Words of Encouragement for December 1, 2010

Advent Meditation

“But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mothers womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:13-17

“Are you ready for Christmas?” This is a question we often hear people ask this time of year. And, what is meant by this question? Usually it has to do with being done with the Christmas shopping, having the decorations up, and having many goodies baked and prepared for family celebrations.

But a far more important question to consider is this: “Are you ready for Jesus’ coming?” Having His people be ready for Christ’s coming is indeed very important to the LORD God; for He mercifully delays the day of Christ’s return and judgment, not wanting any of us to perish, but desiring that all of us repent of our sins and unbelief and receive forgiveness and life eternal through the sacrifice of the Son, Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). But, we know that the Day of the Lord is coming!

That is why God sent John the Baptist into this world. He was to prepare God’s people for the coming of their Messiah and Savior, Jesus Christ. John, whose name itself means that the LORD is gracious, would be the prophet of God promised in Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6. He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb and would drink neither wine or strong drink (Num. 6:1ff.). He would “go before Him [the Messiah] in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Like Elijah of old, John would boldly rebuke unbelief and sin and call upon God’s people to repent and trust in the coming Messiah and Savior (cf. 2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:1ff.; John 1:29ff.). John called all, whether young or old, to repent and believe in Christ Jesus, and he baptized them that they might have forgiveness for their sins.

To be ready for the coming of the Christ, the fathers had to humble themselves and trust in the LORD God with child-like faith (cf. Matthew 18:1-4). And those who had been disobedient to the LORD needed to be converted to the wisdom of the just – those who humbly acknowledged and confessed their sins and received forgiveness in Christ Jesus (cf. 1 John 1:8ff.). In this way, John prepared the way for the coming of Christ.

But are we ready for Jesus’ coming? How can we prepare? By heeding the message of John the Baptist: by humbling ourselves before the LORD God, our Maker, and acknowledging and confessing our sin before Him; by trusting in the blood of Jesus which was shed for us upon the cross, and receiving the forgiveness and life which Christ won for us and offers and gives to us through our baptism; and by amending our sinful ways and seeking to live for Christ Jesus, who has redeemed us and who will soon return in glory to take all who trust in Him to the eternal joys of heaven (cf. 1 John 3:1-3)!

Dear LORD God, our Maker and Redeemer, prepare us for Christ’s coming by working in us true repentance, true sorrow over our sins and true faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ! Grant this to us for the sake of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.

Meditations in Genesis

“And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham … And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder …” Genesis 24:12, 15 (Read Genesis 24)

Though we know little of Abraham’s eldest servant (cf. Genesis 15:2, where he is mentioned by name, Eliezer, meaning “God is my help”), Genesis, chapter 24, gives us a glimpse of his faith in the LORD God, the God of Abraham.

Abraham, being old and wanting to provide a believing wife for his son Isaac but also wanting to be sure that Isaac remained in the land of promise, asked his eldest servant, who was in charge of Abraham’s house, to go back to Mesopotamia and find a wife for Isaac from among Abraham’s relatives.

When this servant arrived there, he stopped at the well outside the city and prayed that the LORD God would bless his efforts and direct him to the woman whom God had chosen for Isaac by moving that young woman, when he asked her for a drink, to offer also to water his camels. While he was yet speaking this prayer, Rebekah, daughter of Bethuel, came out to the well with her pitcher upon her shoulder. When he asked her to let down her pitcher and give him a drink, not only did she give him a drink but watered all his camels as well.

When he learned that she was a relative of Abraham, he knew that the LORD had directed him to the young woman God had chosen for Isaac and he “bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD,” saying, “Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of His mercy and His truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren” (v. 26, 27).

After telling to Rebekah’s family the account of how he was sent of Abraham and how the LORD God directed him to find Rebekah, and after Rebekah’s brother Laban and her father Bethuel consented to send her with him to be the wife of Isaac, Abraham’s servant again “worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth” (v. 52).

Though but a servant, this man shared the faith of Abraham. Whether through the witness of Abraham or that of others, he too knew the LORD God and trusted in Him. As we read, he prayed in faith and was led and prospered by the LORD in his journey; and, he gave thanks and praise to the LORD God for His guidance and blessing.

