seek wisdom and truth from God’s inspired, inerrant, infallible Word on this and other critical issues in our contemporary church and culture.


Dr. Gerald B. Kieschnick, PresidentThe Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

_______

My own comments:

I commend our LCMS President for the courage it takes to address this matter, for it would have been far easier to simply say nothing. His words are timely and well taken, as far as they go.

I question, however, whether stronger words are not in order here. It seems to me the tone of our statements to each other is always so cautious and measured, that we sometimes lack the necessary call to repentance. Was the Law applied here in proper measure? I'm not so sure. Sometimes, perhaps this is one of those times, a "John the Baptist" statement is needed.

Church Website Updates

Thanks to Pr. Beisel, I too am now using the "Google Pages" application for our church website, gracelutheranracine.net

I was unhappy with our old webhost for a number of reasons, and I find the Google Pages is easy enough to work with, so there ya go.

Also embedded the recent YouTube video of this Sunday's sermon on the new Church home page. I love it when a plan comes together!

Sermon WITH VIDEO - Pentecost 11 - Hebrews 11:1-16

Sermon
Hebrews 11:1-16
“By Faith”

By faith… the key phrase in this great chapter of Hebrews 11.

By faith… Aaron trusted that however the test results came out, God was with him.
By faith… Rita knew that even though her husband died, God would never leave her.
By faith… Jennifer believed that God would give her strength to do the right thing with her unwanted pregnancy.
By faith… Edward heard God’s words of forgiveness, that Jesus paid even for that deep, dark sin from his past.
By faith… Owen laid on his deathbed, ready to go, assured that he would soon stand before the judgment and be declared righteous in Christ.

Faith is the important topic of this great faith-filled chapter of our New Testament.

First, we are given a definition of faith:
“the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of things not seen”

So faith has to do with what is not seen – that we would believe, even be certain of something that we do not see with our eyes.

This can be something that happened in the past – like creation: “By faith we understand that the universe as created by the word of God”. We have such a faith, even in the face of so many authorities, frantically trying to prove that we all came about by chance, that God is not a factor, that man and monkeys are byproducts of a process rather than creations by the very words and hands of God. Some place their faith in Darwin, or in popular scientists, some in carbon dating or geological stratification. But these are not sure places to place faith. In fact, just this week it was reported that scientists found two kinds of ancient humanoid skulls together that they once though were separated by millions of years of evolution. Back to the drawing board, I guess, for them.

By faith, we know that God the Father Almighty is the maker of heaven and earth, and of monkeys and men. Does this give us all the answers regarding the creation and evolution debate? No way. There are many questions that remain. But we take what we see (the science) and hold it accountable to what we know for certain, though we do not see.

Sometimes faith is in a past thing we haven't seen. But sometimes faith can be in a present reality that is unseen. Through the eyes of faith do we see Jesus’ body and blood truly present in the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. Only through faith can we see that the infant at the font has her sins washed away and receives Christ’s robe of righteousness. Only through faith can we stand over the grave of a loved one and say, “where oh death is they victory, where oh death is thy sting?”

We're not talking about what is unseen, as in, I just don't see it right now. For instance, I can't see the sun right now but I know it's in the sky, even if it's behind the clouds. The faith we mean to speak of is over and against what we do see. It flies in the face of what we see – contradicts it, even. But isn't that always God's way?

Perhaps the greatest contradiction of our faith comes when we look in the mirror. When we examine our own lives and see a poor, miserable sinner. A failure and a scoundrel. We see the real us that no one else sees behind all the layers of fakery. We see someone who is mean and selfish and petty and arrogant and vindictive and on and on. But that's what we see, with our eyes. Faith sees someone else.

Faith sees the forgiven child of God, not the scoundrel. Faith sees the person whose sins are washed in the baptismal waters, whose life is fed by the sacramental meal. Faith sees a temple of the Holy Spirit, a new creation, a holy and righteous one. All this in contrast to what our human eyes see. But we see, and more deeply and clearly, by faith.

