The Story That Holds Together - Irenaeus' "On The Apostolic Teaching."

 

The Story That Holds Together — Irenaeus’ Demonstration from the Prophets

In Demonstration from the Prophets (also called On the Apostolic Preaching), Irenaeus gives one of the earliest and most beautiful explanations of how Christians are meant to read the Bible as one continuous story. Writing in the late second century, he wants his readers—especially those facing confusion from competing “Gnostic” teachings—to see that the Christian faith is not something new or made up. It is the same faith that the prophets of Israel proclaimed, now fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

For Irenaeus, everything begins with one core conviction: the same God who created the world is the one who redeems it. There are not two different gods—one who made the material world and another who saves souls. Instead, creation, incarnation, and salvation all flow from the same divine purpose. That’s the heartbeat of his book.

He starts with what he calls the “rule of faith,” a kind of early Christian summary of the gospel story. It moves from creation to the coming of Christ, through his death and resurrection, and on to the renewal of the world by the Spirit. Irenaeus insists that this story is not something the Church invented—it’s what the prophets and apostles have handed down. The “rule” doesn’t sit above Scripture; it’s what rises naturally from Scripture when read as a whole.

Irenaeus then shows how the Hebrew prophets pointed forward to Christ long before his birth. Their words, he says, spoke through the Spirit about the same divine Word who made humanity in the beginning. The incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus—is not an afterthought or a reaction to sin. It’s the fulfillment of God’s plan from the start. When the prophets describe the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), the suffering servant (Isaiah 53), and the outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 2), they’re not predicting random future events—they’re testifying to a consistent purpose: God’s intention to dwell with and restore his creation.

Throughout the Demonstration, Irenaeus pushes against the Gnostic idea that the material world is bad or accidental. He argues that creation is good because it comes from the good Creator. The problem isn’t the body or matter—it’s humanity’s disobedience. Because of this, the same divine Word who formed humanity must also be the one to heal it. That’s why the incarnation matters so deeply: God personally enters the human story to renew the image of God in us from the inside out.

The heart of Irenaeus’s theology is what he calls “recapitulation.” This means that Christ “re-heads” or re-sums the entire human story—he re-lives every stage of human life and gets it right. Where Adam disobeyed, Christ obeys. Where humanity fell into death, Christ rises to life. For Irenaeus, this isn’t just about moral example or forgiveness—it’s about a total restoration of human nature. Salvation means being made fully human again, as God intended from the beginning.

When Irenaeus turns to Christ’s death and resurrection, he sees them as the climax of the entire biblical story. The prophets already hinted at this pattern of suffering and victory, especially in the Psalms and Isaiah. The crucifixion reveals the full depth of divine love, while the resurrection marks the start of a new kind of existence—one that can never decay or die. For Irenaeus, this is the beginning of new creation, not merely an end to death.

Finally, Irenaeus ends by talking about the Holy Spirit, who continues the same story today. The Spirit who inspired the prophets now fills the Church, transforming people from within and guiding all creation toward its final renewal. The Spirit writes God’s law on the heart and prepares humanity for resurrection and eternal life. Just as creation began through the Spirit, it will be completed by the Spirit’s power.

In short, Irenaeus presents a single, seamless story: the Creator’s purpose revealed in the incarnation, accomplished in the cross and resurrection, and brought to completion through the Spirit. The message is clear—Christianity is not a new religion but the fulfillment of what God has been doing all along. The prophets were already proclaiming the gospel; the apostles simply made it plain.

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The "Other" Martin Examination of Trent

Martin Chemnitz, a 16th-century Lutheran theologian, wrote a comprehensive critique of the Council of Trent's decrees, arguing that they were erroneous and contrary to Scripture. His work, "Examination of the Council of Trent," became a standard Lutheran response to the Catholic Counter-Reformation and remains a valuable resource for understanding the theological differences between the two traditions.

Here are some quotes from Martin Chemnitz's "Examination of the Council of Trent":

* **On Justification:** "The Council of Trent, in its doctrine of justification, confounds justification and sanctification, making them one and the same thing."

* **On Scripture and Tradition:** "The Council of Trent places Scripture and tradition on an equal footing, which is contrary to the teaching of the apostles."

* **On the Sacraments:** "The Council of Trent teaches that the sacraments confer grace ex opere operato, that is, by the very act of their performance, which is a Pelagian error."

* **On the Mass:** "The Council of Trent teaches that the Mass is a true and proper sacrifice, which is contrary to the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ on the cross."

More to come

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An Observation: Women's Liberation - Proverbs 31 Style! Rev Irvin Stapf

Let me tell you of some Proverbs 31 women. This chapter in the Book of Proverbs speaks of the virtue, abilities, talents, and beauty that women can possess. The whole issue of men's and women's rolls in scripture is often discussed, and at time railed against by the women's liberation movement. But this advice by the mother of King Lemuel sets things in the right order and truly elevates the image of a Godly woman. 

 

First, King Lemuel is mentioned nowhere else in scripture. However, Strong's Concordance points our that Lemuel is a Hebrew word that is related to words that mean "belonging to God" and is a symbolic name of Solomon. Further, Jewish legend identifies him as Solomon, taking advise from his mother Bathsheba, though there is no clear evidence for this. Solomon is the author of the book of Proverbs, and it seems to me that both parts of this 31st chapter should be included as one. Verses 1 to 9 are not separated from verses 10 through 31. They all become a description of God's intended rolls for men and women. 

 

Let me deal with a couple of side issues, though sometimes prominent, that can get in the way. If Lemuel is identified as Solomon, which seems likely to me, Solomon is said to have had many wives and concubines. Also, Solomon's mother was Bathsheba who was a married woman take in adultery by Solomon's father, David after he murdered Bathsheba's husband. Quite a mess, and not one out of which we would expect any good and Godly advice. It is important to understand that these things happened with God continuing to use people involved does not indicate our Lord's approval for their life's choices, They were clearly sinful. David recognized this and repented. This is the context of David's Psalm 51 as he cries out to the Lord for mercy. Further, Solomon's love poem in the book Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon, speaks to one particular woman, the Shulammite, to whom he is devoted. This love poem has also been taken as Christ's love for the Church.

 

There is great hope for us in this. For all have sinned an fall sort of the Glory of God as St. Paul says in Romans Chapter three ....²¹ But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, ²² even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all ^[f]and on all who believe. For there is no difference; ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, ²⁶ to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (NKJV)  In their repentance God was able to continue using them to do His will, and they ultimately became forbearers of our Lord Jesus.