Can we learn from Abraham’s servant? Most certainly! Though we know little of him, his faith is a shining example for us. Like this humble servant, we have the great privilege of praying to the LORD God of Abraham for his guidance and blessing upon our lives. For the sake of Christ Jesus, the promised descendant of Abraham through Isaac and Rebekah who suffered and died for the sins of the world and rose again on the third day, God forgives us and accepts us as His own dear children. He gives us the great privilege of coming into His very presence with our prayers (cf. Hebrews 10:19-22); and He promises, “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

God directs us, as His children through faith in Messiah Jesus, to commit our ways – our very lives – to Him and to trust Him; and He promises to bless us and make our journey through life prosperous – prosperous in His ways and in the accomplishing of His perfect will (cf. Psalm 37:3-7). And, like Abraham’s servant, we have every reason to bow before the LORD God and worship Him for His leading and guiding in our lives and in our tasks.

He, working through centuries of human history, sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die upon the cross and redeem us and all mankind. He has sent His Spirit and caused us to hear His word and trust in Him for forgiveness and life. He leads and guides us through the days of our lives and brings us safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him “be glory for ever and ever. Amen”! (2 Timothy 4:18).

O LORD God of Abraham, we worship and praise You for the gift of Christ Jesus, Your Son, and for the mercy and truth You have shown unto us for Jesus sake. We bow before You. To You be the glory for ever and ever! Amen.

The Augsburg Confession

ARTICLES IN WHICH ARE REVIEWED THE ABUSES WHICH HAVE BEEN CORRECTED

Inasmuch, then, as our churches dissent in no article of the faith from the Church Catholic, but only omit some abuses which are new, and which have been erroneously accepted by the corruption of the times, contrary to the intent of the Canons, we pray that Your Imperial Majesty would graciously hear both what has been changed, and what were the reasons why the people were not compelled to observe those abuses against their conscience. Nor should Your Imperial Majesty believe those who, in order to excite the hatred of men against our part, disseminate strange slanders among the people. Having thus excited the minds of good men, they have first given occasion to this controversy, and now endeavor, by the same arts, to increase the discord. For Your Imperial Majesty will undoubtedly find that the form of doctrine and of ceremonies with us is not so intolerable as these ungodly and malicious men represent. Besides, the truth cannot be gathered from common rumors or the revilings of enemies. But it can readily be judged that nothing would serve better to maintain the dignity of ceremonies, and to nourish reverence and pious devotion among the people than if the ceremonies were observed rightly in the churches.

Article XXII: Of Both Kinds in the Sacrament

To the laity are given Both Kinds in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, because this usage has the commandment of the Lord in Matt. 26:27: Drink ye all of it, where Christ has manifestly commanded concerning the cup that all should drink. And lest any man should craftily say that this refers only to priests, Paul in 1 Cor. 11:27 recites an example from which it appears that the whole congregation did use both kinds. And this usage has long remained in the Church, nor is it known when, or by whose authority, it was changed; although Cardinal Cusanus mentions the time when it was approved. Cyprian in some places testifies that the blood was given to the people. The same is testified by Jerome, who says: The priests administer the Eucharist, and distribute the blood of Christ to the people. Indeed, Pope Gelasius commands that the Sacrament be not divided (dist. II., De Consecratione, cap. Comperimus). Only custom, not so ancient, has it otherwise. But it is evident that any custom introduced against the commandments of God is not to be allowed, as the Canons witness (dist. III., cap. Veritate, and the following chapters). But this custom has been received, not only against the Scripture, but also against the old Canons and the example of the Church. Therefore, if any preferred to use both kinds of the Sacrament, they ought not to have been compelled with offense to their consciences to do otherwise. And because the division of the Sacrament does not agree with the ordinance of Christ, we are accustomed to omit the procession, which hitherto has been in use.

(To Be Continued….)

The Proper Form of an Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Independent of the State

By Dr. C.F.W. Walther

Translated by Dr. Th. Engelder

Walther and the Church

By Dau, Engelder, and Dallmann

From the Preface:

Dr. Walther’s second classic on the doctrine of the Church, The Proper Form of an Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Independent of the State, describes the ideal Christian congregation. The ideal Christian congregation is, first of all, such a one as is described in paragraph 1, one which adheres to the pure doctrine. The Christian congregation which rejects portions of the Scripture truth has constituted itself on an unnatural, unlawful basis. It has assumed a form which God does not sanction. The Lord requires all His churches to preach His Word in its purity according to the Confessions of the Lutheran Church.