And sometimes, quite often, faith has to do with the future. What hasn’t happened yet, but has been promised by God. We believe and trust that he will always fulfill his promises in Christ. That he who believes in me, even though he dies, yet shall he live. That at the trumpet call of God the dead in Christ will rise first. That we will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, to be like him, and that we will see him as he is. Every eye will see him, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. And the old creation will pass away as we see the new heaven and earth, and as we live there with God, who will wipe every tear from our eyes. A small sampling of the future promises to which faith clings, of which faith is assured, and in which we believe.

Now faith is not something we create, or earn, or bring to the table at all. On the contrary, our sinful nature means the very opposite of faith. We don’t want to believe what we don’t see, we need to be convinced by our own eyes. Like doubting Thomases or little scientists, all of us by nature know that seeing is believing. After all, that’s the way our world works – that’s our daily experience. Faith is foolish to the sinner, the man of the world. Why would you believe in such fairy tales, we are asked.

Or, in sin, we put our faith in the wrong things. We trust in and are assured of things which are not true or real. We put our faith in our own abilities to please God – that my good works will pass the muster of his perfect judgment. That my pitiful good works will earn eternal righteousness. That God will somehow wink at my sin, or consider it “not that bad”, and shoo me in the gate of heaven anyway.

Maybe we put our faith in the government, or in our church, or worse, in our pastors. Maybe we trust in our possessions or our prestige or our willpower. Maybe we even dabble in superstitions to deal with the uncertainty of things unseen.

But all these are wrong. There is only one God, and only one Lord Jesus Christ in whom we can truly place our faith, and not be disappointed. There is only one way we can be free from sin, and death, and all that goes with it. And it is by faith in Jesus Christ, and in his promises.

Such faith is a gift. It comes by hearing his word, and by being baptized into him. He gives the gift freely – he doesn’t give only to those who deserve it (for after all, none of us does deserve it). He gives the gift of faith, which holds onto the promises he also gives. And then he gives the fulfillment of those promises. From beginning to end, past, present and future, our salvation depends on him and him alone.

By faith… we know and trust that Jesus Christ was crucified for the sins of the world, and for my own sins. By faith… we know and trust that Jesus rose from the dead, and that we too shall rise in him. By faith… we look forward to that kingdom to come which he prepares for us even now. All by faith. And because it is from him, and in him, and not from us and in us, we are certain. We believe. We trust. We know. In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Here we go again...

At the ELCA national Assembly....

More than 80 add their names to a list of Lutheran clergy hoping to change their denomination's view of sexuality

It appears, however, that any substantial decisions on the sexuality issues have been referred to a task force. Looks like they are gearing up for a broader statement on sexuality in 2009.

EDIT: It appears the ELCA voted that its bishops will no longer discipline those pastors living in openly gay relationships. This seems to be another incremental step toward in the wrong direction, but a notable one. Stay tuned. And keep the ELCA in your prayers.

The Latest Abortion News...

OCEAN CITY, Md. — Genetic material from four dead fetuses found at an Ocean City home was being examined Tuesday in an attempt to see whether a 37-year-old taxi driver charged with murdering one of the babies is the mother of all four.

I am struck by this story for a number of reasons.

1. I am originally from Baltimore, MD and Ocean City was a favorite vacation spot for our family. In fact, I spent my honeymoon with my wife there.

2. Obviously this story presents all sorts of problems for the pro-abortion/pro-choice proponents. It will be interesting to see the legal wranglings over this case, and how the law treats this woman's actions in regards to the babies, born and unborn.

3. Mostly, though, the whole thing just makes me sick. And it makes me ponder about the ever more shocking news stories I've been reading in the headlines. Things that are unspeakable have become daily fodder for our media outlets. The Connecticut home invasion. This story, which I hate to even mention. There are so many horrific and increasingly disturbing accounts of sin gone wild in our world today.
What gives?

