Whey Lay

Christian or Christ Follower?

2008-10-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

A Fighting for the Faith podcast recently played a section on a Willow Creek seminar. The speaker began with a dissertation on whether churches were making disciples or just more Christians, with the obvious virtue being with disciples rather than Christians. Rosebrough stated that all the pastors there went to lengths to refer to themselves as Christ followers instead of Christians. Obviously they had caught the newest wave of growthism and were riding it for all it was worth. I shared the podcast with my oldest son and we both commented on Rosebrough's clarity of what is at play here by observing that referring to oneself as a follower implies that I am doing something, not just being something. Not more than a week later my oldest son and I were invited to attend a youth camp that St Paul’s, our old church 3 hours away, was having. This gives my son a chance to connect with his grade school chums and usually provides a nice weekend of Christian fellowship while camping. Part of the weekend included the new pastor of St Pauls coming out and spending two hours with the youth discussing Halloween, devils, angels and fear. This was a great interaction between the youth and pastor. Until the end, when pastor asked what the youth wanted and then he proceeded to describe his preferences. This was when he began saying some very familiar stuff, specifically that he doesn’t like to hear from people that say they are a member of this or that church, and did everyone know that even the word Christian is only mentioned three times in the bible. Ya, and he would rather we think of ourselves as Christ followers or disciples, "you know the term disciple is mentioned many times in the bible. At this point one of the boys that is a Latin student supplied the meaning of disciple as being a student or one who learns or studies’ implying that we as disciples should mark ourselves with our study of the Gospel and Holy Scripture. Its so handy to have a bright young Latin scholar around. When the term ‘Christ follower’ appeared my son shot me a glance, and I knew right then that he also realized where this pastor had been, none other than Willi Crick.
When I got home I referred to my Concordia Study Bible and lo and behold Christian is only mentioned 3 times. But you know what 2 of those 3 say? Huh, do ya? 1 Peter 4:16 says "However if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed but praise God that you bear that name". PRAISE GOD THAT YOU BEAR THAT NAME! PRAISE GOD THAT YOU BEAR THAT NAME! Then Acts 11:26 " the disciples were called Christian" my footnote says that the meaning of the term is apt for it means " belonging to Christ". How could anyone look at these references in Holy Scripture regarding the name Christian and discount it based on the quantity. Is it just a clever move to distance modern christianish types from the baggage that they fear the culture sees in the word Christian? Maybe, but its certainly devilish. The word of scripture is absolutely stunning on this one, it nearly institutes the name Christian. At first I thought it to be just a quirky gimmick that the growthers had come up with, after all what does it matter what we call our selves.... As for me, no thanks, I will praise God that I may be known as a Christian, if I had to rely on myself to follow Christ I would be lost in minutes. It is much more comforting to know that we "belong to Christ".
PS Blessed Reformation Day Everyone!

Issues etc....Cancelled

2008-03-30T04:37:00.000-07:00

So like most confessional bloggers, I emailed, phoned, emailed and phoned again KFUO. Several Board members were able to respond with quick and courteous emails, others not so quick. In particular Mr. D. Strand, the person who has controlling authority in the matter sent out a email basically saying "sorry your disappointed, hope you like the programming we have planned"........ Again, everyone who emailed him got the same form letter. Here is a copy of my follow up.

Your reply to my initial question is as similarly disappointing to your decision to cancel Issues etc.. I have requested details regarding the decision to cancel. The statements posted on KFUO's website stated that it was a programmatic and business decision. To avoid further miscommunication I will be more specific in my request.1) Please outline the business decision that arrived at the cancellation conclusion. This should be rather simple to provide, and would need no farther detail than spreadsheet conclusions, ie cost vs income statistics or scheduling conflicts. All companies typically have this in a formalized document for change management of business decisions.2) Please describe the delta (difference) between programmatic issues that contributed to cancellation of Issues etc. Did this change in programming come from a change in the program or at a higher organizational level at KFUO. Again this data should be readily at hand also since it is a stated reason for cancellation.
This was sent 9 days ago with no answer.
So, the Executive Director for the Board of Communications for the LCMS, cancels a very popular show on the synods radio station, providing no explanation, no forewarning, no plan for replacement programming, then provides a cryptic " canceled for business and programmatic reasons" excuse, then sends out a changed statement that now says "stewardship requires it" since it was a money looser for them.
So lets summarize the Director's performance in this matter. He is responsible for a significant decision in programing for the synods primary electronic medium. He implements a major change that shows, no primary planning, let alone parallel path planning for possible complications. His public communications in the matter is non-exist ant at first, then poor, then inconsistent.
Folks, there's a reason why this guy is doing charity work.(I know, I know, its a paid position, it just looks like he's doing it for free) There is no way this kind of performance would be tolerated at my place of employment. The only way this would be accepted by senior management is if the guy is used as a hatchet man for a poorly performing department that needed a lot of dead wood cut out. Even then the soulless, bottom line company that I work for would not have treated poorly performing workers this way, let alone withhold severance pay until they sign a non-disclosure statement, knowing that Jeff Schwartz's wife is undergoing medical treatment. That level of manipulation is evil. I've known any number of non-believing secularists that would never have considered anything so personally destructive.
I'm currently at a cross-roads. I've found a church with a pastor and congregation that is fed up with Missouri and seriously considering leaving, the paperwork is already drawn up. This church, though small, (about 300) is a wonder of full bore Lutheran confessionalism. The desire of the pastor and elders to cultivate it into a truly orthodox Lutheran church is a wonderful thing to see. I had been arguing contrary to the need to leave the LCMS, I don't think I will do it anymore. If this congregation, absent discussion from me votes to leave, I'm good with that. Part of me wants to stay and become the festering, confessional thorn in the flesh that Missouri deserves though. I want to become active in synodical politics, get sent to conventions and boards, make people uncomfortable with pointed question like "how is this decision
supported in scripture?", severely reduce synodical hierarchy, and loudly vote no.

Lutheran Schools as Mission.