The ideal Christian congregation, furthermore, keeps itself independent of the State. The church which permits the State to regulate its internal affairs is in an abnormal condition. The church thrives best under the separation of Church and State.

Finally, that is the ideal Christian congregation and the ideal Lutheran congregation which fully understands its rights and duties and employs such methods, organs, and forms as best serve the proper exercise of its rights and the proper performance of its duties.

Who originated the ideas back of this Proper Form of a Lutheran congregation? Not Walther. The original is found in Luther, and Luther found the principles in Scripture. Luther knew very well what form a Christian congregation should have. A study of the writings of the fathers of the Lutheran Church shows that, even though the Lutheran Church existed in those days as a State Church, these men, guided by their doctrine of the Church, the Ministry, Church Government, etc., conceived of exactly such a form of a local church independent of the State as is presented in this book [The Proper form....].’ (Preface p. IV.)

The full application of their idea was a new thing in the Lutheran Church, but Luther himself had advocated the more important forms and succeeded in introducing a number of them. He charted the course which was eventually followed. How much of Walther’s Proper Form is out of date? Very little. Those forms which are directly called for by Scripture are never out of date. Those that come under the head of adiaphora are subject to change. The Christian congregation adjusts these matters to fit changed conditions. But it so happens that present conditions call for hardly any change in Walther’s plan. He was a wise builder. Do not be hasty in changing his specifications. The old model is not antiquated. If you want to build an ideal congregation, stick as closely as possible to the Proper Form.

The Proper Form was submitted at the session of the Western District in 1862 and published in 1863.

(Continued from last week)

Of the Performance of the Rights and Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Local Church Independent of the State

A. Of the Meetings of the Congregation

12. In order that a free local congregation may execute its rights and privileges in a conscientious, profitable, and God-pleasing manner, it is necessary to have public meetings, properly arranged and conducted, for the purpose of transacting its business as a self-governing body. Matt. 18:17: “Tell it unto the church.” 1 Cor. 5:4: “When ye are gathered together.” Acts21:17-22: “The multitude must needs come together.” Chap. 6:2; 15:30; 1 Tim. 5:20.

13. All the adult male members of the congregation are entitled to active participation in the transactions of such meetings by way of speaking, deliberating, voting, and resolving. Matt.18:17, 18; Acts 1:15, 23-26; 15:5, 12, 13, 22,23: “It so pleased the apostles and elders with the whole church… The apostles and elders and brethren” 1 Cor.5:2; 6:2; 10:15; 12:7; 2 Thess.3:15. But women and the young are excluded from such participation. 1 Cor. 14:34,35: “Let your women keep silence in the churches.” 1 Pet.5:5.

14. The external management of the meetings rests with those who in general supervise the congregation or to whom the external government of the congregation has been entrusted as a special office. Acts 15:6 (“The apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter”); 1 Tim.5:17; Rom.12:8; 1 Cor.12:28.

15. Subjects of deliberation and action in such meetings are matters of doctrine (Acts 15), election or appointment of church officers (Acts 1:15-26; 6:14; 2 Cor.8:19); church discipline (Matt.18:17-20; 1 Cor.5:1-5; 2 Cor.2: 11; 1 Tim. 5:20), public offenses (Acts 21:20-22), quarrels among members (1 Cor. 6:1), matters of good order and ceremonial (1 Cor. 14:260; 16:1, 2), and the like.

16. In matters of doctrine and conscience there must be unanimity, all giving assent to the teaching of God’s Word (Is. 8:20: “To the Law and to the Testimony”) and to the Confessions of the Church. Adiaphora, matters neither commanded nor prohibited by God’s Word, are ordered according to the principles of love and equity; after the matter has been fully and orderly discussed, it is decided by a majority vote (1 Cor. 16:14: “Let all your things be done with charity”; 14:40: “Let all things be done decently and in order”; Col. 2:5). In case anything should have been decided and determined by the congregation contrary to the Word of God, such decision is null and void, must be so declared, and revoked.

17. Good order and a due regard for the rights of all require that the meeting, having been previously announced, be held at a suitable time. Those who fail to appear thereby waive their right of vote. For the sake of love and peace and needful prudence it is advisable that important resolutions concerning matters which admit of postponement should be considered valid only when they have been confirmed in a subsequent meeting.

18. An exact record of the important transactions should be made by the secretary, read to the meeting at the close for necessary corrections, and adopted as corrected. These minutes should be again read at the beginning of the subsequent meeting, Acts 15:23-31.