 

Ah! But now let me get back to the Proverbs 31 advice. Of this wise and energetic woman it says that "Her husband is known in the gates as he sits among the elders of the land."(vs.23) He seems to be having a good time with his friends while his wife does all the works! But the gates of the city were a place of leadership, protection, and order. This was his task. He was not just sharing a drink with his buddies. This is what the King's mother cautions him about in verses 3 to 5. His heart and all of his strength is given to being sure that his wife and family was properly guided, protected, and free to carry on her duties. His love is always with her. (vs.28) 

 

Look at all she is doing!  Verse 10 begins with a commendation; "an excellent wife.... her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trust her. She does him good... all the days of her life."(vss.10-12) Then her activities: she seek out materials to work with her hands; she brings her food from afar providing for her household and those under her; she is able to judge  values and purchase property to plant a vineyard; she is wise, strong and generous; and has a sense of security. She is a lovely woman and along with all her attributes strength and dignity are her clothing. Her speech is wise and she oversee all that is involved with her household. This is a tremendous commendation for the abilities of a godly woman. There is no lack of dignity, ability or beauty in this description of a woman. There is nothing lacking that a woman's liberation movement could add. The only distinction is that her life and her joy is established for the good of her husband, her children, her household and the community around her. She isn't seeking to make a name for herself but to honor the Lord in all she does.

 

In Genesis chapter one God created the man and the woman. He established the monogamous marriage bond, essentiality creating the home and family. That is the natural structure intended for our life and growth on earth. [That doesn't mean that a life of singleness is wrong either for a man or woman, but that is a whole other topic.] The point here that is carried through both Testaments is that of proper order. This gets to the terms the modern world has confused and rejected, headship and submission. But this also is part of the image of God given to man and woman in their creation. There is headship and submission within the Holy Trinity. We confess for example, in the Apostle's Creed that the "Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son and with the Father and Son is worshipped and glorified". Further, Jesus is clear about His relationship with the Father explaining to the Jewish leaders in John 5:19 and following that He only does what He sees the Father doing. The Holy Trinity is truly one, co-equal, and co-eternal. The three are one true God, but the principle of headship and submission still function among them. There is no sense of one being more important than the others, or more value or dignity than the others. So it is intended to be reflected in marriage. 

 

So, while there are far fewer verses about the man's virtues in Proverbs 31 his task is established and important. I wrote earlier that his sitting with the elders in the gates of the city was a place of leadership, protection, and order. I would also include something I consider of utmost importance, as it has always been but is especially in our times. That is of solid Biblical values and understanding. The man is responsible for sharing God's truth and correction with his family. This principle is supported throughout scripture. It is why God first gave the command not to eat of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to Adam who later conveyed it to Eve. What this means is that the Father is responsible for studying scripture, praying for his family, and deepening his own relationship with his Heavenly Father, to whom he is called to submit.

 

This Biblical order for man, woman, and family is the best and most joy-filled plan for living. It is difficult! Keep in mind the rebellion of our first parents which we inherited and are all by nature sinful and unclean. Too often we act and react out of that nature. We are also ignorant of the full satisfaction that our proper place can bring. Thus, we are called to repent before God, depending on the cleansing blood of our Saviour, Jesus the Christ. We should also, when needed, be willing to humble ourselves before our mate or children asking their forgiveness. It is in this that we can grow more firmly as one in the image of God.

 

I am old, which allows me the perspective of many years. Also, my share of failures needing to ask forgiveness and to forgive. But I wanted to share what I've seen in my family and church congregation. Particularly about the Proverbs 31 woman.

 

First, let me mention the names of Mildred who gave me a solid start while providing a portion of the family income and caring for an Alzheimers stricken husband for the last 15 years of his life, and Ruth who gave me my dear wife after raising her three other children, getting her college degrees, and supporting herself and family, all after her husband was killed on duty with the Baltimore City police force.  I will go on to name Audrey, Helen, Janice, Jeane, Carolyn, Jan, Meryl, Carol, Jane, and I apologize if my memory has failed to bring up any others. These are strong capable women who are the back bone of our fellowship. They are spiritually grounded prayer warriors. They have already given a start to the next generation of Proverbs 31 women who have take their place in the fellowship. And they are praying for the third and fourth generations of their offspring. To these could be added dozens upon dozens of other women in our larger church body and the churches we are affiliated with. There is nothing that women's liberation could add to them.

 

While the scriptural order of headship and submission is essential we never indicate that one is greater or lesser than the other. Nothing is demeaning or of lesser value in God's order. All is of God's perfect plan. It is our part to continually seek and find.

 

“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” (Prov. 31:29 - NKJV)

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Holiness - An Observation

Sometime back in grade school, many ..... many years ago, we were introduced to the 1913 poem Trees by Joyce Kilmer with its beginning line, "I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree." The speaker insists that no human art or creation can match the beauty and majesty of nature. A commentary states that "The poem can thus be read as a hymn of praise to God’s creation, celebrating both the wonder of the natural world and its maker." 

 

Why this came to mind now I have no idea but the description in the above commentary with the words "beauty", "majesty", and "wonder", are a strong parallel for my thoughts this morning. I'm thinking about the concept of holiness, the awesome wonder and holiness of our Lord God. I think of Moses doing the mundane work of tending a flock of sheep and being confronted by God appearing to him in the form of a burning bush that is not consumed. He heard the words, "take the shoes off your feet for you are standing on Holy ground". (Exodus 3:5) Later, in the Exodus account, Moses has spent time with God and returning to his people with his face radiating light from his holy encounter. (Exodus 34:29f) Or the prophet Isaiah falling prostrate trembling before his vision of God Almighty. (Isaiah 6) There are many such descriptions of encountering God's holiness.

 

In the fast paced and event crowded days we become calloused to a sense of the awe and wonder of the Lord God who appears to us in many and varied ways if we are willing to look around, to think, to meditate, to offer a brief prayer, to worship. The message in today's sermon at church was about a Jealous God who will not allow worship due Him to be shared with any idols we may create. But this is not because He is a vain and egotistical lord. Rather, His jealousy is for us. We are His creation. He knows that our best good, our most joy-filled life, most secure and a life of peace, is only found when we are enfolded in the presence of His Holy Life. He is the source of life upon which we draw n worship, whether from the wonder of nature or the setting of corporate worship. It is important for us to look for and enter into that sense of God's Holiness.

 

It is why we call the room for our worship a Sanctuary. It is why, in that room, we have an altar separated by a chancel rail. It is from this area that we hear the Word of God and receive the Holy Sacrament. There have been times at that rail that I have been unable to speak, and holy tears were the only response I could give. I don't expect everyone to respond the same way, but however you respond realize that you come into the sacred presence of Almighty God. Be humbled and rejoice in it! It is in God's blessed presence you find your life.

