Pastor's Pen 05/06/2020

I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them. (Ezekiel 34)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Sheep need a Shepherd. Sheep tend to wander. Sheep get lost. There is a pack of ferocious wolves hunting the sheep. Separated from Christ, they are easy prey. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned — every one — to his own way. (Isaiah 53)

Skipping church, shutting our ears to the Word of God. Lusting, lying, coveting, gossiping and the evil that is in our hearts.

Thanks be to God for the Good Shepherd. Jesus seeks wandering sheep. Jesus pulls you up from the pit of death. Jesus snatches you from the jaws of the wolf.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.... I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. (John 10)

The Good Shepherd places you into the flock of His Church. Jesus tends His flock with His living Word. Calling sinners to repentance. Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15)

Sheep listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Sheep gather around the Shepherd to feed on God's Word ringing in their ears. The Good News of the Gospel. Jesus saving sinners.

Jesus bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2)

From the Altar the Good Shepherd feeds His Sheep with His Body and Blood to eat and drink. In Holy Absolution – I forgive you all your sin – by Christ’s passionate death and glorious resurrection. The Words of your Good Shepherd forgive your sin. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23)

Your Pastors are under-shepherds to the Good Shepherd. Your Pastors are to teach God's Word in its truth and purity. “The one who hears you hears me." (Luke 10) Jesus tending His flock by His Word.

“Lord; you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs.”… “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said, “Tend my sheep.” (John 21)

Happy hearing the Good Shepherd’s Voice. Sheep washed in the Blood of Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Nothing Has Changed

A Message from Pastor Hale

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1).

Our Lord is not panicked or upset by what is going on, even if most of the world is. Baptized into Christ, we are no longer the foundation of our own lives or hope. But this pandemic has revealed long-standing doctrinal and spiritual weaknesses among us: the attempt to practice online virtual communion, those calling preaching the Holy Gospel to real people wrong despite reasonable safety measures, the equation of man’s safety practices with sanctity, Scripture, and God’s will, and the new discord evident between Christians and even pastors.

It is shocking, to be sure, but these things are not really caused by a virus. But Satan can use it and the fears it conjures up to frighten, disturb faith, tempt the weak to fail to confess Christ faithfully, and even move some believers to fall away. These spiritual dangers we face are actually much greater than physical death, no matter how high the death toll rises. For to lose Christ and faith in Him is to lose eternal salvation. And the spiritual problems will not go away if restaurants and schools reopen. Satan’s damage could easily outlast the ramifications of the world’s shutdown.

Regarding the “online administration” of the Lord’s Supper, Communion is communal – it has to do with people gathering together to receive the undivided Christ’s body and blood. A surprising number of Lutheran pastors and churches, though, are trying to redefine the Supper, against Christ’s will stated in Scripture. While Communion is a comfort, it is not a necessity. There is much false emotionalism in Lutheran circles over receiving Communion. It is seen as greater and more powerful than the Word preached, taught, read, and trusted – perhaps because it involves our actions and looks more impressive than just listening to and living in God’s Word. But the act of receiving the Supper can easily become a cursed work of the Law, if preaching does not preserve it, so it is administered correctly. The bare act of physically receiving the elements does not make one a Christian or grant faith – quite the opposite – it requires (besides faith) self-examination and some knowledge of Christ to benefit from this specific gift of forgiveness, whereas Baptism does not (See 1 Cor. 10-11).

So no one needs Communion, nor is it necessary in any scriptural sense. To make it required, is to impose a law upon the Gospel. Even the idea of weekly Communion can be an idol – a legal mandate and cursed law. The forgiveness of sins must be free, it cannot be compelled or shoved down anyone’s throat. Communion by itself, without faith, does not help, instead it harms. But the push in high church circles to commune very young children, without full instruction, and even infants in some cases, is somewhat parallel to virtual attempts at communing in separate meals, while pretending to be together by linked computers. Both sides miss the point of the Supper: to promote faith in those who already believe – it is not for everyone and it is certainly not the center of our religion – Christ has not limited His help to a meal. Forgiveness is not limited to the Supper. It can always be desired, but it does not have to be received at every instant for you to have comfort.