19. The pastor opens and closes the meeting with prayer. In case of his absence a prayer is read by a person thereto appointed. Matt. 18:19; Acts 6:4: “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word.”

B. Of the Performance of the Duty of the Congregation to See that the Word of God may Richly Dwell and Have Free Scope in Its Midst

20. The performance of this duty consists, first of all in the establishment and maintenance of the public ministry in the congregation. Titus 1:5: “For this cause left I thee in Crete that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” Eph. 4:11, 14.

21. In order to perform the highly important act of choosing and calling a minister properly, according to the provisions of God’s Word, the congregation proceeds in this wise: Imploring God’s blessing and guidance, it secures, if possible, the advice and presence of one or more experienced ministers of the Church, entrusting to them the direction of the public election, Titus 1:5. Cp. Acts 1 :15-26; 6:1-6; 14:23. Every voting member has the right to propose a candidate. Inquiring after the qualifications (1 Tim.3:2-7: “A bishop, then, must be blameless,” etc.; Titus 1:6-9; 2 Tim.2:15,24-26) of the persons proposed, the congregation acknowledges those as candidates who have been found eligible and recognizes and accepts the candidate who receives all or a majority of the votes as the person whom God has called through the congregation. The diploma of vocation, approved by the congregation and signed by the proper officials (1 Cor. 16:3), pledges him to adherence to the apostolic and prophetic Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament as the Word of God, as also to the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and to the faithful administration of the holy office in all its parts (Col.4:17: “Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it”; cp. Acts 15:23; 26:22; 20:21, 26, 27; 2 Tim. 1 :13, 14, 8; 4:2, 5; 1 Pet. 5:1-4) and carries the promise of the congregation to recognize him as its shepherd, teacher, and overseer, to receive as the Word of God the divine word preached by him, to obey him, love him, be at peace with him, honor him, and provide for his sustenance, Luke 10:16; 1 Thess. 5:12; 2:13; Heb.13:17 (“Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves”); 1 Thess.5:13; 1 Tim. 5:17; Luke 10:7 (“The laborer is worthy of his hire”); 1 Cor.9:13,14; Gal.6:6. Upon his acceptance of the call he is, according to apostolic usage (1 Tim. 4:14; Acts 6:6; 13:2,3), ordained or, in the case of an ordained minister, publicly and solemnly installed into his office. (The rite of ordination [installation] is the solemn and public ratification of the call and includes the solemn and public ordination vow.) Those who would serve in the ministry must be “proved” (examined), 1 Tim.3:10.

22. In order that the Word of God may have free scope in a congregation, public services on Sundays and the customary festivals, as also on certain week-days, especially during Advent and Lent, annual days of humiliation and prayer, harvest-feasts, thanksgiving days, and other holy-days (Luke 11:28: “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it”; Acts 2:46; Heb. 10:24, 25 Acts 2:11), and public catechization of the young (2 Tim. 3:15: “From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures”), should be introduced and earnestly, though not as under legal constraint (Gal. 4:10, 11, Col. 2:16, 17: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink or in respect of an holy-day,” etc.), observed.

23. In order that the Word of God may have full scope in a congregation, it is furthermore incumbent upon the congregation that its members have their children baptized without delay by their minister, as the steward of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1; Mark 10:13ff.); that they have the youth prepared by him for the full enjoyment of the means of grace and in due time publicly confirmed (Matt. 21:15,16); that they frequently ask, and receive of him, the comfort of absolution and the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ (John 20:23; 2 Cor. 2:10, 1 Cor. 11:20,26: “As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come”) and that after previous exploration and confession (Heb. 13:17: “They watch for your souls as they that must give account”; cp. 1 Cor. 4:1; Matt. 7:6); that they have him publicly solemnize and bless the marriage of the betrothed (1 Cor. 7:39; 1 Tim. 4:3); that in sickness and death and other afflictions and tribulations they have him instruct and console them from the Word of God (Jas. 5:14,15); and, finally, that they give their dead a Christian burial (Acts 8:2).

24. In order that the Word of God may richly dwell in a congregation, the congregation should furthermore, if possible, establish an Ev. Lutheran school for children and for this purpose call in Christian order an orthodox, godly, and competent teacher (Matt. 18:10; Eph. 6:4: “Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”; Gen. 18:19; Deut.6:6,7; 2 Tim.3:15: “From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures”; Rom. 2:20), pledge him to adherence to the divine Word of the Old and the New Testament and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church, and place him under the supervision of the public ministry (1 John 2:13; Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28: “Take heed therefore unto . . . all the flocks over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers”).