 

"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. .......

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain;

And they will all grow old like a garment Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.” (Hebrews 1:1-4, & 10-11)

 

 

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

 

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

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Entertaining Angels -- An Observation

 The writer of Hebrews advises that we "not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."(13:2) It is interesting how these can turn up in a variety of ways and situations. My wife is in Frederick Memorial Hospital after a nasty fall and subsequent bout with phenomena. The hospital staff has been wonderful, kind, and thorough. but there was one particular woman that was impressive. On the scale of education, type of position, and salary level was probably on the lower end of the scale. She was the lady who came by daily to dry mop the floors of each room. She came in with a smile, did her work carefully, but then stopped to ask how my wife was. She was glad she was improving and said she would pray for her. She repeated the promise on subsequent days.

 

A real angel? Maybe, maybe not. In any event a beautiful spirit and one who brightens whatever area to which her work takes her. The medical staff is doing much towards Audrey's healing, but so too does this humble working woman. Many aspire to advanced professions which is both wonderful and important. But helping, healing work can come from many. They are an example of how we can all share in healing. And who know we may really encounter and angel along the way.

 

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

 

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

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An Observation: Right Or Left? Rev Irvin Stapf, Christ Lutheran, Germantown AALC

 

In the midst of this political season the terms right and left are in constant use. Each speaker, whether an average citizen, a news commentator, or a politician, is pegged as being some place on a scale between right and left. These supposedly represent a conservative or a liberal point of view. Whatever that is supposed to mean. And when its expressed as "far right" or "far left" it is said with an ample amount of derision. As I mentioned in my last observation this election cycle has raised an excess amount of animosity.

 

It has also brought the Christian faith into the picture. Particularly after the assassination attempt on Mr. Trump which was for many people seen as God's grace protecting him. I will not disagree that our Lord protected him, but neither will I say that it was God's stamp of approval on his candidacy. That is my point in raising these right and left labels. There must be more to our understanding, and to the guidance of our lives than arbitrary labels.  

 

How would one classify Jesus? Was He to the right or to the left? If we were to ask the Jewish leaders of His day they would probably peg Him as being far left. After all, according to their thinking, He certainly seemed to play fast and loose with the teachings of the elders. If we could ask the man whose withered hand was healed on the Sabbath (Mark 3), and in the midst of the Synagogue service to boot, he would likely say Jesus was far right. Though he would be much too grateful and rejoicing to care about any labels. To God be the Glory!

 

So where are we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ? What is the foundation for judgments we make as well as the directions we choose to take in life? Jesus certainly based His life and teaching upon Scripture, what we know as the Old Testament. He knew well the teachings of Moses, the Psalms, the writing of the Prophets, as well as the history of Israel. This was God's word to His chosen people. This was the truth from which John the Baptist taught. It was in these writings that told of the coming Messiah and redemption for the people.(Luke 4:21) It was these texts that Jesus followed and fulfilled.

 

If we say that Scripture is our guide for life, which as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we certainly should, then we study and live out of God's Word as Jesus did. We also include the New Testament books with the four Gospels, the history of the early church, and the teachings of Jesus' chosen Apostles. The Bible, all 66 books, we take as God's Holy Word. This is the guide for our decisions and actions.   

 

It is also here that the terms liberal and conservative, or left and right, become attached to different interpretations of various passages of scripture. Some want to set aside this of that section as not relevant today, but we cannot do this. And don't ever think that we are more knowledgeable or advanced than they were. This is God's Word we are talking about. All of our great scientific learning doesn't mean a hill of beans compared to that of the God who created us. We must take the Bible as a whole text, letting the statements and principles of one section be understood in light all the other parts of the Bible. The study of Scripture is a life long endeavor.  Any book worthy of being a guide for human life should be a daily companion for continued study. There are no contradictions in God's Word for "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)  

 

So, forget about being pegged on a left and right scale. Seek the Lord Jesus Christ, stay in the study of God's Holy Word, pray often, and make your decisions to give glory to our Redeemer and Lord. Amen.

 

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What About Your Friends?

photo taken over Afghanistan by a fellow veteran who is a former Black Hawk pilot
 

Amplified Bible.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. Good people, good people! It's always a pleasure being with you! 

The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me a lot about Biblical friendship. Gonna podcast and YouTube about it.  And YES....the Spirit speaks directly to the church in Acts, in 1-2 Timothy (itching ears, etc) and in Rev (hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches), etc. 

I feel like I had to say that because I love my Lutherans and my other bros and sisters in the Lord, but y'all old money churches, Lutherans, y'all be trippin' sometimes when it comes to spiritual gifts, and the activity in the Holy Spirit in your lives. Yes, he works through the Word and Sacraments, but HE also works through the gifts HE has distributed to the church. But that's another podcast! This one is about friendship....so let's pray.

Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to do this podcast and this YouTube channel. I ask that as we discuss friendship, and what it should look like in your church, that you would enlighten us, and give us your gifts of wisdom, and discernment. In fact, I pray Isaiah 11 verse 2 over all who would watch or listen to this show, that Isaiah 11:2

English Standard Version

2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,

    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

    the Spirit of counsel and might,

    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

I work part-time for a Veterans Affairs Hospital as a chaplain assistant which I'm extremely grateful for! So while I'm here helping out the chaplains, I attend a Bible study on Wednesday nights. We are going through the entire book of Proverbs, line by line, but arranged by topics. Well, the topic last night was on friendship, and it hit me hard, because I'm going through things concerning who I call my friends, and defining relationships, boundaries, etc. The first thing that came to mind for me was this passage in 1 Timothy: 

1 Timothy 5:1-2

English Standard Version

Instructions for the Church

5 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. 

Wow. That's great advice. Treat older men like fathers, younger men like brothers, older women like mothers, and younger women like sisters, in all purity. You know, that kills a lot of the theology I see now in some churches, where some 30 year old dude claims to be an apostle or a spiritual father. Man that's just crazy! But I want to highlight the instructions for younger men and women. They are to be treated like brothers and sisters. Well what's the glue that holds natural brothers and sisters together? It's love, man! Love and respect go together, it's impossible to separate the two! Man I can argue with my natural siblings all day, but at the end of the day, we will always squash our beefs. Why? Because we're family! But in the body of Christ, sometimes I feel like it's hit or me if brothers and sisters truly wanna fellowship or not. It's just like...man, just be cool. If we're cool, then we're cool. Why all the extra drama and stress? We don't need it! Life is already hard enough. The church should be where we can go to exhale, relax, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that people have our backs. Lately, I've just been going through some things in that area. Let's look at some of these verses: 

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

A friend loves at ALL times! A brother (or a sister) is born for adversity. It's like maaaan, I'm soooo loyal, y'all. I'm loyal to a fault. I think it's how I grew up, fatherless and in a dsyfunctional family, but then I learned comradery in the military. We are loyal to each other. We come from different cities, countries, etc., but at the end of the day, when bullets are flying, we come together. Why? Because we see the bigger picture. Luther said this: For we are so corrupted by original sin that [by ourselves] we are unable to discern the magnitude of our sin. For our flesh, the devil, and the world are at hand, who persuade us otherwise and obscure the Law of God written on our minds [cf. Rom. 2:15] https://blog.cph.org/study/luthers-disputations-on-theses-surrounding-law-and-sin.