2008-02-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

The new congregation we have joined is one of several that support a local Lutheran LCMS school. I have observed that this congregation seems to be at a point that they no longer wish to be a part of this conglomeration of congregations that support this school. I think that this is a two-fold issue for them. One of the folds is money, the congregation has to obligate for a certain amount based on how many families they have attending. This is a rather small congregation and as such this is a burden at times for them. The second issue I believe is a high level of doctrinal rigor that the school is perceived as not maintaining. Examples include the use of Willowcreek leadership materials for the staff, avoidance of specifically Lutheran Confessional statements and a general softening and mixing of the specific religious claims. I can validate this last one to some extent. When I made the initial call to the office to check on admissions I specifically asked, " Is there an emphasis placed on Lutheran doctrine and tradition?" To which the secretary pleasantly replied " Oh no, that’s never really discussed or study" My disappointment must have been apparent over the phone as she grew quiet and then tried to stammer something out. Clearly, the majority of calls she handles are from non-Lutherans inquiring about the school, as far as I could tell I was the first person who had expressed an interest in the opposite direction. In defense of the school, I am very pleased with the study materials that our kids were first introduced to, including a rather thorough history of Luther and the reformation for the 7th graders. Several obvious Lutheran art objects were also noted in the hallways and a great many of the teachers and staff are from Lutheran backgrounds. Still I feel that the aforementioned congregation probably has some legitimate concerns.
I am more concerned with the congregation having revealed its concerns of heterodoxy in the LCMS to the district. The congregation is signaling that it may be breaking with Missouri and as far as I can tell no one at the District level or higher has attempted to talk to the congregation. Why would that be, can the synod’s leadership no longer defend it’s actions or inactions from the scriptures? If the leadership were certain of its position why wouldn’t it try to correct a potentially wayward congregation? Surely that would be the loving thing to do. It leads me to believe that the district would just as soon not have the trouble that this congregation seems to be causing, based on it’s belief in scripture. An example is one of the other local LCMS congregations having a music service with one of the local charismatic (non-Lutheran charismatic that is) churches. This was brought before the district with the final arbitration being, it wasn’t worship. I’m okay with that, I think we should be finding opportunities to fellowship with other Christians, albeit with a critical eye as to ensuring it not occur in anything that the laity would construe as being Divine Service. I don’t think that level of scrutiny went on though, but hey we got a favorable review in the local newspaper and made it look like we were movers and shakers in the local church scene, how many times can a Missouri church say that, huh?
Enough side tracking, my initial thought though regarding Lutheran schools has been, why do we call them Lutheran if we aren’t’ going to walk the walk? I mean its not like anyone sending there kid there would seriously say, hey I don’t like all this Lutheran reformation talk that goes on! We say were Lutheran, let’s teach it! This line of thinking led me to ponder, why do non Lutherans send there kids to our schools anyway? Is it just because were not the Catholic school down the road. Although for many I do believe this is a big motivator. But many non-Christians also send their kids. I feel they do it because they perceive a better quality environment and scholastics. So in the best of Lutheran traditions I will ask "What does this mean?" It means that many people when given the chance would and do like to have their children associating with all these young Lutheran boys and girls, because they perceive a difference. That difference is the one that believers can present to their neighbors, workers and co-students. Ideally non-believers are attracted to the lives that our children and teachers are presenting as saved, sacramental, scriptural people. Don’t get me wrong, I know first hand that our children and teachers are sinners, and many times display the worst characteristics rather than the righteous ones. The point I’m trying to make I guess is that non-Lutherans may attend our schools and we need to seize that opportunity to proclaim the gospel to them, in the Lutheran tradition. What greater gift can we give these students and their families, than the correct interpretation, the Lutheran interpretation of the gospel? I believe our doctrines to be the clearest understandings regarding the Bible, sacraments, and nature of God. The men and women who established our synod also believed it. Let’s not throw away a golden opportunity that we have to use our schools as witnessing and instructional tools. I think that many times we have started soft-pedaling our doctrine for fear of turning off someone on our school rosters. How can this be, do we believe that our basic doctrine is so terrible that it cannot be presented in full light? If this is the case, how pitiful we have become. We shame the memory of all those 19th century Christians who left home, family and land at great expense to worship as their conscience and understanding of scripture dictated. Let us have but a fraction of that original courage and say, "Yes! We’re Lutheran, and we’d love to teach your children about it!"

Movin Update

2007-10-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hey All,
Just a quick note. My family and I are moving south. It's part of my job relocation. The good news is that I can now get KFUO on my radio now. How Cool! We are currently looking for a congregation in the area and have the kids enrolled in the local Lutheran School. What a blessing, they even have a Lutheran High School! Thats it for now, my time has been spent driving 5 hours a day for work. The best part is listening to KFUO and then the Albert Moeller (?) program. He's a Southern Baptist and has a very good radion program, although I think it's a copy of Issue's ect. Thats it for now, more when I get settled and dont have to drive so much just to work

Some Summer

2007-07-26T03:25:00.000-07:00

Thought I should see if I still know how to type, so far so good.
Since I last checked in I have change jobs, Monday I start working 2 hours south of where I live. We hope to move inot the area, but with school starting soon, we don't plan on pulling the kids out mid year, so I may be driving for a while.
The pastor of our church made his move earlier this year, having recieved a call from a larger congregation closer to the city. I figured he was going because his sermons just prior to his departure were very Lutheran, in regards to Law and Gospel, staying Christ centered and not having some goofy hook in it. This made it pretty clear to me who in the congregation is most responsible for proper teaching, the elders. As soon as the old Pastor had expectations put on him, in the form of what he expected his new congregation had on preaching the Gospel, he preached as a Lutheran pastor would be expected. Our elders never put that expectation out there.
Our interim pastor seems to be a very good pastor. He's a local who just returned from 2 years of missionary work in Isreal. His sermons are studied, meaning he seems to reference the different interpretations of scripture, and each has had Law and Gospel presented well. He also uses the Liturgy pretty extensively, more so than the congregation was use to. On his first Sunday he kinda ad libed a "peace be with you" at the beginning and the congregation, not being use to this corporate style of greeting barely mumbled a "and also with you" I was so glad to see the new pastor smile and say, "lets try that again, peace be with you" to which even the dullest group could pick up on. He was also involved in the Vacation Bible Study, something we were not accustomed to. I hope he's able to stick around. The call process was described to the congregation and I still am not completely sure of who can and can's be called.
Thats all for now, got to get ready for work.

