Racine Lutheran High School
Graduation Day Service
May 22, 2009
John 10:14
“It's Not What You Know”

Dear friends and family, parents and teachers, Mr. Baganz and the Board of Directors, honored guests, and especially you, the Racine Lutheran High School class of 2009. Grace and peace to you.... Amen.

It's my honor and privilege to preach this evening for this special occasion. I myself am a graduate of a Lutheran High School (in Baltimore). Years ago I sat where you sit now... anxiously waiting for all the ceremonies to be over, so that the party could begin. Looking forward to my summer off from school, to college, and to life in the “real world”.

These four years for you have been a time of great growth. When you came here as Freshmen, you were not the young adults you are now. When you came here to a new school, you hadn't made all these friends – some of whom will last a lifetime.

And when you came here 4 years and 60-something credits ago, there was much you didn't know. You've learned a lot. Algebra. Biology. Computer technologies. Social Studies. Even Theology.

You have amassed quite a bit of “book knowledge” from your studies, and our prayer is that it will serve you well. After all, that's what an education is about – learning.

But there are some who see all this as a hoop to jump through. A formality – just something that people do. That all that learning really isn't what makes for success in life. That a diploma and a degree are just pieces of paper. That it's not about what you know, instead it's about WHO you know.

And for some people that seems true. We hear of the “success stories” don't we – people who accomplish great things (or at least seem to get far in life), and have little education. They make their way perhaps through determination and talent, but perhaps sometimes because they have lots of connections – and for them, it's really not what you know – it's who you know.

But anyway....this is not just any school you are graduating from. It's a Lutheran High School. So there's more to your learning that the three R's. You've gotten much more here than book learning and a piece of paper. Your daily adventures in this place have really not been all about what you know. They've also been about who you know. And who knows you. Jesus Christ.

“I know my sheep and my sheep know me”, Jesus says. He is the Good Shepherd. He, our Savior, lays down his life for us, the sheep. Jesus died on the cross for sinners like you and me. He died to take away your sins and mine. That's a message you've heard over and over again here at Lutheran High. Jesus died for you.

While your studies have prepared you well for what lies next – while your piece of paper really does represent an achievement of great importance – while your friends and family should all celebrate on this important occasion... Still, it's not what you know. It's who you know, and who knows you, that counts the most.

“I knew you before you were born” The Lord said to Jeremiah. And we believe that God has a plan for each of us whom he knows. That plan is first of all to forgive our sins and promise us eternal life in Christ. But it's also a plan for us to live as his people on Earth – in the meantime. Whether that plan means that you are to become a professor or a mechanic, an entrepreneur or a stay-at-home mom, a salesman or a brigadier general, it will all unfold in time. Whatever you do, do to the glory of God and in thanks and praise for his many blessings.

Through it all – it's important to know things. God gives us this gray stuff between our ears for good reason. He expects us to use it. So keep studying and learning! If you're off to college, hit those books hard! If you're done with school for now, don't think your learning is over either. Each day is a new day for us to grow and mature. Even Jesus himself grew in “wisdom and stature” before God and men. So keep learning!

But salvation is not between the ears, it's in the heart. In the faith that trusts in his promise. In the spirit that clings to his word. Baptized and believing children of God – knowing him and known by him – this is what matters for eternity. He knows you better than you will ever know yourself.

Scripture says that God even knows how many hairs you have on your head! He cares so deeply and intimately about you, he knows you so well... Yes, its not so much about what you know as it is who you know. And for us, it's not even about who we know, as much as it is about who knows us.

We know very little about God and his business. He tells us what we need to know in Holy Scripture – but much about him and his ways is a mystery. But all-knowing God has you totally figured out.

He knows you are a sinner, who does things everyday that are just plain bad and wrong. He knows that you are weak, and that you can't do anything to save yourself. That all your best intentions are still flawed and failing. He knows your limitations, your personality flaws, your deep dark secrets. And the good news is, knowing all that, he loves you anyway!

“I know my sheep, and my sheep know me”. You've heard of some people so ugly – they've got a face that only a mother could love? How about someone that's so sinful, only our Savior could love? That's all of us. He knows our sins and loves us anyway. That's because in Christ our sins are put away. It's not what he knows, it's what he forgives! As far as the east is from the west – and he remembers our sins no more.

You've learned a lot here at Lutheran High. You've made some good friends too. But in the end it's not what you know. And it's not even who you know, that counts. It's who knows YOU. And we know who that is – the one who loves us, the one who died for us, the one who is with us wherever life's journey leads. Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd. May we, may you especially (graduates as you move on from here), continue to listen to his voice.

Ascension Day, 2009
“The Power of God”
Ephesians 1:16-23

We humans are obsessed with power. Who's in power in the halls of government. So-and-so's a strong woman. So-and-so's a take charge kind of guy who gets things done. He's got so many people working under him. There's the power of persuasion, the power that comes with money, and the power to get what you want from people- bending their wills through intimidation and force. I think of Donald Trump and his catch phrase, “You're fired”. Our world glorifies that kind of power.

If we only had the power to solve all our problems, heal our diseases, make people treat us with respect, get everything done that we want. But a little honesty will show us that we're not so powerful at all. And so we feel powerless, hopeless, despondent.

Power is something most people want. Power – in its many forms – makes us feel in control. Power makes us feel, well, like God. That's the original temptation Satan put before Adam and Eve, and he still puts it before us each day. “Have it your way”. You set the rules. You have the power. You can be like God. In fact who needs God and what he says, anyway, when you have the power? You don't need to bow to his power, his control, his law. Be your own man or woman. Make your own choices, set your own agenda. And the more power you have, the better you can do all that... right?

Wrong. The lie behind it all – the great deception of power, is that we have ANY power. In truth we sinners are quite powerless. We can do nothing on our own – except sin. We're not in control. Rather, we are bound and chained in the Devil's power, until Christ claims us as his own. We would be lost forever unless Jesus delivered us. We would be hopeless, helpless... powerless, without him.

Christ has all the power. St. Paul speaks eloquently in our reading today about that power – the glory, the authority, the dominion that belong to him. His name is greater than any name. His throne is higher than any throne. The church celebrates Ascension day to mark that event in our Lord's work in which he, Jesus, takes back his full and supreme power over all things – sits in his rightful throne on high, and rules over everything for our good. He has the power, all power- and he wields it for us!

That power was shown in the glory of his resurrection. “ his great might 20that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places”

Raised from death's power, he lives forever triumphant. And because he lives and reigns, we will live and reign.

Jesus, our forerunner, goes through all of human life and redeems it for us. He is born, he grows, he is baptized, he even dies – all experiences of the human life – he humiliated himself to walk the walk, walk our walk, and do it perfectly.

But in the resurrection and ascension, he begins his exalted work for us – and shows us what our future looks like. He exercises his power – over death, over sin, over Satan. He descends into Hell to announce his victory, and he ascends into heaven to reclaim his rightful place. In him, we have power – and only in him do we have power – over sin, death and devil. In him we have life even after death. In him we will reign on high forever.

True power, the power that Christ gives, is not power to make people do things. It is not the base and low sinful exertion of your will over someone else's. Christians are not about bullying. But true power is found in Christ and his word. The Gospel is “the power of God for salvation”. True authority is that authority that he gives for forgive sins. True might is the strength to serve others and show love, even laying down your own life for another.