25. In order that the Word of God may have full scope in a congregation, the congregation should lastly tolerate no divisions by way of conventicles, that is, of meetings for instruction and prayer aside from the divinely ordained public ministry, 1 Cor. 11:18; Jas. 3:1; 1 Cor. 12:29; 14:28; Acts 6:4; Rom. 10:15: “How shall they preach except they be sent?”

C. Of the Performance of the Duty of the Congregation to Care for the Purity of Doctrine and Life and to Exercise Church Discipline in These Matters

26. All the members of the congregation must strive to grow, and be enriched, in all utterance and in all knowledge (2 Pet.3:18; I Cor.1:5) that they may not remain children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14; Heb. 5:12) but try and judge by the Word of God the doctrine preached to them (Acts 17:11: “They searched the Scriptures daily whether those things were so”; Matt. 7:15,16; 1 John 4:1: “Beloved, believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God”; 1 Cor. 10:15).

27. The congregation should establish in its midst also the office of such elders as do not labor in the Word and doctrine (I Tim. 5:17) but assist the minister, who has the office of the Word, in governing the Church and in maintaining discipline and good order (Rom. 12:8: “He that ruleth, with diligence”; 1 Cor. 12:28). What is set down Acts 6:3 (“Look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom”), 1 Tim. 3:8-12 concerning the eligibility of deacons (almoners) applies also, and even in a higher degree, in the case of regular elders (wardens).

28. The congregation must see that none but pure church- and schoolbooks, recognized by the orthodox Church, be introduced and tolerated in its midst (1 Thess. 5:21; 2 Tim.1:13: “Hold fast the form of sound words”) and that the confessional ceremonies be retained (Gal. 2:4, 5).

29. Such only are to be admitted to membership by the congregation as 1) are baptized (Eph. 5:25, 26; 1 Cor. 12:13); 2) if adults, make profession of their faith that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament are the Word of God and that the doctrine contained in the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, especially in Luther’s Small Catechism and the Unaltered Augsburg Confession, is the pure Christian doctrine (Gal. 2:4; 2 Cor. 6:14,15,17; 2 John 10,11; Eph. 4:3-6: “One Lord, one faith, one Baptism”); and, 3) lead an unoffensive Christian life (I Cor. 5:9-13: “If any man that is called a brother be a fornicator or covetous; . . .with such an one no not to eat”; 10:21; Matt. 7:6).

30. It is the duty of the congregation to investigate in public meeting, according to the Word of God and with hearing of witnesses (2 Cor. 13:1), the cases of those members who are reported as having been disobedient to the Word of God in doctrine or in life and who, having been admonished according to Matt. 18:15,16 in private as well as in the presence of witnesses, refused to hear the brethren, or of those whose false doctrine or sin is open and known to every one; to convince of their error or sin, and to admonish and reprove, those who have been found guilty (2 Cor. 2:6; 2 Thess. 3:14,15; 1 Tim. 5:20; Gal.2:14); publicly to expel from the congregation, excommunicate, through the minister of the Word, pursuant to a unanimous resolution, those who will not hear the congregation and impenitently and obstinately persist in fundamental error or manifest mortal sin (Matt. 18:17-20: “If he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church; let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican”; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; Rom. 16:17: “Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them”; Titus 3:10,11; cp.1 Cor.5:9-13; 2 Tim.2:17-21); to hold them no longer as brethren, but as heathen men and publicans, deny them the rights of a brother, and sever all fraternal relations with them; and to proceed with Christian discipline against such as refuse to consent to such excommunication (1 Cor. 5:1, 2). But those in whom the excommunication has achieved its purpose and who penitently return the congregation must publicly absolve and readmit (2 Cor. 2:6-11).

31. The congregation is not permitted, and dare not arrogate to itself the right, arbitrarily to depose its minister and others who hold an ecclesiastical office in its midst. But if such men fall away into pernicious error and, having been by due process of investigation (1 Tim. 5:19: “Against an elder receive not an accusation but before two or three witnesses”) found guilty, spurn the admonition of the congregation and of the orthodox ministers who have been called in; or if they stand revealed as obstinately impenitent sinners, or if they have transgressed in such a way that they no longer have “a good report of them which are without” (1 Tim. 3:7) and have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the congregation will in Christian order (which may under certain circumstances be that of preliminary suspension) remove them from office as such whom God himself has deposed (Matt. 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing,” etc.; Hos. 4:6; John 10:5).