We come together because there is a BIGGER picture! There is a LARGER story. We wrestle not against flesh and blood....Ephesians 6. My battle is not against my brother, or my sister. My battle is against the Enemy of Our Souls. The devil wants us divided, throwing shade at each other, being deceptive, being in the dark, in the shadows, etc. But Christ said that the things we do in secret will come to light.  

Proverbs 18:24

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, But there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].

Proverbs 27:9

Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.

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We Like The Law! It's Easier! Rev. Irvin Stapf

   An Observation: We like The Law. It’s easier!

 

In the last post I mentioned that I was delayed in uploading my post because “life happened and we had to comply”. Well the life that happened was a four day stay in the hospital for my wife who had some respiratory and related problems. We are home now and she is doing well. During that hiatus in other activities I was reading John chapters 14 & 15 where Jesus is preparing his disciples for his soon departure.

 

In the 13th chapter Jesus had washed the disciples feet with the instruction “If I your teacher and Lord washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (Vs.14) The whole evening in that Upper Room was a very intense time for Jesus’ followers. Events were going in a direction they didn’t expect and weren’t sure they wanted. Jesus, seeking to comfort them, said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. ... I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself...” (14:1-3)

 

He continues on in verse 15, “If you love Me you will keep My commandments.” Ah! Commandments. Now there is something specific we can get our mind around! This is why I titled this section “We Like The Law.” Do this the way we were told and all will be fine. We will have done it, and we are good.

 

But then Jesus continues to speak of the coming reality of the Holy Spirit, The Helper, the third person of the Holy Trinity. He is the Spirit of truth who will be in them. (Vs.17) Jesus again speaks of His commandments. “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.” (vs.21) He goes on further about disciples who keep His word, (vs.23) and how He has kept the Father’s word and obeyed His commandments.(vs.31) “Okay Lord, tell us what the commandment is! We’ll do it.”

 

Then in Chapter 15 of St. John’s Gospel Jesus give the image of the vine and branches. How they have to be tended, pruned, and some parts discarded “so that it may bear more fruit.”(15:2) The whole picture shows us the necessity of the branch - the disciples and us - staying connected to the vine. It is only by abiding in the vine so that there is a continuous flow of nutrients that the vine “can bear much fruit”. “For apart from Me you can do nothing.”(vs.5)

 

The image of abiding in Jesus continues, coming down to verse 12 and 13 where Jesus specifically declares, “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” This comes to the depth of the Gospel. Jesus has loved us so much, each and every one of us, that He has laid down His life in atonement for our sins. We are justified and declared forgiven before Almighty God because Jesus has atoned for all of our sins. We, then, are called to abide in Him so continually that we are willing to lay down our life for others. Maybe that means dying to our own pride so we can get on our knees to wash another’s dirty feet. Maybe it does mean sacrificing our own life to save another person. There are all degrees of fruit bearing in between as guided by the abiding presence of God, the Holy Spirit. This is why I wrote of the death and resurrection of parts of our own nature in Christian Maturity - Part 2.

 

We see the Law as much easier. It is by the Law that we like to say, “I’m not a bad person. There are a lot of people worse than me. I followed the law. I do what I’m supposed to do.” But when we truly realize that we have been loved by God our Father, loved so deeply that He gave the life of His only begotten Son in atonement for all of our sins so that we might have a continuing life with Him, it is into that love that we are willing to abide and seek to do the same.

 

May God’s Spirit guide each of us day by day more deeply into Jesus’ love. Amen.

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

istapf@comcast.net

cell: 240-285-4472

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Standard Equipment -- An Observation, Rev Irvin Stapf, AALC

 (Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

 

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

An Observation: Comes as Standard Equipment

A few years ago our middle daughter had the opportunity to buy a seven passenger Honda SUV. This was

very helpful since she is a foster mom who now has five children between the ages of 3 and 9. Two of the

older ones take the third row. The middle row accommodates the child car seat and the booster. Everyone

is safe and belted in. The front passenger seat accommodated the her purse and whatever other items are

necessary at the time. ..... Stay with me all this does have an important point!

There is a fold down video screen for entertainment, and various books and games for longer journeys. All

very convenient and should be sufficiently useful for any journey, short or long. The one difficulty is the

children's tendency not to keep their hands to themselves. Whether initially accidental or intentional matters

little. What is heard is "She hit me." Which of course requires a response of equal or greater magnitude. But

that was intentional and cannot be ignored. The back and forth continues to greater or lesser degree until

there is some intervention.

All of this sounds familiar to every parent in one form and degree or another. It may be in the form of

expressions, "That isn't fair." "She did it to me first." "But you gave him...." "I want......" "But I'm old

enough....." "Billy's mom lets him....." ; or just the very standard and oft used, "Why?" You see, what is

happening in the back seats of a Honda SUV is the display of what people in our Lutheran Church worship

service confess every Sunday morning. “We confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean.”

Other Christian denominations acknowledge the same truth in one form or another. Our fallen human nature

is part of our standard equipment ever since our first rebellion from the will of our God in the Garden. There

must also be the acknowledgment that the solution is not within ourselves. It is not just a matter of trying

harder.

Bear with me further and consider the words in our Lutheran service:

Pastor:

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our

sins God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

People:

We confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you in

thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not

loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve

your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.

Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways to

the glory of your holy name. Amen

Pastor:

Almighty God in his mercy has given his Son to die for you and for his sake forgives you

all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore declare

unto you the entire forgiveness of all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of

the Holy Spirit.

People:

Amen. Thanks be to God.

One might ask why we feel is necessary to continue to do this each week when the Pastor has declare our

forgiveness in Jesus Christ our Lord? I believe we find that answer in the back seat of a Honda SUV! It is

also on the front page of every newspaper and evening newscast, headlined in everynational response of one

nation to another's aggressive affront. Of course there are many more complex factors involved but it still

comes down to standard equipment displayed in those sitting in the third row of a Honda SUV.