The Lord’s strength will vindicate us, whether we are participating in His Holy meal or not – at the moment. We should not despise it, but it is not wrong to hunger a bit without eating. God is not confined exclusively to bread and wine, nor the church altar. He is the God of heaven and earth – all things which He made.

The gift of the Supper is for the strengthening of our faith, through its promise, which is always to be exercised by trusting in the Father’s grace through Christ and walking in the Spirit. We can always count on Christ’s strength, whether together or alone. And faith is not bound to ceremonies or church services, even receiving the sacrament, as important as they are on their own. The Christian lives in Christ, our mighty fortress, against all enemies, even the unseen. And Satan is the most dangerous enemy – not a virus. The promise God made to you in Baptism remains steadfast, giving us life by Christ’s resurrection from the dead, even if we are not currently being doused with water. So those who fall away from the faith do not need to be rebaptized, they simply need to repent and believe the promise God made in time and still keeps. Our Lord is faithful to us.

So also, the strength of the Supper is not for a moment, just while we are eating and drinking Christ’s body and blood. We are to live by faith in His forgiveness, even when we are not doing this particular religious action. “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer” (1 Tim. 4:4-5).

Church is not redefined by pandemic or public menaces to our health. The internet can be a useful tool, but it is not a replacement for gathering together in Christ’s name. Our Lord did not say: “where two or three share bandwidth for a certain video stream, there I am with them (but physically divided).” No, the body of Christ is not divided, even if we are – and neither has the divine institution of the congregation or the call of Christ given to pastors to proclaim Him been annulled by divine right. Internet streams can deliver the Word, which is always effective, but being physically separated can never be a full replacement for the congregation publicly joined in the Lord’s name, just as video teleconferencing is a poor substitute for a couple’s wedding night in person. Yet we suffer gladly, safe with Christ when we must.

Yet, God is with us in His Spirit, even if we are alone. Christians have freedom, because we have the true God and His salvation, so nothing else is truly needed. The Lord’s protection is enough. Communion is very important, yes, but it is false doctrine to say that something is missing, if it cannot be received. To uplift the Supper so highly sounds spiritual, but it makes Baptism and God’s Word to be powerless. God is rich in His means, but if we are without some of them, God is not suddenly powerless to help us. Our limitations do not limit the almighty Lord Jesus. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction ... For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (2 Cor. 1:3-5).

So changing the essence of Communion, to give people the appearance of normalcy and some emotional comfort, is simply wrong and un-Lutheran. It also dangerously overlooks the power of Baptism and the Word itself – to make Communion some essential activity God requires for comfort. Christ left the frequency of its administration open-ended for a reason. “Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me … for as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup” (1 Cor. 11:25-26). It does always forgive, but it gives no other type of forgiveness than found in the Gospel itself. This is why it has been called the visible Gospel. Thankfully, the Gospel, God’s grace and holy calling in Christ, is not limited to any activity or place. It is to reign in your heart, wherever you are at and in all circumstances.

Also, although preachers have a divine call and duty to proclaim the Word of Christ, no matter the season or supposed pandemic (which is always less dangerous than sin), no layman is to be compelled to do what they consider unsafe and unloving (2 Tim. 4:2). “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” (Rom. 13:8). Pastors are called by Christ and His call does not contain fine print to stop serving Christ in dangerous times, but no one is to be guilted to come to church. Our Lord is not confined to a building or set time we choose to meet together. Our religion is not about our actions, but Jesus who confronted our sin in the flesh and loosed us from the slavery of death. Rely on the Lord’s might, even if you can’t carry out your religious actions. In the same way, our shut-ins are not without comfort – we believe the Maker of heaven and earth is with us for our good at all times and in all places.

The God who sustained Abraham, parted the Red Sea, brought water from a rock and quail from the sky, fed the 5000, healed the blind and deaf, and raised the dead, is with us. Trust the risen Lord’s promises, and you have all the power of Christ, who promises to raise you from the dead. Faith in Jesus is not an action and no one can suspend it or take it away by force.

The pandemic has revealed shoddy and sandy foundations of believers and trust in flimsy, earthly elements. “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people” (2 Tim. 3:1-5). The people and leaders who were attracted only to the outward forms of church and the sacraments, have had their false foundations removed. The power of Christ is not removed, though. Our God remains seated in heaven, ruling and filling all things, still forgiving sins and protecting us with His angels.