Good Friday, 2007

2007-04-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on Maundy Thursday I was able to get away from work early and join my family at church for evening service. Easily one of the better services. Tonight I wasn't able to get out of work in time, partly because one of the other guys in my area wanted off early to go to Good Friday service. That's what Christians do I hope, help carry one another's burdens at work. This year I'll be able to get to 5am service for Easter, with the rest of the family going at 9am. My job has intensive maintenance schedules every spring, so most of my Easters are messed up with 7 day 13 hour schedules for a month or so. Enough whining, with a little luck something else will come along.
On a different note our current pastor is taking a call to a larger more affluent suburban congregation. One of the things we've noticed is the quality of the service since he decided to go. The sermons stay very classically Lutheran. Law, Gospel, Christ crucified for us, just amazing. More traditional service are also offered with the whole service conducted, not cutting out 30% or more like he use to do. I know why the change, he knows he's going to another congregation that has certain expectations of him. That's when it hit me, our elders where not putting the expectations as to conduct of church services on him, meaning that even though it is some of his doing, the elders must bear the brunt of the past conduct.
Some elders have already stated that the next pastor shouldn't be too young or too old, rather someone around 45, since he would be able to connect with everyone, not just the youth or the elderly. What!! Personally I would like to see us take on a younger guy just out of Sem, preferably even with a young family, but I will be glad for any pastor God should choose to send us. I really feel the Elder that made the statement was simply expressing his desire to have a boomer like himself for a pastor, knowing that he would himself have more in common with him. I mainly would like to see a pastor who is true to the message and rigorous in his application of teaching and doctrine. He doesn't have to be someone that I can personally relate to at my age (also 40ish). Enough for now.

Time to catch up

2007-01-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

I've been rather negligent in my blogging lately. My blog reading has even been down. What could possibly cause this you may or may not ask. Well first off I recieved my new 2nd edition (I missed the first) Concordia The Lutheran Confessions, edited by McCain, among others and published by Concordia House. I can't say enough about it. If I could only have one book other than a Bible, this would be it. It reads very easy and is packed with extra's, like a suggested year long study guide and a nice selection of Reformation era paintings, including several Cranach's. The pages are finished in an ivory color much like the new Hymnals, very nice touch. Because it reads so easy I am able to discuss it with my children, referring them to sections to read and then expand upon the information through discussion. So, if your a confessional type, and even if you have an original Triglotta signed by Dau, get this readers edition, you will not be disappointed. I know, I know, I've read some scholars bemoan this or that interperative method that was or wasn't used, but I'm laity with poor latin and no german skills, so I think it's the best thing to come along for the likes of me in a long time. Enough gushing, let's move to the next cool thing I've been blessed with.
Growing in Christ Sunday School program, also by Concordia Publishing House. The amount of information and potential in this coarse is staggering. The same course that I am fortunate enough to help teach in the adult coarse is mirrored in the childeren's lesson's, allowing for disscusion of the topic on the drive home from church. It also matches up with the church year as far as sermon's go, so you get a nice in depth study of scripture, starting with pastor's sermon and then moving to Sunday school instructions for all age groups. The folks at CPH have really put alot of work into this, it focuses on the Lutheran doctrine as applied to scripture, with the scripture study in a coherent to doctrine method. This is so much better than the ad hoc classes we put together ourselves that basically took the Bible a book at a time starting with Genesis. If you are fortunate enough to have this coarse at your church let me know what you think. This coarse finds the Law and Gosple application every class, and interpets scripture from the Christ crucified focus. Excellent.
The down side at chuch is the slight waylaying the Church Council did by allowing our Pastoral Assistant (not Assistant Pastor, I know, don't ask) to teach his own class on what he wanted. This draws most of the adults since the location is accesable, but we manage to draw 4 to 8 youngish adults to Growing. I am going to ask our Parish Ed to apply a little common sense to class scheduling.
I just checked CPH's website and they have Concordia going for $20!!!! and it qualifies for free shipping!!! I'm going to have to get one or two more.

Would You Buy Meth From This Man, How 'bout a Massage?

2006-11-05T20:52:00.000-08:00

So everyone has heard of Ted Haggard's crushing, burnin up in re-entry, fall from his leadership position with the New Life Church that he founded. At first, while watching the news, I felt very sorry for his wife, she had such a pained expression on her face. Then I thought, what is a 50 year old married man with kids doing buying Meth? How screwed up in the head do you have to be to get to that point? Leave all the massage's from a man in a hotel room out of it for now. Which made me think, where in the hell does someone in his position get the time to go cruisin' for male muscle rubbers. Like Tom Foley, we are always told that "our congressmen are soooo busy, pastors of huge ministries are soooo busy." Not too busy to go for a stroll on the wild side though, even if just looking. Oh and one more random thought, a 49 year old male prostitute?! That sounds like the old Saturday Night Live skit Fred Garvey - Male Prostitute.
I'm listening to the old Issues ect. interview with Haggard again right now, Wilkens just asked Haggard if a christian needs to hear of his sin and depravity on a weekly basis and Ted answers oh no. A Christian doesn't need to hear that every time. There is so much more to talk about in the bible. Haggard also states that as we mature as Christians we will sin less and less, becoming more righteous. This is used as proof of our salvation.
I think we see some of the danger's of not having a clear, Lutheran understanding of our sinfulness. Meaning, if I believe that I will have proof of my salvation in my rightousness and will expect to not sin anymore, my sins will get less and less. If thats what I believe, then yes I have to marginalize the thoughts and actions that I'm doing. After all I was only tempted by Meth, buying it but not taking it, and massages from men in hotel rooms for several years on end isn't like cheating on my wife, so no sin there. What a terrible tyranny this theology must be, to rely on my miserable works for proof.
But blessedly, Christ does not ask me to gather proof of my salvation, rather I am to believe in the promise of Christ, to the cross we must flee and cling to Christ and Christ alone.
I pray that Ted Haggard remembers his discussion with Wilkens and come to a true understanding of sin and santification.

Introducing the Most Reverend General Scuttlebutt

2006-11-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

A very funny blog. Aardvark gave a link to the site, but didn't elaborate on it. I managed to stumble to it yesterday, I'm still laughing. Whoever is writting it has some real talent for humor. It's written by the personna of a retired LCMS Chaplain man's man. The curmudgeon like writtings remind me of my favored Fireside Chat With the Rector site that has been abandoned. Warning though, if you hold the synod's politics dear you will need to pass on this, but if you don't and need a laugh try it here.

Mask's of God?