Before I sound like an old fogey, hankering for the good old days when everything was idyllic and placid... I know full well we have always had sin, and horrific crimes are nothing new.

But it appears to me there is an ever-increasing need to shock the American public with edgier and edgier stories. What might have outraged us years ago barely gets a shrug now. So how much further can we go?

I also wonder about the cumulative effect of all this on the spirit. It can't be good.

And to think, even for THIS sin, Christ has paid the price... wow.

Edit:  Found this interesting commentary by pundit Jon Sanders

Sermon - Pentecost 9 - Luke 11:1-13

Pentecost 9c
July 29th, 2007
Luke 11:1-13

"An Egg or a Scorpion?"

An egg or a scorpion. Close your eyes, hold out your hand, and I will give you one or the other. Which would you like? I think we would all prefer the egg. But what happens when the egg looks like a scorpion, and the scorpion looks like an egg? Then I may think I want the scorpion, even though I really want the egg.

Today we hear from Jesus on prayer. Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer is a little different than the one we’ve all memorized, but essentially the same. It is the example, or model prayer for disciples of Jesus to pray. It teaches us how to pray, how to think about prayer, what prayer is all about. But not just prayer – in fact here we learn much more about our relationship with God. For instance…

He is our Father, and we are his children. Perhaps not something that shocks us, but it should, that the God of the universe would see himself as our loving Father.

We pray for his name to be kept holy, and his kingdom to come. These “things of God”, his identity and his rulership, should always be first priorities for his children.

We pray for daily bread – not just bread, but everything to sustain our lives – and we pray to him, because he alone provides those things. And he provides them every day.

We pray for forgiveness – which is the bread for the soul. It is what we need to live spiritually, and he provides it even more abundantly.

And we ask for continued guidance, to steer us clear from sin and temptation – all that would harm us, every evil.

So we pray. So we trust God to hear us for the sake of Christ. So we live and believe in him.
Here in our reading from Luke, Jesus provides some further commentary, too…

He speaks of eggs and scorpions, fish and serpents, and a pest who knocks on his neighbor’s door at the midnight hour. But in it all, he wants to show us how to pray, and to assure us that through him our Heavenly Father will answer our prayers by giving us good things.
Back to the example of the scorpion and egg, or likewise the fish and the serpent. The point here is that the father gives the children what is good for them. But the problem with this, from our perspective, is that we don’t know what is good for us.

Imagine if certain parents gave their children everything they ever asked for. Perhaps you know parents like this – that let their children go to bed when they want, have any toys that they want, eat whatever junk food they want, and generally misbehave to their hearts’ content. Our estimation of such parents would be that they are shirking their duties, and failing their children. And the children likely won’t be the better for it. Though the children think they are receiving eggs, they are really getting scorpions.

So it is with us, when it comes to prayer. We think we know what’s best for ourselves. We certainly know what we want. And sometimes that is what God wants us to have. But not always. God’s will for our lives, and his estimation of what is good for us is not determined by our often petty and sinful wants and desires. Even the “biggies” for us, like wealth and health and love – things for which most people pray fervently – God often says “no” to these requests. Such an answer doesn’t make sense to us. We may ask God why? And often no answer is forthcoming. Sort of like a parent, who tells a child, “Because I said so”.

But God is good, and he means good for us, his children. He knows what we need and knows it better than we do. And while he does bless us richly with physical, earthly blessings, sometimes we are blessed by not receiving them. All in accord with his will.

However, these earthly things are not the only kinds of blessings, nor are they most important. Just as it is more important for our children to learn kindness and integrity than to have the latest toy, so too God knows the things spiritual are better for us than anything physical could be. And here is where his sure promise is founded.