Dear friends, don't make light of that word sin. Don't treat the account of Creation and Fall recorded in

Genesis chapters one, two, and three as myths. It is what explains so much of what we see in our world and

in ourselves everyday.

The standard for what is good is God Himself, the perfection in which He created us and desired for us. But

our first parents yielded to the devil's temptation to want more, breaking the clear command of our God.

Ever since we have inherited the standard equipment of sin within our human nature. As our Lutheran liturgy

declares it is not a problem we are able to fix. All the expressions we like to use have no place. "It's really

not so bad." "Everybody does it." "We can work it out." or even the fear of each country having enough

bombs to destroy the world.

The solution is not within us. The Solution is only in the promise of Genesis 3:15, the promised Redeemer

who will ultimately crush the head of the Serpent, the devil, the fallen angel Lucifer. It is He, the Lord Jesus

Christ, crucified, died, and raised again from the dead, who lives forevermore. It is He who we have just

celebrated in this Easter Season. It is He, alone, who is able to change our nature, giving us life, hope, and

peace.

We will still have to deal from time to time with those sitting in the back seats of the Honda, but they too

can learn. They too can grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus, beginning to make some better choice about

how to respond to wayward hand, intentional or not. We are redeemed in Jesus and can mature in the only

life that truly has meaning and brings us into God's peace.

May you learn this a bit more each day dear friend.

IFS

 (Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

 

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

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Rev. Irvin Stapf On Love

 Back in ancient days when I was in what was then called Junior High School, 8th or 9th grade, one of our English teachers would put an expression on the black board and ask us to explain what it meant. One that has stuck with me to this day is from Shakespeare's Sonnet 116. At the time I don't think we even knew what a Sonnet was. At any rate the quote said:     

                "Love is not love which altars when it altercation finds." 

 

The class talked about it for a little while but I don't think that we really understood it. Since we are in the midst of this Holy Week and Easter Season I think it really is a very apt expression. Though Shakespeare didn't really intend it in a religious sense.

 

From Holy Scripture we read and often quote it's most famous verse. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life." St. John's Gospel Chapter 3, verse 16. This is speaking of the relationship between God and all mankind whom He created. That is the depth, St. John is saying, of the love that Almighty God, our Father, has for each one of us. If we have even a casual relationship with Christians or Christian church worship we've been told that God loves us. It is also one of those expressions that we first begin to question when we find our self in some difficulty or need. Yet, Scripture continues to declare it as God's truth for each human life.

 

We also realize that from the time the Bible records our first rebellion from God's will we have caused our Lord a lot of trouble or "altercation" in the Sonnet's terms. So much of what leads us to question God's love is the brokenness of this fallen and rebellious world in which we live. We suffer because of things we've done ourselves, or things that happen to us even through no direct fault of our own. Yet we still declare that God's loves us even though we don't fully understand why things happen as they do. Is this really love with all of this altercation around me?

 

I attended a Good Friday community service last evening where the pastor was talking about the nature of this God-love. The service was a large gathering of eight local congregations, 300 or400 Christians, many young families with small children. The pastor knew the love the people had for one another and observed that many of these people would be willing to even give their life to protect one of their friends. Many agreed that they would be willing. We have all heard accounts of this actually happening in times of great danger.

 

But then the pastor asked how many of us would be willing to give the life of one of our children to save the life of another? This question bit us very deeply, and none in this large gathering was able to answer in the affirmative. None of us could say that we had that much love to help another in need.

 

Is that not the love we are taught that God loves each of us? And we can't pass it off easily by saying, "Oh, but God knew He was going to bring Jesus back to life." That trivializes all of the events that led to the the crucifixion and the words spoken from the cross. 

 

The man Jesus, the son of God in human flesh, was without sin. There was no guilt found in Him, and yet He was given by the Father to take the punishment each of us deserves. We hear that often in our church fellowships, but don't ever minimize it. The depth of pain is contained in the words spoken from the cross on our behalf. "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me." That is our pain He is feeling through the nails in His hands and feet and the hatred in the taunts of the jeering crowd. 

 

That is the love that refused to altar in the midst of your and my altercation of numerous sins and a very sinful nature. That is the depth of love God, our Father, has for you as He works each day, in each situation of life, to lead you into His best life. 

 

And since I'm writing this on the Saturday morning after Good Friday, we have the assurance of that love in the truth of the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday morning. These are not just nice Christian stories or sayings we write on a chalk board. This is life itself! The life that offers us forgiveness and cleansing of our sins. The life that comforts and strengthens us in worst of life's times. The life that seeks to guide us day by day giving us meaning and purpose. And a life that assures us of it's endless nature in eternal fellowship with our Good Lord.

 

This is the life and love that allows us to identify with the Lord Jesus when He said, "Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit", and to know the depth of love that passes all understanding. 

 

God's blessing my dear friends. Rejoice, and live daily in God's love and your love for one another.  Amen.

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

istapf@comcast.net

cell: 240-285-4472

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Holiness -- Rev Irvin Stapf, Christ Lutheran Germantown, AALC

 Greetings to everyone,

     Here are more reflections from Rev Irvin Stapf, Pastor Emeritus, Christ Lutheran Church, Germantown, MD, AALC. 

Sometime back in grade school, many ..... many years ago, we were introduced to the 1913 poem Trees by Joyce Kilmer with its beginning line, "I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree." The speaker insists that no human art or creation can match the beauty and majesty of nature. A commentary states that, "The poem can thus be read as a hymn of praise to God’s creation, celebrating both the wonder of the natural world and its maker." 

 

Why this came to mind now I have no idea but the description in the above commentary with the words "beauty", "majesty", and "wonder", are a strong parallel for my thoughts this morning. I'm thinking about the concept of holiness, the awesome wonder and holiness of our Lord God. I think of Moses doing the mundane work of tending a flock of sheep and being confronted by God appearing to him in the form of a burning bush that is not consumed. He heard the words, "take the shoes off your feet for you are standing on Holy ground". (Exodus 3:5) Later, in the Exodus account, Moses has spent time with God and returning to his people with his face radiating light from his holy encounter. (Exodus 34:29f) Or the prophet Isaiah falling prostrate trembling before his vision of God Almighty. (Isaiah 6) There are many such descriptions of encountering God's holiness.