2006-11-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Occasionally things happen that even I am able to see and apreciate the workings of God.
I was heading to work on a Saturday morning, not feeling especially thankful at the thougth of most likely 16 hours of work for the umpteenth weekend in a row. On top of this self pity I managed to feel bad for myself at having to get around in an old, unheated, noisy, bouncy Samuri since my last ride was totalled by a banzai Bambi. As I neared work I noticed a man walking along the road. As I passed him I thought, he looks like a guy I work with. I pulled over and stepped out to ask if he needed a ride, explaining that I was only going several more miles. Initially he confused me because he looked down, mumbled something for a few moments, and then crossed himself. I was stunned for a second, this man was thanking God for a ride with miseable me, in my cold little jeep. I took him down the road to his destination, talking little but feelling warmer, in the presence of a Christian who reminded me what thankfullness to God looks like.
Why did I pull over? I was running late for work, and even though he looked like a co worker, I knew it wasn't him.
Is this the "masks of God"? Did God use me, to give a ride to a man with out a car,(he wasn't just broke down, he had no car) on a cold morning, to go see his son. Who in turn, through his quiet, personal and pious display reminded me that I should in all things be thankful unto the Lord.
I still wonder at the thought of crossing ones self. I feel, like it says in our catechism, it is a good thing. (although I don't do it) Unlike some, who claim it does nothing but promote self rightousness, if not superstition, I have experianced how this simple act can serve a neighbor. I would pray that our church would explore these instruments of faith. The fear of Roman tradition is strong in many of our churches. I don't expect much to change though. No one at our LCMS church participate in any traditional practices, and when aksed about some of these things half our elders recoil in revulsion at anything so old, so archaic......so traditional.

You Gotta' Feel the Faith, Man

2006-09-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

I'm working lots of hours right now like the fool that I am, so blogging time is limited. The following post was something I wrote down early in the year that was bothering me about church and it kind of developed my personal experience with faith.

Okay, at a risk of this becoming Wheylays complaint corner I want to talk about a recent sermon at church that derided head knowledge of the Lord as unneeded by a Christian, rather we need feel our belief in our hearts. This is a common theme that is usually accompanied by references to the Pharisees, and I believe is meant to level those who think that because they know about Christ they are saved. This obviously swerves into enthusiasm and emotionalism, but I will give it the benefit of the doubt. Not three sentences latter Pastor states " A recent Barnum poll showed that only 9% of Christians in America have beliefs about their faith that are biblical." Well of coarse!, their pastors are probably telling them it is more important to just feel their faith. After all knowledge of the faith makes them legalistic and maybe even unchristian.

This would have been just one of my nitpicking notations, but the distress of my wifes and mine the next week during the confirmation classes, Pastor stopped using the Synods workbook completly and passed out a Q & A sheet that talked about the virtues of dating, and how not dating is bad, problems with waiting until marriage to have sex, and other teen style earthy questions. When we approached pastor he became defensive and seemed incredulous that we do not plan on allowing our children to date until late in high school. The point is, as we stated, what in blue blazes does any of this have to do with confirmation! Yes I know that these are things they will have to deal with, but that is all the more reason to establish a strong knowledge of the faith. It seems so obvious to me, this is the time we must make our children literate in the faith, with head knowledge. Without this training people begin believing in things that many times are not even Christian.

Our congregationion's leadership is intent on pushing for an emotional, exhilarating, relevant and Spirit filled time of worship, because more value is placed on this emotive feeling. Concurrently we drop most of our valuable instruction and catechising, putting little value on it. The problem though is that emotion blows like the wind across a man's heart, taking what he percieved as faith with it. Knowledge of the Gospel, traditions and doctrines ground a child to rest assured in the knowledge of his baptism, and the saving grace of faith. When tribulations come and sins condem, the man does not have to search out those butterfly wings of emotion for solace. He can say "I am baptized into Christ, who died to redeem me, a poor miserable sinner. Faith in this saves me from hell and the Devil. This is most assuredly true."

One of the things that kept me away from the Church was this "need" to have a life changing desire in my heart for the Lord, as it was described to me by my Evangelical friends. I would ask them, what happens if a person never feels that draw or stirring down in their heart. I usually just got shrugs, "I don't know" or " God will make it happen when he's ready" (this is close to the truth). Not very enlightening, but all they could do was share with me their personal feelings and anecdotes of others' feelings.
It wasn't until I came across Lutheran writings and studies that I then "felt" that draw. I needed the Gospel presented clearly and intellectually, not obscured in swarmy songs and weepy witnessing. No matter how sincere, it always came down to focusing on someone elses experiance, not the Gospel and Christ. After much thought, reading and prayer I do now become emotional, usually at baptisms ( I tear up at watching one so small recieve the gift from our Lord), and lately during the Emmanual when done beautifully during Advent, it sounds bittersweet, longing but hopeful.

Can't We All Just Get Along?

2006-08-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

One of the common arguments given against a rigorous application of the Confessions at church is the need to not allow things to seperate us as Christians from one another. The fear being that someone who hasn't been exposed to Lutheran theology will visit and be turned off by what they percieve as an arrogance, meaning we believe the Confessions interpretation of God's word to be the truest and correct one. "We all believe in Christ, so we don't want to focus on little things and drive people away, that would be legalistic, and we know what the Bible and Confessions say about that." Last time this was thrown out at church I backed down at the legalistic comment, I certainly don't want to commit this error. Now, I realize just how terrible and wrong an accusation that is. Legalism as we know it has all to do about our salvation and how it is attained. It is not appropriate and even a false accusation on someone who is only questioning the practice of watering down our message, and ignoring our tradition for the sake of getting along with other Christians.
Why don't we try to correct our fellow Christian's wrong views? I myself have missed opportunities here. I'm afraid of offending them, of looking arrogant, of not speaking my point well, ect. I imagine the list is the same for many. Explaining our beliefs as classic Lutheran thought is exactly what we should be doing though, not watering it down or ignoring it completly, all for the sake of "getting along". Our message is the Gospel plain and simple. Many Christians I know believe that part of getting to Heaven depends on them living a good life and being a good person. It's that kind of thinking we are going along with for the sake of a false fellowship, without proclaiming the Truth to them. Instead of speaking Christ and what he's done, boldly before men, we smile and exchange pleasantries, and stay silent with people who don't totally understand God's Grace.
So how far do we go along with this in the name of fellowship? Can we agree that this is too far? I admit that I have never really seen much of Benny Hinn, but I'm completly shocked. I think this is Hinn's take on being "Slain in the Spirit" but I'm not sure. This seems like a joke to me, but for thousands it's real, and caused by people who feel that Creeds or Confessions are not needed. After all Benny is revelating and interperating for them, who needs something like a Confession. That's my fear for us, we become embarressed by our Confessions and put them away, relying on our own interperatations. Not understanding what we believe then we're ripe for falling to a personality cult like Benny, or worse.

AAAHCH! Tagged!

