President Harrison at LWML Convention

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President Harrison on the LWML and Supreme Court

Christian Response to the Supreme Court Ruling

Dear Friends,

This morning we heard the news from the Supreme Court.  This ruling will have huge implications for our church.  We now will be in danger for a variety of law suits and loss of tax exempt status etc.  We will have to examine and change the way we rent out our parish hall and facilities.  The Elders and I have talked the last few months in preparation for this ruling.  We have some plans in place, and will work to get some others in place.  As we work out those details we will let you know them.  Until then, feel free to read the following responses from President Harrison, Seminary President Rast, Issues ETC interviews, and Doxology Pastor Senkbiel.  I will continue to add more articles as I find them.  
Also visit our wedding guidelines here, noticing that we as of now only perform weddings for members of our church in good standing.  This means open unrepentant sin from our theological perspective prevents a marriage from taking place in our sanctuary.  

From President Harrison:

Harrison says U.S. Supreme Court got it wrong on marriage ruling

God is our refuge and strength,      a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,      though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam,      though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,      the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;      God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;      he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us;      the God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalm 46:1–7). A one-person majority of the U.S. Supreme Court got it wrong – again. Some 40 years ago, a similarly activist court legalized the killing of children in the womb. That decision has to date left a wake of some 55 million Americans dead. Today, the Court has imposed same-sex marriage upon the whole nation in a similar fashion. Five justices cannot determine natural or divine law. Now shall come the time of testing for Christians faithful to the Scriptures and the divine institution of marriage (Matthew 19:3–6), and indeed, a time of testing much more intense than what followed Roe v. Wade. Like Roe v. Wade, this decision will be followed by a rash of lawsuits. Through coercive litigation, governments and popular culture continue to make the central post-modern value of sexual freedom override “the free exercise of religion” enshrined in the Bill of Rights. The ramifications of this decision are seismic. Proponents will seek to drive Christians and Christian institutions out of education at all levels; they will press laws to force faithful Christian institutions and individuals to violate consciences in work practices and myriad other ways. We will have much more to say about this. During some of the darkest days of Germany, a faithful Lutheran presciently described how governments lose their claim to legitimate authority according to Romans 13. The Caesar cult in its manifold forms, the deification of the state, is one great form of the defection from the [true] idea of the state. There are also other possibilities of such defection. The government can forget and neglect its tasks. When it no longer distinguishes between right and wrong, when its courts are no longer governed by the strict desire for justice, but by special interests, when government no longer has the courage to exercise its law, fails to exercise its duties, undermines its own legal order, when it weakens through its family law parental authority and the estate of marriage, then it ceases to be governing authority. Raising such a question can lead to heavy conflicts of conscience. But it is fundamentally conceivable, and it has time and again become reality in history, that a governing authority has ceased to be governing authority. In such a case there may indeed exist a submission to a superior power. But the duty of obedience against this power no longer exists. [Hermann Sasse, “What Is the State?”(1932)] As faithful Christians, we shall continue to be obedient to just laws. We affirm the human rights of all individuals and the inherent and equal value of all people. We respect the divinely given dignity of all people, no matter their sexual preference. We recognize that, under the exacting and demanding laws of God, we are indeed sinners in thought, word and deed, just as are all (Romans 3:9ff.). We confess that the “blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all our sins” (1 John 1:7). We confess that God’s divine law of marriage and the entire Ten Commandments apply to all, and that so also the life-giving sacrifice of Christ on the cross is for all. It is a “righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Romans 3:22). However, even as we struggle as a church to come to a unified response to this blatant rejection of the entire history of humankind and its practice of marriage, “We shall obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29). Christians will now begin to learn what it means to be in a state of solemn conscientious objection against the state. We will resist its imposition of falsehood upon us, even as we continue to reach out to those who continue to be harmed by the ethic of radical sexual freedom, detached from God’s blessing of marriage. And we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Christians, churches and people of good will who are resolute on this issue. God help us. Amen. Pastor Matthew C. Harrison Marriage Resources Marriage Policy — Sample marriage policy for congregations and sample provisions limiting the use of church property to marriages that are consistent with LCMS beliefs “Why Marriage Matters” — A Bible Study by the Rev. Timothy Pauls Biblical Understanding — Resources that provide a biblical understanding of God’s gift of marriage between a man and a woman Case for Marriage — Help for making the case for marriage when talking with those who disagree Know a College Student? — Share a letter of encouragement regarding marriage from the Rev. Marcus Zill, director of LCMS U Concordia Publishing House — Resources on marriage Doxology Conference — Sex, Marriage and the Christian Vision | Aug. 12-13 in St. Louis Supreme Court opinion

