Appendices/The First Evangelicals and Other Churches

"My evangelical friend told me I was Arminian because I believe in free will," my Lutheran friend blurted out to me. "No, your not. You're Lutheran," I assured her.

Yes - The Lutheran Church seems almost unknown in American Christianity. Catholics, Episcopalians, Baptists, charismatics, and Calvinists are well represented in theological debates, opinion polls, and articles in Christian publications, but Lutherans - who have their own distinctive approach to everything from salvation to politics - are often theological wallflowers." (page 147)

We're like the Sue Heck in Christian circles (a reference to "The Middle". How many times has poor Sue introduced herself to those ditzy cheerleaders?!) It's like we're not even there.

To be fair, we do bring this on ourselves to a certain extent. We have our own schools (from preschool through Seminary), our own publishing house (NPH), and denominational services (Adult Discipleship, Campus Ministry, Christian Aid and Relief, Communications Services, Congregation and Ministry Support, Evangelism, Financial Services, Worship, Youth and Family Ministry, etc).  It has isolated us, in a good way, I would argue. It has kept us out of the mainstream and encouraged us to stay true to our theology.

Why bother anyway with being aware of what other denominations teach?

When I teach my children grammar, I will teach them the rules, show what that looks like and give them plenty of practise. I will expose them to well written books, carefully crafted sentences and resources that show proper usage. In short, I am laying a foundation. I want them to have a good understanding of grammar and spelling and usage by teaching them the basics through memorization, drill, and practise. I show them what this looks like in good literature so they are used to seeing it.  Only after they've mastered the foundation will I introduce examples to them that are not perfect in an effort for them to spot the wrong. It takes wisdom to know how much to do this because I don't want them to get used to seeing it wrong so often they start to think it's right. But when they are challenged to recognize a grammar mistake or mis-spelling, they are forced to recall what they know and analyze it with what is striking them as a mistake. They are applying their knowledge and growing in their understanding.

I find this as a similar analogy to understanding doctrine. We should learn the teachings of the Bible and learn them well. We should expose ourselves to daily Bible reading and classes, books, teachings, sermons and devotions that reinforce the truths we've learned. We want to get used to seeing truth so that when we inevitably come across something that includes error, our very core will react to it with, "Something's not right!" We will want to be careful to not knowingly expose ourselves to too much falsehood (even when mixed with truth) because we don't want to get used to seeing it wrong so often that we start to think it's right.  *But having the ability to spot error is an important spiritual exercise in applying our knowledge and growing in our understanding.

*Give this a try by listening to the podcast: This Week in Pop-American Christianity: A Review of Evangelical Easter Sermons  Do you hear the difference?

I never perceived this book to be an "other denomination" bashing, and I don't think it was intended as such. The focus was more on what makes Lutheranism unique not only among Christianity but all beliefs. It also wasn't meant to be a systematic examination of each doctrine. Very little Scripture was actually quoted in this book overall. I'm fine with that because that wasn't the scope of this book. He included an excellent resource section in the end for further study. Although I would add a Bible Information Class at a local WELS church to that resource list:)

What makes Lutherism so unique?
There's a reason why we have families at our church drive an hour and a half (some crossing the US border) to come. (Hint: it's not the potlucks or our program offerings) There's a reason why confessional Lutherans choose not to go to any church at all if they can't get to a confessional Lutheran church. There's a reason why referring to someone as "Lutheran" just doesn't cut it anymore. The reason is that we are confessional, conservative and orthodox.  

One could argue that, "can't we all just get along and agree to disagree on unimportant matters?".  Remember the two kingdoms - heaven will not be found on earth. And, there's no such thing as "unimportant matters" for Jesus says it's all important. He makes no distinction and neither should we. So while we're on this side of heaven, we rejoice in the faith in Jesus we share with our Christian neighbours of other denominations and we look forward to heaven where we will be perfectly united!

Built on the Rock the Church shall stand. Even when steeples are falling.

Crumbled have spires in every land; Bells still are chiming and calling.

Calling the young and old to rest, But above all the soul distressed,

Longing for rest everlasting. 

Surely in temples made with hands God, the Most High, is not dwelling;

High above earth his temple stands, All earthly temples excelling.

Yet he who dwells in heav'n above Chooses to live with us in love,

And evermore, our Redeemer.

We are God's house of living stones, Built for his own habitation. 

He through baptismal grace us owns Heirs of his wondrous salvation.

Were we but two his name to tell, Yet he would deign with us to dwell

Will all his grace and his favour.

Here stands the font before our eyes, Telling how God did receive us. 

Th'altar recalls Christ's sacrifice And what the sacrament gives us.

Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim Christ yesterday, today, the same,

And evermore, our Redeemer.

Grant then, O God, your will be done, That when the church bells are ringing,

Many in saving faith may come Where Christ his message is bringing:

"I know my own; my own know me. You, not the world, my face shall see.

My peace I leave with you always." 