2006-08-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Tagged like a spring hog by Old School Confessional. Everyone should reflect on the books they read though so here goes.

1. One Book that changed your life: The Writings of Martin Luther by Dillenberger. A simple collection but one that sparked my interest and helped my understanding of original Lutheran thought and study.

2. One book you've read more than once: Dungeon, Fire and Sword by Robertson. Robertson is a closet Freemason, but his book on the Templars is a good historical read on the Crusades, no one can read of the acts of courage and faith many Crusaders displayed and not question "what is this faith that made them go willingly to painful death?"

3. One book you'd want on a desert island: Other than a KJV bible, it would be How to Make a Boat Out of Sand and Palm Fronds

4. One book that made you laugh: All the Trouble in the World by P. J. O'Rourke

5. One book that made you cry: The Yearling. (The part where the only son returns home to his father, not where the deer dies silly, how soft do you think I am?)

6. One book that you wish had been written: How to Win Lutheran Worship Style Debates in One Easy Step.

7. One book that you wish had never been written: There are so many, but how about Dianetics, Battlefield Earth or any other waste of paper by Ron L Hubbard.

8. One book you're currently reading: Nero's Killing Machine, The True Story of Romes Remarkable 14th Legion

9. One book you've been meaning to read: Lutheran Worship and Practice edited by Precht (actually I just need to finish it)

10. Now tag someone else. This thing has pretty well made its way through the bloggosphere, even Luther took a tag. Here's two who haven't played though, enjoy if you will.

St. James the Hoosier
Virginia Lutheran

Back from Vac!

2006-08-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Spent a week in the South Haven area of Michigan just beach bumming and hiking. Weather was great but as always one of the best things about travelling is coming home. We really like the southwestern area of Michigan, and would even consider relocating. If we could find a good confessional church with Lutheran dayschool in the area that would probably seal it, job wise it should not be a problem, only requiring timing. It's something that I am seriously kicking around.
While we were in the area we worshipped at Lord of Life in Holland. It's an ELS church with a smallish congregation, but everyone was friendly and loving to us. Who says confessional churches arn't outgoing, the folks at Lord of Life certainly can prove that wrong. From the moment we pulled into the driveway to the time we left people were reaching out to us and making us feel welcome. I pray that God blesses them richly.

As for our churches change of mission statement it evidently passed. I'm mostly ambivalent about it. Thanks to virginialutheran and Old School for the comments.

Mission Re Do-Do

2006-07-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

Our congregation's Church Growth Committee has determined that our churches mission statement needs to be changed in order to energize members and cause more excitement (maybe even enthusiasm) in the church. The below section was some thoughts I put together and used for talking with members in the church. Didn't have much luck with it though, most answers were, "we have to do something", "nobody knows what the old Mission Statement was". After some thought I felt that I may be opposing it for sport and not true concern for the church. After all, I have to believe that mission statements are not even required for a church to have and may very well be an invention from the last half of the 20th century, from the business sector. If it is modeled after what business organizations do it's at best unknown by the majority of the workforce, and ridiculed by the rest. I decided that to oppose it would be silly, it's a symptom, not the problem that we have. Besides I'm going to be in Michigan on vacation next weekend when we have the vote.
I am beginning to see a pattern in the church though. We're told that we shouldn't care what kind music we use in service, we shouldn't care what kind of service we have, we shouldn't care about the kinds of bible classes we do, we shouldn't care about mission statements, we shouldn't care about things we do that aren't biblical. I'm just beginning to not care now. Here's the two statements, I still like the old one better.
Mission Statement:

In response to God's love, people of St. XXXX are committed through Word and Sacrament ministry to make disciples of all ages in the congregation, community, and world.

proposed change

Building relationships in Christ for now and forever.

Lets look at the Mission Statement,

In response to God's love, Good start, it recognizes that we are not doing anything in and of ourselves, rather we are merely responding to God's love, no works or decisions.

people of St. XXXX are committed through Word and Sacrament ministry Word and Sacrament, as Lutherans we know that this is the way that God has chosen to interact with us. Apart from the Word and Sacrament, no relationship can exist with Christ.

to make disciples of all ages in the congregation, community, and world. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19. This ending is biblical and good, recognizing that those close to us also need to hear the Word.
The good things then about our mission statement, it's biblical, specific, and reflects Lutheran traditions by referencing our response to Gods love, not our works, and proclaims the absolute requirement of Word and Sacrament to accomplish what Christ has commanded.
The bad, it's not short enough for a bumper sticker, but Mission Statements aren't suppose to be. They are to accurately sum up the purpose of an organization.

Now for the proposed Mission Statement
Building relationships, Who is doing this, and why or how? Silence here could be promoting our works, or believed works in this area.

in Christ Christ is mentioned, and pretty much centered in the statement, nice touch. Unfortunaly that is the only Christ centered connection. "in Christ" in this context is only modifying the type of relationship that is being built. The word "relationship" is actually the focus and subject.

for now and forever. More modification on relationships. I like how it expresses the eternal.

The good, it's short, and will fit on a bumper sticker, it also creates a nice image in people's minds. Socioligist and marketers tell us that people in modern America are seeking relationships and connections with others. So from a marketing standpoint this should appeal to non-members who may hear it.
The bad, it's short, so short that it will fit on a bumper sticker. Mission statements aren't required to be short. They are to tell who, what and how of an organization's purpose, with length of statement only being a secondary concern.

Summary: The proposed statement is not a proper mission statement. It would be a great ad campaign, or even an official Outreach Slogan of the church. The older one gives a fuller and descriptive statement. It should be kept for this reason. Recommend adopting the proposed statement as our official outreach or evangalism slogan.

Star Spangled Worship

2006-07-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

Alright, I know that this Sunday was the "Celebration Feast of American Independence" but I am really against having flags in the sanctuary now. Let me explain, the songs provided in the "blanded service" folder where mostly patriotic songs. As an example the hymn of response was America the Beautiful, and the departing hymn was some drivel sang to the tune of God Of Our Fathers that thankfully I can't remember the words to, and no it didn't mention Christ any more than the previous hymn. The sermon was actually better than normal because law and gospel where mentioned if not coherently connected. Of coarse the only recognized theme was the "we gotta grow for God" message. The clincher though was towards the end of the service, together we said the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag and then to the Christian flag...... WHAT!! The only thing left to do was burn a pinch of incense and pledge alligiance to Caesar. I still can't believe it. We haven't done this before, and it just seems soooo wrong.
Folks, I'm a veteran, I think America is the greatest country on earth, I place my hat over my heart and sing the national anthem at ball games, I even say the pledge of allegiance at village board meetings, but I am really opposed to saying it during Divine Service in God's house. My oldest son of 13 had bells and questions going off during the whole service, "Dad that song didn't even mention God let alone Christ", "Dad isn't saying the pledge during worship kind of like idol worship?" "Dad why isn't pastor wearing his robe?" "Dad......" "Shhhh, we'll talk about it after church" I would quickly try to say and silence him, not wanting to draw any attention that would seem disrespectful to anyone.
Am I being overly critical? Do I expect too much because I spend much of my spare time reading Lutheran blogs? I don't think so, but I will re-examine my viewpoint, knowing that I may be biased, but I really think I'm going to end up talking to my elder over this.

