The Church Needs a Constant Reformation

Here is a great article on the ongoing Reformation of the Holy Christian Church. It's written by my great friend, and we'll call him, Pastor "Who is like God" P. You figure it out. Read my post below this one first, on the "critical" issue of the youth in our Church. Then, enjoy this current post from a fellow fisherman and hunter who love's Wisconsin's northwoods, and especially loves orthodox Lutheran theology of the cross.

Regards,
Northwoods Luther

The Church Needs a Constant Reformation

Each year at the end of October we celebrate Reformation Sunday. This year it will take place on October 28, just three days before the actual anniversary of that great event. On October 31st, 1517, the eve of All Saints’ Day, Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenburg Germany. These were 95 points that he found wrong with the church of his day. By posting these 95 Theses it was Luther’s intent to debate these statements and to show where the church had erred. Luther never intended to break from the Roman Church - he simply wanted them to correct the false teachings that were not in accordance with the Bible.
Refusing to consider Luther’s claims the church excommunicated him and referred to him as a heretic. All of this is brought out very clearly in the movie called "Luther." I suggest if you haven’t watched this movie that you either purchase it or rent it from the library and that you view it for yourself. It presents the struggles that Luther endured as he tried to bring the truth of the Gospel back to light. I especially like the part where he is asked to recant (to take back) his teachings. In that scene Luther makes his famous statement. "Unless convinced by Scripture or plain reason, - for I believe neither the Pope nor the councils alone, since it is certain they have often erred and contradicted one another, - I am overcome by the Scriptures quoted and my conscience is bound to the Word of God, I cannot and will not revoke anything, for it is unsafe and dishonest to act against conscience."

Aware that God’s Word was the only authority Luther would not give up his stand against those who were teaching contrary to the Bible. He could not tolerate any teaching that overlook-
ed the truth of God’s Word. Even in the face of the threat of death he would not back down. By holding firmly to the truth Luther is credited for bringing the clear teachings of Scripture back to light. All of this paved the way for what would become known as "The Lutheran Church." It is a church that is not formed by the teachings of Luther, but on the clear and unchanging Word of God. This is why on each Reformation Sunday the Gospel for the day is John 8:31-36. Verses 31-32 read: "If you continue in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Hopefully you catch the significance of this passage for Reformation Sunday. There is one word that should stand out to you. That one word is "CONTINUE." Jesus said: "If you continue in My Word." What does it mean to continue in His Word? It means to hold firmly to it and not be swayed by what anyone might think. I as your pastor must do this because this is what I promised on the day of my ordination/installation. As Luther said: "My conscience is bound to the Word of God."

Today, we are living in a time when people are tolerant of everything, everything but the truth. We see this in all kinds of ecumenical agreements between various church bodies. It no longer matters to some of these denominations that they do not all agree on the teachings of Scripture.
But is that being faithful to what Jesus said? Can we all join together as one big happy family when the clear teachings of the Bible are overlooked? Our Lord tells us to: "Beware of the leaven of Pharisees." Leaven is yeast. You know what yeast does. It spreads throughout bread dough and makes it rise. What Jesus means is that a little false doctrine, a little false teaching, will spread and corrupt the rest of our Lord’s teachings. We see how this has happened among the ELCA - The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

First it was the toleration and promotion of women preachers since the early 70s. Then in 1997 it was the decision to join together with three Reformed churches: The United Church of
Christ, The Reformed Church of America, and The Presbyterian Church - USA. Sometime later they also voted to be in fellowship with the Episcopal Church, who as you know recently allowed an openly gay person to become bishop. And just this past summer on August 8, 2007, at its national assembly in Chicago, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted that practicing homosexual pastors on the ELCA clergy roster should not be removed.

Imagine that, a so-called Lutheran Church body, one that supposedly confesses the real presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper, joining together with these churches who only see the Lord’s Supper as a symbol of the true body and blood. Imagine a so-called Lutheran Church body allowing openly homosexual pastors to remain in their parishes despite what the Word of God has stated. How can I possibly allow someone from the ELCA to commune at our altars when this is what is going on in their church body? We certainly don’t believe these things in our church body. We believe what the Word of God teaches concerning the Lord’s Supper and what it says about homosexuality. If I were to allow them to come to this altar I would not be faithful to the Word of God. In 1817 the Prussian Union tried to force the Lutherans into celebrating communion with the Reformed churches. When they would not many fled to the United States and elsewhere instead of joining together with those who denied the real presence in the Lord’s Supper. What this union failed to do, the ELCA has openly embraced. How can they possibly tolerate these false teachings along with other false doctrines? I’ll tell you why. Because they have disregarded Christ’s clear words: "If you continue in My ‘WORD’ then you are My disciples."

Just because people say they believe in Jesus, or just because they call themselves "Lutheran" doesn’t mean that they can overlook the clear teachings of Scripture. We cannot and should not be tolerant of any false doctrine no matter what others might think or say. We need to do as Luther did and not be ashamed of what we teach. We need to hold to the truth of God’s Word which never changes. More than that, we need to speak out as Luther did and not accept the false teachings of other churches. Here’s why the Church is in need of constant Reformation. After all, there still are huge differences in what many of these churches teach about such things as: baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Person of Christ, the roll of good works, the Second Coming of Christ, and the list goes on and on.