That's what Jesus did, after all. He came not to be served, but to serve. He taught his disciples to do the same. The rulers of the gentiles lord their power over people, but it shall not be so among you! In Christ we have great power, true power, but it is not a power that seeks selfish gain. Rather, it is a power like his own – a power to help and heal and love and nurture. A power to die for someone else – in little or big ways. A power to live not according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. Yes, the Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us to live in Christ.

And his power is made perfect in weakness. Think of the cross – how helpless and weak he was on that dark day. But there when it seemed all was lost, when they jeered him and taunted, “save yourself if you can!”. There his power was made perfect – there he was saving not himself, but the world. The men of worldly power thought they had won the day, but the man who was also God was exercising true power, in weakness. And the glory was soon to come.

There is a sinful lust for power alive and well among us. But in reality we are powerless – powerless to save ourselves. Powerless in the face of death. Powerless even to reach out for God's help.
But Jesus Christ has power. He made his power known in the weakness of the cross, in the glory of Easter, and now exercises that power fully in his ascension. He does it all for us – so that by HIS power we are forgiven, enlivened, and empowered to live as his people now and forever.

Sermon -- Easter 6 - 1 John 5:6-8

Easter 6, 2009
“Water, Blood, Spirit”
1 John 5:1-8

Water, Blood, Spirit. Three ways in which Christ comes. Three testimonies which all agree. Jesus is the Christ. He died for sinners, he rose in victory, he ascended and reigns on high. Water, Blood, Spirit. Three timeless concepts from John's letter which still apply to us, even today.

Water and Blood... came from Jesus side. You remember when Jesus was crucified, St. John was there to see it. The only disciple to remain. And one of the things he witnessed was when the soldiers came along to bring a speedy death to those on the crosses. The two thieves at Jesus' side – well the soldiers broke their legs to hasten death. But Jesus was already dead. And so they didn't break his legs. They did a less invasive check, to make sure he was dead. A soldier pierced his side with a spear. And blood and water came flowing from Jesus' side. John saw it happen, and he took note of this important detail.

Water and Blood, John writes about these, many years later in his first epistle, our text for today. He must have had Good Friday in mind, and the strange sight he saw when Jesus' side was pierced. But what does it all mean to us?

Water – that universal substance upon which life depends. As common a thing as you can find. A basic purpose for water is cleansing. What better element for God to use in cleansing us from sin? Yes, water, the water of Holy Baptism which establishes us as God's people – a blessed means by which God gives us his grace.
Water joined with his word of promise – a never-ending river of life.

And Blood – the “stuff of life”, in a way. We speak of the “lifeblood” and we know that without our blood, we soon die. Jesus gave his blood to win eternal life for us – and he gives us his blood and body in a blessed sacrament, another means of grace – Holy Communion. Bread and wine, so simple and common, become vessels for Christ's real presence, which he gives us to take and eat, and take and drink, for the forgiveness of our sins.

Water and Blood... that's how he comes. He fulfills all righteousness through the water of his own baptism in the Jordan. And he satisfies God's wrath by shedding his innocent blood at the cross. Jesus comes, that is, he completes his mission in water and blood.

And he comes to each of us, personally, in water and blood – in Baptism and Holy Communion – he comes bearing gifts and blessings too profound to appreciate. He dies for the world, of course. But he comes to you in particular, in this time and place. He calls you by name, washes you, touches you – in the water and the blood.

Some have said that when Jesus side was pierced, that it was a picture of the church's birth. Born of water and the spirit, and sustained by the blood of the new covenant – the Christ church is established by Jesus - taken from the side of this Second Adam just as the first woman was born from the rib of the First Adam.

But John mentions three – water, blood and Spirit. And the Spirit is the truth. Jesus comes by, in, through – his Holy Spirit.

And the Holy Spirit works in the Word. God's word is the most precious gift, the most important means of his grace. It is the truth. Without it, we know nothing of Salvation in Jesus Christ. Without the word, we wouldn't have baptism but just plain water. Without the word, we would have only bread and wine, and no promise of forgiveness. Without the word, we would have nowhere to look for the Spirit, no sure foundation upon which to rest our faith.

And so, the Spirit testifies, the water and the blood tesitify... to Jesus. And they all argree - that he is the Christ. That he died and rose again. That he comes to ransom sinners – and not just any sinners, but you and me.

We need the waters of baptism, to wash away our sin. For the word also shows us ourselves, it is a mirror for us to see our sin. We'd have much to answer for, did he not wash it all away. And that washing is a daily renewal – an ongoing flood of blessing.

We need the sustenance of his blood and body, the spiritual meal which keeps us nourished. For the world saps our strength, and our enemies abound. But his blood is our lifeblood, and sustains us in all things.

Christ has loved us, and so we love each other. Christ has overcome the world, and so we become more than conquerors. Christ has called us to keep his commandments, which we do in love for him and by the strength of his spirit. A spirit which always brings us back to him for cleansing and feeding, for forgiveness and life.

Water, Blood, and Spirit. All for you, in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Under the Influence

I've begun a study of the LCMS (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) with our Sunday morning Bible class.

One of the topics we will be covering is what outside, non-Lutheran influences have affected thinking and practice in our church body. Certainly American culture is a major one. However, another major influence of late has been "Evangelicalism".

Dr. David Adams makes this very case in his assessment of what divides the LCMS today, a view which I find to be very insightful.

Disclaimer: Not everything in Evangelicalism is necessarily bad. We Lutherans do have points of commonality as well as important differences. I'd just like to see an increased awareness of what those are.

Most of us in the LCMS have been influenced, somehow or another, by modern American Evangelicalism. With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy, I put together the beginnings of a list... feel free to tack on your own comments. If they're really good I will even include them in the post.

___

YOU MIGHT BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF EVANGELICALISM IF:

You believe it's important to be “Christian First, Lutheran Second”

You would rather have lunch with James Dobson than C.F.W. Walther

You believe the Great Commission is the central point of Christian teaching

You think that many Lutherans are too concerned about Doctrine

You've ever called someone a pharisee for defending a point of biblical teaching

You think that different Christian teachings needlessly offend people

You prefer to say “close” rather than “closed” communion

Your idea of close communion means that Christians from other denominations are probably “close enough”

You say things like, “we've just gotta get the young people involved at church”

You don't see why an organ is more appropriate in church than a drum set

You prefer Group Publishing to CPH

You prefer Youth Specialties to Higher Things

You prefer Focus on the Family over Issues, Etc.

You think churches that are shrinking in size MUST be doing something very wrong
or
You think churches that are growing in size MUST be doing something very right

You think Lutherans believe “pretty much the same” as non-Lutherans

You think crucifixes and private confession are “too Catholic”

Your prayers contain the phrase, “Lord, we just...”

You repeat the mantra, “everything happens for a reason”

You think congregations should be “mission outposts” not “maintenance stations”

You believe the “marks of the church” include: stewardship, servanthood, and political activism

You think Confirmation is as important, or almost as important, as Holy Baptism

You believe that Holy Communion is between you and God, but has nothing to do with your neighbor

_______

Feel free to add to my list here...

"Stand Firm" on TCN/Revitalization

One of the more dubious phenomena in the LCMS today is the "Transforming Congregations Network" and its "Revitalization" process. It's a program or approach to church that is growing in our circles, about which many of us have some serious reservations.

