Tag Archives: Beliefs and Teaching

Words of Encouragement for Week of Sept. 27, 2012

Meditations in St. John’s First Epistle

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:4-6

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have overcome the many false prophets and teachers who have gone out into the world denying Christ’s deity, humanity or full and complete atonement for the sins of the world. We have overcome these assaults of the devil upon our souls because Christ dwells in us by His Spirit and gives us the victory by revealing to us, through the Scriptures, His true and saving doctrine – salvation by grace alone and through faith alone in Christ and His blood shed for us upon the cross.

The false prophets and teachers are in the world and speak in accordance with the wisdom and thinking of the world. Instead of accepting and believing the truth God has revealed in the Scriptures, they use their own reasoning and pervert and deny what they cannot comprehend. Thus, they would deny such Scriptural teaching as the virgin birth of Christ Jesus, that Jesus truly is God the Son and true man, that His holy life and innocent sufferings and death are full and complete payment for the sins of all, that simply through faith in Him one is saved and has forgiveness and life eternal, that God conveys to us forgiveness of sins and salvation through the waters of Christian Baptism and through the body and blood of Jesus offered and given to us in the Lord’s Supper.

And, of course, the world hears them. People are quick to accept the man-made excuses and denials of Biblical truth. They are quick to reject the authority God has over them and the exclusive claim of true Christian doctrine that only in Christ Jesus is there forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation.

But as believers, we have been born anew from above. God’s Spirit has revealed to us through the Word the person and work of Messiah Jesus. He has revealed to us that the man Jesus is the Son of the Living God and that apart from Him there is no salvation (cf. Matt. 16:16; Acts 4:12; John 6:68-69; 14:6).

Those who are of God hear us when we proclaim the true doctrine of God’s Word, but those who are not of God do not hear. Those who are mercifully called and chosen of God hear God’s voice; those who are not remain in the darkness of their unbelief and sin.

Consider Jesus’ words in John 8:47: “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.” He also said (John 10:27-28): “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”

Thus, by the gracious election and calling of God, by the enlightening of His Spirit, believers hear and believe the Word of God. They place their faith and trust in Christ Jesus, the only-begotten Son of God and Savior of the world.

And we as believers can distinguish between children of God and children of this world by their attitudes toward and acceptance of the teaching of God’s holy Word. Those who are of God hear and believe the truth; those who are not of God do not.

O gracious and merciful Lord, thank you for graciously opening our eyes and revealing to us Messiah Jesus as the Son of God and our Savior from sin, death and hell. Graciously keep us in the true faith unto life everlasting. We ask this for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

 

A Simple Explanation of Christian Doctrine

By Pastor Randy Moll

What does the Bible teach about the final judgment?

In the book of Hebrews (9:26-28), we read of Christ Jesus: “…once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

From God’s Word, we see that – unless Christ returns first – each person will suffer temporal death; and after death comes God’s judgment. We also hear again that Christ came into this world to go to the cross, sacrifice Himself in our stead and for our sin that He might return on the Last Day to receive us to Himself and grant us eternal salvation.

God’s Word reveals to us that, at death, the souls of believers are taken to be with their Lord and Savior in heaven, and the souls of unbelievers begin suffering the eternal torments of hell.

Consider Jesus’ words in Luke 16:19-31. When the beggar died, he was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. When the rich man died and was buried, he was in torment in hell and asked his ancestral father Abraham to have mercy on him and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue because he was tormented in hell’s flame.

Note what Jesus said to the dying thief who repented and looked to Jesus for mercy: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). The apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi (Phil. 1:21-23): “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”

In Rev. 14:13, we read: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

Of those who have died in unbelief, we read of their imprisonment when the crucified and risen Christ Jesus “went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water” (1 Pet. 3:19-20). And the Bible also says: “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment … then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment” (2 Pet. 2:4,9).

The Bible also teaches that, on the Last Day, Jesus Christ will return to judge the living and the dead; and on that Day, all the dead will be raised up.

Jesus said, “The hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth — those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29). Job expressed his confidence: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27; cf. Revelation 20:11-15; Acts 10:42; 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10).

The wicked and unbelieving will be cast, both body and soul, into the everlasting torments of hell; but those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation will, according to both body and soul, dwell with Christ forever, enjoying the blessings of heaven.

The Bible says: “It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed” (2 Thess. 1:6-10; cf. John 5:29; Matt. 10:28; Luke 16:23-24; Isa. 66:24; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 John 3:2; John 3:36; 17:24).

On that Day, those who trusted in the perfect atonement of Christ Jesus will not be condemned but receive everlasting life, as Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life” (John 5:24).

Jesus also said: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3). The Bible also says of heaven: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Paul wrote to the believers in Thessalonica: “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Though many have, over the ages, attempted to determine the Day of Christ’s return and judgment of the living and the dead, the Bible teaches that the Day of Christ’s return is known only to God and not to man. Christians believe Jesus’ words: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36; cf. v.29-42; Mark 13:32; 2 Pet. 3:10).

Some would separate Christ’s return from the Day of Judgment, saying that Christ will secretly return and rapture away believers before a period of severe tribulation and an earthly millennial kingdom, however Jesus’ own word refute this lie of Satan.

Before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matt. 24:29-31).

The Word of God is clear. Notice that Jesus will come visibly – every eye will see Him (Rev. 1:7) – and with the sound of a trumpet and gather His elect from the four winds “after the tribulation of those days.” Note in 1 Thess. 4:13-18 (quoted above) Jesus coming with the sound of the trumpet. Jesus’ coming for His elect marks the end of tribulation in this world and Jesus’ final judgment of the living and the dead.

In regard to the millennial reign of Christ in Revelation 20, read it carefully and you will note it is not on earth. Rather it is the reign of the souls of believers with their Savior in heaven until the Last Day when Christ returns and brings them with Him (1 Thess. 4:13ff.), the dead are raised up and judged, and all believers – those who have fallen asleep in Jesus and those who are alive and remain at His coming – will be forever with the Lord Jesus in the mansions of His Father’s House.

Therefore, true believers and students of God’s inspired Word will reject as false all contrary doctrines, such as purgatory and limbo, a secret rapture, an earthly millennial kingdom, and any attempts to predict the day or hour of Christ’s return.

Next time we shall consider what the Bible teaches about the Son of Perdition and Antichrist.

 

Congregational Evening Study

On Wednesday, the topic of our monthly study dealt with the upcoming election and the Christian’s duty as a citizen to evaluate candidates and vote for good and honest rulers who will uphold what is good and right and punish evildoers (cf. Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14).

Since the Bible teaches that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34), and “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov. 1:7), Christians will, where possible, select as rulers God-fearing men with high moral standards and who are guided in their decisions by God’s Word.

The need for America to turn from its evil ways was discussed, together with the Word of God given at the dedication of the Temple of Solomon: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).

Also presented was the duty of Christians to pray for their government leaders: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Some “litmus tests” for Christians in evaluating candidates include moral character, position and record on life issues such as abortion and euthanasia, position and record on preserving marriage as defined in the Bible (between one man and one woman), position and record on religious liberty and freedom of speech, faithfulness to Constitutional oaths, fiscal responsibility and more.

At issue for many was how to vote in cases where neither major party candidate met those standards. The question of voting for the lesser of two evils or voting on principles was discussed. Also related to the discussion is whether voting is a strategy to elect or remove a candidate or one’s true voice in a democratic form of government for what is good and right.

Some political platforms discussed briefly were Democrat, Republican and Constitution Party.

No one was told how to vote, but it is hoped that the brief study gave opportunity to consider the importance of voting and of what a Christian’s vote is a statement.

Watch the newsletter for next month’s class. Topic suggestions are welcome.

 

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 104; Romans 12:1-21; and Mark 9:38-50. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of James at 3:13ff.

 

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 continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – for Dawn Hiebert who is recovering from surgery, and for Mel Boren who is in a nursing home; for our extended families; and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus. Remember the efforts to spread the Word of God through publication of the Scriptures and other faithful materials on the Internet through the Sword Project, Crosswire Bible Society, and other organizations.

 

Events and Announcements

Choir practice will be held after church on Sunday. New members are always welcome.

Church Council will meet at 7 p.m., Oct. 10, at the church.

The annual Voters’ Assembly, with the election of officers, will follow our worship service and a pot-luck dinner on Nov. 12.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by email at pastor@goodshepherdrogers.org.

 

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Words of Encouragement for May 30

Meditations in St. John’s First Epistle

“Young ones, it is a last hour, and as you heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have risen up, from which you know that it is a last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they were of us, they would have remained with us; but they left so that it might be revealed that they all are not of us.” 1 John 2:18-19

The end draws ever closer. The Last Day is near!

How do we know? The Bible tells us that the day will not come until the antichrist – the son of perdition described in 2 Thess. 2:1ff. – is revealed. And this has happened. He has taken a seat at the head of the visible church and opposed and exalted himself above God and His Word, claiming to be the vicar of Christ in this world and overthrowing and calling anathema the central teaching of the Bible: that a man is saved by grace alone for Christ’s sake and through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross for the sins of the world. Instead of humbly submitting to God and His Word, the Bible, he has elevated his damning doctrines above God’s witness. He was revealed through the preaching of the Word at the Reformation and will be overthrown and destroyed at Christ’s coming (cf. Rev. 12ff.).

But even at John’s time, in the First Century A.D., many anti-christs had risen up. These were false teachers who rejected God’s Messiah by denying that God Himself had come in the flesh to redeem the world by His holy life and atoning sacrifice upon the cross in the stead of fallen mankind. Such anti-christs continue to rise up today, claiming that Jesus is not true God and true man in one person, denying that Jesus is Jehovah God in the flesh and, thus also, rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity which is revealed throughout the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation.

John pointed out that these had gone out from among the true believers because they were not of the true Church of God’s elect and did not accept the truth of God’s Word. If they were of the truth, they would have remained in the fellowship of those who accepted and taught all that God’s Word teaches.

Of course, this, too, occurs today. Those who do not accept the truth of God’s Word and do not wish to abide the pure teaching of God’s Word go out from among us and do not remain with us. Rather than submitting to God’s Word, true doctrine and the convicting and comforting work of the Holy Spirit through the Word, they go out from among us.

It is as Jesus said: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Those who do not hear His words and follow Him are not His sheep.

The fact that people leave true and faithful churches reveals the fact that they are not Jesus’ sheep and do not follow the true Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. Their leaving reveals their unbelief and rejection of the truth.

This, of course, relates to that which John wrote of earlier in His epistle. To walk in the light is not to be without sin but to acknowledge and agree with God about our sins and place our faith and hope in the shed blood of Jesus Christ our Savior. Walking by faith in Jesus, the Son of God and our Savior, we will then also desire to abide in His Word and in the fellowship of other believers where His Word is proclaimed in its truth and purity.

Guard and keep me, O Jesus, my God and Savior, from the many false teachers who have gone out into the world. Give me a love for the truth and for believers who hold fast to You and Your Word. Amen.

 

A Simple Explanation of Christian Doctrine

by Pastor Randy Moll

What happened to man and creation?

Genesis 3 describes historical events which changed everything for mankind and for God’s creation:

1 And the serpent was cunning above every animal of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said to the woman, Is it true that God has said, You shall not eat from any tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden, 3 but of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat of it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die. 4 And the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, 5 for God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as God, knowing good and evil.

6 And the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and the tree was desirable to make one wise. And she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed leaves of the fig tree, and made girdles for themselves. 8 And they heard the sound of Jehovah God walking up and down in the garden at the breeze of the day. And the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of Jehovah God in the middle of the trees of the garden.

9 And Jehovah God called to the man and said to him, Where are you? 10 And he said, I have heard Your sound in the garden, and I was afraid, for I am naked, and I hid myself.

11 And He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom You gave to be with me, she has given to me of the tree, and I ate. 13 And Jehovah God said to the woman, What is this you have done? And the woman said, The serpent deceived me, and I ate.

14 And Jehovah God said to the serpent, Because you have done this, you are cursed above all beasts, and above every animal of the field. You shall go on your belly, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He will bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.

16 He said to the woman, I will greatly increase your sorrow and your conception; you shall bear sons in sorrow, and your desire shall be toward your husband; and he shall rule over you.

17 And He said to the man, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree about which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat from it, the ground shall be cursed because of you; you shall eat of it in sorrow all the days of your life. 18 And it shall bring forth thorns and thistles for you, and you shall eat the plant of the field. 19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until your return to the ground. For you have been taken out of it; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

20 And the man called the name of his wife, Eve; because she became the mother of all living.

21 And Jehovah God made coats of skin for the man and his wife, and clothed them.

22 And Jehovah God said, Behold! The man has become as one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put forth his hand and also take from the Tree of Life, and eat, and live forever, 23 Jehovah God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground out of which he was taken. 24 And He drove the man out. And He lodged the cherubs at the east of the Garden of Eden, and the flaming sword whirling around to guard the way of the Tree of Life.

The devil used God’s commandment in Genesis 2:16-17 to bring about man’s condemnation and bring a curse upon all of God’s creation (cf. Ezek. 18:20).

The devil, taking upon himself the form of a serpent, tempted and deceived the woman and caused her to doubt God and His words and to desire what God had forbidden. She ate and her husband Adam ate with her.

As a result, they were afraid of the LORD God, hid from His presence and sought to cover up their sinfulness. Not only had their heart changed from one of love and trust and honor toward God to a heart of fear and rejection, their sin brought about the sin of all mankind and a curse upon all of God’s creation.