As True, Confessional Lutherans, who hold to the truth of God’s Word we need to cling firmly to this Word and not be led astray by every wind of doctrine that sounds good to the ears. To this end we pray: "Lord, Keep us steadfast in Thy Word."

What's the Church Doing for the Youth?

Don't you just love the ignorance behind this question? This, or questions like, "What happened to our youth group?" are leveled to faithful pastors and faithful congregations these days. As if the Church is to be the parent of these youth and raise them, like the state and federal government are praised for their many "programs" to raise your kids for you.

The bottom line is this: the Church is to be doing what she always has, namely, faithfully preaching and teaching Christ, the Word, and giving the fruits of His sacrificial death through the Sacraments of Baptism, Absolution, and the Supper. These gifts are for all ages, infants and all ages benefiting from Baptism and Absolution, and youth and adults receiving Christ's Body and Blood at Communion. This is what the Church is doing for the youth!

Really, the question ought to be, "What are parents doing for their youth-aged children?" Are they insisting that they join them for Divine Service and Scripture Study? Why segment the youth, when, as teenagers, they want to be considered as adults. So bring them to Scripture Study with the adults! Other than that, have them meet once a month for pizza and an activity, and let them help usher, sing in the choir, and be involved in all the other "adult" peripherals of the congregation's life. Actually, "What happened to families and the head of the house insisting that the youth not be so busy with side jobs, sports, and other activities, that Church falls by the wayside?"

Don't blame the Church, parents, for it's seeming absense in the lives of your youth. No, it doesn't take a village to raise children! It takes parents, father and mother, disciplining these disciples in their baptismal life. That life can only be sustained by the Means of Grace given through the Divine Services of the Lord's House. Youth group is not their life, Christ is, and that life of Christ is what the Church is still giving to the youth.

Pastors, don't let anyone, people or district or synodical "officials," trap you into that question, and level the responsibility upon you and the Church. For, as Christ said of His Church, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against her." Nor some youth gathering...

Regards,
Northwoods Luther

ELCGay

Don't you hate it when news comes out with headlines like this, on the FOX news website: "Lutherans Urged to Accept Homosexual Ministers." Two words that do not belong in that headline at all: Lutherans and Ministers. First, we real Lutherans do not in the slightest recognize the ELCGay (ELCA) to be a Lutheran Church, period. Their doctrine and practice is heterodox, heretical, and downright abismal. There's a ELCGay "church" (dare I even use the term church; okay, let's call it an ELCGay gathering of like empty-minded idiots) in the town south of the Northwoods Luther, and the sign currently reads: "Take your faith out for a spin and see what you can do." Dee Dee Dee!!! What useless dribble!

Not only has the ELCGay completely capitulated to culture, and the three enemies of devil, world, flesh, they're even making resolutions to "refrain from defrocking gay and lesbian 'ministers' who violate a celibacay rule..." So, they can be gay in the ELCGay, and masquerade as a "minister," but just can't practice their homosexuality. Ha! Ha! Ha! With that absurdity a sex offender could be a "minister" in the ELCGay, so long as he doesn't practice it; so also a murderer, thief, you name it... What next?

Well, to be honest, it had to go this way with the ELCGay. Once the snowball was rolling, you know. They've given up any sort of sound confession of Scripture, Christ, Word and Sacrament. Hell, they don't even believe there is a hell. Basic First Article faith isn't even there, for they've gone to bed with Rome on evolution, etc. Truthfully, Rome and Reformed have found their whipping boy: the ELCGay!

Just think, the next time your relatives in Minnesota, who have some queer boy or dike named "pastor chris" or "pastor pat" giving them the bread at the altar to which they bow, there's no doubt that those hands, and other things, have been in places they shouldn't have been.

"I wash my hands in innocence and go around Your altar, O Lord." (Psalm 26:6) Confession of sin as exactly that, entirely sinful, and absolution, that is, the forgiveness of our sin in Christ, washes us in the innocence of Christ and recalls our baptismal life. Examined and absolved, we go around His altar for His Gifts. Refraining from calling a thing what it is, sin - sin, we must refrain from receiving the Gifts of Christ, for then we have made ourselves guilty again, and our guilt remains.

So, refrain away ELCGay, for you have chosen "another" (Hetero) way, your own bondaged sinful will -- its way, which leads to destruction. Kyrie Eleison!

Regards,
Northwoods Luther

Restructuring the Synod?

If the call goes out for us to restructure the already crumbling infrastructure, what should we suggest? How about all those fat, lazy, "meetings and eatings" District Presidents must serve a parish -- that's a great start! Then, they can trim down those many stupid meetings, and maybe even trim their waistlines a bit. In fact, every "District Official" who has departed from the parish soon becomes very much disconnected from the real work of the Church: Word and Sacrament Ministry (no, not missions, sorry you mission exec. wannabes). Then the districts and synod send the local pastor and parish all the hog-swill programs they want you to promote (translation: to make more $$$ for the district and synod). Gee, I thought congregations made up district and synod, and simply gathered funds for the mission field, which was the only reason for the existence of a district and a synod in the first place. Now, the whole thing is turned upside down, and it's us (pastor and people) serving them (bureaucrats), instead of them serving the real servants of the Church.