This pandemic has been purifying, in a way, by showing what hearts are really resting on – as all suffering does. No one believes fully or without some element of fleshly unbelief, so now is the time to repent. The Lord – His doctrine and promises have not changed – so why have we? Jacob said to His God and ours: “I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant” (Gen. 32:10) Our Lord is steadfast, and so should we be steadfast. No tribulations, sufferings, or dangers we endure change Christ and His loving attitude toward us.

The Lord, we pray, will give repentance to those who have wandered from the truth and also time to encourage one another in person freely and without restriction. But Satan must be dealt with head-on. Now is not the time to slink away from the power of Christ. Believe in the Lord Jesus, knowing your God will not forsake you—on earth or eternally. Rest in Him alone. Amen. 

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Pastor's Pen 04/22/2020

Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. (John 20)

Christ has Risen! He has Risen indeed! Christ risen from the dead brings you peace. Eastertide rolls. Christ fills His Word with RESURRECTION POWER.

The Risen Lord Jesus shows up to have His Church. By the power of God’s Word. Jesus calls sinners to repentance. To drive away unbelief. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24)

On the road to Emmaus. Repent. Unbelief be GONE. Believe in Christ’s resurrection. The Risen Lord Jesus does the same with Thomas. Repent. “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20)

Thomas can no longer live in unbelief. Jesus, risen from the dead, destroys unbelief. Thomas now is confessing Jesus: MY LORD & MY GOD!

By the Holy Spirit's POWER you confess the same: Jesus, MY LORD & MY GOD!

That the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. (Luke 24)

Week after week Our Risen Lord Jesus SHOWS UP! Christ has His Church gathered around His Word. Repent. Believe. Receive. Jesus Crucified and Risen for you.

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8)

Jesus gives you peace. The Word of PEACE = FORGIVENESS! Christians rejoice in the Holy Absolution.

Jesus sends Pastors to PREACH & TEACH in Christ’s NAME.

I, a poor miserable sinner. By the Holy Spirit’s Power—you confess the truth. PEACE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. We confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1)

Pastors publicly proclaiming FORGIVENESS into our ears. FORGIVENESS—ALL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE. FORGIVENESS—CHRIST CRUCIFIED. FORGIVENESS—CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD. Peace be with you. Christians are free from the grave. Free from sin. Set free to live by FAITH IN CHRIST RISEN. Happy believing in Jesus. Peace be with you. Christ has Risen! He has Risen indeed. Amen.

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Pastor's Pen 04/08/2020

Christ bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus for you, the sinner. Jesus is marching His way to the Cross. Salvation. Christ makes everything READY.

Maundy Thursday

This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11)

Jesus Instituting the Lord's Supper. Christ’s Body and Blood for you to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. The Words of Jesus from Maundy Thursday are declared. Jesus serving His Disciples.

Good Friday – Christ the Sacrifice.

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. All your sins are on Jesus. Christ does SALVATION. You have been redeemed in the BLOOD OF CHRIST. You were a lost and condemned person. Jesus declares from the Cross: “It is Finished.”

Christ [delivered] me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, in order that I may be [wholly] His own, and live under Him in His kingdom.

Christ died for you. Your sins are buried in the Body of Christ. Everything is DONE. Salvation FULL & FREE. In Christ’s death and resurrection. God’s living Word proclaimed to sinners.

Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations. (Luke 24)

Christ Crucified & Risen.

These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

God’s Word – fills you with life – life everlasting.

Holy Week.

The ultimate act of God's love. Christ Crucified and Risen. God's Steadfast Love that endures forever. Salvation is not potential – but FINISHED. You sins are forgiven.

Repent and believe the Gospel. Happy living in Christ’s saving work for you. Everything is READY. Gather around God's Word. Believe and confess Christ the Lord. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1)

Blessed Holy Week. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

The Value of Life in a Pandemic

A Message from Pastor Hale

We are in the midst of an evil, satanic pandemic – a disease prevalent over much of the world. Political leaders cry out: “America Must Act Now – And Act Big.” We must change our habits and attitudes, because the death is real and staggering. Over 9 million deaths are predicted this year in China alone. Most expect at least 700,000 deaths is the U.S alone from this particular pandemic. It is said 25 million deaths this year could occur worldwide that are not even reported. The tragedy is unthinkable.