The fruits of their sin were evident in Cain killing his brother Abel, the spread of wickedness upon the earth and a lack of faith and trust in the Almighty God who created man and all things. Man’s heart was evil from his youth (Gen. 4:1ff.; 6:1ff.; 8:21:11:1ff.). Every one of us has been conceived and born into sin, spiritually dead to God and His enemy (Psalm 51:5; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1ff.).

Sin brought about not only spiritual death – the destruction of man’s relationship with God – but physical death and the ultimate condemnation of all to eternal death and torment in hell (cf. Gen. 3:19; Rom. 6:23a; Matthew 25:31-46).

Next time, we shall consider what God has done to save man and to restore His creation.

 

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 29; Isaiah 6:1-13; Acts 2:22-47; and John 3:1-21. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of Hebrews, in chapter 11, verse 8ff.

 

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 continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us; for our extended families; and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Events and Announcements

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

A Pot-luck dinner is tentatively being planned for Sunday, June 10, in honor of the 60th anniversary of Ray and Bonnie Hawes.

 

Scripture quotations are from Green’s Literal Translation (LITV). Scripture quoted by permission. Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved. Jay P. Green Sr., Lafayette, IN. U.S.A. 47903.

Words of Encouragement for May 9

Meditations in St. John’s First Epistle

“And by this we know that we have known Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, I have known Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in this one the love of God is perfected. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked.” 1 John 2:3-6 (MKJV)

Many claim to be Christians and followers of Jesus Christ but not all who make such claims know Jesus. Some are hypocrites and some deceive themselves into thinking they are Christian when, in fact, they are impenitent and do not trust in Jesus and His blood shed upon the cross for cleansing and everlasting life.

God’s Word teaches us that we can know we know and trust in Christ Jesus as our Savior by our attitude toward Jesus’ word and commandments.

“And by this we know that we have known Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, I have known Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in this one the love of God is perfected.”

The one who knows and trusts in Jesus for forgiveness of sins and life everlasting will gladly and willingly obey His commandments. This desire to obey God’s Word is evidence of the indwelling Holy Spirit and the new nature created in believers which loves God and desires to serve Him. Of course, as John wrote in the first chapter (1:5-10), believers are not without sin in this world and cannot claim to be sinless and holy of themselves, for they still have their old sinful nature inherited from Adam which balks at and resists living in accord with the Word of God.

Nevertheless, believers can see evidence of their regeneration in their new-found love for God and in their desire to keep the words and commandments of Jesus. Those who come to know the great love of God in sending His Son to suffer and die for our sins and the sins of the world are moved to love Him in return for providing salvation for lost sinners.

If we continue to trust in Jesus as our Savior – if we acknowledge our sinfulness and look to Jesus’ shed blood for pardon and life everlasting – we will, as a fruit of that faith seek to conform our lives to His. We will seek to live and conduct ourselves as Jesus did in this world – in obedience to God the Father, with utmost respect for God’s Word and with love toward lost sinners.

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked.”

Jesus, our Savior, You have redeemed us and all mankind from sin by Your atoning sacrifice upon the cross, and You have graciously brought us to know Your great love and mercy toward us in shedding Your blood to cleanse us from all sin. Grant that we grow ever deeper in the knowledge of You and Your love for us and so move us in return to love You and gladly obey Your commandments Amen.

 

A Simple Explanation of Christian Doctrine

by Pastor Randy Moll

What did God do when He created the heavens and the earth?

Again, the Bible says: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; and the earth being without form and empty, and darkness on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moving gently on the face of the waters, then God said, Let light be! And there was light….” (Genesis 1:1-3; Read all of Genesis 1 and 2).

The Hebrew word for “created” in verse one is ברא (bara) and indicates that God created all out of nothing. He called it into existence by saying, “Let … be,” and “There was.”

The Scriptures echo this truth throughout.

Psalm 33:6 says: “Through Jehovah’s word the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.”

Hebrews 11:3 says: “By faith we understand the ages to have been framed by the word of God, so that the things seen should not come into being out of things that appear.”

These words teach us the truth that God created all things and sustains them by the power of His word.

The Bible says of the Son of God, in Hebrews 1:2-3: “Through whom He indeed made the ages; who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power…”

So, what has God done? He created all things out of nothing. He created and called all into being by His all-powerful word. And, it is by that same creating word that all continues to exist.

It is as Nehemiah wrote in chapter nine, verse six: “You alone are He , O Jehovah; You have made the heavens, and heavens of the heavens, and all their host; the earth and all which is on it; the seas, and all that is in them; and You shall preserve them all alive. And the host of the heavens bows down to You.”

Next time, we shall consider when God created all things.

[Scripture quotations in this article from Green's Literal Translation]

 

From the Lutheran Confessions

The Smalcald Articles

THE THIRD PART OF THE ARTICLES

Part III, Article XIV. Of Monastic Vows.

1] As monastic vows directly conflict with the first chief article, they must be absolutely abolished. For it is of them that Christ says, Matt. 24:5,23ff : I am Christ, etc. 2] For he who makes a vow to live as a monk believes that he will enter upon a mode of life holier than ordinary Christians lead, and wishes to earn heaven by his own works not only for himself, but also for others; this is to deny Christ. 3] And they boast from their St. Thomas that a monastic vow is equal to Baptism. This is blasphemy [against God].

Part III, Article XV. Of Human Traditions.

1] The declaration of the Papists that human traditions serve for the remission of sins, or merit salvation, is [altogether] unchristian and condemned, as Christ says Matt. 15:9: In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 2] Again, Titus 1:14: That turn from the truth. Again, when they declare that it is a mortal sin if one breaks these ordinances [does not keep these statutes], this, too, is not right.

3] These are the articles on which I must stand, and, God willing, shall stand even to my death; and I do not know how to change or to yield anything in them. If any one wishes to yield anything, let him do it at the peril of his conscience.

4] Lastly, there still remains the Pope’s bag of impostures concerning foolish and childish articles, as, the dedication of churches, the baptism of bells, the baptism of the altarstone, and the inviting of sponsors to these rites, who would make donations towards them. Such baptizing is a reproach and mockery of Holy Baptism, hence should not be tolerated. 5] Furthermore, concerning the consecration of wax-tapers, palm-branches, cakes, oats, [herbs,] spices, etc., which indeed, cannot be called consecrations, but are sheer mockery and fraud. And such deceptions there are without number, which we commend for adoration to their god and to themselves, until they weary of it. We will [ought to] have nothing to do with them.

1] Dr. Martin Luther subscribed.

2] Dr. Justus Jonas, Rector, subscribed with his own hand.

3] Dr. John Bugenhagen, Pomeranus, subscribed.

4] Dr. Caspar Creutziger subscribed.

5] Niclas Ambsdorf of Magdeburg subscribed.

6] George Spalatin of Altenburg subscribed.

7] I, Philip Melanchthon, also regard [approve] the above articles as right and Christian. But regarding the Pope I hold that, if he would allow the Gospel, his superiority over the bishops which he has otherwise, is conceded to him by human right also by us, for the sake of peace and general unity of those Christians who are also under him, and may be under him hereafter.

8] John Agricola of Eisleben subscribed.

9] Gabriel Didymus subscribed.

10] I, Dr. Urban Rhegius, Superintendent of the churches in the Duchy of Lueneburg, subscribe in my own name and in the name of my brethren, and of the Church of Hannover.

11] I, Stephen Agricola, Minister at Hof, subscribe.

12] Also I, John Draconites, Professor and Minister at Marburg, subscribe.

13] I, Conrad Figenbotz, for the glory of God subscribe that I have thus believed, and am still preaching and firmly believing as above.

14] I, Andrew Osiander of Nuernberg, subscribe.

15] I, Magister Veit Dieterich, Minister at Nuernberg, subscribe.

16] I, Erhard Schnepf, Preacher at Stuttgart, subscribe.

17] Conrad Oetinger, Preacher of Duke Ulrich at Pforzheim.

18] Simon Schnevveis, Pastor of the Church at Crailsheim.

19] I, John Schlainhauffen, Pastor of the Church at Koethen, subscribe.

20] The Reverend Magister George Helt of Forchheim.

21] The Reverend Magister Adam of Fulda, Preacher in Hesse.

22] The Reverend Magister Anthony Corvinus, Preacher in Hesse.

23] I, Doctor John Bugenhagen, Pomeranus, again subscribe in the name of Magister John Brentz, as on departing from Smalcald he directed me orally and by a letter, which I have shown to those brethren who have subscribed.

24] I, Dionysius Melander, subscribe to the Confession, the Apology, and the Concordia on the subject of the Eucharist.

25] Paul Rhodius, Superintendent of Stettin.

26] Gerard Oeniken, Superintendent of the Church at Minden.

27] I, Brixius Northanus, Minister of the Church of Christ which is at Soest, subscribe to the Articles of the Reverend Father Martin Luther, and confess that hitherto I have thus believed and taught, and by the Spirit of Christ I shall continue thus to believe and teach.

28] Michael Coelius, Preacher at Mansfeld, subscribed.

29] The Reverend Magister Peter Geltner, Preacher at Frankfort, subscribed.

30] Wendal Faber, Pastor of Seeburg in Mansfeld.

31] I, John Aepinus, subscribe.

32] Likewise, I, John Amsterdam of Bremen.

33] I, Frederick Myconius, Pastor of the Church at Gotha in Thuringia, subscribe in my own name and in that of Justus Menius of Eisenach

34] I, Doctor John Lang, Preacher of the Church at Erfurt, subscribe with my own hand in my own name, and in that of my other coworkers in the Gospel, namely:

35] The Reverend Licentiate Ludwig Platz of Melsungen.

36] The Reverend Magister Sigismund Kirchner.

37] The Reverend Wolfgang Kismetter.

38] The Reverend Melchior Weitmann.

39] The Reverend John Tall.

40] The Reverend John Kilian.

41] The Reverend Nicholas Faber.

42] The Reverend Andrew Menser.

43] And I, Egidius Mechler, have subscribed with my own hand.

 

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 98; Acts 10:34-48; 1 John 5:1-8; and John 15:9-17. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of Hebrews, in chapter 10, verse 29ff.

 

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 continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us, for Sam Rusch, who was hospitalized last week; for those who have been absent from us; for our extended families; and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Events and Announcements

Ascension Day worship will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17. All are invited to join in worshiping our Savior for His sufferings, death, resurrection and glorious ascension.

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

 

Scripture quotations are from Green’s Literal Translation (LITV) where so marked or from Green’s Modern King James Version (MKJV). Scripture quoted by permission. Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved. Jay P. Green Sr., Lafayette, IN. U.S.A. 47903.

Words of Encouragement for May 2

Meditations in St. John’s First Epistle

1 My little children, I write these things to you so that you do not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation concerning our sins, and not concerning ours only, but also concerning the sins of all the world. 1 John 2:1-2 (MKJV)

While it is certainly not the desire of Christians to continue on in sin because they are born anew, have a new nature, and God’s Spirit dwells within them, it is comforting to know that when we do sin – and we all still do because of our sinful nature – we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Jesus, who lived a righteous and holy life in our stead under God’s law and then suffered and died for the sins of the word and rose again, is our Advocate with the Father. He is there with His own precious blood, shed upon the cross for the sins of the world, pleading our case before the Father.

Though we are guilty under the law and would stand condemned to eternal torment on account of our sins, “Jesus Christ the righteous … is the propitiation concerning our sins, and not concerning ours only, but also concerning the sins of all the world.” He took our punishment and paid in full for our sins and the sins of all the world when He suffered and died upon the cross. For His sake, God has acquitted and pardoned us and gives us everlasting life.

That is why, when we sin – as we all do – and “we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1:9).

God does not grant us permission to sin but enjoins us to live for Him in accord with His Word. But, when we do sin, “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He is the propitiation concerning our sins, and not concerning ours only, but also concerning the sins of all the world.”

Dearest Lord Jesus, You came into this world to redeem us from sin and grant us life everlasting in fellowship with You and the Father, strengthen our faith and move us to live for You in accord with Your perfect Word. And, when we sin, plead for us before the Father with Your holy and precious blood shed upon the cross for the sins of all the world. Amen.

 

A Simple Explanation of Christian Doctrine

by Pastor Randy Moll

How is it that this world and the universe came to be? How did life begin and why does it go on? Is it all the result of chance over extreme lengths of time? Or is it the result of an intelligent creator who wisely designed and created all things?

While many have speculated and theorized, there is one eye-witness account of how all came to be and who is behind it.

Many scoff and criticize this account and offer alternative theories with no foundation in truth in an attempt to escape the accountability which goes with the creation account, but wisdom calls upon us to seek the truth and accept it, along with any accountability which accompanies that truth.

That one eye-witness account is recorded for all to know in the first two chapters of Genesis. It is the account of the Creator Himself, recorded by Moses for all to read and know the truth.

That account begins: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; and the earth being without form and empty, and darkness on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moving gently on the face of the waters, then God said, Let light be! And there was light….” (Genesis 1:1-3).

Who is the Creator?

Who is the Creator? The Bible, which is God’s inspired account, tells us that “in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

And, who is this God? The Hebrew word, Elohim, which is the plural form of God, is the descriptor used to describe the Creator (cf. Gen. 1:26-27). He is also called by the name Jehovah, often translated LORD. “These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created in the day that Jehovah God was making earth and heavens” (Gen. 2:4).