32. Lastly, the congregation will see to it that neither the congregation nor any individual member thereof may become guilty of syncretism by entering into ecclesiastical union or fraternal fellowship with unbelievers or such as adhere to false doctrine. (2 Cor. 6:14-18: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…. Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate”; 2 John 10,11: “If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not.” Cp. Rev. 14:9-11.)

D. Of the Performance of the Duty of the Congregation to Look after the Temporal Welfare of Its Members

33. In the first place, it is the duty of the congregation to provide according to its ability for the maintenance of the pastor that he may have food, clothing, and a dwelling for himself and his family (the dwelling to contain a room for study and for meeting his people in undisturbed privacy), Matt. 10:9,10; that he may have the means of practicing hospitality, 1 Tim3:2; Titus1:8; that he may be able to live of the Gospel exclusively, 1 Cor. 9:14 (“Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel”); that he be not compelled to neglect his studies, to forego social and fraternal intercourse, or to entangle himself with the affairs of this life, 1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; Eccles. 38:26, 27. This applies also in due measure to the teachers of the young.

34. It is likewise the duty of the congregation to provide food, raiment, housing, and other necessaries for the poor, the widows and orphans, the aged and infirm, who are unable to procure these themselves and have no relatives whose special duty it would be to make such provision, 2 Thess. 3:11,12; 1 Tim. 5:16. Cp. 1 John 3:17; Matt.25:35, 36,40,42,45; Jas.1:27. The congregation should also relieve the need and distress consequent upon special calamities, such as fire, dearth, famine, robbery, etc. (2 Cor. 8: 13,14: “That now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want”; Rom. 12:15; 1 Cor. 12:26), so that no brother or sister may be tempted to appeal to the mercy of them that are without, to the dishonor of the Gospel, or even to join secret societies for the sake of the aid promised (1 Thess. 4:11,12). For these purposes the congregation should appoint special almoners, Acts 6:1-7.

35. The congregation must see to it that the sick receive the necessary help, are cared for by day and night, and made comfortable, Matt.25:36: “I was sick, and ye visited Me”; cp. v. 43; 1 Tim. 5:10: “If she have relieved the afflicted.”

36. The congregation should make provision for the decent, honorable, and Christian burial of each, even the poorest, of its deceased members, Matt. 14:12; Acts 8:2; Jer. 22:18,19; Tob. 1:20.

E. Of the Performance of the Duty of the Congregation to See That All Its Things be Done Decently and in Order

37. In addition to what already has been mentioned incidentally, the following points come under this head: The pastor should keep and have in his custody two books, a register containing the names of all the members of the congregation, voting and non-voting members, and the church record, in which he should enter the ministerial acts, baptisms, confirmations, publishing of the banns, marriages, burials, and communions, stating names, dates, places, and other important circumstances. Both books should be furnished by, and remain the property of, the congregation.

38. All the papers and documents which concern the congregation or have been directed to it or go out from it should, together with the minutes, be preserved, in the originals, if possible, or in certified copies, by the stated secretary of the congregation.

39. The proper management of the financial affairs of the congregation, the collection and payment of salaries, etc., call for the service of a treasurer. For this office a competent person of good Christian character should be appointed. The treasurer should submit monthly or quarterly reports in public meeting, and his accounts should from time to time, at regular and irregular intervals, be carefully audited by a committee appointed for such purpose, 2 Cor. 8:20, 21.

40. For the proper care of the poor, the widows and orphans, the aged, infirm, sick, etc., of the congregation almoners should be appointed, who are to see that no one be neglected in the ministration and aid required in each case, Rom. 12:8 (“He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; . . . he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness”); Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:8-13.

41. The congregation should, if it has the means, acquire realty suiting the needs of the congregation, such as a well-equipped church of sufficient size, a schoolhouse, parsonage, burial-ground, etc., and choose men who shall not only represent the congregation as trustees in its dealings with the State in matters of property, but also have the supervision of such property and see that it may not be damaged but kept in good condition and that the necessary improvements and additions, etc., be made.