From Concordia Theological Seminary President Lawrence Rast:

Dear Friends,

By now, you have undoubtedly been reading and hearing much about today's Supreme Court ruling on marriage. While we continue to study what legal affects this decision may have on the congregations and institutions of our Synod, we do know that it is a disappointment to members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and Christians who hold to the biblical definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

I am sure you have and will continue to be asked questions about this decision. To help prepare you to answer, Dr. Peter Scaer, associate professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), has compiled some talking points concerning the decision. Peter is an outspoken supporter of marriage and the family and a leader within our community and the church-at-large. Some of his suggested guides for discussion include:

• The Supreme Court decision changes nothing about our Christian faith.  We believe that there is still a higher court and that Christ will be our final Judge.  As Christians, we obey the government (Romans 13), but we recognize that our greatest allegiance is to God and His Word, and that in matters of conscience, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
  
• We therefore will continue to support one man one woman marriage, as it is taught in Genesis 1 and 2, and as it is taught by Christ Himself (Matthew 19:1-9 and Mark 10:1-12).
  
• True loves calls us to speak the truth so that all may know the forgiveness and love of Christ.  We cannot celebrate that which God calls sin (Romans 1:18-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9). By doing so, we leave people in their sin, and apart from Christ.
  
• The Church will continue to be a place of healing and forgiveness, restoration and mercy.  As our Lord has said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).

A complete list of these suggested talking points can be found here. I encourage you to read through them and share them as you deem appropriate with the members of your congregation so they, too, will be prepared to address this issue. 

While we are disappointed in this decision, we find comfort in the knowledge that our God holds the deeds of all in His strong hands. We are strengthened by His unfailing presence and will move forward to share the message of the life-saving Gospel to a world that is so desperately in need of that simple and unchanging message. 

I can leave you with no better words than this exhortation from St. Paul to the young pastor, Timothy. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:1-5, ESV)

With you, in Christ’s service,
Lawrence R. Rast Jr.
President
Concordia Theological Seminary
Fort Wayne, Indiana

Issues Etc. Interviews on the topic

• President Harrison Interview
• Philosophical Perspective by Sherif Gergis
• Supreme Court Decision and Civil Rights Dr. Alveda King
• Moral Aspect of the Decision By Dr. Albert Mohler
• Political Perspective by Dr. Ryan Anderson
• Legal Perspective by Dr. Robert George

From Doxology Executive Director Harold Senkbiel:

NEWS RELEASE:  SCOTUS Decision Finds Constitutional Right to Same Sex Marriage With today’s landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States has negated the express will of the citizens of several states with laws limiting marriage to one man and one woman. More significantly, it has introduced a definition for marriage contrary to the express will of God and opened the door to persecution of those who for reasons of conscience hold the biblical view. Though today’s ruling effectively redefines marriage legally in our land, it does not set aside the scriptural definition of marriage any more than the infamous 1973 Roe v. Wade decision changed the scriptural definition of life.  Marriage was instituted by God in Eden as a holy estate and comprehensive union between one man and one woman for their mutual support in both joy and sorrow and the procreation and nurture of children.  This union of holy matrimony is a picture of the mystic union and communion of Christ Jesus and His Bride, the Holy Christian Church.

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We remain steadfast. . . Reflecting on what the Court’s decision means in the days and years ahead, DOXOLOGY’s Executive Director for Spiritual Care, Harold Senkbeil, commented: “Though dark and uncertain times lie ahead, this is a time for Christians everywhere to shed light and truth in a world of darkness and confusion. We remain steadfast and immovable in the faith delivered once to all the saints, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for in the Lord our labor is never in vain.” “While people of faith who hold to the historic definition of one-man/one-woman marriage may find themselves on the receiving end of attack or ridicule,” Senkbeil continued, “Let there be no ugly acrimony and negativity. Let’s be known for what we stand in favor of, not merely what we stand against.  And let there be compassion and care for same-sex attracted family, friends, and neighbors."  "Senkbeil concluded, "Thank God, there is hope and encouragement for all of us who wrestle with sexual temptations of every sort in the forgiveness and renewal won by Christ. We look to the future with confidence and joy. Jesus Christ remains the light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against His church.”     Plan to attend August 12-13 Conference  DOXOLOGY, a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, is sponsoring “Finding Our Voice: Sex, Marriage, and the Christian Vision,” August 12 & 13 at St. Louis University. Dr. Beverly Yahnke, DOXOLOGY’s Executive Director for Christian Counsel, observed, “It’s important for each of us to endorse Christian marriage and healthy sexuality.  Our culture is growing increasingly degenerate and decadent and sometimes it is hard to know how to respond.  We believe that moms and dads, grandparents, pastors and other church professionals won’t want to miss DOXOLOGY's upcoming conference.  We need to find our voice - especially in light of today’s ruling.  Some of the top presenters in the U.S. and Australia will be present at the conference to provide perspective, clarity and information designed to assist all of us to speak confidently about what marriage is and how to promote healthy sexuality publicly and privately in our unique vocations.”   http://www.doxology.us/events/finding-our-voice/  is the link you'll need to register for the event, learn more about the conference speakers, topics, and preview the complete schedule .