The Bible further defines God, when it says: “To us is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we by Him” (1 Cor. 8:6). Thus we see that all things were created by God the Father through Jesus Christ.

God’s creation account also tells us that, in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, “the Spirit of God [was] moving gently on the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2). Thus we see that the Holy Spirit was involved in the creation of all things.

The opening verses of John’s Gospel tell us: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men….” (John 1:1-4). Thus we see that the Word, Jesus Christ, identified in v. 14 as God Himself in the flesh and the only begotten Son of the Father, created all things and is the giver of life, both physical and spiritual.

In St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, the inspired Scriptures say of Christ Jesus, that He is “the image of the invisible God, the First-born of all creation. For all things were created in Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible; whether thrones, or lordships, or rulers, or authorities, all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and all things consist in Him” (Col. 1:15-17).

So, who is the Creator? It is God, the God the Scriptures identify for us as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Though God is one – “Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah” (Deut. 6:4) – God is also three – thus, the command to “disciple all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This is why the God of the Bible is often called the Triune (three/one) God, because He is one God and yet three distinct Persons. Thus, the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. Yet, there are not three Gods, but one God.

The Bible tells us “there are three bearing witness in Heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one” (1 John 5:7).

Though beyond our ability to comprehend, this is how God has revealed Himself to us – it is His account and His word. And it is this God who has created all things and given us life.

Next time, we shall consider what God has done in creating all things.

[Scripture quotations in this article from Green's Literal Translation]

 

From the Lutheran Confessions

The Smalcald Articles

THE THIRD PART OF THE ARTICLES

Part III, Article XII. Of the Church.

1] We do not concede to them that they are the Church, and [in truth] they are not [the Church]; nor will we listen to those things which, under the name of Church, they enjoin or forbid. 2] For, thank God, [to-day] a child seven years old knows what the Church is, namely, the holy believers and lambs who hear the voice of their Shepherd. For the children pray thus: I believe in one holy [catholic or] Christian Church. 3] This holiness does not consist in albs, tonsures, long gowns, and other of their ceremonies devised by them beyond Holy Scripture, but in the Word of God and true faith.

Part III, Article XIII. How One is Justified before God, and of Good Works.

1] What I have hitherto and constantly taught concerning this I know not how to change in the least, namely, that by faith, as St. Peter says, we acquire a new and clean heart, and God will and does account us entirely righteous and holy for the sake of Christ, our Mediator. And although sin in the flesh has not yet been altogether removed or become dead, yet He will not punish or remember it.

2] And such faith, renewal, and forgiveness of sins is followed by good works. And what there is still sinful or imperfect also in them shall not be accounted as sin or defect, even [and that, too] for Christ’s sake; but the entire man, both as to his person and his works, is to be called and to be righteous and holy from pure grace and mercy, shed upon us [unfolded] and spread over us in Christ. 3] Therefore we cannot boast of many merits and works, if they are viewed apart from grace and mercy, but as it is written, 1 Cor. 1:31: He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord, namely, that he has a gracious God. For thus all is well. 4] We say, besides, that if good works do not follow, faith is false and not true.

 

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are: Psalm 150; Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 4:1-21; and John 15:1-8. Please read them in their context as you prepare for worship on Sunday.

The Sunday Adult Bible Class will continue its study of the book of Hebrews, in chapter 10, verse 26ff.

 

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 continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us; for those who have been absent from us, for those who have wronged us, for our extended families and for believers who are alone and have no congregation. Continue to pray for Lutheran congregations and believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering for their faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Events and Announcements

A pot-luck dinner will be held at the church on Sunday. All are invited to join us for the meal and fellowship following our morning worship service.

A Church Council Meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 9.

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.

 

Scripture quotations are from Green’s Literal Translation (LITV) where so marked or from Green’s Modern King James Version (MKJV). Scripture quoted by permission. Copyright 1993 by Jay P. Green Sr., All rights reserved. Jay P. Green Sr., Lafayette, IN. U.S.A. 47903.

Words of Encouragement for May 4, 2011

Words of Encouragement for May 4, 201

 

Meditations in Genesis

“And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.”  Genesis 45:4-5

It is true that Joseph’s brothers did not have good intentions when they sold Joseph to be a slave in Egypt. They meant it for evil.

But, as Joseph said when he revealed his identity to his brothers who had come to Egypt to buy food, God turned that evil into good and sent Joseph into Egypt ahead of his brothers in order to preserve life – including the lives of his father, brothers and their little ones.

And, of course, there is much more involved here, for the promise of the Messiah and Savior, the Seed of the woman who would defeat the devil and destroy his works for us, was to be a descendant of Jacob and of Judah, Jacob’s son. By keeping Jacob and his own brothers alive through the famine, Joseph was playing a role in God’s eternal plan for the salvation of sinful mankind.

And what can we learn from this? Even when the devil intends evil against us, God is working for our good and for the furtherance of His eternal plan of salvation.

Indeed, our gracious God has a purpose and plan for each of us which is a part of His even greater plan to save lost sinners from this present evil world. That plan, however, may not be easy to bear. Things may happen to us which appear to be evil and hurtful – the devil intends them that way – but God intends them for our good and for the good of all His elect children.

Rather than despair or become bitter when life’s road take us to places we’d rather not visit, look for God’s working and His plan in all things.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Dear Lord Jesus. In fulfillment of Your Word and our Heavenly Father’s plan, You went to the cross to pay the debt of our sin and win for all mankind forgiveness and life eternal. Grant that we walk by faith, trusting in Your sacrifice for our sins and trusting that You are indeed at work in us to create and sustain our faith and to accomplish Your good and gracious will. Amen.

 

Martin Luthers’ Large Catechism

Article III.

34] I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

35] This article (as I have said) I cannot relate better than to Sanctification, that through the same the Holy Ghost, with His office, is declared and depicted, namely, that He makes holy. Therefore we must take our stand upon the word Holy Ghost, because it is so precise and comprehensive that we cannot find another. 36] For there are, besides, many kinds of spirits mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, as, the spirit of man, heavenly spirits, and evil spirits. But the Spirit of God alone is called Holy Ghost, that is, He who has sanctified and still sanctifies us. For as the Father is called Creator, the Son Redeemer, so the Holy Ghost, from His work, must be called Sanctifier, or One that makes holy. 37] But how is such sanctifying done? Answer: Just as the Son obtains dominion, whereby He wins us, through His birth, death, resurrection, etc., so also the Holy Ghost effects our sanctification by the following parts, namely, by the communion of saints or the Christian Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting; that is, He first leads us into His holy congregation, and places us in the bosom of the Church, whereby He preaches to us and brings us to Christ.

38] For neither you nor I could ever know anything of Christ, or believe on Him, and obtain Him for our Lord, unless it were offered to us and granted to our hearts by the Holy Ghost through the preaching of the Gospel. The work is done and accomplished; for Christ has acquired and gained the treasure for us by His suffering, death, resurrection, etc. But if the work remained concealed so that no one knew of it, then it would be in vain and lost. That this treasure, therefore, might not lie buried, but be appropriated and enjoyed, God has caused the Word to go forth and be proclaimed, in which He gives the Holy Ghost to bring this treasure home and appropriate it to us. 39] Therefore sanctifying is nothing else than bringing us to Christ to receive this good, to which we could not attain of ourselves.

40] Learn, then, to understand this article most clearly. If you are asked: What do you mean by the words: I believe in the Holy Ghost? you can answer: I believe that the Holy Ghost makes me holy, as His name implies. 41] But whereby does He accomplish this, or what are His method and means to this end? Answer: By the Christian Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. 42] For, in the first place, He has a peculiar congregation in the world, which is the mother that begets and bears every Christian through the Word of God, which He reveals and preaches, [and through which] He illumines and enkindles hearts, that they understand, accept it, cling to it, and persevere in it.

43] For where He does not cause it to be preached and made alive in the heart, so that it is understood, it is lost, as was the case under the Papacy, where faith was entirely put under the bench, and no one recognized Christ as his Lord or the Holy Ghost as his Sanctifier, that is, no one believed that Christ is our Lord in the sense that He has acquired this treasure for us, without our works and merit, and made us acceptable to the Father. What, then, was lacking? 44] This, that the Holy Ghost was not there to reveal it and cause it to be preached; but men and evil spirits were there, who taught us to obtain grace and be saved by our works. 45] Therefore it is not a Christian Church either; for where Christ is not preached, there is no Holy Ghost who creates, calls, and gathers the Christian Church, without which no one can come to Christ the Lord. 46] Let this suffice concerning the sum of this article. But because the parts which are here enumerated are not quite clear to the simple, we shall run over them also.

47] The Creed denominates the holy Christian Church, communionem sanctorum, a communion of saints; for both expressions, taken together, are identical. But formerly the one [the second] expression was not there, and it has been poorly and unintelligibly translated into German eine Gemeinschaft der Heiligen, a communion of saints. If it is to be rendered plainly, it must be expressed quite differently in the German idiom; for the word ecclesia properly means in German eine Versammlung, an assembly. 48] But we are accustomed to the word church, by which the simple do not understand an assembled multitude, but the consecrated house or building, although the house ought not to be called a church, except only for the reason that the multitude assembles there. For we who assemble there make and choose for ourselves a particular place, and give a name to the house according to the assembly.

Thus the word Kirche (church) means really nothing else than a common assembly, and is not German by idiom, but Greek (as is also the word ecclesia); for in their own language they call it kyria, as in Latin it is called curia. Therefore in genuine German, in our mother-tongue, it ought to be called a Christian congregation or assembly (eine christliche Gemeinde oder Sammlung), or, best of all and most clearly, holy Christendom (eine heilige Christenheit).

49] So also the word communio, which is added, ought not to be rendered communion (Gemeinschaft), but congregation (Gemeinde). And it is nothing else than an interpretation or explanation by which some one meant to explain what the Christian Church is. This our people, who understood neither Latin nor German, have rendered Gemeinschaft der Heiligen (communion of saints), although no German language speaks thus, nor understands it thus. But to speak correct German, it ought to be eine Gemeinde der Heiligen (a congregation of saints), that is, a congregation made up purely of saints, or, to speak yet more plainly, eine heilige Gemeinde, a holy congregation. 50] I say this in order that the words Gemeinschaft der Heiligen (communion of saints) may be understood, because the expression has become so established by custom that it cannot well be eradicated, and it is treated almost as heresy if one should attempt to change a word.

51] But this is the meaning and substance of this addition: I believe that there is upon earth a little holy group and congregation of pure saints, under one head, even Christ, called together by the Holy Ghost in one faith, one mind, and understanding, with manifold gifts, yet agreeing in love, without sects or schisms. 52] I am also a part and member of the same, a sharer and joint owner of all the goods it possesses, brought to it and incorporated into it by the Holy Ghost by having heard and continuing to hear the Word of God, which is the beginning of entering it. For formerly, before we had attained to this, we were altogether of the devil, knowing nothing of God and of Christ. 53] Thus, until the last day, the Holy Ghost abides with the holy congregation or Christendom, by means of which He fetches us to Christ and which He employs to teach and preach to us the Word, whereby He works and promotes sanctification, causing it [this community] daily to grow and become strong in the faith and its fruits which He produces.

54] We further believe that in this Christian Church we have forgiveness of sin, which is wrought through the holy Sacraments and Absolution, moreover, through all manner of consolatory promises of the entire Gospel. Therefore, whatever is to be preached concerning the Sacraments belongs here, and, in short, the whole Gospel and all the offices of Christianity, which also must be preached and taught without ceasing. For although the grace of God is secured through Christ, and sanctification is wrought by the Holy Ghost through the Word of God in the unity of the Christian Church, yet on account of our flesh which we bear about with us we are never without sin.

55] Everything, therefore, in the Christian Church is ordered to the end that we shall daily obtain there nothing but the forgiveness of sin through the Word and signs, to comfort and encourage our consciences as long as we live here. Thus, although we have sins, the [grace of the] Holy Ghost does not allow them to injure us, because we are in the Christian Church, where there is nothing but [continuous, uninterrupted] forgiveness of sin, both in that God forgives us, and in that we forgive, bear with, and help each other.

56] But outside of this Christian Church, where the Gospel is not, there is no forgiveness, as also there can be no holiness [sanctification]. Therefore all who seek and wish to merit holiness [sanctification], not through the Gospel and forgiveness of sin, but by their works, have expelled and severed themselves [from this Church].

57] Meanwhile, however, while sanctification has begun and is growing daily, we expect that our flesh will be destroyed and buried with all its uncleanness, and will come forth gloriously, and arise to entire and perfect holiness in a new eternal life. 58] For now we are only half pure and holy, so that the Holy Ghost has ever [some reason why] to continue His work in us through the Word, and daily to dispense forgiveness, until we attain to that life where there will be no more forgiveness, but only perfectly pure and holy people, full of godliness and righteousness, removed and free from sin, death, and all evil, in a new, immortal, and glorified body.

59] Behold, all this is to be the office and work of the Holy Ghost, that He begin and daily increase holiness upon earth by means of these two things, the Christian Church and the forgiveness of sin. But in our dissolution He will accomplish it altogether in an instant, and will forever preserve us therein by the last two parts.

60] But the term Auferstehung des Fleisches (resurrection of the flesh) here employed is not according to good German idiom. For when we Germans hear the word Fleisch (flesh), we think no farther than of the shambles. But in good German idiom we would say Auferstehung des Leibes, or Leichnams (resurrection of the body). However, it is not a matter of much moment, if we only understand the words aright.