42. The congregation should procure all the requisites for public service, such as a church Bible, hymn-book, liturgy, baptismal and Communion vessels, official vestments, etc., and appoint a sexton who is to have them in custody, keep the church clean and in proper order, make the necessary preparations for Baptism and Communion, and render other services to the pastor during public worship. The pews should not be rented, but special seats should be assigned to those who hold an office in the congregation, and a sacristy should be provided for the pastor.

43. The time of opening for all the meetings of the congregation should be definitely fixed and strictly observed.

44. In the meetings of the congregation no important matter should be put to a vote at once, without previous discussion, explanation, and deliberation.

45. As a rule, all matters not determined, enjoined or prohibited, by the Word of God, should be decided by a majority vote, a rule which “nature teaches,” 1 Cor. 11:14. But if it should become apparent that forcing the decision of the majority might, because of the infirmity of many, cause a breach or some other harm, the majority should, for the sake of love and peace, yield to the minority, 2 Cor. 10:8.

46. The chairman of the assembly must enforce the rule that but one speaker may speak at a time, 1 Cor. 14:30, and only after the previous speaker has finished, so that every one has an opportunity to express his opinion and the discussion does not turn into a brawl, 1 Cor. 11:16.

47. Before taking the votes at an election, the roll of the voting members should be called and those answering cast their vote at once, absent voters being permitted to vote by ballot only.

48. All citations to appear in the meeting of the congregation should be in writing and be delivered by a responsible person.

49. All those who, besides the pastor, hold an office in the congregation should be under a written instruction drawn up by the congregation and precisely determining the extent and limits of their powers. Every member should, if able, be willing to accept an office for which he has been chosen. 1 Pet. 4:10,11: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”)

50. If the congregation adopts a written constitution, the latter should contain only what is most necessary and has already stood the test of congregational life, and no provision therein embodied concerning things neither enjoined nor prohibited in the Word of God should be unalterable, but all such provisions should be subject to alteration or repeal at any time, in due order, and by a considerable majority.

51. While every member of the congregation must recognize his duty to contribute his proportional share to the maintenance of church and school and the support of the needy members (Matt. 10:10; 1 Cor. 9:41; 2 Cor. 8:l2: “According to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not”), it must be left to the conscience and the voluntary charity of every one to determine how much he should give in proportion, 2 Cor. 9:7: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give: not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

F. Of the Performance of the Duty of the Congregation to Endeavor to Keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Love and Peace Also with Other Parts of the Orthodox Church

52. The congregation should be diligent in jointly offering prayer for all saints, Eph. 6:18.

53. As every true Ev. Lutheran local congregation has the same public confessions of faith with the entire Ev. Lutheran Church, so it should also give all diligence to be one with it in point of life and to “speak the same thing, in the same mind, and in the same judgment,” 1 Cor. 1:10.

54. Each congregation should come to an agreement with the adjacent [orthodox] congregations concerning the local limits of their respective territories (Titus 1:5; Gal. 2:9), and no congregation should receive as members those who reside in the territory of other congregations, 1 Pet. 4:15; 5:2 (“Feed the flock of God which is among you”); Heb. 10:25.8)

55. The congregation should demand from those who come to it from other orthodox congregations a testimonial (letter of dismissal) issued by the latter and recognize such testimonial. And it should give such testimonials to those who remove to other congregations, Acts 18:27; 3 John 8-10.

56. The congregation should not receive as members such as have been rightfully excommunicated by orthodox congregations, 1 Tim.1:20; cp. 2 Tim.4:14,15.

57. The congregation should receive as brethren such as have been exiled or have been wrongfully excommunicated or come as guests from other congregations and care for them as for their own members, 1 Pet.4:9 (“Use hospitality one to another without grudging”); Heb. 13:2; Rom.16:1,2; 1 Cor.16:10,11; John 16:2; cp. 9:22-39, Matt.25:35.

58. If the congregation calls the pastor of another congregation, it should ask the latter to give its consent to the pastor’s accepting the call, endeavoring to bring about a mutual agreement as to its being a divine call. If its pastor is called to another congregation, it should examine such call according to the Word of God and willingly release the pastor if the call appears as being of God, 1 Tim.3:13.

59. In grave cases a congregation should seek the advice of one or several sister congregations and, when asked for such advice, be ready to give it according to its ability. Cp. Acts 15.

60. The congregation should regard the distress of sister congregations as its own and give them all the aid and assistance possible, 1 Cor.16:1,2 (“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, so do ye”); 2 Cor.8:1-14; 9:1-15.