When Jesus says, “ask, and it will be given… knock, and it will be open to you”, he doesn’t mean to suggest God is a great candy dispenser or social welfare provider. God is not the eager bellhop who stands ready to do our bidding. Rather, when prayed in faith, according to his will, God will give us everything good for our blessing – especially those things spiritual.

Grace, mercy and peace. Forgiveness of our sins in Jesus Christ. Salvation. Eternal life. A clear conscience. The guidance of the Holy Spirit. These things we know are God’s will for us. These are the good gifts he guarantees.

How can God make such promises? Why does he esteem us, poorly behaved children that we are? On what basis does he provide so many and wonderful gifts to such petulant and wayward children? It’s because of Jesus Christ, of course.

Jesus who died on the cross – and there crushed the head of the serpent. Jesus who drank the cup of wrath, according to his Father’s will, that cup filled not with scorpion’s venom, but with the poison of our sins. He takes what is evil and sinful and wicked, and in return he gives us all good things.

And he calls on us to trust him, as in our prayers. That we would look to him for good things. For as an earthly father wouldn’t give his children something to harm them, how much more our Heavenly Father will give us good things.

And as an impatient neighbor gives in to a persistent neighbor, not out of love but to get rid of the pest, how much more will our patient and loving Father graciously give us good things simply because he wants to!

So, Christians, pray. Pray as Jesus taught. Pray for what he taught – earthly and spiritual blessings. Pray, knowing that your Heavenly Father hears you, and knows what is best – better than you do. Pray, trusting that he hears you, even though you are a sinner, only for the sake of Jesus Christ. Pray and expect that he will give you what is good. Ask. Seek. Knock. And all the while, trust. And you will receive what he freely gives, in Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.

Grace TV Ad

Here's a local cable television ad we ran a few years back. We eventually gave up on it because the cost was a little high, and we weren't able to run it too often.

Of course, now in the age of YouTube... I see all kinds of possibilities.

We are going to tinker with some sermon V-Casts soon. Many thanks to Matt who is helping out with this project!

More disturbing ELCA news...

Same-sex salvation
LUTHERAN CHURCH | Wayne Miller, the next Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, is pushing for abolition of celibacy requirements for gay and lesbian clergy...  link here.

Blog-keeping...

Did some updates to the blog... cleaned up some of the mess at the top, updated some links, removed some clutter.

Also deleted "Lutheran Surviror"  (cancelled?)

and moved much of "Render Unto Caesar..." to a perma-post on the main blog.

Simplifying my blog life, you see.

Render Unto Caesar...

So they asked him, "Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?" They said, "Caesar's." He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. (Luke 20:21-26 ESV)

A Collection of Resources on Lutheran Two-Kingdom Theology:

From "Issues, Etc." Lutheran Radio Program:
Issues, Etc. Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Hour 2 WMA
Hour 2 MP3 "Open Lines: Sen. Kerry's Remarks at the AME Convention"
"Christianity & Culture: Two Kingdom Theology"
Rev. Mark Sell Concordia Publishing House
Hour 3 WMA
Hour 3 MP3 "Christianity & Culture: Two Kingdom Theology (cont.)" Rev. Mark Sell Concordia Publishing House "Sen. John Edwards & Abortion" Barbara Holdt North Carolina Right to Life

Issues, Etc. Sunday, October 24, 2004
Hour 1 WMA
Hour 1 MP3

Hour 2 WMA
Hour 2 MP3 "Christianity in Two Kingdoms: Church and State," Pastor Mark Sell Concordia Publishing House

Issues, Etc. Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Hour 1 WMA
Hour 1 MP3 "Two Kingdom Theology & Bioethics" Dr. Gene Edward Veith World magazine

Issues, Etc. Monday, November 20, 2006
Hour 2 WMA
Hour 2 MP3 "The Culture War & Christian Democracy" Allan Carlson Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society "Two Kingdom Theology" Uwe Siemon Netto Concordia Seminary Institute on Lay Vocation

Some Books: 

Lutheran Pastors and Politics: Issues in the Public Square (from CPH)