61] This, now, is the article which must ever be and remain in operation. For creation we have received; redemption, too, is finished; but the Holy Ghost carries on His work without ceasing to the last day. And for that purpose He has appointed a congregation upon earth by which He speaks and does everything. 62] For He has not yet brought together all His Christian Church nor dispensed forgiveness. Therefore we believe in Him who through the Word daily brings us into the fellowship of this Christian Church, and through the same Word and the forgiveness of sins bestows, increases, and strengthens faith, in order that when He has accomplished it all, and we abide therein, and die to the world and to all evil, He may finally make us perfectly and forever holy; which now we expect in faith through the Word.

63] Behold, here you have the entire divine essence, will, and work depicted most exquisitely in quite short and yet rich words, wherein consists all our wisdom, which surpasses and exceeds the wisdom, mind, and reason of all men. For although the whole world with all diligence has endeavored to ascertain what God is, what He has in mind and does, yet has she never been able to attain to [the knowledge and understanding of] any of these things. 64] But here we have everything in richest measure; for here in all three articles He has Himself revealed and opened the deepest abyss of his paternal heart and of His pure unutterable love. For He has created us for this very object, that He might redeem and sanctify us; and in addition to giving and imparting to us everything in heaven and upon earth, He has given to us even His Son and the Holy Ghost, by whom to bring us to Himself. 65] For (as explained above) we could never attain to the knowledge of the grace and favor of the Father except through the Lord Christ, who is a mirror of the paternal heart, outside of whom we see nothing but an angry and terrible Judge. But of Christ we could know nothing either, unless it had been revealed by the Holy Ghost.

66] These articles of the Creed, therefore, divide and separate us Christians from all other people upon earth. For all outside of Christianity, whether heathen, Turks, Jews, or false Christians and hypocrites, although they believe in, and worship, only one true God, yet know not what His mind towards them is, and cannot expect any love or blessing from Him; therefore they abide in eternal wrath and damnation. For they have not the Lord Christ, and, besides, are not illumined and favored by any gifts of the Holy Ghost.

67] From this you perceive that the Creed is a doctrine quite different from the Ten Commandments; for the latter teaches indeed what we ought to do, but the former tells what God does for us and gives to us. Moreover, apart from this, the Ten Commandments are written in the hearts of all men; the Creed, however, no human wisdom can comprehend, but it must be taught by the Holy Ghost alone. 68] The latter doctrine [of the Law], therefore, makes no Christian, for the wrath and displeasure of God abide upon us still, because we cannot keep what God demands of us; but this [namely, the doctrine of faith] brings pure grace, and makes us godly and acceptable to God. 69] For by this knowledge we obtain love and delight in all the commandments of God, because here we see that God gives Himself entire to us, with all that He has and is able to do, to aid and direct us in keeping the Ten Commandments – the Father, all creatures; the Son, His entire work; and the Holy Ghost, all His gifts.

70] Let this suffice concerning the Creed to lay a foundation for the simple, that they may not be burdened, so that, if they understand the substance of it, they themselves may afterwards strive to acquire more, and to refer to these parts whatever they learn in the Scriptures, and may ever grow and increase in richer understanding. For as long as we live here, we shall daily have enough to do to preach and to learn this.

 

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings appointed for Sunday are: Psalm 116; 1 Peter 1:10-25; and Luke 24:13-43. 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 18, verse 35.

 

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 – for Sam Rusch, who has had repeated stays in the hospital; for Ron and Lois Wellander and for their daughter Lisa Pugh, whose husband Wade was called to his eternal home on April 27 – for God’s comfort and strength and for safe travels for Ron and Lois, 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 and Japan, 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

On-line video of worship services can be found at: http://goodshepherdrogers.org/blog/worship-service-video.

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.

Church Council will meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 18.

Voters’ are scheduled to meet on April 22, after the morning worship service and a pot-luck dinner.

 

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

 

 

Words of Encouragement for December 22, 2010

Advent Meditation

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage … Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:14,15,17

Here is an amazing thing, that the only begotten Son of God would take on human flesh and blood and become true man in order to redeem us from sin, death and the power of the devil! Yet this is what was necessary for our salvation. Jesus Christ, who is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, took on human flesh and blood in the Virgin Mary and became true man that He might take our place under God’s Law and fulfill it for us, and that He might also bear the curse and condemnation of God’s Law upon our sins.

In the Garden of Eden, the devil tempted Eve and then used the curse of God’s Law – “in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” – to condemn Adam and Eve and all mankind. He continued to use the threats of God’s Law to enslave mankind; “for the wages of sin is death” – spiritual death, as well as temporal death, and eternal death and torment in hell (Romans 6:23). Since the Law of God condemns sinners, the devil only needed to get man to break the Law to bring him under the wrath and condemnation of God. Thus, as sinners, we were afraid of God and of His just punishment upon sin. We could not love God or gladly and willingly obey His commandments, for we were guilty of sin and deserving of His wrath and the eternal tortures of hell.

Jesus Christ, God’s Son, came into the world that He might destroy (καταργηση – annul or make of no effect) the devil and his evil work, and that He might set us free from bondage and the fear of death (cf. 1 John 3:8). In order to accomplish this work, it was necessary that He take on human flesh and blood and become true man – “to be made like unto His brethren” – that He might take our place under God’s Law and suffer and die for the sins of all mankind (cf. John 1:1,14; Galatians 4:4-5). And, because Jesus Christ is true God, His holy life and innocent sufferings and death upon the cross are a sufficient ransom for the sins of the whole world (Romans 3:23-24; 5:10,18-19; 1 John 2:1-2; Galatians 3:13). He made “reconciliation for the sins of the people”; and now, “the accuser of our brethren is cast down”; he is overcome “by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:10,11). Since the holy Son of God took on flesh and blood and redeemed us, the devil can no longer successfully accuse us; our sins are covered and washed away in Christ’s blood!

“Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!” (Charles Wesley).

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank Thee for taking on human flesh and blood and becoming true man, like us, that Thou might redeem us from sin and the power of the devil and grant unto us everlasting life with Thee in Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Meditations in Genesis

“And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac….” Genesis 28:12, 13 (Read Genesis 28).

As children, many of us sang a song called, “I am climbing Jacob’s ladder.” Jacob’s ladder wasn’t, however, a means for Jacob to climb to God. Rather, it was God reaching down and making Himself and His presence known to Jacob.

When Jacob left his father and mother and began his journey away from the land promised to Abraham and Isaac, he stopped at a certain place for the night, set up stones for his pillow and dreamed of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels of God ascending and descending upon it and the LORD God Himself standing above it.

In his dream, the LORD appeared to Jacob, telling him, “I am the LORD [Jehovah] God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac…” And the LORD Himself promised Jacob all the blessings already promised to Abraham and Isaac. God promised to Jacob and his descendants the land of Canaan. He promised to make his descendants as many in number as the dust of the earth so that they would fill the land. And, God promised Jacob: “In thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed” – the promise that the Messiah who would bring redemption and salvation to all nations would come of his descendants! (v. 14; cf. Genesis 12:3 and 22:18, where this same promise was spoken to Abraham).

God also promised to this young man who was fleeing for his life: “And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (v. 15). Even though Jacob was leaving his father and mother and his homeland, God was not leaving Jacob. God was with him, watching over him, and would bring him back again and fulfill all that He had promised.

What a comfort this dream must have been for Jacob as he traveled away from his home to a strange land! God revealed His very presence to Jacob and renewed His promises, already passed on to him by Isaac, his father. As God the Son, the pre-incarnate Christ, appeared to Abraham and assured him of the divine promises (Genesis 18), so He now also appeared to Jacob to strengthen his faith and assure him of these same promises.

But what is the significance of this event for you and me today? How can we take comfort in what God did for Jacob as he journeyed toward Padan-aram?

Consider the words of Jesus to Nathanael in the last verse of John, chapter 1: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (v. 51). As the angels of God ascended and descended upon the ladder to Jacob, to watch over him and keep him in all his ways (cf. Psalm 91:11), so the angels of God ascend and descend upon the Lord Jesus, the promised seed of Jacob and the Messiah and Savior of the nations. For Jesus’ sake, they watch over us and keep us in all our ways.

When Jesus prayed in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane before going to the cross to suffer and die for our sins, an angel of God appeared to Him out of heaven, strengthening Him (Luke 22:41ff.). When Jesus returns on the Last Day to judge the living and the dead, His mighty angels will be with Him (2 Thessalonians 1:7).

As God revealed Himself to Jacob in a dream, comforting and strengthening him on the way, God has appeared and made Himself known to us in His own dear Son. As John writes, “No man hath seen God at any time: the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him” (John 1:18). In Jesus, we see the LORD God, for Jesus is God Himself in human flesh. And Jesus has fulfilled the divine promise given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Jesus, descendant of Jacob, suffered and died upon the cross for the sins of the world and rose again from the dead. In Jesus, forgiveness of sins and life everlasting is won for all! The gates of heaven are open to all through faith in Christ Jesus. He is “the way, the truth, and the life” – the only way to God the Father (John 14:6).

Jesus also sends us out into the world to disciple the nations – to preach the saving Gospel of forgiveness and life in Jesus to all the world – but He doesn’t send us alone. He assures us, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20). He is with us; He intercedes for us before the Father’s throne; and He gives His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways (Psalm 91:11).

We have the assurance that He will deliver us from every evil work and preserve us unto His heavenly kingdom – that land of promise made sure to us by the shed blood of Jesus! (cf. 2 Timothy 4:18).

O dearest Jesus, thank You for coming to me and making Yourself known to me as my merciful Savior. As You have promised, graciously abide with me, keep me and send Your holy angels to strengthen and keep me until I am safely with You forever in the heavenly home You have prepared for me. I ask this for the sake of Your holy and precious blood, shed for me upon the cross. Amen.

The Augsburg Confession

Article XXV: Of Confession

Confession in the churches is not abolished among us; for it is not usual to give the body of the Lord, except to them that have been previously examined and absolved. And the people are most carefully taught concerning faith in the absolution, about which formerly there was profound silence. Our people are taught that they should highly prize the absolution, as being the voice of God, and pronounced by God’s command. The power of the Keys is set forth in its beauty and they are reminded what great consolation it brings to anxious consciences, also, that God requires faith to believe such absolution as a voice sounding from heaven, and that such faith in Christ truly obtains and receives the forgiveness of sins. Aforetime satisfactions were immoderately extolled; of faith and the merit of Christ and the righteousness of faith no mention was made; wherefore, on this point, our churches are by no means to be blamed. For this even our adversaries must needs concede to us that the doctrine concerning repentance has been most diligently treated and laid open by our teachers.

But of Confession they teach that an enumeration of sins is not necessary, and that consciences be not burdened with anxiety to enumerate all sins, for it is impossible to recount all sins, as the Psalm 19:13 testifies: Who can understand his errors? Also Jeremiah 17:9: The heart is deceitful; who can know it? But if no sins were forgiven, except those that are recounted, consciences could never find peace; for very many sins they neither see nor can remember. The ancient writers also testify that an enumeration is not necessary. For in the Decrees, Chrysostom is quoted, who says thus: I say not to you that you should disclose yourself in public, nor that you accuse yourself before others, but I would have you obey the prophet who says: “Disclose thy way before God.” Therefore confess your sins before God, the true Judge, with prayer. Tell your errors, not with the tongue, but with the memory of your conscience, etc. And the Gloss (Of Repentance, Distinct. V, Cap. Consideret) admits that Confession is of human right only [not commanded by Scripture, but ordained by the Church]. Nevertheless, on account of the great benefit of absolution, and because it is otherwise useful to the conscience, Confession is retained among us.

(To Be Continued….)

How Must God’s Word Be Preached

In Order to Produce Faith in the Hearts of the Hearers?

By Franz Pieper

Luther-Hour Lectures presented to the Seminary Students

(From Concordia Theological Monthly)

THIRD LECTURE

(C.T.M. September,1933. pp. 653-659)

In the last lecture I showed that faith in Christ stands in no man’s hand, neither in the hand of the hearer nor in that of the preacher. Faith in Christ stands only and alone in God’s hand. As regards the origin of faith (origo fidei), it is a miracle of God, like the creation of the world, as Luther rightly remarked. Men come into consideration in the production of faith merely as instruments, in so far as according to God’s order men shall speak and preach the Gospel to one another. Through this preaching of men God then works faith in the hearers “where and when it pleases Him.”

But now we turn our attention to the question: Of what sort must the preaching be through which God the Holy Ghost works justifying and saving faith in the hearts? Or, otherwise expressed: How must we preach in order that we may instrumentally preach faith into the hearts? The answer to this question is not complicated, but very simple, as theoretically everything is very simple in the Christian religion, so long as one simply holds to God’s Word. May God grant you grace not to forget this simple answer, but always to apply it in the practice of preaching! You must preach the Gospel, the Gospel pure and simple, the Gospel of Christ the crucified as it stands revealed in Holy Scripture; or, concretely expressed, you must preach that in consequence of the redemption which took place through Christ nothing whatever any more stands between God and the sinner, that for every sinner there is full grace with God at hand. You must preach that reconciliation with God is not first to be established on man’s part, but that God is fully reconciled through Christ with the whole world of sinners and with every individual member of human society, hence that God receives sinners just as they are, out of the midst of their sinful wretchedness and filth. God does not wait with his grace, with the forgiveness of sins, until men have first improved themselves, but before all betterment on their part, before all contrition, before all faith, He is perfectly reconciled through Christ with every man.