Scott over at "Stand Firm" has begun a series of articles taking a closer (and critical) look at TCN and Revitalization. If your congregation is considering participating in something like this, you do well to read Scott's work carefully:

The Transforming Churches Network: Part 1, A Non-Native Invasion
http://stand-firm.blogspot.com/2009/04/transforming-churches-network-part-1.html

The Transforming Churches Network: Part 2, It's All About Commitment
http://stand-firm.blogspot.com/2009/04/transforming-churches-network-part-2.html

The Transforming Churches Network: Part 3, Eliminating Regressive Attitudes
http://stand-firm.blogspot.com/2009/04/transforming-churches-network-part-3.html

My Blogging Wife

Well the Mrs. has entered the blogosphere. She asked me to pass it on to those who might be interested. She take a little different approach than I do, of course, which is good, I'm sure. Check her out at "Speak With Me": http://brendachryst.blogspot.com

Sermon - Easter 3 - Luke 24:36-39

Easter 3, 2009
Luke 24:36-49
“The Assurance of the Risen Christ”

Today we read from Luke's Gospel how Jesus appeared to his disciples after he rose from the dead. Luke tells us how he walked with 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus, taught them and broke bread with them. And now, Jesus appears to the 12, shows his calling-card wounds, and encourages them to believe.

He knows they are superstitious. Back when he walked out to them on the water – they saw him coming and thought he was a ghost! Now too, Jesus knew his disciples might think it was his ghost appearing to them. That he had “come back to haunt them” or something.

But he says, “Peace to you!”. And he calms their doubts and fears. He even proves he has real flesh and blood by eating in their presence, and letting them touch his flesh.

He has much to teach them, and he opens their minds to the scriptures. Then they begin to see that this was always how it had to be. He had to suffer. He had to die. He had to rise again. Just like the scriptures say. Just like he explained to the disciples on the way to Emmaus.

But his plan isn't done yet. It doesn't end when the disciples see him alive. The road doesn't stop at Emmaus, either. Repentance and forgiveness are to be preached to the ends of the earth. In a way, Easter is just the beginning.

What does all this have to do with you and me? Well, we can certainly identify with the disciples and their doubts and fears. We find it difficult, at times, to believe and trust in Jesus and all he says. If they were struggling when he stood before them in the flesh – how much more can we expect to be plagued by doubts and fears. After all, we are sinners – and like our first parents in the garden, Satan tempts us too... “did God really say...?”

But Jesus assures us too. And he comes to us in a meal, as he did to his disciples. He doesn't eat with us, but he is the host and better, he is the very meal. He gives his body and blood to us to forgive sins, yes, but also to strengthen faith. If you want to be closer to Jesus, if you want to be a stronger Christian, if you want your faith to grow – feed it – with the food he gives. The real presence of his body and blood for you. Take and eat and drink, and live, and believe more deeply.

We are like the disciples in other ways too. We need our minds opened to the scriptures. And while Jesus himself isn't going to teach us personally, he doesn't leave us without the means to know his word.

He gives us the written word. Bibles. What a blessing to have so many and inexpensive Bibles to choose from. At no other time in history has God's word been so accessible to so many people. And by the way, this might be a good time to mention the new Lutheran Study Bible which is coming out in October, and if you want a copy you can sign up after church....

But not only do we have the Bible, we have other Christians to help us learn what it teaches. We have pastors and teachers, we have forefathers in the faith to lean on. We can even gain new insight from our peers in the faith. And while we must carefully discern the true from the false teachers (and they are many). Still, we are not left alone to learn God's word on our own. Each of us as been taught, and is taught, by others God places before us.

Our understanding is often clouded by sin, and by the agenda we bring to God's word. Satan would tempt us to ignore or twist God's very word. He would have us read only those parts that suit his purposes. Or he'll turn God's promises into laws or mix things up in confusion. But God's word has power nonetheless, and never returns to him void. Like his many other good gifts, we pray we will use his word faithfully, for it is a precious gift.

Jesus assures the disciples with his presence at a meal, and with an understanding of the scriptures – and he does the same for us. But he also mentions, “The promise of my Father”. And we might wonder what that is.

To these superstitious men who thought they might be seeing a Ghost, Jesus is promising, the Father is promising, the Holy Spirit. The comforter, the counselor, the one who leads us into all truth. He who works through the word, and in the sacraments. The Lord and Giver of Life. The Holy Spirit was soon to come and clothe this ragtag band with “power from on high”. For they had a charge set before them.

Go and preach the Gospel, and baptize the nations. Teach them to observe all things I have commanded you. As the Father sends me, so I send you. Forgive and retain sins, and they are forgiven or retained. You are my ambassadors.

And again, we identify with those disciples. Jesus feeds them, teaches them, and sends them out to do their work. And so he does for us.

As a church, our calling is to do good to all people, especially to those of the family of the faith. Our calling is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ crucified for sinners. Our calling is to faithfully administer the sacraments he has given to us.

And each of us has a part in that. Some act publicly. Some support privately. And all of us, in daily life, serve our neighbor and love our neighbor, and we ARE witnesses simply in living out our faith.

A witness simply tells what he sees. When asked, Christians can tell what we see. We see in God's word a power for salvation – the Gospel. That Jesus died for my sins, and the sins of the world. We see in God's word that all have sinned, including me. We see that when we bring those sins before him they are washed away in baptism, and forgiven in the feast. And we show others the love that Christ first showed us, because the comfort of the Gospel overflows in our lives.

In this Easter season, we rejoice with Peter and John, with Mary Magdelene, with Doubting and Believing Thomas, with the Disicples who walked to Emmaus, and with all the other witness of the resurrection – whether they saw him with their eyes, or with the eyes of faith. We take comfort in his meal and in his word and in his Spirit, who clothes us with the power of Jesus death and his life.

Harrison at SWD

South Wisconsin District
Spring Pastors Conference
Welcomed our main speaker, Rev. Matthew Harrison.

I have to say this was one of the best, most theologically adept presentations we've had. Matt has a real heart for people and a solid grounding of doctrine. A rare combination, it seems!

Here's video of his sermon from the conference service, "You Are Accounted".

I think Harrison would make a fine synodical president in 2010, and agree with the growing chorus of his supporters.

Sermon - Easter Sunday - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Easter Sunday 2009
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
“What's the Plan?”

Christ is Risen. (He is risen indeed. Alleluia!)

“What's the plan of the day?”

“Well, it's Easter, so we'll go to church. And I suppose it's best to go to the ______ service. Then maybe we'll go out for brunch or have an easter-egg hunt with the kids. The kids are dying to get into their Easter baskets. We'll pick up some lilies on the way over to visit Grandma. And then it's a big ham dinner – you know we always have ham on Easter....”

What's the plan? We make lots of plans, don't we. Maybe you were planning for retirement and the last year made you change your plans. Maybe you were planning to grow old with your spouse, but it seemed that cancer had other plans. Maybe you had planned to work your way up the ladder at work, and now there's no more ladder and you find yourself falling.... No, this wasn't part of the plan. This wasn't my plan, anyway.

So where is God in all of this? John Stienbeck is famous for writing the line, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. But what about the plans of God? On this Easter Sunday, amid all the celebration, is it fair to ask what God's plan is? What is he up to in the world, or more importantly in my life? Where do I fit in to God's plan?