The pandemic I speak of is not the Coronavirus though. That is, so far, a very minor problem compared to the millions of deaths purposely caused by the sin of murder called abortion. People are going absolutely bonkers over a few thousand virus-related deaths, but not millions and millions of completely preventable deaths. Nothing has to be done to prevent the biggest pandemic. The decision to not rip a baby from the womb just has to not be actively carried out. Will it be inconvenient? Yes, but we are making great sacrifices for those already living. And this is good, to protect others, especially the elderly. But why not allow our lives to be upset for those who will be born and eventually become the elderly – the very group that the world claims to care so much about right now?

The difference is not due to the morality numbers – but the actual subjects that could possibly die. If death can touch me and the people I have grown close to, that is a crying shame. But an unknown child I have never seen and do not want to care for personally? One that the mother has not chosen and is ill-prepared for? The heart-strings do not tug as much for the unseen and silent. But the holy law of God is not based on feelings or emotions. His righteous will does not change because the world is losing its mind. The value of life is from our Creator and His purposes, not our lives or decisions. And our Lord is letting the world know that we do not have control over our lives. But those who rest in His Word, have nothing to fear in death. Christ is risen! Your sins and fears do not doom you. Hope in life – and Jesus is life – is stronger than all sickness and worry – so repent of your worry and live in your death of baptism, safe with your Lord. He will keep you for eternal life.

We are completely interrupting our lives now to save a percentage of souls. That is good, loving, and godly. The things people loved so much, and likely worshiped, have gone away – sports, travel, movie theaters, and restaurant dining. But children are seen as a greater curse than Covid-19 to many. They will not let God interrupt their job, finances, and sleep with a little baby. Man does not make life, though, our Father appoints parents by His will, not ours. He connected the divine possibility of new life to His holy institution of marriage. Life is never our decision. We do not trust Christ who creates life in the womb. How we value life should apply to all ages. Life does not become more valuable with extra age. It starts out holy, from the very beginning. Our Lord is showing us presently that our lives are not in our hands. We cannot save ourselves. Christ's holy life was taken away on the cross for you, so trust the Father in heaven. Depend on His goodness alone.

We see government recommendations taken as divine law currently. All the public leaders and experts tell us this is a serious crisis. They have to seem like they care about the elderly. But nine U.S. states have approved legislatively of their death in euthanasia or assisted suicide – but only if the individual wants it. The country of Belgium alone reports thousands of deaths of elderly and those sick annually, and we do nothing? But if God allows a virus to run rampant, we are upset?

Do not look for comfort or value from the government – it has enshrined the legal right to death. Fear and self-preservation can only cause people to panic – to do something to save ourselves. Be wise, safe, and sanitary, but don’t think that your actions will make death go way. Do we deserve any better than this terrifying, unseen calamity of Covid-19? No, we do not, as a selfish nation or convenience-clinging world. This is why Christ’s death is most important – it is 100% effective for sinners.

Is the self-chosen murder of abortion more “dignified” than the much lower mortality of the Coronavirus? Does our choice and will to live change the sanctity of human life? How many hypocrites we have right now, who think that society should basically shut down for possible death, but will not even say completely preventable certain death is bad in all circumstances. Woe is us! “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye” (Mt 7:5). Pray that this calamity will wake up sleepy-headed and stubborn, godless hearts. The virus of sin has a 100% mortality rate!

The German Chancellor said recently: “But how many casualties will there be? How many loved ones will we lose? … These are not simply abstract numbers in statistics, but that is a father or grandfather, a mother or grandmother, a partner. And we are a community in which every life and every person counts.” But that is patently not true, though it would be embarrassing to admit it right now. “Germany’s highest court on [Feb. 25. 2020] overturned a ban on organized medically assisted suicide, allowing terminally and gravely ill patients to seek help ending their lives without leaving the country” (nytimes.com). During the midst of the Coronavirus spread, Germany decided to allow more death. Luther’s homeland has averaged 100,000 medically-caused deaths of the unborn for several years. Every life does not matter, according to their actions. Can anyone say our world does not deserve a plague?