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - G - 2015 - Safe to the Other Side

Sign of the Covenant

A year ago today, there was a rainstorm right before Sunset, and I was able to take the following picture.  

A beautiful picture of Immanuel.  Every time I look at the picture with the rainbow above in the clouds, I can't help but think of the account of Noah exiting the ark in Genesis.

8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9 “Behold, I establish my covenant with you and your offspring after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth.11 I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

We Christians today also have an ark that keeps us safe in this world.  It is not a boat, but the church.  And, contrary to the picture I've taken, the church is not just the building, but rather it is the collection of believers gathered by God's Word and receiving the blessed Means of Grace distributed by the called minister of Christ.  God's Word preached in its truth and purity and the Sacraments distributed according to their institution make the church exist.  Within the ark of the church, we believers are carried safely through the trials and tribulations of this world with the ever sure and certain promise of eternal life and resurrection with Christ awaiting us.

And we, like Noah, have a sign of the covenant, or promise, made between us and God.  It is not a rainbow, but rather the sacrament of holy baptism.  In 1 Peter 3, St. Peter writes:

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.  Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him."

Baptism is a flood - a lavish washing away of all sins.  Our sinful nature is drowned and killed.  In water and the word we are made God's own blessed children.  Baptized in to Christ, we are in the ark of the church and have the promise of grace upon grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.

As Per Sunday Bible Study on Justin Martyr Issues ETC.

In Sunday Morning Bible Study we mentioned this podcast - Click here to learn about Justin Martyr.  

Third Sunday after Pentecost - G - 2015 - The Word of God Alone Builds the Church and Your Faith

More than we can bear

I don't have the opportunity to go deep into this issue, so I want to refer you to a few other resources, located at the bottom of the page.  

"Well pastor, God won't give me more than I can handle."  I hear these words often.  Unfortunately, I hear them more often as a mantra of self-motivation in times of suffering.  As if "Since God gave me this struggle, I have the ability within myself to overcome it."  We take it as "Buck up, pull yourself up by the boot straps, you can make it!"  

The words so often spoken come from a colloquial misinterpretation of 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."  Unfortunately the colloquialism doesn't really match what the text says.  (as a side note - the colloquialism we say "God won't give you more than you can handle" actually matches more closely with the Koran 2:286 than with the 1 Corinthians text.)  

Temptation is different from suffering.  And we do suffer.  And it is difficult.  And if we say we can overcome it, we're taking out one very important part of the equation - Jesus.  Who entered into our world to suffer, who died in fact, promising that we too would suffer, taking up our cross and following him.  But Jesus also promised that we will eventually leave this world of sin to inherit a perfect recreated world through him and him alone.  Its that promise that is our hope.  Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation in Jesus Christ alone.  

So in fact, you will face more than you can handle.  You will grow weak, your body will fail, and you will die, Jesus promises.  And there's nothing you can do about it in the end.  But Jesus has overcome, and Jesus can and has done something about it by his death and resurrection.  And in baptism, you belong to him, and are connected to his victory over suffering and death.  And that's a much better promise than, "You can do it."  

I'd like to point you to an Issues Etc. program from yesterday about this topic from Pastor Larry Peters, CLICK HERE, and then also to an article by Pastor Peters CLICK HERE.  They do a fantastic job addressing this issue.  Let me know if you have any questions, and as always - listen to Issues Etc.  It is a fantastic resource for Lutherans in our modern world.  

Issues, Etc.

Second Sunday After Pentecost - 2015 - E - Wasting Away

Roy Dickerman Prayer Service and Funeal

Prayer Service

Funeral Service