St. Paul speaks to that in our Epistle from 1 Corinthians 15. In fact, Paul lays out the step-by-step plan that Jesus followed. The plan that was plotted and predicted ahead of time in the scriptures, and by our Lord himself. The same plan he fulfilled with perfection:

“That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”

Sin was never part of the plan – not God's plan, anyway. But when Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, God was quick with a plan to address it. He promised a savior – an offspring of the woman that would crush the head of the serpent. And Jesus is the fulfillment of that age-old plan.

Jesus died for the sins of the world, as the scriptures said he would. Jesus made this plain to his disciples, and he spoke of it publicly to others: “Tear down this temple and I will rebuild it in three days”. He knew he came to die. It was the reason he was born. Jesus is no mere example, no simple teacher, no plain prophet or miracle worker – though he is all those things – but he is the savior of the world. The one sacrifice for sin, who gave his life up on Good Friday in shame and agony. This was, of course, central to the plan.

He was buried, according to the plan. Unusual, perhaps, that someone who was crucified would be buried. Usually crucifixion victims were cremated by the Romans, and not given a proper Jewish burial. But the prophet had spoken the plan, “He was numbered with the transgressors, and assigned a grave with the rich”. So Joseph of Arimathea lends his own new tomb for the burial of Jesus, all according to plan.

But the plan was not for Jesus to stay dead. Even in the Old Testament, the prophet predicted, “You will not let your Holy One see decay, you will not abandon him to the grave”. Just as Jesus had to die, so did Jesus have to rise. This, too, was the plan. And on the third day, to boot, just as Jesus said plainly.

So why were they all so surprised on that first Easter morning? Why didn't they believe it would really happen? Perhaps because God's plan is so unbelievable? Or because we aren't so good at believing?

You see, while our best laid plans go awry, Jesus is the man with the plan, the God with the plan. When we don't know what the future holds, or where it's all going, our Lord does. He is ultimately in control. His will is done.

The trouble is, we don't always know what his will is. We don't know if it's God's will for John to get that job or for Susan to keep hers. We don't know whether Anna will recover from her illness, or if Pete will win the big game. God doesn't always tell us his plans. There's a lot we don't know.

Which makes it all the more precious when he does tell us. And all the more important. We're on a need to know basis. What do we need to know of God's plan? What is essential? This: that Jesus came for you, lived for you, died for you and rose for you. That he reigns on heaven's throne for you and one day will come back for you, for me, and all believers. That we will rise with all the dead, and just as Jesus conquered death, we will live forever in him. That's the plan! The plan of our salvation.

And did you notice that when Paul describes the plan in Corinthians, he doesn't just stop at the resurrection? Jesus, now alive, appeared to people. He came to Cephas (that's St. Peter) and the 12, then to James, and even once to more than 500 disciples at a time! And finally, Paul says, “he appeared also to me”.

We could write our own little postscript to that. That he, Jesus, has come to us, too. Each of us could say, “He has appeared to me!”. Not in visible, bodily form as he did to so many New Testament believers. But he appears to us in his Word. There, as we hear, we also see. And he appears to us, comes to us in water and word – Holy Baptism, and in bread and wine and word – the Body and Blood of his Supper. Here we see, that we too are a part of his plan!

In his word, and in those sacraments, you see, Jesus makes his plan personal. He applies his promises to you and me. He forgives us, makes us his people, gives us faith to trust and to believe the unbelievable. And one day he will complete his plan by bringing us out of the grave to live forever. We too will have our own “little Easter”. It's all written down in the plan. It's all included in the promises of God in Jesus Christ.

The best laid plans of mice and men do go awry – we are sinners living in a sin-filled, broken world. But God's plan is sure and true, and in Jesus Christ it is fulfilled. At the cross, at the empty Easter tomb, and one day in the glorious resurrection to come. Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. Amen.

Sermon - Revelation 3:14-22 - Maundy Thursday

Sermon
Revelation 3:14-22
“Jesus' Letter to Laodicea”

“You are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked. You're so lukewarm, I am going to spew you out of my mouth!” Some of the harshest words to all of the seven churches are spoken to the pastor and people at Laodicea.

We've been meditating on those seven letters in this Lenten season, and applying Jesus' words to the seven churches of Revelation – applying them to ourselves. After all, Jesus himself concludes each letter, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches”. These are open letters, meant for us all.

And Jesus' call to repentance throughout has been clear as well. His condemnation of sin and spiritual weakness, his exhortations and admonitions about false doctrine and toleration of sin, lack of love and fear of persecution. All these are warnings we do well to take seriously.

But what a picture of disgust, the idea that we are so wretched and distasteful to him in our sin, that he would spit us, spew us out of his mouth.... if we don't repent. Repentances has been the major theme here, hasn't it. A turning away from our sins, and a turning to God in faith. The call to repentance is related to how we are disciplined as his church, as his people.

It would be a mistake for us to say we were “just fine”. It would be wrong of us to say like the church of Laodicea did, that we are “rich, prosperous and need nothing”. In fact, “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.

But we “say we have no sin” all the time, don't we? Is sin an operative concept for us in daily life outside of church? We live most of our lives, it seems without much thought about what we SHOULD do, and much more thought about what we WANT to do. What feels good, what makes us happy. What makes practical sense at the time. Or maybe we even act without much thought. But we certainly don't often think of our actions as sins, or sinful. Until once in a while, maybe once a week or two, when we come to church and, “oh yeah – I guess I am a sinner after all”.

Lent is all about repentance. The Christian faith is all about repentance. Jesus Christ himself is all about it – as he calls us to a life of on-going repentance.
The danger, it seems, is apathy. That we would grow so comfortable that we don't care anymore about our sin – don't even see it. We go through life on auto-pilot, never considering fully the true measure of our sinfulness. We take only a shallow glance at the word, rather than a hard look in the mirror of God's law – an examination of ourselves which would show all the warts and imperfections. It's not comfortable to look there. To see ourselves in all our sinful wretchedness. But we must look there first, and look well. Before we can truly see our savior.

We are sometimes neither hot nor cold. If we were, we might be uncomfortable enough to feel the need for our savior. The heat of God's wrath burning down our necks might make us long for the soul-quenching Gospel. The coldness of our hearts might make us yearn for the warmth of his love in Christ. But lukewarm – room temperature? No need, no bother. No thought or care. Just numbness, deadness, apathy.

Repent, Jesus says. Be zealous and repent! Know the depth of your sin, so you may know the joy of your salvation!

As always, Jesus then makes promises to conclude his letter. He says he's knocking, and if anyone opens the door, he will eat with him. In other words, he's calling for repentance, and if we do, he will surely forgive. And it's interesting that he expresses that forgiveness as “eating with us”. For one of the most powerful ways he expresses his forgiveness to us is in a meal.

This day, Maundy Thursday, we especially consider the meal that Christ has given us. A Holy Supper – unlike any other meal. The food is heavenly – his own body and blood. And its effect is divine – forgiveness, life and salvation. He who would spew unrepentant sinners from his mouth, takes those who repent and feeds us with his own flesh and blood. There is no more intimate fellowship than this. There is no way to be closer to Jesus, than here at his supper – where he touches our lips – where he is present for us, given to us.