Statues of Mary holding Jesus.

2006-06-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm busy blogging, just not at my place, but I need to post on my site before the 'Vark boots me off his blogroll. : ) I managed to get into something I know about over at Father Hollywood regarding civil / criminal law and enforcement. It wasn't exactly Lutheran in context, but we did touch on several principals. Thanks to Fr Hollywood and Lawrence for the good conversation.

Of coarse while I was doing that I almost missed the hottest Lutheran blog debate since Fr. Hogg went Greek. Over at Pr McCains site, Cyberbrethren he asked the question regarding the use of Marian statues in Lutheran churches. There have been loads of commentary piling up and it looks like the discussion will keep going for a while. The above is a picture of the statue that started the conversation. Because McCain didn't provide any links to the church it's at, I won't either. The discussion isn't about any single church in the LCMS, rather its about our liberal use of adiaphora to justify worship styles and the divisions it is causing.
I know that Pr. McCain and others are right about this being a High Church style of adiaphora abuse. But I almost never hear the case made to add to worship service traditional style of Lutheran worship. It is almost always used to justify a reductionist effort for a more neutral Amero-Evangelical style of worship. Because of this I want to support more non-Baptocostal styles, I see it as a hedge against the constant reduction, and erroneous Roman influence is practically non-existent in our synod, at least from where I can see. The statue of the Infant Jesus and Blessed Mary could cause confusion within the laity, especially if the instructions regarding Lutheran beliefs and worship is typical of many contemporary Missouri churches. Proper instruction would keep this clear though. The church I attend seems to be adverse to any kind of deeper instruction regarding the Lutheran faith. I imagine it is because too many questions would come up regarding our current state of worship practice and beliefs, we fall short of staying Christ centered much of the time now.
I like the statue, I don't even mind the decorative style votive candles, because that's all they are, decoration, there is obviously not enough of them to be truly used by the congregation in prayers. The worst I can say about this is it may be seen as a "bait and switch" tactic on Roman style seekers. But hey, we've made a business out of that, it's usually just called a contemporary service that's more favorable to the local Baptocostal culture though.

Busy Again

2006-05-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

I know, everybody's busy. But really I am. Baseball season has started and we now have four of our six children in 3 different leagues. I'm not complaining, this is the best part of life, watching your kids do something they like, that you can be a part of. It just takes time. My online time has been spent reading all the good Lutheran blogs, and starting a second one of my own for mini-bikes and such, called Minibike Mullahs.
Father Hollywood has a good post about him and his wife's discussions regarding traditional service or its lack there of in the LCMS.
St. James the Hoosier has had several posts of note. One regarding the Blessed Virgin which reminded me so much of a great sermon given by our old vicar "John" about the same subject, covered much the same way. James's most recent post is a humorous memo from the Almighty to Pat Robertson. I'm really embarressed at how much credibility I gave Pat 20 years ago. Was he this wacky back then or was I just not paying attention.

Arise O Lord!

2006-04-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

He’s back! The Hammer of the Papist’s is back, bad, and blogging over at Luther at the Movies. Arise o Lord for a wild boar is in the Cineplex. With a heavy hand for his assistant and tongue like a hatchet for candid reviews on current movies and culture the Reformer delivers savagely humorous blows.
Honestly, I have laughed more this week because of this blog than I can remember. Whoever is creating it has surely caught the flavor and feel of what is both familiar and humorous to Luther’s admirers. I do suspect that only Confessional Lutheran types may find it funny, but they will find it very funny. If you do nothing else today check out Luther at the Movies.

The recent stem cell debate on KFUO

2006-04-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

I just finished listening to the Issues ect. interview with Don Rueben, the guy in charge of Missouri's Stem cell research initiative. What a great interview. Wilken displayed his caliber as radio host, asking the right questions and follow up but never allowing the conversation to degenerate into an attack piece.
While Rueben doggedly banged the cures for sick kids drum, and tried to make everyone believe that these will be cures for everyone in society, I had a different view.
First, if these cures ever do come to fruition, what is the likelihood that the working poor, who are not insured will be given access. Mostly nil, and everyone knows it. Lack of decent medical care for the poor has long been a recognized problem, doubtful that people who are unable to get a corrective orthopedicics surgery now will get genetic therapy in the future. These new processes will mainly benefit the rich.
Listening to the Hollywood elites demands last year for federal stem cell research funding, you could hear their frustration at being opposed by President Bush and the right, in their attempts to procure this new research. Imagine there position though, here they have power and money, but are being kept from something they want by the poor, because the poor have these archaic religious beliefs and are allowed to vote and influence public policy. This defines much of the culture war in the country. People who may have religious values and little else, are able to keep the rich from their whims, by engaging in the political process. Like the abortion debate the true point of separationtion for everyone is what is to be consider a valuable human life. For some of us, it is the point of conception, as soon as a definable strand of human DNA is established. To others it may not include patients in a vegetativetive state, the handicapped, elderly, or other burdens to society.

For many of us our reward is not in this life, likewise we cannot in good conscience agree to allow a democracy that we are a part of to give approval to things that are not in line with our moral beliefs. We do not need to feel guilty when the loosing liberal side of a political struggle claims to allows us our beliefs but chastises us for "imposing it on others". Hey! Wake up that's what happens in a democracy. One side always gets to impose it's viewpoint through the process. Many times that viewpoint is grounded in a religious standing, which doesn't invalidate it.
As long as the working class masses are allowed to have both their moral views and voting rights, elitists will have to use greater effort to sway the process.

The insert photo of an early embryo looked too much like Luther's seal to not use it.