And, by the way, if restructuring is the call, how about we start, dare I say it, de-emphasizing missions. Here's news to you ignoramuses out there who always use the tag words "Mission and ministry" and think that by merely saying it you're more mission-minded than the average parish pastor; and this is a "Northwoods Luther" original, so mark it well, and get a lot of mileage out of it, and take from it what you will: If you constantly adopt the missionary position, you're theologically screwed! The Church is not all about, what has been erroneously called "The Great Commission." Matthew 28:18-20 is not the whole Bible, and what is taught there is this: Make Disciples by Baptism, Catechesis, Communion (I am with you always...). If you over-emphasize the "Go..." and forget about "Lo, I am with you..." you'll think you need to do some sort of, oh I don't know, Ablaze! thingy. Let's call it the Great Omission, and get to the real Magna Charta of the One Holy Christan and Apostolic Church:

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42

There it is, the restructuring of our Synod, so that she won't be the LCMess any longer. Mightily into the apostolic doctrine (the Gospel in all its articles), which confessed establishes closed communion fellowship in the Eucharist, and this within the framework of the Divine Service, which contains "the prayers": the Psalms and the Our Father. Hmmm, sounds like something we're already doing, in many places, as a Church. Ah, there you have it: "Be what you already are" as baptized, forgiven sinners feasting on Christ in Word and Sacrament, and you'll be confessing to the world what Christ has done. And the Lord (not Ablaze, nor anything else) added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)

Restructuring complete: no need to meet --- let's eat!

Regards,
The Northwoods Luther

Pragmatism ~ Practically Worthless

I received a comment on idealism being one of the Church's deadliest enemies, and that pragmatism is just as evil, if not worse. "This is most certainly true." What is practical and programatic has been seen as the most important "effective tools" for what many beurocratic b.s.-ers in the district and synod offices call "ministry." But alas, this is not so, not so at all. For I find that 99.999% of all the crap sent to me, as a pastor, from district and synod, is not at all practical, nor effective, but practically worthless. In terms of theology, confession of faith, Lutheran identity, and the like, pragmatism, and its whore: The Church Growth Movement (not too much different than another "movement" I need to do here shortly [i.e., BM]) are only tools of the evil one, "...and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8 ESV) If you've exhausted the entire canon of Scripture in your teaching, preaching, etc., and thoroughly explained and interpreted the same through the full confession of our faith with the Book of Concord, and completely sung through and have had all your members memorize all of the solid Lutheran hymnody and liturgy; then you may want to "see what else is out there" (practically speaking). But no, you don't even have permission from Holy Church, and your ordination vows to do that! So why, in the name of Christ and His Church, are you so bent on being relevent, practical, "winsome" and liked by all, herding them in like cattle, instead of shepherding them as sheep? Why? Because you, oh creative-executive-type, are like the pragmatism, and the programs you bow to: "practically worthless."

In the words of one of the greatest exegetes the Lutheran Church has ever had, Dr. Harold Buls: "'nuff said!"

Regards,
The Northwoods Luther

Is There a Connection?

GK of the LCMess, immediately after his first term election, held up a sign that read "It's a wonderful life." Now, follow me on this one, and wait for the obvious connection. The LCMess Convection (a type of oven that gets really hot, like Houston) was at Houston, TX. In Houston is a man, not too unlike GK, by the name of Joel Osteen. He packs his cattle in a mega-barn in Houston, masquerading as some sort of preacher (and he is of the other sort: of a very different/demonic spirit). Here's the irony: GK holds up that sign about some sort of glory road "wonderful life" and Osteen (whom you can't stand to listen to for a minute, lest you choke that "lee press on smile" Texan) wrote a book called, "Your Best Life Now." GK must stand for "Glorious Kingdom" now; and he and Osteen must have alot in common. Maybe they both have similar evangelism (where the Gospel becomes a new law you must share; like communism, and socialism) program. Oh, I don't know, something like Ablaze! (or what the Northwoods Luther calls Aphase!).

Let's hope there's a connection in all of this. And if you don't think they are connected theologically and politically, the coffee of Christ and His truth did not wake you up yet. The Holy Christian Church: The Lutheran Church (take that, Benedict Arnold, you verum antichristum) will not tolerate two ways; doctrine and practice must be married in a marriage that, unlike any other earthly marrige, will last forever. GK and JO of Houston, TX: what a team!!! "It's a wonderful life" because it's "Your best life now." Is there a connection? You bet!!!

Regards,
The Northwoods Luther

Gross Spelling Errors in My First Post ~ Sorry!

Hello again,
A brief word on the words I misspelled. I said, "definately" and should have wrote "definitely" and the common error, "their" instead of "there." Please absolve me, oh thou grammarian sticklers out there.

More to follow, much more fun, cynicism, etc...

Regards,
Northwoods Luther