The Anonymous God (from CPH)

Preachrblog  posts on the Two Kingdoms:

More on Confusion of 2 Kingdoms

More 2 Kingdom and Clergy Stuff

Lutheran Clergy, Politics, and Blogging

Pastors and 2-Kingdom Authority

Pr. Fouts Coins a Phrase

Pastor Ryan Fouts, from an internet discussion group:

"Of course we have areas of agreement. The disagreements have certainly
shifted from SOME of those of the Seminex era -- though I'd suggest that "Gospel
reductionism," morphed now into "mission reductionism" is one of the errors of
our day being avidly promoted by some"

"Mission Reductionism" - a false belief in some circles that "mission" or "outreach" is the number one priority of the church, something I certainly saw on display at the recent LCMS convention. Thanks for the aphorism, Pr. Fouts!

Sermon - St. Mary Magdalene - John 20:1-2, 10-18

Sermon
St. Mary Magdalene
John 20:1-2, 10-18
July 22, 2007


As you’ve certainly noticed from our bulletin, today we observe a saint’s day in honor of Mary Magdalene. Like Christians throughout the ages, we look back to these people of God, especially from the New Testament, as examples of God’s grace shown in people’s lives, and as examples of faith for us to follow.

We don’t worship the saints, or look to them for any blessings – that is reserved for God alone. Nevertheless, there is something to learn from them about how our Lord deals with his people. And so we consider Mary Magdalene today, not for her own sake, but for how her story leads us also to Christ.

So who was Mary? What we know about her from the New Testament is this: she was a follower of Jesus. He had cast 7 demons out from her. Along with other women who accompanied Jesus to Jerusalem, she witnessed the crucifixion. She also was among those first witnesses to the Resurrection. After seeing Jesus’ body missing at the empty tomb, she went to tell Peter and John (and is sometimes called, therefore, “apostle to the apostles”). She then, apparently, returned to the tomb and there met two angels, along with Jesus himself, as we see in our Gospel reading today.

Many other traditions surround Mary, however. Many think of her as a former prostitute, though Scripture doesn’t say this, because Pope Gregory suggested this in a famous sermon. There is an ancient document known as “The Gospel of Mary” which the Christian church has long since rejected as false teaching.

More recently, the popular novel and movie “The DaVinci Code” suggests Mary was much more than a follower of Jesus, but his very wife. The idea is that Jesus and Mary had a child together, and that Jesus’ bloodline can be traced down into the kings of European history, and perhaps even continues today.

But all of this nonsense is a huge distraction from the most important thing to know about Mary – she was sinner forgiven by Christ. Just like you and me.

Not a gospel writer, but a gospel receiver. She was among the first to hear and see the good news that Jesus was alive! Like Mary, we too are recipients of that news. We celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, not only on Easter, but on every Sunday (or, Lord's Day). But also like Mary, we can and do tell the news as we have the opportunity. She went to tell Peter and John. Perhaps we have chances to tell family members and friends, witnessing and answering of the hope that is within us. “What makes you tick?” Someone might want to know... and an opening to share your faith in Christ appears. “What are you doing this Sunday?” and an opportunity to invite your family member to church arises.

No, Mary was not Jesus' wife, but like all of us she was part of the Bride. Yes, Jesus does have a bride, and that is his church – the whole people of God. People who fall at his feet in worship and praise for all the good he has done us.

Like us, Mary was set free from the power of the devil. For her, it was a direct exorcism by the Lord. For most of us, it was at the baptismal font, where we “renounced the devil and all his works and all his ways” and there our Lord cast out (or washed out) from us all sin, death and power of the devil. Like Mary, we belong to a new Spirit – the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Christ.

And like Jesus spoke to Mary, in the garden, calling her by name – so he has called each of us by name in Baptism, applying his grace and mercy in an individual way.