61. The congregation should be willing to have its minister, if at all possible, serve as an affiliated charge a neighboring congregation which cannot by itself establish a ministry in its midst nor be merged with the main congregation.

G. Of the Performance of the Duty of the Congregation to Do Its Part in Building Up, and Fostering, the Church at Large

62. The congregation should see that gifted boys and young man be consecrated to the service of the Church and that they be enabled to prepare themselves for such service, 1 Cor. 12:7.

63. The congregation should make provision that the Bread of Life be broken to such of its brethren in the faith as suffer spiritual want and should therefore support those who are performing this work of love, Acts 11:21,22.

64. The congregation should zealously engage in the work of Bible distribution, 1 Thess. 3:27; Col. 4:16; cp. 1 Thess. 1:8.

65. The congregation should join in the work of bringing the Gospel to those who still sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to the poor heathen and Jews, Matt. 28: 18-20 (“Teach all nations”); 1 Pet. 2:9 (“Ye re a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”); 2 Cor. 11:8; cp. Acts 13:1-5.)

66. The congregation should be ready to unite with the Ev. Lutheran congregations of this country when there is opportunity for such union and this tends to serve and promote the glory of God and the upbuilding of His kingdom, Eph. 4:3-6 (“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”); 1 Cor. 12:7 (“The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal”). Cp. Acts 15.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings appointed for Sunday are: Psalm 72:1-7; Isaiah 11:1-10; Acts 19:21-41; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Adult Bible Class will continue in the Gospel of John at chapter 13:31ff. How would Jesus be glorified? How would God be glorified in Him? How would God glorify Christ Jesus in Himself? Cf. John 17:1ff. How did Jesus address His disciples in verse 33? What did He tell them? Why? What new commandment did Jesus give His disciples? How were they to love one another? Cf. John 15:9ff.; 1 John 4:7ff. What would this love show to others? What did Simon Peter say to Jesus? How did Jesus answer Him? What did Peter say He was ready to do for Jesus? How did Jesus answer Peter? What did He say Peter would do? Could we also fall like Peter did? Is there a danger in assuming we would never deny Jesus or that we would never fall into sin? Cf. Matthew 26:41. How does this relate to the last two petitions in the Lord’s Prayer? Cf. Matthew 6:13. Why were Jesus’ disciples not to let their hearts be troubled? In whom were they to trust? What did Jesus tell them about His Father’s house? Where was Jesus going? What did He promise to do? What assurance did Jesus give His disciples in verse 3? How was this comforting for them? How are these verses still comforting for us? Did Jesus’ disciples understand where He was going or the way there? How did Jesus answer Thomas? How is Jesus the way? The truth? The life? How only can one know and come to the Father? What does this mean in regard to people’s beliefs and religions which do not seek to know God and come to Him through Jesus and His innocent sufferings and death for the sins of the world? If one knows Jesus, who else does he know? Why? Did Philip understand this? How did Jesus answer Philip? Whose words did Jesus speak to His disciples? When we speak and preach Jesus’ words, whose words are we speaking? What did Jesus ask His disciples to believe? Why should they believe this? Why should we? What works would Jesus’ disciples do? How would they be enabled to do such works? What does Jesus say about the petitions they make in His name? Why will Jesus do as His disciples ask? Who will receive glory? How? How do Jesus’ words apply to us?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members, that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We pray for God’s healing and strengthening of our congregation, as well as for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Bill Schoepf, who is having hernia surgery; Dawn Hiebert, who is recovering from knee surgery; Dick Stueland, also recovering from a second knee surgery; for Sam Rusch, who has had repeated stays in the hospital; the mother of Dick Rusch; for Dick Rusch who is recovering from shoulder surgery; and for Regina Wood (the sister of Lonnie Moll), who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families and for Christians who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations which desire to remain faithful to Christ and His Word, for the Lutheran churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Nigeria, Haiti and Chile, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

Events and Announcements

Anyone wishing to help with costs involved for Sam Rusch to visit the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota may place a gift in the offering with the designation: Sam Rusch.

Advent Services continue on Wednesday evenings at 7. A soup and sandwich supper will precede the services, beginning at about 6:20.

The choir continues to practice after church services on Sundays. More voices are welcome.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at goodshepherdrogers@yahoo.com.

“Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.” Psalm 72:18-19

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible.]