Are we apathetic about the sacrament? Are we neither hot nor cold? When Christ our Lord enthrones himself in bread and wine, and invites us to the feast – is it “just another day”? When God himself comes to you, feeds you, forgives you... is it ever NOT a big deal? We repent of our careless and thoughtless reception of your gifts, O Lord. And we than you that through such gifts, you even forgive such carelessness and thoughtlessness.

And finally in this letter to Laodicea, the promise of a throne. Yes, we know Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father. We know he reigns and rules over all. But to the one who conquers – there is a promise. To the one who believes, the one who is saved, the one who repents and is forgiven - “I will grant him to sit with me on my throne”. We will share in his reign forever. What a promise. What a blessing. There and then we will truly be rich, and prosper, and need nothing.

But until then – the life of faith continues. A life of repentance, in which he continually knocks, continually feeds us. Be zealous in your repentance, and even more zealous in your faith! For his promises are great, and they are for you. Given and shed for you... for the forgiveness of your sins. For you... unto life everlasting, Amen.

Sermon - Revelation 3:7-13 - Midweek Lent 6

Sermon
Revelation 3:7-13
“Jesus' Letter to Philadelphia”

“I have set before you an open door.” Jesus says to the Christians of Philadelphia. He who hold the keys to lock and unlock the very gates of heaven, he sets a door before the church. It is an opportunity- to serve, to witness, to proclaim his word.

He doesn't really call out this church for any glaring sin. They have remained faithful; they have endured. But maybe they weren't making the most of their opportunities. They weren't going through the door he was opening.

They were weak. They had “little power”. Weak in numbers? Weak in resources? In influence or community standing? Or maybe all of the above?We don't know how they were weak, but they were. And we can relate to that. How many of us are rich and famous? How many of us are influential? No, most of us struggle to make it day to day – muddling through somehow. Doing what we need to, and what we can, but no more. We are weak. We have little power.

We have little power, especially when it comes to our own sin. How many times have we struggled with sin and failed? How often have we tried, planned, hoped to do better – and find ourselves falling down over and over again. Our weakness is profound. We aren't strong enough to keep from sinning. We aren't even strong enough to believe in Jesus on our own. We confess it this way in our catechism: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength.... believe in my Lord Jesus Christ or come to him”

But the Philadelphian Christians knew the One who has the power. And we know him too. In fact he has all power and authority, all glory and majesty. He rules the heavens and the earth from his throne at his Father's right hand. God has placed everything under his feet. Our God is an awesome God.

But his power is made perfect in weakness. It is by humility and lowliness and service that Jesus accomplishes the greatest things. And in the darkest depths of the darkest day – when he was at his most weakened and helpless and lowest point – hanging, suffering, dying – a public spectacle of shame and grief. Even his own Father had forsaken him. And there, in that weakness, his power and glory are seen most perfectly. And there, in the cross, is our power too.

By his death he destroyed death, and by his resurrection he brought the victory over death and the grave to all his people. He is Jesus Christ, the Lord. The one sure strength and power.

Only in Jesus can we face the enemies, and conquer. The synagogue of Satan – enemies of the faith in those days – even they would be made to bow down. Either as they were converted into faithful believers themselves, or on the day of judgment when “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ as Lord”. Jesus assures the church that the victory is always his – sooner, or later. He reminds them that he is coming, and coming soon. And though the “hour of trial” is coming – and comes for us all – Jesus carries the day. And he carries us. And he gives us the crown of victory.

He promises us a new name – a new identity, if you will – that we are identified with God himself, and with God's church (his Jerusalem), and with Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus also promises that the one who endures to the end will be made a “pillar in the temple of my God”. A picture of the permanent dwelling we will have in God's eternal presence. Like a pillar of the temple – strong and magnificent, but not in ourselves. Only strong in him, but always strong in him.

And that same power of God for salvation – the Gospel – that same power that has saved us, is really the only power we have to make the most of the open doors before us. God's word is the only real tool in our box. We are weak. But God's word is strong.

It accomplishes the purpose for which he sends it. It never returns to him void. It is a sharp two-edged sword. It has the power to cut and kill – as his law condemns sin, and probes the heart and mind, showing us where we have gone wrong, and calling us to repent. But his word of Gospel also has the power to heal and build and even bring life from the dead. It has the power to forgive sins, awaken faith, and sanctify us in its truth. The Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ is our only real power, but what a power it is! A weapon of mass destruction for sin and death and the devil and his minions. The very power of God himself.

As our Lenten Wednesdays end, and we stand at the cusp of Holy Week, we become more acutely aware of our own weakness. But in the weakness of Christ and his Cross, we see true power – the power of the Gospel. The power to save us, and the power we are given – as doors are placed before us. As a congregation, and as individuals, may we always enter those doors with faith, relying only on Christ and always on Christ alone – who has opened his heaven to us.

Sermon - Revelation 3:1-6 - Midweek Lent 5

Sermon
Revelation 3:1-6
“Jesus' Letter to Sardis”

The Church in Sardis was not what it seemed to be. Everyone thought they were alive and vibrant and active and living – but they were sick, about to die, and slipping into a slumber. Perhaps it was apathy. Or maybe you could call it forgetfulness. Or spiritual frailness. Or all of the above.

No there is no perfect Christian, and there is no perfect congregation of Christians. Remember the church in Ephesus, and her lack of love. The church in Smyrna, and her fear of persecution. The church in Pergamum, and her struggles with false doctrine. And the church in Thyatira, which tolerated open sin and heresy. Jesus calls them all to repent, so does he also call to the church in Sardis.

Sardis, the sleepy church, is called to “wake up”. Just what was going on here? He says, “I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God”. And we recall the relationship between faith and works. Faith drives good works. Good works are an expression of faith. So something is wrong with their faith, too, it seems. The lacking works are a symptom of the real problem.

Perhaps Sardis was one of those churches that just went “through the motions”. Every Sunday gathering, saying the same old things, singing the same old songs (though probably with little gusto). Mouthing the words with no meaning or thought. One commentator put it this way, the “rituals of godly pretense”. Oh sure, their pomp and ritual made them look alive and well, but inside there was a sickness – a critical illness – of which Jesus was fully aware.

And while Jesus speaks to Sardis, he is really speaking to all of the churches, and to all Christians. Just as we too are called to repent of lovelessness, fear, toleration of false teaching and sin... so are we called to true faith which expresses itself in good works. A living faith which is not mere show. A rich and true trust in Jesus Christ – which naturally brings about the evidence in our lives.

So how are we doing? How are we doing as a congregation, and as individuals?
If Jesus looked at us as a congregation, would he see an active and living faith expressed in good works of love? Would he see us helping the blind, the hungry, the poor – the widow and orphan? Well some people volunteer with Braille. Some donate to our little food pantry or work at the soup kitchen. And as a congregation, we send money to support mission and mercy work in our district and abroad. Some might look at us and say, “my how alive! How vibrant and active Grace Lutheran Church is! What wonderful works they are doing for the Lord!”

But is that just an appearance of life, where death is always close at hand? In our congregational life, do our works really measure up? Could more people be involved? Could we do more to serve more people? Are there works that go undone because we have better things to do? Is there a sense that “someone else will do that”? Do we think that we give “enough”, serve “enough” and volunteer “enough” of our time?
Or in our own personal lives – how would the one who has the seven spirits and the seven stars grade us? Would we get a gold star? Or would we get a mark of, “needs imrpovement”?