People are losing their minds over a virus, which is very concerning and should be taken seriously, but the world applauds when we bring death upon ourselves willingly: “Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds” (who.int). Who will condemn this consciously planned man-made pandemic? This is easily preventable, but we can’t stand being at the mercy of an unseen virus. Who will suffer to say that all life is valuable and to be rejoiced in because of Christ’s mercy?

In comparison, the Coronavirus is small potatoes compared to the pandemic of death in abortion, euthanasia, and suicide. Act quick and with decisiveness for a virus, sure, but do not neglect the completely preventable pandemic. One we cannot control, but the other is a real crime of wickedness against God, our Creator. Sanitize and social distance, yes, but turn from thinking children are a burden and an evil because they destroy our plans and interrupt our social lives. They are a blessing from Christ Himself. Yes, babies turn upside down life and schedules, but all life is interpreted ultimately, and deservedly so by our sin. Death must come – and it is not our choice. We are not the gods of our lives – choosing how we leave this world. God sends gentle reminders that the end of the world is coming. You cannot stop it, even if you self-quarantine till your last breath.

People can react, blame, and yell about a virus, but we tolerate, promote, and allow a much greater threat. Do not grab all the toilet paper you can – but do see life as divine and meaningful. You cannot stop a virus, but you can love the life the heavenly Father gives to mothers and fathers. If one vulnerable life matters, then all life matters – not just the ones who can talk. So leaders who say things like this are correct, but unintentionally: “Nobody knew there would be a pandemic or epidemic of this proportion. Nobody has ever seen anything like this.” At the time of this writing, we are just crossing the threshold of 10,000 reported deaths world-wide from the Coronavirus, while the murder of the unborn is patiently tolerated, and even celebrated by many: According to the WHO, “every year in the world there are an estimated 40-50 million abortions. This corresponds to approximately 125,000 abortions per day.”

We are not in control of our lives. Nor should we be – sin is our fault. Death cannot be avoided, try as we might. Of this we are reminded again by a novel disease. We are surrounded by it – upsetting selfish, self-constructed lives of sin and pleasure. But only the hopeless embrace and choose death, calling it hope for women and the basis for equality. Do not choose choice as your god. It will end in destruction. Only Jesus delivers from death. Trust in the power of His resurrection for you.

The virus being transmitted now does not take orders. You cannot choose to live for decades more or be immune. Trust in the Father who sent His Son to die willingly for the whole world of sinners. His life was given for ours – for the elderly person who no one visits, and also the baby unseen and unrespected in the womb. Christ’s life and forgiveness is for all. Despite the inconveniences and interruptions to our lives, it is a miracle that our Lord blesses us with new life and that He lets anyone live on earth. Rejoice that you already have eternal life – do not fear earthly death more than God’s justice.

We deserve no worse than a 100% fatal pandemic, as when the water in the flood drown the whole world, save for eight souls. Thankfully, we have a God of mercy who baptizes into His forgiveness and Spirit. Rejoice that there is any life. Though weak and vulnerable, it is always precious – as you are to the Father. Christ’s life for you is assured, so rest from your sins and dead works.

Even earthly sickness and death cannot ravage hope in Jesus who receives sinners, giving them life forever. This makes earthly life a sacred thing, despite the vicissitudes and dangers we must face every day. Inconvenience and the thrashing of our schedules and priorities can be managed, we are finding out. We are willing to crash our economy to spare lives, when it is blasted from every source that we are in a pandemic.

Death, when the disease is our choice and pride, is never the solution. Denying God and His Law can never lead to real life. Avoiding human contact and trying to hold off earthly death a bit longer is not true living, though it can be done temporarily in true love for others. The bigger pandemic of self-preservation and convenience is a self-chosen death of a different sort, no matter how much sinners glorify their evil decisions.

Mourn death and sorrow for lost life and the raging spread of deadly disease, but mourn even more for the certain death that man perpetrates on the most helpless and neglected lives, in the most selfish and malicious way. Rejoice in the life our Lord gives to you and to others. Life is better than death. If one pandemic requires action and the rearranging of our lives, the other does also. Amen. 