Is that true? Yes indeed, that is the doctrine of the entire Holy Scripture ever since the first Gospel, which God Himself proclaimed after the Fall. And that is the Gospel of Christ the crucified. According to the Christian religion which is revealed in Holy Scripture, the matter stands thus: God Himself brought the account which He held against men according to His righteousness and which men could not pay into order through Christ, balanced it Himself, paid it Himself. Now in the preaching of the Gospel He brings to all men to whom the preaching of the Gospel comes, the paid and receipted account for their acceptance. This the Apostle Paul teaches clearly and plainly in 2 Cor. 5:19, when he writes: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” You see, God has done what no secular judge can do or may do without becoming unjust.

A secular judge may not pronounce an innocent person guilty, and he may not let an innocent person suffer for a guilty one. But what a secular judge cannot do and must not do, that is what God has done according to His divine fullness of power and according to His incomprehensible and eternal mercy for us poor sinners. He has declared the only Man who knew no sin, His incarnate Son, to be guilty and has punished Him as guilty, and so has reconciled the world unto Himself. Now the situation is this: Since Christ has suffered to pay for the sins of men, the just for the unjust, there is for no man anything left to suffer in payment for his own sins. Since Christ has paid our debt of sin with His divine blood there is nothing more left for us men to pay. Since God has placed His incarnate Son under the Law and has now accepted His righteousness as performed for all men, men have need of no righteousness of their own in order to be accepted of God. Now God receives sinners just as they are, or, as the Apostle Paul expresses it, Rom 4:5 God justifies the ungodly. To express it theologically, you must preach the objective reconciliation, or objective justification. That is the fact that God through the work of Christ, before all contrition, before all faith, before all betterment of life, is perfectly reconciled with all men, that God on His part has already in His heart forgiven all men for Christ’s sake, that the Gospel is therefore a free and full absolution for the whole world of men, an absolution which awaits only the acceptance of faith.

Now mark well, when you so preach that God is perfectly reconciled with all men through Christ, is favorably inclined in His heart to every man for Christ’s sake, then you bring forth in the hearts of the hearers who are smitten by the Law this thought: Then God is also gracious to me, then God receives also me, poor sinner that I am. And behold, this thought, this motion of the heart, wrought by the Holy Ghost, is faith in Christ. It is justifying and saving faith. Thus you preach faith into the hearts when you preach the Gospel in its undiluted purity.

On the other hand, you hinder faith, as far as in you lies, when you preach in such a way as though the hearers must first show an inner or outward improvement in themselves before they might comfort themselves with the grace of God, or when you place faith itself or sanctification into contrition. For what is the effect of such preaching? The effect can be none other than this: While you are preaching, the thoughts of the hearers will not be directed to Christ crucified, not to the absolution which He has gained for us, but the hearers will be impelled to search in themselves for the inner change which must take place before they can comfort themselves with the grace of God. Thus you do not let them come to faith. You thrust works between the sinner and the righteous God and thereby all possibility of faith goes by the board. It is exceedingly difficult to comfort a conscience that is truly smitten by the Law. When the Law of God has penetrated into our hearts, when we feel the judgment of God upon our sins in our heart and conscience, then it makes no difference in the world to us whether we are healthy or sick, whether we are rich or poor, whether we see life or death before us; only one thing we wish, and that is the assurance that God is gracious to us, that we shall not come into judgment when we depart this life. And such a conscience, gripped by the Judgment of God, can be brought to rest through no human work, be it called contrition or faith, or be it called sanctification; the judgment of God, executed upon the heart through the Law, consumes all human works, eats up all human works like a prairie fire that burns down all the dry grass before it. The conscience smitten by the Law is to be brought to rest only by one thing; only one factor calls God’s judgment to a halt: the blood of Jesus Christ which flowed for the payment of our sins. Therefore you must preach pure free grace if you want to bring a conscience to rest. Therefore Luther always said: If the forgiveness of sins, the absolution, were dependent upon one believing Lord’s Prayer, then the forgiveness would always remain entirely uncertain, since, because of his innate evil flesh, a person could not pray a single believing Lord’s prayer. Therefore preach the objective reconciliation, the objective justification, which is at hand before faith and before any change in man. Then you will bring forth faith and give faith its right foundation.

In this respect the Pietists were mistaken. They meant well with their way and manner of salvation. They wanted to withdraw all ground and basis from empty faith of the head and mouth. But how did they treat the sinner who came to them asking for the grace of God? Instead of directing him to the Gospel and the means of grace, they directed him to the requirement that one must first have had certain experiences, and have attained to a certain degree of contrition, before one can comfort himself with grace. But what was the consequence? The consequence was that they could never bring a conscience which had really been smitten by the Law of God to rest. They mistreated the soul. Thus the sainted Dr. Walther fell into the hands of Pietists in Leipzig. He had a similar experience to that of Luther. As a student in Leipzig he was earnestly concerned about his soul’s salvation. The Law of God did its work upon him and in him. He visited meetings of students and candidates, but in these meetings Pietism ruled. A man to whom Walther especially entrusted the care of his soul told him that he must not yet take comfort; for it seemed as though he had not yet had sufficient experience with respect to sin and grace. Finally this counselor said that Walther was now in the right condition to lay hold on grace and take comfort in it. Walther left with joy in his heart; but already on the next day the thought came to him that perhaps the counselor had given him a false diagnosis. And so he was again uncertain of the grace of God, because it was grounded upon something in man and not upon Christ’s merit alone, upon the forgiveness of sins which Christ gained for us.

Now, concerning this, that the forgiveness of sins which is proclaimed in the Gospel must not be grounded upon anything in man but upon Christ’s work alone, let me give you Luther’s exposition in his writing “Concerning the Keys.” (St. Louis Ed. XIX, 946) Luther here writes: “Here then we have a definition of what the keys are; namely, an office, power, or command given by God through Christ to Christendom, to retain and to forgive sins to men. For so Christ speaks, Matt. 9: 6. ‘But that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins,’ He said to the sick of the palsy: Arise, etc.’ And shortly thereafter: ‘The multitude praised God which had given such power unto men. ‘Do not be deceived by the Pharisaic babble whereby some make fools of themselves, as to how a man can forgive sin when he cannot give grace nor the Holy Spirit. You just stick to the words of Christ, and be sure that God has no other way to forgive sin than through the oral word which He has committed unto us men. If you do not seek forgiveness in the Word you will vainly gape toward heaven for grace, or (as they say) for inner forgiveness.”

The Pope makes absolution dependent upon three human works in which the Pope lets penitence consist: contritio cordis, confessio oris, satisfactio operis. The contrition must be right, the confession must be right, and the satisfaction, which the priest imposes, must be right. Hence the Papists say: If you have the right penitence then you have the forgiveness of sins; if you do not have it, then you have no forgiveness. Thereby the Pope has overthrown the entire Gospel, denied Christ’s atonement, and leaves the consciences in continual doubt. With regard to this Luther says, “These keys (namely, the Pope’s) destroy faith in Christ, take away all comfort and counsel of our conscience and erect the self-righteousness of works against God, and teach men to forget and deny Christ, as we have heard…. Accordingly, consider that the keys or forgiveness of sins does not depend on our contrition or worthiness, as they perversely teach, for that is entirely Pelagian, Turkish, heathenish, Jewish, Anabaptistic, fanatical, and Antichristian.” Pay particular attention to this judgment of Luther’s concerning the teaching according to which human worthiness is necessary to the attainment of the forgiveness of sins. Luther calls this Turkish and Antichristian.

There are only two religions in the world. According to the one religion, the forgiveness of sins is based upon God’s grace in Christ, and the works of men do not come into consideration. According to the other religion the forgiveness of sins is entirely or partially obtained by the deed of men, whether this deed be called contrition, or renewal, or sanctification in general. And this latter is the heathen, the former is the Christian religion. The Apostle Paul speaks very definitely: “If by grace, then it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.” Luther says further: “But on the other hand, our contrition work, heart, and whatever we are, should build upon the keys, and we should confidently rely upon the keys with entire boldness, as upon the Word of God, and at peril of losing body and soul do not doubt that what the keys say and give to you is as certain as though God Himself spoke it, as He does indeed most certainly speak it, for it is His command and Word, not a man’s word or command. But if you doubt, then you call God a liar, pervert His ordinance, and build His keys upon your own contrition and worthiness.”

There are two things which you have to preach with regard to the grace which Christ has gained for us if you want to preach faith into the hearts: The universal grace and the full (unconditioned) grace. Universal grace is the grace which excludes not a single man in the whole world, but is as universal and free as the light of the sun. In the State, in the secular tribunal, everyone receives what his deeds deserve. There the word is: To each his own. And this is God’s ordinance. It would be impossible to maintain any order in the world if justice were not observed here. The wickedness of men would make civil society impossible. Therefore we read with respect to secular government, in Rom. 13:4: “If thou do that which is evil, be afraid.” Grace is exercised in the secular tribunal, in civil life, only in exceptional cases, specifically by the highest officials, usually the governor of the State or the president of the United States. But give good heed to the distinction between Church and State. What is exceptional in the State is the rule in the Church’ and such a rule as, in distinction from other rules, admits of no exception. Grace through Christ is at hand for every man. To be sure, you have to put men in mind that they are all guilty before God, deserving of everlasting death and damnation; that, however, is not the proper theme of your preaching, but just the introduction to it. Christian preaching is a preaching of grace; not according to justice, what men have deserved, but grace shall be offered to all men without exception for Christ’s sake, universal grace, and also full grace, the grace which receives the sinner just as he is, and demands no improvement.

Whence comes such grace? It comes from the fact that Christ hung upon the cross for all. Therefore He receives sinners. And it is this free grace in which all who have a really awakened conscience take comfort. It is in this grace that Paul takes comfort when he says that he is the chief of sinners. It is in this grace that Copernicus takes comfort when he says in his epitaph that he does not claim the grace with which God forgave a Peter and a John, but that he is content with the grace which Christ extended to the malefactor on the cross. And this yearning for free, unconditioned grace, which receives the sinner as he is and draws him out of his sinful wretchedness and filth, is the whole desire of an awakened conscience. And with such preaching you preach faith into the hearts. To this end may God grant you His grace when you enter the active ministry.

(To Be Continued….)

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings appointed for Sunday are: Psalm 2; Galatians 4:4-7; Acts 21:1-26; John 1:1-14. 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 14:18ff. What promise did Jesus make His disciples in verse 18? How would He fulfill this? How does this apply to believers yet today? Cf. Acts 2:38-39; Titus 3:3-7; Matt. 28:18-20. What promise did Jesus make in verse 19? What act of Jesus gave this verse real meaning for us? What would Jesus’ disciples come to know when Jesus poured out His Spirit upon them? Who is it who truly loves Jesus? How does Jesus manifest Himself to those who love and trust in Him? How does all this apply to us today? How does Jesus reveal Himself to us and not to the world? What will a person who loves Jesus do? Why will a person love Jesus? Cf. 1 John 4:7-21. Who is it who comes and dwells in the believer’s heart? Will those who do not love Jesus keep His words? Who sends the Holy Spirit? In whose name is the Spirit sent? Cf. v. 26; 15:26; 16:7. How was the visible church divided over this issue? What creeds in our hymnal (and the Lutheran Confessions) address this very issue? What does the Holy Spirit do for us according to v. 26? To whom does the Spirit testify (15:26)? What does the Spirit use to reveal to us Christ Jesus? What kind of peace does Jesus leave with His disciples? Cf. Eph. 2:11-17; Rom. 5:1-2; 2 Cor. 5:19-21. Why were Jesus’ disciples not to let their hearts be troubled or afraid? How does this apply to you and me? Why could Jesus’ disciples rejoice? Why can we rejoice that Jesus is at the right hand of God the Father? Who is the prince of this world? Did he have anything against Jesus? What did Jesus mean by His words in v. 31? How can we rejoice in His love and obedience to the Father? What can we learn in regard to our love and obedience to Jesus?

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 recovering from hernia surgery; Dick Stueland, recovering from a second knee surgery; for Harley Woods, following 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.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve services are planned for 7 p.m. on each night.

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.

Online video of church services is available by following the link at the top of the page.

Pastor and Lonnie Moll wish the members and friends of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church a very blessed Christmas and new year of God’s grace and mercy in Christ Jesus, our Savior! In Jesus – for the sake of His blood shed for us upon the cross – we have forgiveness for all our sins, peace with God and a place in His eternal kingdom. What could be better than that! Rejoice in God’s gift of salvation!

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

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

Ministers are to preach the Word

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:1-4 (Read 3:14 – 4:5)

What are ministers to preach from the pulpits and teach in their churches? The Apostle Paul leaves no question in his letter to Timothy: “Preach the Word.”

Though people may not always want to hear it, a minister’s job is to preach and apply God’s Word – nothing more and nothing less. His own opinions or the popular talk of the day have no place in the churches, for the churches belong to Christ Jesus and only His Word is to be taught there.

Jesus Himself, before His glorious ascension, commanded His disciples to teach (or disciple) the nations by going out, baptizing in the name of the Triune God and teaching them to observe all that He commanded (Matthew 28:18-20).

Why was Timothy to preach the Word, and why should ministers today use great care to do the same? It is God’s inspired and inerrant Holy Scriptures which make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (cf. 3:14-15). Through God’s Word, we come to see ourselves as we truly are – sinners deserving of God’s wrath and punishment – but the Word also tells us of Christ Jesus, His holy life in our stead and His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross for our sins and the sins of the whole world (cf. Romans 3:23-24; 1 John 1:7 – 2:2)).