No, Mary was not the bearer of Jesus' bloodline, but she was, like us, saved by his blood. For at the cross Jesus shed his blood to make us all children of God – members of his divine bloodline by grace through faith. We become part of his family, and receive blessings untold through that saving blood.

And that same blood, along with his body, is offered even today. For the fruits of the cross are not merely seasonal. Jesus body and blood are here for you today, just as Christ is present in bread and wine for Christians all over the world, from every nation and tribe. And Jesus Christ will be here for you in Word and Sacrament next week, and the week after that, and for your whole earthly life. His forgiveness never ends. His blood never fails.

And on your deathbed, you will still be able to turn to Christ and know that the one who rose from the dead promises you a resurrection. So like Mary, who saw our risen Lord in the Garden, we too will meet him face to face.

Mary Magdalene reminds us today of our status as sinners forgiven by the Lord Jesus Christ. Like her, we have seen the Lord and know his goodness. For just as Jesus loved Mary, so he loves us, and grants us the same promises and blessings. Give thanks to God for Mary Magdalene, who like all the saints, points us to Christ our savior, by whose blood we are saved. In His Name, Amen.

Too Tired...

Too tired to blog much about the convention. A little frustrated, and a lot bored.

You can get the daily summaries from lcms.org

I would commend to you another two bloggers who have been commenting:

The Confessional Gadfly for the comments of delegate Rev. Eric J Brown

Thinking Out Loud for the thoughts of delegate Rev. Rick Stuckwisch

Edit: One Lutheran Ablog! Rev. Paul Beisel shares his thoughts as a delegate

Don't forget to also check out the ALPB.org coverage

Convention Report - Day 1

Kieschnick re-elected 52% on the first ballot.

Diekelman narrowly edges out Wohlrabe on the 3rd ballot for 1st VP.

Paul Maier 2nd VP.

John Wohlrabe 3rd VP, the one candidate I voted for that won...

Nadasdy and Buegler 4th and 5th.

Lots of other manuevering on nominations and omnibus resolutions, in which the "minority" was basically shellaqed.

Video greetings from president GWB as well as some minor levity rounded out this very LONG first day of the convention.

Preconvention Report - Overheard Conversations

Well here I am in the hotel lobby, too cheap to pay the $10/day in-room internet fee. At least it's free here. As promised, an update from the convention so far.

Official business, and the "big" elections begin today. I'm sure I will post about that later today.

Yesterday was: open floor committee meetings (which I did not attend), all delegate orientation (which was prety much the same as last year), opening worship, and the all-delegate meal.

But so far the most notable things that have happened have been conversations I have overheard.

One, in the shuttle on the way from the airport, included a conference attendee who came only to speak to the floor committee. He was a PCA (conservative Presbyterian) military chaplin who was lobbying for the LCMS to pass a resolution decrying women in combat roles. We had an overture to that effect which the floor committee had declined - saying the issue had been adequetely covered in a 13 year old Lutheran Witness article (which was really a point-counterpoint type of piece). I hope he swayed the floor committee to put the issue back on the docket, so the LCMS can take an official stand on this, as many other conservative denominaitons have done.

The other interesting conversation I overheard was at the delegate orientation session. Right behind me sat two older gentlemen who got to talking about the choices in the presidential election. One said something like this: "Yeah, I read all the stuff and studied the candidates. I even watched that DVD about Wohlrabe. I agree with a lot of what he said there, but... he said something against contemporary worship, and my congregation HAS contemporary worship, so I can't vote for him..." Too bad, because I do think Wohlrabe is the man we should elect.

The general sentiment around here seems to be that Kieschnick will be reelected handily. We shall see.

Finally I have had the chance to re-connect with a number of old friends and acquaintences, and meet some new ones. I pray the convention will go well, but even if not, God will continue to bless His church in Jesus Christ.

Until later...

A "Shocking" Sermon?

Charismatic Pastor in Uganda is accused of getting a little "help" in his... uh... anointing.