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Pastor's Pen 03/06/2020

Jesus began to show his disciples that he MUST go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Matthew 16)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus MUST go to the CROSS. It is NECESSARY. There is no other way for your salvation. Adam’s sin brought condemnation on all. We are born sinful and unclean. Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. (Romans 5)

Jesus’ face is set resolutely on the CROSS. Jesus marches to His death. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1) God's righteous anger burns against sin. The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53)

God’s wrath against law breaking sinners. But Christ is your substitute – to take the wrath of God for you. Before Christ’s Crucifixion, Jesus prayed. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26) Jesus prays this three times. THY WILL BE DONE. Jesus takes the cup filled with the wrath of God and He drinks it down to the dregs. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5)

On Good Friday's Tree all the sins of the world are buried in the Body of Christ. Jesus kills your sin on the Cross. Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1)

Christ prays from the Cross for you. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23)

The Holy Absolution. Your Pastors are sent by God to proclaim to the penitent sinner that their sins are forgiven ALL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE. The Good News of the GOSPEL.

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld. (John 20)

The forgiveness of sins is the GOSPEL TREASURE. Christians are to speak this word of forgiveness one to another. As Jesus taught you in the Lord's Prayer. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4)

You have been reconciled to God. Living in the forgiveness of sin. Forgive those who sin against you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5)

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

What is a Christian?

A Message from Pastor Hale

It is not unusual for the world to make this mistake, but I wish it were uncommon to hear pastors, theologians, and church literature assume that because someone goes to church regularly, as a committed member, they are a true Christian. We might talk like that, but do our works, even church attendance, really make us Christian? No, that would be a denial of justification by faith in Jesus, the Lord over sin and death.

This is not to say church attendance is not highly to be praised and necessary. But like breathing, it is not sufficient, by itself, to say that God is pleased with a person in Christ – that he is justified, and therefore righteous before God. That is all we can go by at times, and we should judge those who despise church because they are despising God’s Word, and therefore Christ Himself. Church discipline requires such negative judgments. So despising God’s Word marks one weak in faith, or as one without faith at all, but the reverse is not true. Not even a pastor preaching every week for his paycheck or a pastor’s wife going out of obligation and for the sake of appearance is a sure and certain sign of faith – that one is a genuine Christian.

Going to church, where the Word of God is, as a habit, is not enough to say one is truly a Christian. No external routine we enact in our lives proves we have faith and the Holy Spirit. We must assume that those who hear the Word are Christian, unless they provide evidence to the contrary, but merely occupying some amount of volume in a sanctuary does not mean Christ is in him or he is in Christ (Jn. 15). “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God … unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3). So to assume that being a Christian is simply a collection of habits, duties, or motions is to deny justification through faith, on account of Christ – the central article of Christianity that actually makes Christians holy in Christ, by clothing us in God’s own righteousness.

Can an atheist enter church doors without combusting? Can regular pew-sitters and long-time members commit adultery in between their church-sittings? Can abortion practicers lounge comfortably and confidently in a church pew Sunday morning? Can the person inflamed with lust, hatred, and sinful desire sleep through a sermon or Bible study, secretly seething in satanic thoughts? Yes, and it is especially easy to do these works, under a religious pretense, where the Word of God is not proclaimed in its full extent and power, requiring actual repentance and severely reproving sin under the penalty of hell. “They do all their deeds to be seen by others” (Mt. 23:5) Being present in a church building can be a show – who doesn’t want to look spiritual and holy? Sinners certainty don’t mind.

There are many churches, even in the so-called “orthodox” Lutheran synods, where the sermons are as harmless as story time at the public library – no one is called out for sin or offended by God’s damning law. After all, sin is not an external condition, like a skin rash. Making an appointment at church is not the cure, in itself, for your sin: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Mt. 23:25).

Do not forget about the Pharisees who took the best seats – they were regular front row attenders! I think we can all agree they are not the best examples of Christian faith. But they were great attenders of church. They worshiped (outwardly) the Scriptures and devoted themselves to public prayer. They gave generously. Should you do these things? Yes, but none of them mark you as a Christian. Woe to you, if you assume you are Christian by what you do! Turn from your sin and trusting in your own works before it is too late. Stop hoping in your dead deeds of the flesh and turn to the living Christ. Do not think Christ on the Last Day will be impressed with perfect church attendance or your tax-deductible giving. If righteousness consists in what you do, you are doomed: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” You have not done enough for God, even if you have never missed a sermon or a trip to the altar for Communion.