As Paul wrote to Timothy, the inspired Scriptures are profitable and useful for doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness that the man of God might be perfect or complete – having all he needs to live for Christ and serve Him with good works (3:16-17).

What we need to hear that the Holy Spirit might convince us of our sin and comfort us with forgiveness and life in Christ is the Word! What we need to hear and know if we desire to live for our God and Savior is the Word! It is through the Word that we are brought to faith and through the Word that we are kept and preserved in the faith unto life everlasting. And that same Word is our guide for holy living.

Though many ministers and churches seek to increase their numbers with new programs and other words which are pleasing to the world, they do nothing to build up the kingdom of Christ, for His kingdom is built when and where His Word is preached and proclaimed. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life, and only Jesus’ Word is to be proclaimed in His churches (cf. Ephesians 5:23ff.).

As Jesus said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Ministers and churches who desire the working of God’s Spirit and who desire life will preach Jesus’ Word – the Holy Scriptures – and nothing else!

Dear Lord Jesus, grant that we might hear Your Word and know You as our Savior, and grant us men who will faithfully preach Your Word, nothing more and nothing less. Amen.

[Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible]

Words of Encouragement for Oct. 6, 2010

Meditations in Genesis

“Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” Genesis 3:1-13

The paradise which God created in the first two chapters of Genesis did not last long, for chapter three tells of the temptation of the devil, a fallen angel, who came to Eve in the form of the serpent.

“Did God really say that that you should not eat from any tree of the garden?” he asked, creating question in the woman’s mind. And when Eve said the prohibition and warning that disobedience would bring about death – alienation and separation from God – was only in regard to the tree in the middle of the garden, the devil distorted the truth by saying, “You will not surely die; for God knows that it in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like gods, knowing good and evil.” Thus, he caused her to think that perhaps God was somehow holding out on her and keeping from her and her husband something good and desirable.

Of course, this still happens every day. The devil comes to us through friends and coworkers, through the media and entertainment industries, and in our own thoughts and minds and says, “Does God really expect you to keep all those commandments in the Bible?” And he works hard to convince us that God is trying to keep us from having fun and enjoying life, or that He is placing an impossible burden upon us, that He really doesn’t expect us to keep all of His commandments, or that breaking just a few of the commandments now and then won’t really alienate and separate us from God – after all, everybody does it.

And, like Eve, when we look at the thing we are being tempted to do, it looks good and desirable to us. We think it will be fun or pleasurable; it will work out for our good; it won’t hurt anything; no one will know.

And so, we rationalize and give in to the temptation and to our own sinful desires, and the result is death! We recognize our nakedness and guilt before God. We may attempt to cover it up or even learn to cope with it, but the guilt remains. We are afraid to stand in His presence. We would rather not hear God’s Word or walk into His house of prayer. Why? Because our sin and disobedience, though it may have appeared to be good at the time, brought about spiritual death and separation from God. When confronted with the presence of God and His truth, we hide ourselves. When questioned about our sin, we make excuses and blame others.

As a result of Adam’s and Eve’s sin, we are all born into this world sinners – our very thoughts and desires are turned away from God and His holy commandments. What David wrote is true of each of us as a result of that first sin: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5). Instead of loving God, trusting Him and desiring to honor and glorify His name, we think only of ourselves, disbelieve God’s Word and seek our own honor and glory. We are born in spiritual death and are alienated from God.

That is why we so desperately need God’s pardon and forgiveness. We need Him to find us, forgive us and give us life again. And God has come to us and reached out to us in love and forgiveness. He desires to free us from our guilt and shame and give us life everlasting with Him. He did this by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to overcome temptation and sin for us and then go to the cross to be condemned, forsaken of God and die in our stead that we might have God’s pardon and forgiveness and not be afraid of God or troubled by guilt and shame any longer. In Christ Jesus, the sin of the world has been taken away; and in Christ Jesus, your sin and mine has been pardoned.

O dearest Jesus, Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon me, find me and wash away the guilt of my sin in Your shed blood. And, dear Jesus, grant me a place in Your everlasting kingdom. Amen.

My Dear Children

Our Good and Loving God

O LORD God, You have loved us with an everlasting love, and with lovingkindness You have drawn us (Jeremiah 31:3). Graciously grant that we come to know Your great goodness and Your everlasting love toward us in Christ Jesus, that we might trust in You, love You and show Your goodness and love to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

My Dear Children,

We think that we know true goodness and true, self-giving love; but we do not find true goodness or perfect love in this world, except in God. As Jesus said, “there is none good but one, that is, God” (Matthew 19:17); and as John writes, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Human goodness and human love (even among Christians) fails and comes short. It is infected by our sinfulness and fails to reflect the perfect goodness and love of God, our Father. To know goodness and love, we look to God; for God is good (Psalm 86:5; 118:1 ), and “God is love” (1 John 4:16). We see in Christ Jesus, the sinless Son of God, the goodness and love of God.

1. In Psalm 145:9, the Bible says, “The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” What does this passage say of God’s goodness? Read also Matthew 5:43-48. How is God good to all?

2. Psalm 33:5 says, “The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” How is this so? What examples can you find in Psalm 33?

3. In Psalm 86:5, David writes: “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” How does this passage describe God’s goodness? What comfort can we sinners find in this passage of God’s Word?

4. Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” What does this psalm encourage us to do? How can we do this? Read verses 9-10 of this psalm. What do these words tell us of the LORD’s goodness.

5. Read Nahum 1:7. “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” How is the goodness of the LORD toward us described here? What comfort can we take from these words?

6. Read Romans 2:4. To what is the goodness of the Lord to lead us? Why is God good to us and to all people?

7. In Jeremiah 31:3, the LORD Himself says: “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Does God’s love ever run out? How does God draw us with lovingkindness?

8. Read John 3:16 and 1 John 4:9-10. What do these passages teach us of God’s love? What did God’s love for us sinners move Him to do?

9. Romans 5:8 says, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Are we deserving of God’s love or of Christ’s death for our sins? Why did God send His Son, and why did Christ die for us?

10. Read Ephesians 2:1-10. What else did God do for us because of His great love?

11. Read Romans 8:31-39. What does this Word of God tell you of God’s love for you in Christ Jesus?

12. Read 1 John 3:1. What does this passage say of God’s love for us sinners?

13. Read 1 John 4:7-11. What should God’s great love for us move us to do?

GOD

We believe that there is only one true God (Isaiah 44:6; I Corinthians 8:4). This God (called the LORD or JEHOVAH) is one divine Being or Essence, but three distinct Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (thus the name, Triune or Three/One God), each being eternal and equal in power and majesty, because each Person is the LORD God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; I John 5:7; Isaiah 48:16-17; John 1:1; Colossians 2:9; I Corinthians 3:16; Hebrews 9:14; I Peter 4:14). We believe that no one can worship or serve the Triune God except he believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the Savior of mankind from sin and its consequences (John 3:18,36; 5:23; 14:6; I John 2:23; 5:11-12). Hence, all who deny the Trinity of God (that God is three Persons) or the Unity of God (that God is one divine Being), or who do not trust in Jesus Christ, the Son, for salvation, do not worship and serve the true God.

Please Memorize: Psalm 145:9; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 86:5; 1 John 4:10; Romans 5:8.

The Augsburg Confession

Article XIV: Of Ecclesiastical Order

Of Ecclesiastical Order they teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church or administer the Sacraments unless he be regularly called.

The Distinction between Orthodox

and Heterodox Churches

by Dr. Franz Pieper

Editor’s Note: Dr. Franz Pieper was professor of theology at Concordia Seminary (1878 to 1887), became president of the same institution in 1887, and was also president of the Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio, and other states from 1899 until 1911. He served as editor of Lehre und Wehre, the faculty journal of Concordia Seminary. From 1882 to 1899, Pieper served on the Board of Colored Missions for the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America. He is the author of Christliche Dogmatik (3 vols., 1917-1924; translated as Christian Dogmatics, 1950-1953). He died in St. Louis in 1931. This essay was delivered by Dr. F. Pieper in 1889 to the Southern District Convention of the Missouri Synod. The original essay was translated by three former Synodical Conference pastors: G. Schweikert, P.T. Meicher and E.L. Mehlberg and appeared in a 1948 issue of the The Okabena Lutheran.

Introduction

In accordance with God’s Word, we firmly maintain a twofold doctrine: first, that God does not only have His children in the orthodox Church, that is, in the visible fellowship where God’s Word is preached in all its truth and purity; but that children of God are also to be found in heterodox fellowships where God’s Word is not preached in all its purity, but truth is mixed with error. Secondly, however, we also maintain the great difference between orthodox and heterodox churches. What a great difference, according to God’s Word, exists between orthodox and heterodox churches will be more exactly set forth in the following Theses. Even we forget this difference only too easily. Indeed, it also happens in our own midst that people who move to other areas and find no orthodox church there, join heterodox churches. Why is that? One cannot always say that these people have already fallen away from the true doctrine in their hearts. But they have forgotten the difference between orthodox and heterodox churches. By taking up membership in heterodox churches, they commit sin and place their souls in danger. Even Lutherans join sectarian churches, or would like to do so, because the sects, for example, have more beautiful churches, are more popular people, and the like. Why? These Lutherans do not rightly and faithfully take note of the existing difference between orthodox and heterodox churches; they do not see the wonderful glory of an orthodox church. Even we pastors and teachers of the Church at times lose courage for work within the Lutheran Church when we observe the greater number and the externally more attractive conditions within the heterodox churches. That happens also because we view these things on the basis of our reason instead of judging the orthodox and heterodox fellowships according to God’s Word. Therefore, it is very timely that in these sessions we consider the theme:

The Difference Between Orthodox and Heterodox Churches

I. Every man’s first and principal concern should be, that he belong to the Communion of Saints, that is, to the Invisible Church.

II. The Divinely ordained external form of the Church is its orthodoxy. Heterodox church bodies have their existence only by God’s permission.

III. It is, therefore, not a matter of indifference which church group a Christian joins; but he has God’s earnest command strictly to distinguish between orthodox and heterodox churches, and, avoiding all church fellowship with the heterodox, to adhere only to the orthodox Church.

IV. Likewise, only in the orthodox Church is God given the honor which He requires; and, only in it are souls rightly cared for. Fellowship with heterodox churches militates against God’s honor, and is a constant danger for the soul.

V. We should, therefore, regard membership in the orthodox Church not only as our duty, but also as the greatest privilege and highest honor, even when the orthodox Church outwardly bears a very humble form.

VI. The reasons which have been advanced for joining heterodox church bodies, and for remaining in them, partly sound very pious; but they are considered in the light of God’s Word, altogether invalid, and originate in our blind, conceited, self-willed, and presumptuous flesh.

Thesis I

Every man’s first and principal concern should be, that he belong to the Communion of Saints, that is, to the Invisible Church.

All people are by nature under God’s wrath because of their sins, and are therefore children of eternal damnation. A terrible condition! But a part of mankind is delivered out of this terrible condition. Although they, too, are sinners, they are, nevertheless, no longer under the wrath of God, but they have God’s grace. And, because they have God’s grace, or forgiveness of sins, they are also no longer children of damnation, but heirs of eternal life. Who are these fortunate people? They are those who believe in Christ, in a word, the believers, the members of the Christian Church.

This is the Communion, the Church, outside of which there is no salvation. Why? Because without faith in Christ nobody can be saved, as it is written: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36. Again: “He that believeth on Him (God’s Son) is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already.” John 3:18.

Whoever, therefore, desires to escape the wrath of God and eternal death, which he has incurred by his sin, and become partaker of the grace of God and eternal salvation, which have been gained for him by the incarnate Son of God, he must let it be his first and principal concern, that he belong to the Communion of Saints, to that blessed class of people who from the heart believe in Christ as their Savior. This faith is kindled and maintained through the Gospel by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of those who have acknowledged themselves before God as sinners.

These believers are scattered locally over the whole earth; they are found wherever the seed of the Gospel is sown. They are very different according to education, culture, language, and customs. They do not know each other personally. And yet, they are most intimately connected with one another; they are more closely related to each other than the closest relatives; for the One Holy Spirit dwells in the hearts of them all. All have the same faith, namely, that they are saved by God’s grace in Christ; all have the same mind, they are one and all subject to Christ. Daily they make the same discoveries, namely, that they are lost sinners, and that God for Christ’s sake richly and daily forgives them all sins. They will afterwards also in eternity all have the same experiences, for their lot will be the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore at the right hand of God. This is the wonderful fellowship of the Christian Church. This Church is invisible in this life. Why? Because we cannot see that which makes a person a member of the Church, namely, faith. Only God, who knows the hearts, can see that. Visible this Church will some day be in yonder life, where its members will walk no longer by faith, but by sight, where they will be glorified by seeing God, and where they will shine as the brightness of the firmament.

This is the Christian Church spoken of in Matthew 16:18, where we read: “On this rock (namely, on the confession of Christ) I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Again, Eph. 1:22-23: “God set Him (Christ) to be the Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all.” So also in Eph. 2:19-22, the members of this Church are described as “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner Stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.”