Baptism and Return

2006-04-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Lutheran Church that I was baptized in is only four miles from my door. It was the church that my mother was confirmed, married and baptized her two children in. It was also the one that I went to Sunday school for the first couple of years but when I didn't want to go anymore, was allowed to quite. Now I was too young of an age to be allowed to make this choice, but because of a strange laize'fare attitude that my mother and her parents had regarding religion for children, I was allowed to quite going. By the time I was in middle school I was attending an Open Bible church in town mainly because I was invited by a friend. This would be the sum of my religious exposure as a child. Years later when I was enlisting in the Navy and filling out the required forms, I was asked for my religious affiliation, I originally put "Non" but then remembering my baptism, something I had hardly done before, I changed it to Lutheran. Now I understand how a Christian has such assurance as stated by Dr. Luther. When we question our justification or faith we can always look back to our baptism and know that we are saved through Jesus Christ and the sacrament. I'm sure the Navy did not intend on leading me back to the faith, but I can point to this question that is asked of all recruits, and know that this was the spark that smoldered, eventually reminding me that I am a Christian, a Lutheran. Is there a more obvious fact that the Holy Spirit alone, brings us to faith, keeps us in it and returns us to it if needed? There is no doubt in my mind, the recruiter was not even a Christian for all I know, he was just asking the required questions. Having never been chatechized my knowledge of such things was shamefully small, but I did know that my baptism occurred as a Lutheran. This would later shape the church that I would find to raise my children in. After attending adult classes, I continued to try to find more study material to grow in my faith, and knowing that Concordia Publishing House is the synods publisher, I selected works from it. Various writings of Luther, along with Spirituality of the Cross by Veith, and The Defense Never Rests by Parton. They both are quick reads, accessible for lay types like myself and help to solidify Lutheran identity in their descriptions of shared experiences that many of us coming out secular or evangelicalism can recognize. It's important that contemporaries of Lutheran study be encouraged to write and read similar books.
For now, when I'm not blog cruising, I'm picking through Luther's collected sermons, and re-reading Bondage of the Will.

Long Dresses, Lent and Culture

2006-04-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

A family member recently asked us "what do the kids want for Easter?, I plan on buying them some presents." Presents? when we were children this wasn't a practice. Why has it become so now? Then I realised that this is what passes for culture in America. We are a consumer based country, denial of religious practices by religious "free" Christians has led us to the point where all we have as American's are buying gifts for Christmas and Easter, and many times not even attending a worship service assoctiated with it. The only recognized holidays are the federally noticed ones. But we have another path we can choose. Following the traditional church calander. If you consider yourself a traditional Christian this is your culture. Without it you will be awash in a world of consumerism and meaningless holidays. Don't get me wrong, being a veteran and having lost family members in war, Veterans and Memorial day are special to me, but for many it is just extra day off of work.
This line of thought started a year or so ago when a friend who normally decries American homogenous culture, made disparaging remarks about some local Baptist's whose women folk always wore long dresses. I attempted to point out his inconsistancy in this matter but to no avail. In his mind different was weird, even though he knows he wants the culture to be something more than new cars, stylish clothes, mall shopping, sitcoms, and ESPN. We will never be able as a country to have some kind of deeply spiritual, or meaningful cultural practices, it's too big and varied and has been for a long time.
I have seen postings lately questioning the need to observe Lent with the traditional "no halleluhas" and personal denials. As Lutherans we know that the giving something up for Lent does not merit us anything in heaven, and the changes in the liturgical are probably adiaphoria as far as many are concerned. Regardless, I personally exhort all who are interested, into observing the traditions of Lent. Wether it is giving up something we like to eat so that we may contemplate Christ every time we eat, or taking that extra money we may have from our denials and doing something that will show love to our neighbors. For me it is a disciplining tool that reminds me that Christ suffered for me and I was bought at a price.
I started engaging in Lenten observations 4 or so years ago, since then it has increased my interest in the Church calander, and following that as my primary counting of time through the year. Family research revealed that patron family saints were St. Anne and St. John. So along with Lutheran Church calander we also celebrate these two saints' feast day's. The primary value here is that we are making christianity our culture.When you count the days from Church seasons and festival, you begin changing your viewpoint of the world, and expressing your beliefs in the way you live your life, which is the meaning of culture.

I'm a Worse Blogger

2006-03-28T14:28:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit that I am a poor church member at times and an even worse blogger. I had meant to go to the March Church Council meeting and make a plea for traditional services with my letter as a reference. Unforturnately my vocation has me working 12+ hours on a back shift, precluding anything like church meetings or a life for that matter. With some luck I will be able to go in April. Right now I need to try and get some sleep before I go back to work. Several days of 3 hour sleep periods will have me seeing Aztec temples and feathered snakes before Friday. Which wouldn't be so bad if I could schedule it for a Saturday night.
The only other thing I would like to note is my extreme pleasure at having found this corner of the bloggoshpere (Confessional Lutheranism). It gives me hope and comfort to know that there are more than a few of us.

Survivor

2006-03-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

I've survivied a weekend without my better half and even managed to keep 4 kids relativly clothed and fed throughout the experience. She is of with oldest and youngest son's at the Lutheran State Boys Basketball Tourny. After a day of wrestling tournements with middle son, we cleaned out the flower beds and burned refuse that should have been taken care of 6 months ago. Rewards for the kids's efforts for help was in the form of a special dispensation from me for ice cream during Lent, outside of Sunday.
Had they been adept enough at legalistic arguments they would have noted that it was after sundown anyway and by the old Jewish calender it was Sunday. Right now I am able to enjoy the glow of satisfaction, with a Lienies Red, as 4 tired children get ready for bed.
Speaking of children, recently the chairmen of our church's growth committee asked our youth group what they wanted changed in church to make it more meaningful or interesting to them. The answer, they didn't think the church should change just for them. Talk about out of the mouths of babes! Unfortunately I don't feel church growth will allow the wayward thoughts of children to disuade them in their efforts to remove tradition. I don't doubt that had they asked for anything under the sun regarding contemporary style, it would have been shouted from the rooftops that we simply must do what the youth want!! After all they're the future, we must attend to them! Instead they gave an answer that appears wise beyond the years of many of their elders.