The problem is that Christianity, though it involves outward things (the Word and the sacraments), is not a purely outward thing. God actually changes a person from within by the righteousness of Christ given in the Gospel. Faith is not imaginary. A person cannot follow Satan and his own flesh, and be a disciple of Christ. This distinction is often lost today. But “he or she went to church” it is said, as if that fact alone replaces the righteousness of Christ and our justification before the Father. Regular church attendance does not make self-murder or sexual sin acceptable or Christian – by definition the person who murders himself does not intend to keep hearing the Word gladly. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Mt. 23:23).

Does receiving the holy body and blood of Christ make or mark one as a Christian? “So, on that Sunday morning, Kobe Bryant presented Himself at the altar at his church, freely opened his mouth to receive the wafer and wine, signaling his dependence on Jesus Christ and the absolute justice-mercy of Golgotha” (Wallace Henley, Christian Post). The external action, in itself, says nothing about faith in the heart. Communing is a public confession, certainly, but it is not a certain mark of having Christ’s righteousness and being justified. Can’t a hypocrite parade like a peacock, trying to look spiritual, to the altar, and open his mouth to eat and drink?

If the act of communing means one is definitely in Christ by faith, any dog or pig can be a perfect Christian, since they can eat wafers and lick up wine, as well as any human. If the external motion of receiving communion (just eating and drinking) is portrayed as the cause of making one Christian or a true indicator of Christianity, then faith alone is denied. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” We can see the eating and drinking, but not faith in the heart that the Spirit works. The Corinthians ate and drank very well, but unworthily. The result was that “many of them” were “weak and ill, and some have died” (1 Cor. 11). Mere eating and drinking, without faith or repentant self-examination, is harmful, not helpful. It can actually bring one under God’s condemnation, which is why simply allowing unrepentant and uninstructed people to communion is not a simple way to make more Christians.

Christians are sheep led by Christ who believe and are counted as holy to the Father. The Spirit dwells in them, uniting them together in the body of Christ. The Church is a holy creation of the Spirit, through the powerful Word of God. It is not a mere outward association – like belonging to the rotary club. The Father makes Christians alive in the Son. They are chosen and called by the Gospel. They do not continue to live for the world and their flesh. Christ is their master and head.

But being in the presence of the Word does not denote repentance or faith. It is a doctrinal error to attribute Christian faith solely to being within the proximity of the Word or a church building. Sitting in a pew does not mean one is in Christ, absolved of sins. So also, repentance and good works, are of God – they are not enacted by human efforts. They are not mere human actions, nor does the Word do them automatically – so that we can do, think, or believe according to our sinful nature.

It is a grave mistake to think that just receiving the Lord’s Supper outwardly, or hearing the message of a preacher, is enough for God to be pleased with you. For “without faith it is impossible to please” God (Heb. 11:6). Church attendance, done out of fear, obligation, or tradition is just another sinful, human work – that God must deny as righteous. Have we loved God every moment, even while we sit and try to appear holy in our Sunday best? No. Likewise, the Pharisees were careful and dutiful givers – as every Christian should be – but that was not enough to make them God’s children: “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Lk. 11:42).

God does not work repentance without our knowledge, participation, or realization. The Gospel actually does something! The Spirit births us to God, new and righteous in Christ. So, yes, the Christian goes to church and does good works. He is generous and giving, abounding in good works, but those things are merely the fruit of the Spirit, flowing from faith in Christ. What we do can never eclipse what Christ has done for us and the Spirit who makes us alive. Go to church, yes, but not as a dead formality or pharisaical show-off time, but to be forgiven and trust in the Word rightly spoken – to receive Christ’s righteousness for yourself and make it yours by faith. We are renewed in the image of Christ, and given a living hope, so we gladly hear the Word and believe in Christ who encourages, forgives, and comforts us with everlasting life. Amen.

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Published: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Last Updated: 20 June 2020 20 June 2020

Coronavirus Announcement and Resources

Dear saints at Zion,

In this time where routines and plans are upset, our attention should be on the Word of God.

Please do note we post sermons and services online.