No, Jesus doesn't grade on a curve, nor does he judge us in comparison to others. His standard is the perfect law. And we must admit, this is a test we would all fail, if left to ourselves.

But rather than fail us for our failings, he calls instead for repentance. “Wake up!” he says - “Remember!” he reminds. Turn away from your sin and come again in faith to the cross. He calls, because he wants you to believe and live. He calls, because he wants to grant faith in abundance. He calls because he wants that faith to be expressed in good works.

And when we repent, he forgives. He grants gifts we don't deserve, he forgives our sin, enlivens faith, and by his Spirit he brings about those good works in us.
In these letters, he couches his grace in the promises of gifts – and to Sardis he promises 2 – a white robe, and a name written in the book of life. Both of these images appear later in the vision of Revelation, and both remind us of God's grace in Christ.

The white robe is a symbol of his own righteousness – evoking our baptism. There in the waters of grace he washed our robes soiled with sin, washed them in his own blood – taking away each spot and stain. And as we return to our baptism in daily repentance, so does he wash our robes again and again. The Old Adam is drowned, and the New Adam arises to live in faith.

And that book – a book of life – in whose names God has carefully recorded all those who belong to him. It reminds us that God knows us, that he has claimed us, and that he has an intention for us. His plan is in writing – it's just waiting to be fulfilled. The blueprint for our salvation is sure, it's all there in black and white.

So again, like Sardis, we have some repenting to do. We repent of our lack of good works, which comes from our lack of faith. Though we may look alive and well, we are sick and dying – apart from Christ. But let us never be apart from Christ! For in the one who died and lives, we die to sin and live for eternity. He calls us to keep his words, remember them, and wake up. Repent and believe – and conquer – by his grace. In his name, Amen.

Annunciation Day

I like Pastor Roemke's thoughts on this Annunciation day:

A Blessed Feast of the Holy Fetus

Isn't this what we should start calling Annunciation? Those who are pro-death use words like "fetus," and "embryo" to dehumanize the babies they say it is ok to kill. But Christ makes no distinction. He came to save those whom He lived for. He lived as a fetus and and embryo in the blessed womb of the Virgin Mother. Christ died for those He lived for, and today the Church celebrates His life as a fetus and gives thanks that those whose lives are so tragically and brutally taken have a Redeemer who lives for them.

Sermon - Midweek Lent 4 - Revelation 2:18-29

Sermon
Revelation 2:18-29
“Jesus' Letter to Thyatira”

Someone asked me this week what our sermon series on the letters to the 7 churches had to do with Lent. I think they meant, how was it connected to the Passion – the arrest and trial, the suffering and death of Christ. In truth, it's not directly connected to all that.

But it is a very timely series for the season of Lent. Throughout these letters, Jesus calls the churches to repent. Repentance is a major theme of this season. Lent is the most penitential time of the church year. It is a time for all of us to reflect on our own sins, and listen to God's word which calls us to turn away from sin, and turn to him in faith.

When God calls, and when Jesus calls sinners to repent, he is very serious. And you'd certainly know that if you lived in Thyatira. There, they had a false prophetess among them who was sinning gravely, and also leading others into sin.

Jesus words are harsh here, jarring, even. He calls her “Jezebel”, which even today is a name synonymous with wickedness. Jezebel was the enemy of God's people in the Old Testament, an evil queen who promoted pagan worship. She sought to have Elijah killed after he defeated the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel.

Here in his letter, Jesus compares the false prophetess with that Old Testament icon of evil. And his words get even more harsh. He has given her time to repent, but she refuses, and so he will punish her with suffering, and those who follow her as well. He even threatens her children.

So often we think of sin as no big deal. Little white lies. Peccadillos. Foibles. Almost lovable, laughable character flaws. But Jesus does not. He takes sin very seriously and wants us to as well. He does not turn a blind eye to sin, and to unrepentance. Some of the harshest words of fire and brimstone in Scripture, and most of what we know of Hell, comes from the lips of Jesus Christ himself. He is very serious about sin.

And it's not just our own sins, but the sins of others he wants us to be concerned with. He accuses the Christians at Thyatira of tolerating this great sinner. Tolerance! A watchword of our age. Tolerance has become a sort of god itself, an ultimate value. I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said, “I tolerate everything, except certainty”. Tolerance for sin is not Christian or Christ-like. He takes sin seriously, and so should we. Ours, and our neighbor's.

Then what of Jesus' teachings like, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone?” or, “take the log out of your own eye before you bother with the speck in your brother's”. Doesn't Jesus want us to leave other people alone, and let God be the judge? Yes, and no.

Jesus said to his disciples in John 20, “If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” What? There are times when we are to forgive, and times when we are to NOT forgive?

Ultimately, God is the judge of all. No one can see the faith of the heart. But God does call his church and her pastors to deal with sin and sinners. Not in haste or without care. Not with the goal of bringing down God's wrath, but instead with the goal of repentance.... and forgiveness. Just as God wants all to be saved, so do we. Just as God wants all to be forgiven, so do we. Just as Jesus died for the sins of the world, so do we want the world to believe and live.

If we are quick to pick up stones and pick out specks, we are not giving the time to repent that God would give. If we judge according to man-made standards, we fall under judgment ourselves. But if we carefully apply the word of God to sinners, and to ourselves, we will see the need for repentance. And we will see that all sin is not the same. Some is repentant. Some is not.

Some sins are those we lay at the foot of the cross, and beating our chests, beg for God to forgive us. And he does! This is the very point of our faith. That Jesus takes our sins away – and gives us his own righteousness. So seriously does he take sin, that he dies for us, to take it away. Sin is a big deal. But Jesus dying for our sins is a bigger deal.

But not all will receive it. Not all will repent. Like the prophetess of Thyatira, some sinners harden their hearts, dig in their heels, and hold on to their sins. Jesus doesn't tolerate this, nor does his faithful church. To the extent that we tolerate such sin, we too must repent, turn around, and ask his forgiveness.

The beauty and the blessing of our faith, is that God is slow to anger, but quick to forgive. And so should we be. Jesus truly wants to forgive us, and truly wants to forgive even the most wicked and unrepentant sinner. He is patient with sin, but not forever. He gives time to repent, but not without limit. He calls us to turn away from sin and turn to him and believe and live. And we do, by his grace, and in the power of His Spirit. Thanks be to God for such a gift.

And so does he charge his church, and her pastors, to deal with sinners. Patiently calling to repentance, applying law and Gospel faithfully. Always with the goal of forgiveness. Could Jesus, would Jesus have even forgiven that wicked Jezebel? Yes. Of course. After all, he forgives us.

So once again, repent. Turn in faith to Christ, and be forgiven, and live. And pray that all would do the same, and share in the victory that is ours in Christ. Amen.

"CAnniversary" of Issues Etc.

Funny. If you don't read "Stand Firm", you probably should. Scott Diekmann is a long time friend-of-this-blog who finally started his own blog, which really is very good.