The only, absolute requirement for salvation is membership in the Invisible church. In this essay we will deal with the difference between the orthodox and heterodox churches, and in that connection, also of the necessity of outwardly affiliating with the orthodox Church. But this affiliation is not absolutely necessary, indeed, under certain circumstances not at all possible. Take the case of a man who just before his end comes to faith without being able to join a visible church as a member. This circumstance, then, that he did not belong to a Christian congregation, does not at all deprive him of his salvation. Furthermore, it can happen that a Christian lives in a locality where no orthodox church can be found. To join a heterodox congregation is forbidden him by God’s Word, but love hinders him from leaving the locality. A prisoner can also be in such a situation, that he must forego fellowship with an orthodox Christian body; and yet, he has, if he is in the faith, God’s grace and salvation. The outward membership in a Christian congregation is not absolutely necessary, as if thereby faith first would become true, saving faith. But under certain circumstances outward membership is necessary as a confession of faith.

John Gerhard recognizes a twofold entrance into the Church. The one is the joining of a visible Christian fellowship through the outward confession of faith; the other is the joining of the Invisible Church. The latter occurs through faith in Christ, and is accomplished in that moment when faith in Christ is kindled in the heart of a person by the operation of the Holy Ghost. The latter must occur in every person who wants to be saved, the former need not.

Yes, without saving faith in Christ all outward fellowship with the Church, even with the orthodox Church, avails nothing. Moreover, all outward fellowship without faith makes one a hypocrite. Also those who outwardly belong to the orthodox Church, who have zeal for it, who with their reason strictly distinguish between orthodox and heterodox fellowship are, if they do not truly believe, an abomination to God; they are outside of the Church of Christ and in the domain of the devil. This, too, we must constantly preach; of this we must also constantly remind one another. As also the Apostle Paul exhorts the members of the Corinthian congregation: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” 2 Cor. 13:5. And, when in this document we insist that a Christian should stay away from all false churches and adhere alone to the orthodox Church, then this also serves the purpose: that we by no means suffer shipwreck concerning our faith, and thus fall away from the fellowship of that Church outside of which there is no salvation.

Of the One Invisible Christian Church it is said in the 7th Article of the Augsburg Confession: “Also they teach that One Holy Church is to continue forever. The Church is the congregation of all saints.” (Trigl., p.47.)

Luther wrote (V.1792) on Psalm 118: “Whoever does not have the right faith and is not holy and righteous, he does not belong in the Holy Christian Church.” He who has living faith belongs to the Church; he that does not, whoever or wherever he may be, does not belong to the Church.

Our Confessions warn us not to regard the Church as an earthly association with religious rites, so that all, even the godless, who take part in these rites would be members of the Church.

The Apology says: “For it is necessary to understand what it is that principally makes us members, and that, living members of the Church. If we will define the Church only as an outward polity of the good and wicked, men will not understand that the Kingdom of Christ is righteousness of heart and the gift of the Holy Ghost, (that the Kingdom of Christ is spiritual, as nevertheless it is; that therein Christ inwardly rules, strengthens, and comforts hearts, and imparts the Holy Ghost and various spiritual gifts).” (VII, VIII, Trigl., p.231.)

The Large Catechism says in the Explanation of the Third Article, especially of the words, “I believe in the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints”: “This is the meaning and substance of this addition: I believe that there is upon earth a little holy group and congregation of pure saints, under one head, even Christ, called together by the Holy Ghost in one faith, mind, and understanding, with manifold gifts, yet agreeing in love, without sects or schisms.” (Trigl., p. 691.)

In this Communion of Saints there is only one faith and no schism. All Christians are united by one faith and one love. We not only admit that there are children of God in heterodox church bodies, but we maintain also that these children of God are one with us in the faith. They are agreed with us in the central doctrine of Christianity, namely, they believe that they are by themselves lost, but are God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. Therefore, it says here: “In one faith, mind, and understanding.” If you ask: how, for example, is this possible under popery, then Luther replies, that in the Pope’s church, besides Baptism, there remained also the text of the gospels. Whoever now in faith grasps and holds the Word of the forgiveness of sins for Christ’s sake, he belongs to the children of God. If the priest afterwards comes with his preaching of papistical errors, the believer does not accept them.

In his commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians, Luther says: “The Church is everywhere in the world, wherever the Gospel and the Sacraments are.” And shortly before: “Therefore the Church is everywhere holy, also in those places where even the Enthusiasts and factious spirits rule, insofar of course as they still do not utterly deny and reject Word and Sacrament. For those who altogether deny these things are no Church anymore. But wherever Word and Sacrament essentially remain, there remains a Holy Church.” (On Galatians, VIII: 1588ff.)

John Gerhard says, concerning the necessity of joining a visible communion: “If such a time comes, when the visible glory of the Church is lost, then it is not absolutely necessary for salvation to join a visible local congregation; but it suffices that by true faith a person is a member of the universal Church, for of this Church alone it is said properly that outside of it there is no salvation.” (L. de ecclesia, par. 101.)

If one claims that for salvation more is necessary than faith in Christ, then the central doctrine of Scripture, the doctrine of justification by grace, is denied. For what does this mean, to become righteous, and gain salvation by grace? It means to be declared righteous, and gain salvation through no work done by man, no matter what it is called. Whoever therefore says that the outward joining of a visible church body is unconditionally necessary for salvation, he says thereby, that man becomes righteous and gains salvation not only by grace through faith, but also through this work (joining a church). Thus the Pope ties up salvation with belonging to his realm. Similarly, they err who think that for salvation more is necessary than this, that one by faith belongs to the Communion of Saints.

This first Thesis, it was yet stated, is of the greatest importance. If it is not rightly taken to heart, everything else will do no good. Yes, then one will apply everything that follows in the other theses to his harm; For this we have terrifying examples. At a colloquy in Buffalo the followers of Grabau were confronted with the charge, which was also admitted, that they always proclaimed an unconditional necessity of belonging to the orthodox Church. To clarify the matter, Dr. Walther said to a Buffalo colloquist: “If I heard correctly, you hail from the United Church (a union of Reformed and Lutherans in Germany). You claim that already therein you came to faith.” The person addressed acknowledged this. Then, Dr. Walther added: “If you had died at that time, would you not certainly have been saved?” The answer was “No.” Most terrible? According to that, faith in Christ would avail nothing unless a man would complete his outward joining of the orthodox Church.

(To be continued next week with Thesis II)

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings appointed for Sunday are Psalm 111; Acts 15:1-41; 2 Timothy 2:1-13; Luke 17:11-19. 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 12:1ff. Where did Jesus come six days before the Passover? What did they do for Him there? Who served? Who sat at the table with Jesus? What did Mary do? Cf. Luke 10:38-42. What was the value of this ointment? Who objected to Mary’s gift? On what pretense? What was his real reason? What does this indicate about Judas? Was Judas alone in his objection to Mary’s gift? Cf. Matthew 26:6ff.; Mark 14:3ff. What did Jesus say about what Mary had done in the Matthew and Mark accounts? How would it be remembered? In the Matthew and Mark accounts, what did Judas do after this event? When else had a woman anointed Jesus? Cf. Luke 7:36ff. Did Jesus accept Mary’s gift? What did He say of it? How does this account have application to gifts given to the Lord Jesus even yet today? Why had many people come to Bethany? What did the chief priests consult to do? v. 10. Why? What does this indicate about them? Did they know the truth? Were they willing to accept it? Against whom were they sinning? cf. Matthew 12:31-32. What happened on the next day when Jesus came to Jerusalem? Cf. Matthew 21:1ff.; Mark 11:1ff.; Luke 19:28ff. What were the people saying of Jesus? Cf. Psalm 118:25ff. What other prophecy did Jesus fulfill? How? Cf. Zechariah 9:9. Did Jesus’ disciples recognize this at the time? When did they recognize this? Why did the people come out to greet Jesus with these words? What were they really saying of Jesus? How did the Pharisees react to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? What truths can we learn from this today?

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. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dawn Hiebert, who is recovering from knee surgery; Dick Stueland, also recovering from 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; for Regina Wood (the sister of Lonnie Moll), who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and is recovering from surgery and starting chemotherapy; for Vernon Rooker, the brother of Bonnie Hawes, who is very ill and hospitalized in Wichita; for Pastor Moll, who is recovering from Rocky Mountain spotted fever – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families and for Christians who are alone and have no congregation. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray 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

Our evening congregational Bible study will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. A light supper will precede the study, beginning at about 6:15 p.m.

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.

The choir will be practicing after church on Sunday. More voices are always 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.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” Psalm 111:10

[Except in direct translation from the German Scripture quotations, Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible.]

Words of Encouragement for August 25, 2010

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK AND ON THE SAND

Read Luke 6:46-49

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.”

Upon what have you built your life? Is it built upon Jesus Christ and His Word? Or is it built upon some earthly foundation? Jesus told this parable because of those who addressed Him as “Lord” and listened to His teaching but did not do what He taught. They heard Jesus’ words with their ears and called upon Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (cf. Matt. 15:8). They did not trust in Jesus for salvation or seek to live their lives as He commanded.

The first man in Jesus’ parable, the man who dug down deep and laid the foundation of his house upon the rock, is like the one who hears Jesus’ Word and then trusts in Him and His redemptive work for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. As a child of God through faith in Christ’s shed blood, he then seeks to live his life for his Lord and Savior by hearing and doing His Word. When floods of trouble, suffering and persecution come his way, he is not moved because his faith and life are built upon Jesus Christ and His eternal Word.

The second man, who built his house upon the earth without a foundation, is like the man who hears Jesus’ Word and even calls himself a Christian; but he does not truly trust in Christ alone for forgiveness of sins and eternal life, nor does he truly seek and desire to live in obedience to the Word of God. His life is not built upon Christ, but upon the earth and its vain philosophies. When trouble, suffering or death come his way, his life crumbles because all that his life was built upon washes away.

Upon what have you built your life? Is it built upon Christ and His Word? or upon the unstable sands of this world? If you live your life according to the ways and standards of this world, both you and your works will not stand in God’s judgment. But if you build your life upon Christ and His Word, you will be “as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever” (Psalm 125:1).

Hear Christ’s Word and build upon it!

In faith, Lord, let me serve Thee; tho’ persecution, grief, and pain should seek to overwhelm me, let me a steadfast trust retain; and then at my departure take Thou me home to Thee and let me there inherit all Thou hast promised me. In life and death, Lord, keep me until Thy heav’n I gain, where I by Thy great mercy the end of faith attain. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #381, Verse 3)

My Dear Children

The Omniscient God

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” O LORD God, open up our minds and give us an understanding of Your Word that we might know You. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Psalm 139:1-4 NKJV)

My Dear Children,

Our knowledge is limited – we do not and cannot know everything. The more we learn, the more we find out that there is so much that we do not yet know and understand. Only a foolish man thinks he knows it all. But though we only learn and know in part, God knows ALL! Nothing is hidden from Him. This too is beyond our understanding to comprehend. God is omniscient; that is, He knows and possesses all knowledge.

1. In Psalm 147:5, the Bible tells us: “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” What does God here tell us about His knowledge and understanding? What does this mean?

2. In 1 John 3:20, we read: “…God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” Is there anything that God does not know?

3. In Psalm 139:1-6, David writes: “O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.” What is David, by inspiration of God’s Spirit, teaching us about God? Is there anything that God does not know about us?

4. Hebrews 4:13 says: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Is there anyone or anything hidden from the presence or knowledge of the LORD?

5. In John 2:24-25, we read that “Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.” Is Jesus omniscient? Does He know everything about us? Does He know what is in our hearts?

6. Read John 16:30. Jesus’ disciples said of Him: “Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” Why did Jesus’ disciples believe that Jesus was (and is) the only begotten Son of God, come into this world?

7.In 1 Corinthians 2:10, St. Paul writes: “The Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” Is the Holy Spirit omniscient.

8. Considering what you have just learned about the LORD God, is there anything hidden from His knowledge? How is this frightening to us as sinful people? How is this comforting to us as forgiven children of God?

GOD

We believe that there is only one true God (Isaiah 44:6; I Corinthians 8:4). This God (called the LORD or JEHOVAH) is one divine Being or Essence, but three distinct Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (thus the name, Triune or Three/One God), each being eternal and equal in power and majesty, because each Person is the LORD God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; I John 5:7; Isaiah 48:16-17; John 1:1; Colossians 2:9; I Corinthians 3:16; Hebrews 9:14; I Peter 4:14). We believe that no one can worship or serve the Triune God except he believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the Savior of mankind from sin and its consequences (John 3:18,36; 5:23; 14:6; I John 2:23; 5:11-12). Hence, all who deny the Trinity of God (that God is three Persons) or the Unity of God (that God is one divine Being), or who do not trust in Jesus Christ, the Son, for salvation, do not worship and serve the true God.

Please Memorize: Psalm 147:5; 1 John 3:20; 1 Corinthians 2:10; Psalm 139:1-4

[Scripture for this study taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]

The Augsburg Confession

Article IX: Of Baptism.

Of Baptism they teach that it is necessary to salvation, and that through Baptism is offered the grace of God, and that children are to be baptized who, being offered to God through Baptism are received into God’s grace.

They condemn the Anabaptists, who reject the baptism of children, and say that children are saved without Baptism.