 

In the fast-paced and event-crowded days we become calloused to a sense of the awe and wonder of the Lord God who appears to us in many and varied ways if we are willing to look around, to think, to meditate, to offer a brief prayer, to worship. The message in today's sermon at church was about a Jealous God who will not allow worship due to Him to be shared with any idols we may create. But this is not because He is a vain and egotistical lord. Rather, His jealousy is for us. We are His creation. He knows that our best good, our most joy-filled life, most secure and a life of peace, is only found when we are enfolded in the presence of His Holy Life. He is the source of life upon which we draw in worship, whether from the wonder of nature, or the setting of corporate worship. It is important for us to look for and enter into that sense of God's Holiness.

 

It is why we call the room for our worship a Sanctuary. It is why, in that room, we have an altar separated by a chancel rail. It is from this area that we hear the Word of God and receive the Holy Sacrament. There have been times at that rail that I have been unable to speak, and holy tears were the only response I could give. I don't expect everyone to respond the same way, but however you respond realize that you come into the sacred presence of Almighty God. Be humbled and rejoice in it!  It is in God's blessed presence you find your life.

 

"God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.   .......

“You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.” (Hebrews 1:1-4, & 10-11)

 

 

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

 

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

istapf@comcast.net

cell: 240-285-4472

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Beyond The Surface -- Rev Irvin Stapf, Christ Lutheran Germantown

 Don’t settle for surface comments, even mine!

 

An editorial recently printed in our Frederick newspaper asked the question, What is an American? It was by Fred Fransen, President of Huntington Junior College in W.Va. He pointed out that our country was founded on ideas or principles that have endured up until recent decades. It is again time for Dr. Fransen to take a hard look at those values.

 

It seems to me that this means looking beyond the surface declarations to the substance upon which declarations are made. This is what I was referring to last week on the issue of abortion rights which has become central in our current election cycle. I pointed out that several other moral issues precede the need to consider an abortion. This need to look beyond the surface is apparent, or should be, in most of what we hear and read.

 

I’ve said that my basis for writing is as a Christian seeking to base my judgments on the values and will of our Lord as understood through God’s Word in Holy Scripture. It is pointed out that much of Mr. Trump’s support is from a large block of Evangelical Christians. But again, this is a statement that needs to be examined.

 

An article in The Economist Weekly of March 2021 asked the question “What is an evangelical Christian?” After looking at recent history since Jimmy Carter’s presidency in 1976, the article noted that “white evangelicals have established themselves as America’s most cohesive and influential religious voting block. ... They have become “the bedrock of the Republican Party. After insisting throughout the 1990's that character mattered, and that Bill Clinton was morally unfit for the presidency, they threw their support behind Donald Trump, a thrice-married rake.” It was then asked, “So what do evangelical Christians really believe?”

 

A recent article in World magazine noted that “some Americans who self-identify as ‘evangelicals’ to pollsters do not actually attend church regularly. Increasingly, the term is used more in a “political, cultural sense than a theological church sense,” said political scientist Ryan Burge. He predicted these “cultural evangelicals” will make up about 12 percent of Trump’s self-identified evangelical voters in 2024. Others have said that they are willing to overlook Mr. Trump’s moral issues because he is the only one who can beat Mr. Biden.

 

Thomas Edsall of The New Times had an article entitled “The Deification of Donald Trump Poses Some Interesting Questions”. I’ll let the article’s title speak for itself. You can look it up on the internet if you care to. I’ve already declared my personal opposition to Mr. Trump for President. I’ve said enough about that and it is not my central issue. I’m looking at the shallowness of our evaluations and our need to stand firm on a foundation of well-considered values.

 

Jesus, on trial and standing before Pontius Pilate said, “I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38) That is our challenge, to determine what is the truth. I leave it with you to seriously consider. It is a very serious question and one that can lead to some personal sacrifice and pain. It certainly did for our Lord.

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

istapf@comcast.net

cell: 240-285-4472

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Sony Walkman? -- Rev Irvin Stapf, Christ Lutheran, Germantown

 I am a grandfather and therefore about 40 years removed from raising our five children. But I still think a lot about that era and what my wife and I did with our kids. There were certain patterns in which both Audrey and I were raised, and certain values that we together felt were important. It was these values that guided our family life. I expect the same is pretty much true for other families of my generation. We could list several examples but I'd rather get to the central point at which I'm aiming.  The Walkman!

 

Of course, one has to be close to my generation to even remember what a Walkman is! They were a portable cassette tape player in the 1960s and '70s. Though they still exist but have graduated to playing CDs rather than tapes, and now even those are well outdated. In any event, it was a big thing with 1970s teens. They had headphones or earbuds and listened to their favorite music as loud as they wanted not bothering anyone else. But back to my parenting. 

 

I never allowed our kids to have a Walkman. I felt that it closed them in from the world and from others. I remember our vacations in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We would walk along the boardwalk, lots of people around, and many kids all in their own world. I know our children didn't like not having them. And it was not that their music was bad. It is just that when one is distracted in that manner they are not aware of, or more importantly looking for the beauty and interesting things around them in their present world. Or for that matter in conversations with those close by. 

 

Now move that image 30 or 40 years forward into our time and we can see how this has been multiplied many times over, and with adults included. I'm not opposed to technology. We are all immersed in it. It has its uses obviously, otherwise, I wouldn't be typing this on a laptop and sending it to you over the Internet. But I am opposed to those things that close us into ourselves apart from those around us, and make us unobservant of the beauty and interesting things in our world. ... Did you notice that little green sprout popping out of the ground in response to those few warmer winter days even when there was still some snow around?

 

Life has meaning. That life is around us all the time in the world God created. There is life in the clerk at the grocery store, and just maybe that clerk needs a bit of life that we might share with them. Life really doesn't come through a smartphone, but through one who learns that many things around us really are pretty neat, that that person really is important to me, and maybe I have a bit of life I can share with them.  Give it some thought. Life in this world God has given us really does have meaning.

 

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

 

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

istapf@comcast.net

cell: 240-285-4472

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Politics-Rev Irvin Stapf, AALC

Observations on the American Political Climate

 

I have never gotten involved in politics except for my own voting preferences. But this year is different, at least in my making some comments about what is happening nationally. Our country is in total confusion and grabbing at straws, primarily because we have lost our central anchor point in our Judeo-Christian foundation. America has been the so called world leader, but we are now in a position where we don't even know how to lead ourselves. I know these are statements of an "old man" whose values are grounded in another era. I thank God for that, even though that other era was no utopia either. At least it didn’t have me submersed in an electronic screen, and it allowed me to use my imagination, look out at the world asking questions, and develop real relationship with people who became a part of me.

 

What does Make America Great Again mean? I wrote above that we have lost our central anchor point in our Judeo-Christian foundation. That doesn’t mean that we are not to allow other faiths to worship as they wish, but we have taken the whole aspect of inclusion to change the very foundation of our souls.