Anywho, he's announced a week of special guest-blogs and other goodies to commemorate the one year anniversary of "Issues Etc" being canceled by LCMS, Inc. Be sure you check it out: http://stand-firm.blogspot.com/2009/03/intervention.html

Sermon - Midweek Lent 2 - Revelation 2:8-11

Sermon
Revelation 2:8-11
“Jesus' Letter to Smyrna”

The second letter that Jesus wrote to the churches of Revelation goes to the church in Smyrna. And I have to tell you that this letter holds some personal importance for me. This past summer, I sat down with my grandparents and learned some family history. They told me that my great-great grandparents, whose last name was “Chrystodoulos”, were Greeks living on the coast of Turkey in a town called Smyrna. This is the same town mentioned in our reading.

We're not sure exactly why or when, but sometime in the late 1800s, the Greeks there, including my great-great-grandparents, were massacred there by the Turkish army, and my great-grandfather Sammy was orphaned. Later, he made it to America, where his last name was shortened to “Chryst”.

So, you can see why my plans for a trip to Greece and Turkey in a year or two have some special meaning. Not only will we follow the footsteps of St. Paul, and visit the towns mentioned in Revelation, but we'll hopefully visit that town – Smyrna, which is today a city called “Izmir” and about the size of Milwaukee.

It's interesting, too, that throughout its history, Smyrna has been a place of conflict. I don't know if my great-great-grandparents were Christians or not, but most Greeks were. And the Turks, being Muslim... well I'm sure that the religious differences had something to do with that conflict.

But in the first century, it was Roman emperor worship and traditional Judaism that competed with early Christianity. And when Jesus writes his letter to the church in Smyrna, they were suffering persecution, and were about to suffer more.

He commends them for being rich, even though they are poor. Certainly he means that their spiritual riches far surpass the earthly wealth they lack. This is the same Jesus who warned about gaining the whole world but losing one's soul. The same Jesus who contrasted the Rich man and Lazarus – one wealthy on earth, but spiritually bankrupt. The other a poor beggar, but who inherits life eternal. So often in Scripture it is the poor who are truly rich in spiritual blessings.

And this should make us reflect. While there is much talk of a poor economy, and tough times with many people losing jobs and losing money in the markets, and we may feel we've all gotten a little poorer lately. Still, most of us are blessed with more than what we need to get by. We could be much worse off. But no matter what the economy does, and whether we struggle to pay our bills or not – we can truly say we are rich. We can rejoice, like the Christians of Smyrna, in the riches of God's grace shown to us in Christ. We have the blessings that money could never buy, and that we could never earn – all the benefits won for us by the perfect life and sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are rich. Our treasures on earth pale compared to our treasures in heaven.

Jesus also comforts the church of Smyrna, as they face trial and tribulation. Perhaps their poverty was partly because of persecution. Certainly the Jews were speaking falsely about them. And wow – Jesus calls those Jews the “synagogue of Satan”. In other words, they think they are the true believers, the true inheritors of Abraham – but they are caught up in Satan's lies. And the devil, perhaps through these blasphemers, will soon persecute and imprison some of the Christians.

Such trials and tribulations are really tests of faith. Like Abraham from last Sunday's Old Testament reading – whose faith was tested mightily. Like Job, whose faith was tested in great suffering. Like the Apostles and St. John himself who saw this vision while he was imprisoned. God's people are often put to the test of faith. And it is God who gives us the strength, and gives us the faith to face and pass those tests.

For those in Smyrna, it would be a short and finite test. Ten days – likely a symbolic number for a short but complete time set by God. And for us, while some suffering seems shorter and some seems longer, there is always an end. Even if the persecution ends in death itself, there is a promise beyond the grave.

A beautiful one here - “be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life”. Only he can give it, because he has won it for us. He who wore the crown of thorns and shed his holy precious blood give also rose victorious over death to give us a share in that victory.

Thank God for the riches – physical and spiritual that we do enjoy, especially those blessings that come to us in Christ. Thank God that we are free from persecution and trials, and pray that he sustains us if they ever do come. And Thank God for the promised crown of life waiting for all of us who trust in Jesus Christ.

Where the LCMS President is Really Elected - The Circuit Forum

Where the LCMS President is Really Elected - The Circuit Forum

“I thought the President was elected at the national convention by the delegates?” Yes, technically, that's true. But in many ways the election is already decided when delegates are chosen at the Circuit Forums leading up to the convention.

This part of the LCMS governance process is not as well known as the national convention, but just as important! These delegates will go to the national convention in July 2010 and vote in all of the elections and on all other matters (including the restructuring proposals). They are also, technically, delegates for three years until the NEXT convention – should there be a need for a special convention to be called in between. And many of these delegates already have strong opinions and positions on the issues and candidates that will come before the convention.

Who chooses the delegates? Who can be a delegate? Might I be able to serve?
Here's how it works. Sometime in the summer/fall of 2009, Circuit Counselors will be directed to convene the triennial circuit forum. It's at this meeting that one pastor and one layperson from each congregation in the circuit are permitted to vote for that circuit's delegates. Also, an alternate pastoral delegate and an alternate lay delegate are chosen. Under the current bylaws, teachers (“commissioned ministers”) aren't eligible to serve as pastoral OR lay delegates. The deadline for election of delegates is in October of 2009!

Once the date of the circuit forum is set, and notice is given to the congregations, there is a process of nomination FOR THE LAY DELEGATES ONLY! All pastors serving those congregations are automatically considered nominees (except “Assistant Pastors” but including “Associate Pastors”). A layperson who wishes to serve must be nominated IN WRITING to the Circuit Counselor before the Circuit Forum is held. This is very important! If only one Lay Delegate nominee has been nominated in writing – then the election is basically moot. (This is how it is done in our District, though I am not 100% certain all Districts do the same).

At the Circuit Forum, the pastoral delegate is chosen first. Then the Lay delegate. Then the Alternate Pastoral delegate, then the Alternate Lay. This is important to note because NO TWO of these four individuals may be members of the same congregation. Often, when only one lay delegate is nominated, this influence's the Forum's decision on a pastoral delegate, even though the pastoral delegate election happens first (.i.e. “We can't elect Pastor Smith because then Mr. Schulz, our only Lay nominee, will be unable to serve”)

In the event that the Circuit Forum is unable to elect individuals for all four of these roles, the District President may appoint people to those vacancies. This is often done with the advice of the Circuit Counselor.

Many times, Circuits have established customs or habits regarding selection of delegates, and you may or may not agree with these. Some “take turns” among the pastors. Some have an unwritten rule that no one can go twice in a row. Others have the same qualified and interested people going every convention. Whatever the case, it's important to know what the rules are and to make sure everyone is “playing fair”.

Sometimes there are even informal conversations prior to the election of delegates which may or may not be helpful. “Pastor Krueger isn't able to go, due to a previous commitment” might be an appropriate tidbit. But as with all synodical elections at any level, crass electioneering is usually frowned upon.

If you desire to serve as a delegate, consider the following:
1.Am I available to travel to Houston for the 2010 convention? This is mostly an issue of time since the District pays for your travel and lodging, and gives a stipend for meals.
2.Does my congregation know I am willing to serve?
3.Does my congregation need to be educated about the process? Let's face it, LCMS policy and governance is a mystery even to many long-serving pastors, let alone laity. You could help to inform them.
4.Can I at least serve as my congregation's representative to the Circuit Forum?