Hear, O Israel

“Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9

God commanded His people to listen carefully and hold fast to this truth. The God of Israel was different than the many false gods of the peoples around them. “Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one.” The God of Israel, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (cf. Psalm 2; Isaiah 48:16ff.; Matthew 28:19) is one God – He is the Triune God. In 1 John 5:7, we read: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

Though any who reject the truth that Jehovah God – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is one Jehovah do not know and worship the true God, we (by the grace of God) know Him – the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But to just know and profess that God is one still comes far short of what God requires of us. It is not enough to just profess and believe that the true God is the Triune God. In James 2:19, we read: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

To worship and believe in the Triune God – Jehovah God – of the Bible is also to love Him with all our heart, soul and strength. It is to treasure His Word in our hearts, to teach His Word to our children, to talk about His Word at all times and to keep His Word continually before our eyes (vv. 5-9; cf. Matthew 22:37; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 6:4). As we consider who the true God is, we ought also remember how He would have us regard Him and live for Him!

We know who Jehovah God is – the Triune God, three Persons and yet one God – but do we love Him with all our heart, soul and strength? Are we living our lives for Him? Have we studied His Word and kept it in our hearts and before our eyes? Do we speak of Him to our children when we sit in the house, when we walk (or drive) down the road, when we lie down and when we rise up? Our shortcoming and failure is clear. We profess to believe in the true God and to love Him, but our actions reveal the weakness of our faith and the shallowness and absence of our love!

Jesus Christ, who is Jehovah God in the flesh (cf. Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:30ff.; 2:10-11; John 8:58; etc.), so loved us that He went to the cross and died for our sins (cf. Rom. 5:8; Rev. 1:5). He paid in full that we might have pardon and forgiveness and life everlasting! The Bible tells us that “He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:15). Jesus redeemed us with His holy and precious blood that we might now trust in Him, love Him and serve Him with all our heart, soul and might. He also dwells in us by His Spirit and strengthens us that we might truly worship and serve Jehovah God – the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

O God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the one Jehovah, forgive us for our failures to love Thee, keep Thy Word before our eyes continually, and teach our children of Thee. For the sake of Jesus’ holy life and innocent sufferings and death in our stead, pardon our iniquity and sin, and strengthen us that we might live our lives for Thee. Amen.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 131; Acts 12:1-25; Luke 14:1-14. 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 9:1ff. Where were Jesus and His disciples? What did Jesus’ disciples ask Him? Why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sin or the sin of his parents? What miracle did Jesus do? How did He do it? On what day did Jesus heal this man? What did the people who knew the man think when they saw the blind man made whole? What did the Pharisees think? What did they do to verify that a miracle had indeed taken place? Why were the parents unwilling to tell all? Are people like this yet today?Did they then believe on Jesus? What did they say of Jesus? How did the healed man answer them? What did they do to the man who was healed? Why? Did Jesus leave this man to suffer alone for the consequences of his witness? What did He reveal to the healed man? How did the healed man respond to Jesus’ words? What did Jesus then say (v. 39)? How are Jesus’ words true today?

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. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dawn Hiebert, who will undergo knee surgery on Sept. 1; Dick Stueland, who is recovering from knee surgery; for Sam Rusch, who has had repeated stays in the hospital; and for the mother of Dick Rusch – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families and for Christians who are alone and have no congregation. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray 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

The special congregational dinner has been rescheduled for the second Sunday in September (because of Labor Day weekend) to kick off the new Sunday School and Catechism program for the year. Please see the bulletin or next week’s newsletter for more details. A cookout may be in the works.

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.

“Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” Psalm 31:5

[Except where otherwise stated, Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible.]

Words of Encouragement for July 28, 2010

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE TEN VIRGINS

Read Matthew 25:1-13

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

Are you ready for Jesus Christ to return on the Last Day? Jesus told this parable to admonish us to be watchful and ready at all times for His return.

Jesus here compares the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who “took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” The wise virgins took extra oil for their lamps so that they would be ready even if the “bridegroom tarried.” The foolish took only the oil in their lamps and did not consider the possibility that their lamps would go out before the bridegroom arrived. As a result, these foolish virgins were not prepared and ready when the bridegroom came; and they did not enter with the bridegroom into the marriage feast.

With this parable, Jesus warns us against being foolishly unprepared for His return on the Last Day. It is foolish for us who believe in Christ today to fall asleep and not be watching for His return. It is foolish not to have our faith continually nourished and kept burning through the regular use of the Word of God and the Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper). If we do not make such provision through the continued use of the Word of God in our homes and Word and Sacrament in our church, we may find our lamps empty and gone out at Jesus’ coming.

Those who have no living, saving faith in Jesus Christ when He returns in Judgment will be shut out of heaven, for it will be too late to rekindle faith at that time! But those who have wisely provided oil for their lamps – those who continue to nourish their faith by remembering their Baptism, using the Word of God, and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ given and shed for the remission of sins, that the Holy Ghost may through these keep their faith burning and assure them of forgiveness for all their sins and of life everlasting for Jesus’ sake – will enter into heaven with Jesus and enjoy its blessings forever (cf. Revelation 19:7-9; 21:24).

With my lamp well trimmed and burning, swift to hear and slow to roam, watching for Thy glad returning to restore me to my home. Come, my Savior, Come, my Savior, O my Savior, quickly come. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #606, Verse 4)

“Don’t Die in Your Sins”

What a terrible thing to die in your sins – to die and stand before the holy Judge of all, still bearing the uncleanness and guilt of your sins! Yet, this is what was soon to happen to a great many of the Jews in Jesus’ day. Jesus warned them, “I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come” (John 8:21).

Because so many of His Jewish hearers saw no need to repent of their sins and trust in Jesus as their Messiah and Savior, they would die in their sins and face the eternal wrath and condemnation of God. Where Jesus was going – to be glorified at the right hand of God the Father in heaven (cf. John 14:1ff.; Eph. 2:20f.) – they would not be able to come! Instead, they faced a Christless eternity and the everlasting torments of hell!

Again, Jesus warned them, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

Jesus’ words still ring out today! Many are headed to an eternity of everlasting punishment for their sins. Unless people repent and turn to God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who was lifted up upon the cross to suffer and die there for us and bear the full punishment for our sins and the sins of the whole world, they will die in their sins and come before the holy God in their own uncleanness and guilt to be judged and condemned to hell forever! Apart from faith in Jesus, people will die in their sins.

What about you? Will you die in the guilt of your sins and face the eternal wrath of an angry God? Or, will you, by the grace of God, turn to Jesus and receive His full and complete forgiveness for your sins and enjoy the everlasting blessings of life in heaven with Him?

The Bible tells us: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Jesus has already died and paid in full for your sins. His resurrection on the third day is proof that God accepted His death as full payment for the sins of the world (cf. 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Rom. 4:25)!

Why die in your sins and be condemned of God? Trust in Jesus and His shed blood and be saved! (Cf. 2 Cor. 5:19-6:2.)

O dearest Jesus, have mercy upon our wayward hearts and draw us to You that we might not enter into eternity bearing the guilt of our sins and standing condemned, but having instead the assurance of forgiveness for all our sins and life everlasting for the sake of Your holy and precious blood, shed for us upon the cross. Amen.

My Dear Children

O Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You have created us and all things and desire that we know You, trust You and glorify You. You have revealed Yourself to us in Your holy Word, the Bible. Open up our hearts and minds to understand Your Word and learn of You. Amen.

My Dear Children,

You believe in God and worship Him, but do you know who He is? Take a moment and think about it. What do you know about the God you worship and serve? How can you learn of Him?

If you go to an art museum and look at the paintings, what can you learn about the people who painted them? If one artist’s work is simple in composition and lacks any detail, what might that tell you about the artist? If a painting is well composed, has a beautiful blend of complimentary colors and fine detail, what might this tell you of the artist?

Now, look at God’s artwork. Look at the heavens, the sky, the stars, the moon, the planets. Look at the oceans, the lakes, the rivers. Look at the fields, the woods and even the deserts. Look at a leaf, a flower, a butterfly. Look at your own body and how it is designed and works. What does all this tell you about God?

The Bible says: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork…..” (Psalm 19:1). What can you learn about God if you look up at the sky or into the heavens? Psalm 139:14 says: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” What can you learn about God from the intricacies of your own body and soul? Could any of this just happen by chance? Or, did an all-wise and all-powerful God make you and all things?

Do you think it is wrong to commit murder, to hurt other people, to steal, to lie, etc.? Why? How do you feel when you hurt someone else? When you disobey your parents? When you tell a lie? Why is that? How do you feel when you help someone in need? When you tell the truth? When you do what your parents or teachers ask you to do? The Bible says: “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another….” (Romans 2:14-15). Even people who do not have God’s Word know in their hearts that it is good to help others, tell the truth, and not hurt others or murder and steal. When they do wrong, their consciences bother and accuse them. They feel guilty and are afraid of God’s judgment. When they do right, their consciences excuse them and they feel good about what they have done. This is because God’s laws are written in their hearts, and they know, deep down in their hearts, that God will one day be their Judge.

While we can, from God’s creation and from our own consciences, learn many things about God and His will (Natural Knowledge of God), God has also revealed Himself to man in His Word, the Bible (Revealed Knowledge of God). In the Bible God tells us about Himself (Read all of Psalm 19).

Over the centuries, people, because they know there is a god, have worshiped and served many different gods and many different ideas of God. But who is the true God and what does He tell us of Himself?

Please consider the following questions and the answers given in God’s Word, the Bible:

1. In Isaiah 44:6, God says: “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” In 1 Corinthians 8:4, we read: “There is none other God but one.” How many true Gods are there? Were there ever any other true gods beside the LORD God of the Bible? Will there ever be another true god?

2. In Deuteronomy 6:4, God says: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.” How many Gods is the LORD God (Jehovah God) of the Bible?

3. When Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize people in God’s name, He said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost….” (Matthew 28:19). If the LORD God is one God, why did Jesus command His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”? How many Persons are in this one God? Who are these Persons? Cf. 2 Corinthians 13:14 and 1 Peter 1:2.

We speak of the God of the Bible as the Triune God. You will not find the word “triune” in the Bible, but it simply means that God is the Tri (three)-Une (one) God. This is certainly taught throughout the Bible. God is One God, and God is Three Persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).

4. 1 John 5:7 reads: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” What does this passage of Scripture teach us about the Triune God.

5. Look up and read Isaiah 48:16-17. Can you find the Trinity (three Persons) in this passage? How? Who is speaking? Who sent Him?

6. Read John 1:1-3. Who is the Word (cf. John 1:14, 18)? Who was already in the beginning? Who was and is God? Who created all things?

7. Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. Whose temple are we? Who dwells in us? Is the Holy Spirit God?

8. Read Genesis 1:1-2. Was the Holy Spirit present in creation? Was He there already in the beginning?

9. Read Hebrews 9:14 and 1 Peter 4:14. What do these passages teach us about the Holy Spirit?

10. Read John 3:18, 36; 5:23; 14:6; 1 John 2:23; 5:11-12. Can a person worship and serve the true God if they do not believe in Jesus as God the Son and their Savior? What if they do not believe that the Holy Spirit is true God with the Father and the Son? Cf. the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds (in your hymnal).

11. Some organizations and religions do not believe that the only way to serve God is through saving faith in Jesus Christ. Do they worship and serve the true God when they believe and teach this? What are some examples of such groups?

GOD

We believe that there is only one true God (Isaiah 44:6; 1 Corinthians 8:4). This God (called the LORD or JEHOVAH) is one divine Being or Essence, but three distinct Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (thus the name, Triune or Three/One God), each being eternal and equal in power and majesty, because each Person is the LORD God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 1 John 5:7; Isaiah 48:16-17; John 1:1; Colossians 2:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 4:14). We believe that no one can worship or serve the Triune God except he believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God and the Savior of mankind from sin and its consequences (John 3:18, 36; 5:23; 14:6; 1 John 2:23; 5:11-12). Hence, all who deny the Trinity of God (that God is three Persons) or the Unity of God (that God is one divine Being), or who do not trust in Jesus Christ, the Son, for salvation, do not worship and serve the true God.

Please Memorize: Isaiah 44:6; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19.

The Augsburg Confession

Article V: Of the Ministry.

That we may obtain this faith, the Ministry of Teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Ghost is given, who works faith; where and when it pleases God, in them that hear the Gospel, to wit, that God, not for our own merits, but for Christ’s sake, justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake.

They condemn the Anabaptists and others who think that the Holy Ghost comes to men without the external Word, through their own preparations and works.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

Scripture Readings for Sunday are Psalm 100; Acts 9:1-31; Luke 12:13-21. 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 8:1ff. Who did the scribes and Pharisees bring before Jesus when He was teaching at the temple? Why did they bring her? How was their question like a double-edged sword? Cf. What did the Law of Moses require? What did the law of the Romans forbid? What did Jesus do? Do we know what He wrote? What did Jesus finally say when the woman’s accusers pressed Him for an answer? What happened? Why? Who was left to throw the first stone? Would Jesus have been justified in so doing? Why? What did He do instead? What admonition did He add? Why? What comfort can you draw from this passage of God’s Word? What did Jesus mean when He called Himself the Light of the world? Cf. John 1:1-14; Psalm 119:105, 130; Psalm 36:9; 1 John 1:1ff. How can we have the light of life? What does this mean? How did the Pharisees answer Jesus’ claim? What proof did Jesus offer that His testimony was true? Where did Jesus speak these words? Why did no one arrest Jesus?

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. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Dick Stueland, who is recovering from knee surgery; for Sam Rusch, who has had repeated stays in the hospital; and for the mother of Dick Rusch – for those who have been absent from us, for our extended families, for Christians who are alone and have no congregation, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray 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

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.

The August evening Bible study will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 11. The Bible study will begin at 7 p.m. A light supper will be held at 6:20 p.m. for those who choose to come early.

The Church Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18, in the church.

“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130

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