Also see the helpful articles below.

And God your Father has promised to hear every prayer made through Christ in faith, no matter where you are at. Use God's name well, whether at home, serving others, or church. "We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks." Trust the Almighty Father to deliver you from death, for the sake of Jesus' suffering and victorious rising.

In peaceful and turbulent times, confidence in Christ, who rose from the dead, over our sins, is not optional for the Christian. May the Lord cause us in this time of humbling to focus on the one thing needful in this life--faith in Christ's strong promises.

Heavenly Father, move our nation, and all nations of the world, to repentance in this time of uncertainty and tragedy, that sinners would listen to your Word and serve you alone at all times. Grant us safety in this life, as we long for the holy life in Your Kingdom above, which you have given us in Jesus' Word. Amen.

in Christ,

Pastor Berndt and Pastor Hale

 

Resources

Love in a Time of Social Distancing

 

A Toilet Paper Faith: How to React to Panic

 

The Coronavirus and Church

 

Being Christian while facing the Coronavirus

 

A Pastor's Thoughts on the Coronavirus

 

 

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Published: 14 March 2020 14 March 2020

Last Updated: 03 April 2020 03 April 2020

Pastor's Pen 02/18/2020

Return to the LORD with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. (Joel 2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. God's anger burns hot against sin. God’s wrath against sinners. Lust. Lies. Gossip. Hate. Arrogance. Pride. God's Law is preached against sin. For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6)

Repent of your sin. The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1)

God in His mercy sends you His Word. The Word of God that justifies sinners.

The bible teaches that there is a difference between regret and godly grief. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. (2 Corinthians 7)

The Law exposes our sin. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love...blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. (Psalm 51)

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1)

God in His mercy sends you Jesus. Christ is your substitute. Christ stands in your place under the wrath of God to take the punishment due you.

God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Romans 5)

Lent has arrived. Lent is a 40 day journey to the Cross and Empty tomb of our Lord, highlighting Christ’s work to save sinners. Jesus’ Passion. What to do these 40 days? Hear the Word of the Lord. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51) The Word of God gifts repentance. The Word is at work on your heart.

After hearing God’s Word preached we sing the Offertory. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51)

Happy hearing the Word of the Lord. The Word that justifies you. Happy Repenting of your sins. Happy believing the Gospel. Blessed Lent. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, even nursing infants. (Joel 2)

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Published: 19 February 2020 19 February 2020

Last Updated: 19 February 2020 19 February 2020

Pastor's Pen 02/05/2020

 

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Valentine's Day. Do not fall into the worlds trap in regards to LOVE. The world seeks love in all the wrong places.

True LOVE is from God. This is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4)

God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3)

LOVE is NOT a feeling or emotion that comes and goes like a mist. Many times people will describe love as something that they have fallen into. As if you have fallen into the ditch. Falling describes being out of control. God is LOVE. Christians are the RECIEVER of God's LOVE. The church is described as “the Lord’s Beloved Bride."

Jesus on the Cross suspended between heaven and earth is God’s LOVE for you. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5)

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15)

Christ’s Passion – Christ gives His Life for you. The Cross & Empty Tomb of Jesus is God's LOVE for you, forgiving all your sins. God's STEADFAST LOVE that endures forever... The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who LOVED ME and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2)

Christ the GIVER – YOU the Church are the RECIEVER OF GOD’S LOVE. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle. (Ephesians 5)

Christians live in Christ’s LOVE – in FAITH toward God and LOVE for your neighbor. Be imitators of God, as beloved children. Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5) Walking in love means to serve, give, and sacrifice on behalf of your neighbor. Gentlemen, the flowers and chocolate are fine. But to serve your spouse is more than one day a year, then check it off your list. The life of a Christian is one that is marked by LOVE and SERVICE to your neighbor.

God so loved us, we also ought to love one another…If we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4)

Love your family by serving them with God's Word. Love your family by bringing them to church. Forgiving one another as the Lord has forgiven you. Because of God's LOVE, you love your family unconditionally. Without limits. Without conditions. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4) Happy receiving God's LOVE for you in the Good News of the Gospel. Happy loving one another as Christ has loved you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13)

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Published: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020

Last Updated: 09 February 2020 09 February 2020