Things to find out:

1.Which congregations constitute my circuit?
2.Who is our Circuit Counselor?
3.When will our Circuit Forum be held?
4.When/how does my congregation choose its representative to the Circuit Forum?

If you are elected as a delegate, you can expect lots of information will be mailed to you from “both sides”. Some of that will be more helpful and some less. But you will have a responsibility to be as informed as possible concerning the issues and candidates. Make use of the people resources at your disposal, both to learn about the process and about the issues. Read the official synodical handbook and other pertinent documents. And don't avoid the internet, but use it discerningly.

This is my best understanding of the process, as a Circuit Counselor and delegate to 2 national conventions. I hope it helps!

A Mime Passion?

A local ELCA church here in Racine hosted a traveling troupe of youth group performers, who re-enact the passion of Christ through mime.

http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2009/03/01/local_news/doc49ab55fbaee5f462857673.txt

Is there something about this that takes away from the word? Especially when this is done in place of the sermon?

I'm not against passion plays and such, and I suppose you could even do it respectfully and artistically without dialogue. But in church on the First Sunday in Lent?

Sermon - Ash Wednesday - Revelation 2:1-7

Sermon
Revelation 2:1-7
“Jesus' Letter to Ephesus”

1"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
2 "'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. 4But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'

We begin another Lenten season in the church, as we always do, with Ash Wednesday. A day of repentance and sorrow over sin, which sets the tone for this penitential time in our church calendar. Ashes are a sign of repentance going back to ancient times, and even today many Christians wear ashes on their foreheads to signify this repentance.

We're also starting a series of mid-week sermons which focus on an important section in the book of Revelation. Each week in Lent we will focus on one of the letters to these 7 churches, in order to hear God's word to us, and prepare us for the observance of Good Friday and Easter.

But first some background. St. John, as an old man, was imprisoned for his faith on the island of Patmos. One Sunday John had a marvelous vision, a “revelation”, which was given to him by Jesus Christ himself. In fact, the real name of this book of the bible is, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ to St. John”.

And in that vision, Jesus appeared to John surrounded by many symbolic images. These things John really saw – but many of them stood for other things, for concepts and ideas. When Jesus appeared, he held in his hand 7 stars and walked among 7 lamp-stands. Jesus himself said these 7 lamp-stands were the 7 churches he would address, and the 7 stars were the “angels” of those 7 churches.

And while some believe those 7 angels to be guardian angels watching the churches, a much older interpretation makes more sense. The Church Father known as “The Venerable Bede” makes the case that these “angels” are really the pastors of those churches. After all, the word “angel” means “messenger”. And God blesses us with supernatural, spiritual as well as everyday human messengers. Also, it makes more sense for them to be pastors since he both commends and criticizes not only the churches but the messengers. And we pastors are certainly in the same boat as the people of the church. We are sinners and saints just the same.

So Jesus has a message for each of these pastors and the churches under their care. They were certainly not the only 7 churches of their day, and so these letters have wider application. They even apply, we will see, to us. We heed the warnings to the churches, even as we take comfort in the promises at the end of each section. So too, as the criticisms and compliments of Christ for these churches are universal to Christians of all times and places.

Take this first letter, to the church at Ephesus. They get a mixed review from our Lord. He commends them for their vigilance against false doctrine. Heretics known as the Nicolatians were active in the area, and the Ephesian church was right to “hate” their works. Jesus, too, says he hates their works. We don't know exactly what the false teachers taught, but it's been suggested they practiced promisquity and ignored the law of God. So far the Ephesian Christians get good marks from our Lord for avoiding this heresy and enduring in the true faith.

But then Jesus takes them to task. He holds something against them. They have “abandoned the love” they first had. Their first love. What was it? Apparently a love for one another, rooted in their love for God, who had first loved them in Christ. He calls them to repentance and even threatens that if they don't repent, the lamp-stand will be removed from its place. In other words, they will lose their place as one of his churches. In yet other words, they will no longer be his people.

As I said, these words of Jesus have a wider application. For many pastors, and many churches, and many church members do much the same as the Ephesians. We may say the right things, we may even remain outwardly faithful. But inside of us is a rot of lovelessness that threatens our very faith.

Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourself. Paul tells the Corinthian church, that even if he speaks in the language of the angels, but has no love, he's a noisy gong or clanging symbol. Love is one of the most important words in all of scripture, one of the highest values.

For Jesus' own summary of the law is to love – to love God, and to love our neighbor. And which of us couldn't stand to show more love, be more loving, put others before ourself more, and basically be better Christian neighbors? We have all failed. We all need to be more loving. We are all like the Ephesians.

What does it mean when there is no love, or very little? It means that we have sinned, and must repent. What does it mean when faith does not express itself in the works and deeds of love? It means we are sinners whose faith is flagging and failing, and we need to turn again to Christ and the cross for forgiveness, strength and renewal.

And Christ loves us. Greater love has no one than that he gives up his life for his friends. Jesus of course, gave up his life for us, even when we were enemies of God. He did it out of love. God sent him out of love for the world. A love which is patient and kind, which keeps no record of wrongs. A love which always endures and never fails. A love so great that not even death could overcome it. God is love, and Jesus is the embodiment of God's love for us.

It's that love that empowers us to love. It's the Gospel that gives us the strength and the will to love God and love one another. Nothing of our own, nothing within us can do it. Only the love from without can inspire the love within. And by his Word and Spirit, he shows that love and speaks that love and sparks that love in us.

You know, the Nicolations, the false teachers in Ephesus, their very name meant “the conquerors”. Again, we don't know much about them or why they would call themselves that. But we do know this, from Romans 8, that “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us”. Yes, Jesus makes us more than conquerors!

In Jesus, not only do we defeat sin, death and the Devil – enemies we could never face on our own but who don't stand a chance against him. But also in Jesus we are more than conquerors. We not only defeat our enemies but we live victoriously. “To him who conquers, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God”. Yes that life which God originally intended for Adam and Eve – that life which is restored only by the love of a savior who died.

Each week, as we read the letters to the churches, we will discover spiritual insights and applications to our modern churches, and even to us as individual Christians. We will be called again and again to repentance and faith, as our Lenten journey continues.

Today, we see ourselves in the Ephesians – commended for watching our doctrine. Praised for the endurance of faith we have. But warned not to let our love grow cold. And reminded, that in the love of Christ, we are more than conquerors, who will eat from the tree of life.

Dolan to NY - A Lutheran Reaction

Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan has been appointed Archbishop of the New York Archdiocese. It's a primo-promotion for a rising star in the RC church.

He's served here for about 6 years in the Milwaukee area, following after an Archbishop involved in the spate of sex scandals. So he's had a bit of a mess to clean up, and he's done a good job with that.

He's also universally respected as a decent and personable man, who is approachable and friendly, media-savvy, quick-witted and light-hearted.

But I've often commented on just how Lutheran he sounds. Of course, he's a Roman Catholic. I'm sure we'd have some serious disagreements. But I must say that in the short quips and commercials I've heard him speak, he delivers a message that centers on faith not works, on God's love not our good deeds, and he is not afraid to talk about Jesus Christ.

So Benedict, who's been called the "First Lutheran Pope", has appointed to the top spot in American Catholicism someone who sounds pretty Lutheran for a Roman Catholic. And to me, that's a good thing for New York, and for the RCs in the USA.