Crosses and Crucifixs

2006-03-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

While standing in line at a Six Flaggs ride 4 or 5 years ago I was able to listen to the conversation of a pair of neo-Reformed. The comment was something like, "I seen so-and so with a crucifix and I said my Christ is risen and no longer on my cross" In a way I can appreciate this. Further reflection had me thinking though, don't you think those of us that wear or like crucifixs don't know that Christ was ultimately victorous and glorified? Personnally it helps to remind me how great the price was for Christ to be crucified for me. A cross without Christ is only a cruel symbol of Roman justice. Only with knowledge of the Gospel can anyone understand its deeper meaning. Crucifiction itself was not peculiar to our Lord, untold thousands suffered it. Only the crucification of our Lord was significant to the world. With that man became justified unto God.
The aversion that many have to a crucifix I feel is the fear of doing something "too Catholic".

One of the hat's I have worn was that of a police officer, one night I responded to a woman who had expired in the home of her very elderly mother. As I looked around the bare walls of her bedroom I was struck how she had no pictures, photos, or religous artilcles. I thought how sad, during her last moments she had nothing to focus on or remind her of a life lived, family loved or the salvation she may have in Christ. I went home and told my wife that I really wanted to try and place some reminders or images of Christ in our home. My grandfather who had suffered a stroke and could not speak the last 8 years of his life passed at home under the care of Hospice, I remember that his last momements he was pointing to a picture of Christ in his livinng room, as if saying, " I will be with Christ soon". Now when I walk from room to room, I meet some reminder of Christ. It's hard to continue in anger, staring at a crucified Christ, even then suffering for that sin of mine.

One of my favorites is our kitchen sink Christ. We placed an older crucifix that we had obtained over the kitchen sink, since this is one of the kids's chores to wash the dishes, we thought it would be helpful for them to remember what sacrifice looks like.

2006-02-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Spare time has been in short supply lately, I will try to add a few thoughts if for no other reason than to consolidate them for myself. Today was terrible, we recieved news that a loved family of the congregation had suffered a terrible loss of son, daughter-in-law, and grandaughter in a car accident. They had been active in our school and their passing has wounded everyone. God have mercy.
Upon entering the church I realized that I didn't much feel like singing out with joy, rather God felt very much like the tyrant. The sermon that followed still discussed the need for us to change and reach out to others, not be caught in complacency.
Another, comment in the sermon that bothered me was "In order for us to stay commited to Christ we must accept the holy spirit into our hearts." At that time my heart was rather weary and not particularly interested in shining forth. I realized that by the Grace of God, my salvation is not dependant on my hearts current state. No matter the message given of my need for a decision to accept the Spirit.

Church Letter

2006-02-17T23:53:00.000-08:00

The following is a letter that I will submit to my Elder regarding the current changing of worship service to include Power Point presentations and other assundery contemporary tools. I had felt that my first draft was rather pointed, so I removed all offending references, not meaning to hurt anyone, an ended up with this. Comments from the more learned of the Lutheran blogsphere would be greatly appreciated. I have until the first Monday of March to make changes. Thanks and God Bless.

A LETTER TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL

As a new member I am reluctant to voice my thoughts on issues regarding the congregation and as laity I would never assume to hold a more knowledgeable position than the Council or Pastor of a church, but my understanding of LCMS governance, exhorts my involvement to responsibly voice my concerns as a member, new or otherwise.

I will not talk to any single item or practice but will keep my discussion on the general direction of the congregation towards becoming a Seeker Sensitive styled church as opposed to an Evangelical Lutheran church. First I want to say that I gladly support any outreach mission that we wish to take on. But I do not consider the radical changing of worship to be an outreach. I am able to support modified worship services that we as a congregation feel may be helpful in presenting the Gospel and Christ to unbelievers, but cannot support the complete jettisoning of all that we refer to as traditional. My perception of the current attitude toward worship services appears that it is not just neutral to traditions, but hostile. This is the most distressing personally, realizing the rich traditions we have access to but do not use. Instead, substituting it with style that is lightweight, plastic, and fashionable.
The traditional Divine Service liturgy can be trusted to provide the Christ centered, Christ crucified for us message that is the truth of the Gospel. Our father’s traditions are based on the ancient liturgies assembled by early Christians. In them we have instruments that learned and godly men, guided by the Holy Spirit determined as an appropriate way to worship and enter the presence of God. I pray that we will remember that worship is us coming before God, receiving his gifts in the Sacraments, not just a time of fellowship, however nice, or a "me" centered message, however relevant to my situation.

We carry the name Lutheran because we believe these teachings, traditions and doctrine, to be the truest and most accurate interpretation of God’s word. Traditional service offers a clear reflection of this Lutheran truth.

My statements and concerns are not about being Lutheran for name's sake, that would be prideful and of no value to a world of sinners. It is because I believe this confession and interpretation that we refer to as Lutheran, to be the truth of Christ and the Gospel, all other expressions fall short and obscure the Gospel.

To summarize, we know that we are to share our knowledge of truth of the Gospel with our neighbors, out of love and not pride. That modified worship services may help introduce them to our Lord and as such should be considered and prayed upon. I only ask that in considering the need to reach the un-churched, that the Council not turn it’s back on those who wish to explore the deeper teachings and practice of our religion, as practiced and articulated by Christians through history from Walther, to Luther, to Augustine and Peter.

May God guide us in our course and use us to reach others, sharing the rich teachings of the Gospel that are ours.

Respectfully submitted,

I edited the above based on some very helpful comments, Thanks.

2006-02-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

Febuary 17, 2006

Introduction

Whey - A milk derived fluid of little nutritional value.
Lay - Of the laity.

The name just seemed appropriate on several levels. I am very much a layman, and feel like all that is offered in my congregation is milk for the visitor with no meat for those wishing to grow in knowledge of the Lutheran confessions and faith. To be set upon by someone laying in wait seems to fit at times also.

About me, a Lutheran layman who desires the traditions and faith practices of the past. Knowing what one wants and knowing how to get it are two different things. My family and I joined an LCMS church six years ago and know we want to raise our family in the richness of the past traditions and practices. That can be a hard thing to get anymore. I have really enjoyed the blogs posted by the many Confessional Lutheran and seminary student sites, truelly a blessing, and beining able to take part on the discussions occasionally was my prime motivator. My theology and doctrinal knowledge is limited to what I can read, so any mistakes I may make on this blog that are pointed out by others will be appreciated. Discussions will be mainly in regards to Lutheran issues, but I reserve the right to allow the topic to wander to other areas of interest to me, history, religion, and pro family topics, among a few.
Comments should have at least the same decorum that a reasonable genteel person would use in public. Having been a sailor, foul language as such does not shock me, so you would only be waisting your keystrokes.
Regarding the current state of worship in Missouri,
I want a steak, but the only thing on the menu is skim milk, served tepid.