 

I can’t continue what I’m seeking to share by using veiled references to a candidate. I am totally opposed to Mr. Trump for President. But that doesn't mean I'm recommending another candidate. That's my own personal voting preference. Rather, I look at what is happening around our country in those promoting their favorite candidate.

 

Many have pointed out that President Trump appointed the conservative Supreme Court Justices who were the balance in overturning the legalization of abortion. For many the opposition to abortion has become a central determining issue. I’m opposed to abortion also, but there is far more to it than that. Abortion, presented as a women’s right over her own body, is only the end point of many other moral choices we’ve allowed to become normal and assumed values in today’s world. Consider the devaluation of marriage and family; an economy that requires the employment of both spouses in order to have the lifestyle they want; thus pushing off child bearing to a later age when it is more difficult or not at all; removing sexual intercourse from the bond of a covenant marriage and making it an assumed part of a longer term dating relationship; along with the easy availability of contraceptives and abortifacient drugs. The affects of all of these and more are seen throughout western society.

 

Mr. Trump is hardly an exemplary leader in areas of sex, marriage, and family. And while that is not a political leaders primary function, if they have not sought to govern their own life in these fundamental areas I am not going to look to them as a good national leader. Making America great is meaningless without a solid and consistent moral base.

 

An LA Times article questioned whether humans can survive democracy. A better question is whether democracy can survive fallen humanity. ..... “A democracy can only be sustained if informed citizens operate within a moral framework. This, in turn, requires an understanding of the world as it actually is, especially what it means to be human. Elected representatives who can’t distinguish good from evil, or “man” from “woman” can hardly be expected to enact policies that allow men and women to seek the good.”

 

There is much more to say about our need for good leadership, but one must not look only at narrow issues that seem to satisfy surface policies and only give the appearance security, prosperity, and a good life. 

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

         & above all Romans 8:38-39)

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md. 

istapf@comcast.net

cell: 240-285-4472

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Sites I Like

Hey Team! It's ya boy Cam Swanson, right here on the Wittenberg Project! Check us out on YouTubeWittenberg Project YouTube, and feel free to email us here: projwittenberg@gmail.com. Just wanted to highlight some websites that I utilize. Check em' out! 

https://reformation500.csl.edu/

https://resources.lcms.org/

https://wels.net/

https://files.lcms.org/dashboard

https://online.nph.net/

https://www.lutheranrenewal.org/

https://www.projectwittenberg.org/

https://lutheracademy.com/lutheran-dogmatics/

https://weidnerinstitute.thinkific.com/

https://www.cph.org/

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Thoughts on Sin - Rev Irvin Stapf, Christ Lutheran AALC

 

Irvin F. Stapf, Jr.

Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, TAALC

Germantown, Md.  

Sin - now there is an interesting word to start a mid-week morning. But anyone who has read even parts of the Bible know the word and have some thoughts about what sin is. Sin calls attention to laws or values established by God. We don't relate it to civil laws. We don't say we have sinned when we go over a speed limit regulating traffic, or an error we've made in paying our taxes. No, to sin speaks of breaking a commandment we believe has been established by Almighty God. Even then we try to soften the word, just as we do with speed limits, by saying that what we did really isn't so bad, it was in the tolerance allowed by the speed camera's setting.

 

There is a lot more to sin than that. Sin is certainly a matter of violating the Ten Commandments, something we do that is against God's will. But sin is even more than that. Sin is part of our nature. In our Lutheran worship service the pastor begin by declaring, "If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  The pastor then invites the congregation to take a few minutes in silent prayer to confess the individual sins our  Lord brings to mind. These are our individual known sins that we've committed against God during the past week.

 

We continue our prayer of confession saying, "Most Merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you by thought, word, and deed,  by what we have done and what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves." This is the second part of what sin is all about. It is who we are. It is our fallen nature. In the presence of Almighty God we can't just sluff this off with some excuses about everybody being the same, and anyhow God is loving and forgiving. Yes, both are true, but they are not a "get out of jail free" card. 

 

The words that follow in our prayer of confession hit me very hard when I have to say them. I understand the reality of their truth. "We justly deserve your present and eternal punishment." Sin is what I do, and also part of my nature in rebellion against my Creator and Lord. I cannot escape this with any excuses or self-justifications. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" St. Paul wrote in Romans 3:23. It was St. John who declared "if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not is us."(I John1:8)  It is the truth that we have inherited our sinful nature from the rebellion of our first parents. (Genesis 3) This rebellion from God explains so much of what we see continually in the evils of the world around us. There is no other ultimate explanation and there is nothing mankind can do about it.

 

However, our Sunday's liturgical confession doesn't stop with our deserving eternal punishment. We appeal to the mercy of our God.  "For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will nd walk in your ways to the glory of your holy name. Amen."

 

It is then that we are able to hear from our pastor God's gracious words. "Almighty God in his mercy has given his Son to die for you and for his sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I declare unto you the entire forgiveness of all of your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

 

There is no sluffing off. No self justification. No excuses. No confessing one little sin and being done with it. We fall humbly before the mercy of Almighty God and come to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ where alone we are assured that our just condemnation before God has been paid. Our debt is satisfied. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."(Romans 8:1) What else can we say to that but "Thanks be to God."

 

Yes, we will sin again. Yes, our human nature is to rebel against our Creator. But because of the depth of God's love He has provided the way for us to come to Him in the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The sentence of eternal separation has ben satisfied. We are able to serve God and others in the love of God given to us in Jesus Christ. AMEN.  

 

 

 

(Words we can trust: Jeremiah 18:1-6; 29:11; 31:3,

                  & above all Romans 8:38-39)

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Back At It!

 Greetings in 2024!! 

     I'm excited to announce that I'll be back blogging, podcasting and producing content for the Wittenberg Project blog and podcast. Stay tuned!

Cam 

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HAVE NO FEAR Matthew 10:5a, 21-33 Sermon

 

Predictions, projections, and best guesses—everyone likes to state what they think the future will hold. Meteorologists forecast the daily weather, sports journalists predict the outcome of a championship series, pollsters project the probable winner of an election, news commentators declare the direction of the nation, and futurists explain what the world will be like a few decades hence. In addition, our daily conversations are sprinkled with future talk: “Who do you think will win?” “What are your retirement plans?” “What will your son do after graduation?” Often these amateur prophecies are not fulfilled exactly as stated: Partly sunny turns into a downpour, the underdog becomes an upset victor, a technological breakthrough changes the way we live, and an unexpected event alters our plans. With biblical prophets, the story reads quite differently. Inspired by God, each of their predictions would come true, in exact detail. The Gospel of Matthew provides amazing examples of the power and accuracy of God’s prophets who had foretold the coming of the Messiah. From his humble birth by a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14) in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2), to his crucifixion (see Psalm 22:14, 16–17) with criminals (see Isaiah 53:12) and resurrection from the dead (see Psalm 16:10), Jesus did what the prophets had predicted—he fulfilled every prophecy and fit every description of the Jewish Savior. As you read this Gospel, follow the dramatic story, predicted in detail centuries before, of Jesus, the Messiah, King of kings and Lord of lords … and your Savior too.

Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), x–xi.

Matthew 10:1-33

English Standard Version

10 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans

Christ told his disciples to go to the Jews first with the Gospel. 

This doesn’t mean that Christ was only giving the Gospel to the Jewish people. It just meant that moment in time in Jesus’ ministry, he wanted the Gospel preached to his cultural group first. 

Today, that causes me to think.  Here in this church, it’s easy to assume that everyone has a complete grasp on the gospel message. It’s easy to assume that our Lutheran, Christian group gets it. But do you realize that as Christians, we need the Gospel just as much as non-believers do? Do you think here in America that Christians understand the Gospel? I believe there is tremendous confusion even in our churches about who Jesus is, what he accomplished, and why it matters. I believe we have to have a clear understanding of the Gospel before we can go out and preach it. Because make no mistake, the pure Word of God will challenge and create a reaction in those who hear it. I do not believe you can be a Christian in today’s world and escape some kind of persecution for your faith. This is why Christ tells us to be both wise and innocent. We are in a world where Christianity is becoming more and more hated. But have no fear. Jesus has us covered. 

Persecution Will Come – 

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Sheep/Wolves

Serpents/doves

Get flogged, dragged before leaders

Don’t be nervous; the Spirit will speak through you.

Families will betray each other

All will hate you because of Christ

Endure to the end to be saved. 

Leave if you are persecuted. 

Israel still needs the Gospel.

A disciple is not above his teacher, but may be like his teacher. 

If they called Jesus the devil, what will they call you? 

Jesus likens the enemies of the Gospel to ravenous wolves. That is serious language that we should not be taken lightly.  Then he says that we should be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. I know that there is the serpent in the Garden, but in the Eastern parts of the world, serpents are revered for their wisdom and intelligence. I married a Chinese woman; serpents are respected in their culture. We have to be cunning and pure to make it in this world. We’re gonna get persecuted. Today, all around the world, Christians are being martyred, thrown in jail, they’re having their property confiscated, all these things. Families are turning on each other. In many cults and other religions, family members will in fact disown you or turn you in to authorities if you convert to Christianity. And that’s getting off easy. Jesus predicted the utter hatred the world will have for us. But the Spirit of God will give us boldness and wisdom to speak in front of people, wisdom that the world cannot contradict (Luke 10:10). But those that endure will be saved. Remember this Christian walk is a marathon. Maybe an ultramarathon. Jesus also said to expect opposition, but don’t foolishly throw our lives away. If we are persecuted in one location, it’s okay to leave. Jesus said that he would never be beneath us, but we could be like him. Now if we are like him, and they called Jesus the devil, of course people will say horrible things about us. But have no fear. Jesus is near. 

Now what did Jesus mean by saying that the disciples would not go through all the towns in Israel before the Son of Man came?  Because of the events of the book of Acts, it seems more likely that Jesus was referring to events after his resurrection. The meaning of his words would be that the task of the mission to the Jews would be so great and so difficult (for many would refuse to believe) that it would not be accomplished even by the time of his second coming.

Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 209–210.

It’s hard sometimes to see Christ being near us when we are being persecuted. Since the time of Jesus, his followers have endured some of the most horrible atrocities. 

Besides being put to death they [Christians under Nero’s persecution] were made to serve as objects of amusement; they were clad in the hides of beasts and torn to death by dogs; others were crucified; others set on fire to serve to illuminate the night. Tacitus, Roman historian

Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 208.

Hebrews tells us in chapter 11 Verses 35-38 Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two,[a] they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

This is referring to a lot of the saints of the Old Testament, but in Jesus’ time and after his time ,the church faced horrible persecution from the Romans.  And today, many Christians are still being martyred. But Jesus tells us to have no fear.

Have No Fear

26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Don’t fear the authorities. 

The covered will be revealed, the hidden will be known

Repeat what I say in the dark in the light

Proclaim what is whispered on the housetops.

Don’t fear those who have no say over your immortal soul. 

No sparrow falls without the Father.

Our hairs are numbered.

Acknowledge Me; I’ll Acknowledge You.

Deny me; I’ll deny you.  

Christ is describing the great love that the Father has for us. He says that everything that is done to us as his believers will be revealed and exposed to the light. Christ says, we cannot fear those who have no immortal hold on us. Why should we be afraid of them? Even the sparrows don’t fall from trees without the Father being there. And if our hairs our numbered, how can we doubt the incredible love which the Father, Son and Spirit all have for us? 

For one thing, Jesus never commands us to meet insults with more insults. 

STICKS AND STONES Jesus was accused of being Beelzebub, and he told his followers to expect the same treatment. Words are powerful weapons, and Jesus’ disciples can count on hearing a good number of bad ones slung at them. When you’re the victim of intimidation or slander, keep your cool. Jesus took those knocks too. Instead of getting testy, try laughing a little, and if that doesn’t quiet the name-calling, try a solid, forthright, clear-eyed comeback such as, “Would you please stop? That hurts, and it’s not true.” Trading insult for insult is never Jesus’ way.

Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 210.

WHEN BAD NEWS COMES During the Vietnam war, the worst sight in the world (State-side) was two dress uniforms walking up to a door. It meant a casualty at that house, and many tears were shed at those doorsteps. Bad news comes. People without an anchor—without God—are shaken to the foundations. Grief strikes us all with bitter arrows, but God’s people rest in hope, respond with courage, and live on by faith. God’s care for each of us is greater than the enemy’s hatred. Grieve when bad news comes, but don’t fear. Have No Fear. 

Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 212.

It has never ceased to amaze me that we Christians have developed a kind of selective vision which allows us to be deeply and sincerely involved in worship and church activities and yet almost totally pagan in the day-in, day-out guts of our business lives … and never realize it. Keith Miller

Bruce B. Barton, Matthew, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1996), 213.

Folks, we can trust in the goodness of Jesus Christ, even in the face of persecution. With Christianity being more and more marginalized, we can know that the hairs of our heads are still numbered, and the Lord has our back, always.

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