"Built on the Rock" - Christian Worship 529

Conclusion/Worshiping God

It's been a number of years since I read the book The Fire and the Staff *  but it was my first real eye opener and in depth look at how doctrine and practice are interwoven together.  How we worship (practice)  influences what we believe (doctrine) and likewise what we believe will guide how we worship. Having just gone through the previous chapters in this book and reviewed what it is that Lutherans believe (in a nutshell), one will see this expressed in a Lutheran worship service. Lutheran spirituality is embodied, expressed tangibly, in Lutheran worship. Law and Gospel, the saving Word and Sacraments, the vocation of the pastor, and the Real Presence of Christ animate the liturgy at every point. Every week in worship, the Christian takes part in a divine drama, a mystery, in which Christ's gifts are received. (pg 138)

This topic actually opens up a whole can of worms that he didn't touch upon or this book would have been a lot longer! He stayed focused solely on how Lutherans do worship and why. I think the big difference between our worship and other Christian denomination worship is: How we define what the purpose of worship is? What do we hope to accomplish by it? What is the mission and ministry of the church? What is the role of the pastor? It's the answer to these questions (and others) that will guide what actually happens on a Sunday morning in any given Christian church.

Lutheran worship has an objective quality about it, the sense that grace is actually operating outside of one's own perceptions, that is very different from the more subjective styles favoured by other theologies. (pg109) I really appreciate this about our worship! I don't want to need my emotions to know if God is really present because I don't trust them. I want to know, objectively, that He is present and working regardless of anything else I may perceive or not. God wants that for us too so that we have that assurance and can rest in His promises. Lutheran worship is Christ-centred, not human-centred. (pg 109) 

Our worship has such a rich heritage and is so grounded in Scripture that regardless of what's new or popular out there in the culture, there's a stark contrast to the culture of worship that speaks sacred.  This time, this space is set apart as holy and special and God is working through His means of grace.
Lutheran worship bathes the congregation in the Word of God. The readings, the liturgical responses, the great set-pieces such as the Introit and the Kyrie, are not "vain repetitions" as our critics say. They are the very words of the Bible. Lutheran hymns are not emotional effusions. They are doctrinally and article rigorous explorations of a Biblical text. The creed and the prayers are grounded in Scripture. A Lutheran sermon is never a moralistic pep talk, nor a mediation on current events or pop psychology, but the proclamation of both Law and Gospel, drawn from the appointed text in Scripture. And Holy Communion is the fulfillment of the Lord's promises as recorded in the New Testament. The Word of God permeates Lutheran worship, and the Word of God is a means of grace. (pg 110) - my favourite quote from this chapter:) 

I think it fair to say that for most regular church going Lutherans, much of what is done on a Sunday morning might actually pass us by. I know it did for me for many years. Our practice of youth confirmation and adult instruction is quite thorough in it's study of doctrine but usually light on the explanation of the liturgy. It's a shame really because there's so much to appreciate and learn from if you know what to pay attention to and have some knowledge of the historical background. It would make for an excellent Bible study series, in my opinion. But for personal growth in this area, one can do some research and study. Having a home hymnal is really a must. You can Google any of the hymns/hymn writers and find out some back story or challenge yourself to find the Scripture that is used in the hymn itself. Your pastor might loan you his hymnal handbook too that includes some information you might find interesting. I already mentioned the Fire and the Staff. There's also the ABC's of Worship  and Church, Mission and Ministry  that are great resources. You can download the iCal Church Calendar to your Windows or Mac to raise awareness of the church year. You can download the church calendar readings (or Lectionary also found in the front of the hymnal) to know the texts coming up in worship. And, of course, Issues, etc has plenty of podcasts on the matter.

I would like to suggest a few specific podcasts to gain a better understanding of where the other side of Christianity may be coming from. I found it very enlightening and helped me better understand the meaning behind some of the conversations I've had with my Christian friends from other denominations. Understanding has also helped me to grow a better appreciation for what we Lutherans have, do and preach.
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: The Divine Service 
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: The Office of the Pastor *

Personally, aside from our liturgy and practice being rooted in the Word of God, I appreciate the sameness found throughout our churches. If I am traveling and visit a WELS church, we know we can expect to hear and participate in our familiar practices of worship.  We will hear a message preached that we agree with. Of course, each church is unique in it's own way, but there is a familiarity that makes one feel at home even when quite far away from home. Also, with my family being so spread out and far apart, I know they are hearing the same texts on any given Sunday morning as I am. We are connected even when far apart! And finally, Vieth touched upon this when he referenced John Kleinig's comments on the subject. When we worship in church, we are also worshiping along with the saints and the angels in heaven. (pg 141) Our worship is a reflection of what heaven will be like and we join in the worship of all the saints triumphant that have gone before us and with the angels themselves.

I have definitely grown in my appreciating of the liturgy over the years and have tried to bring it into my own home in some ways. Following the liturgy is teaching Biblical truths and why keep it just in church? Teaching Biblical truths should extend into our daily lives and homes and this is one avenue I learned from my own mother that can be very effective.

*While I suggest reading or listening to these sources only because I thought so much of them, please note that they are of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and while we have much in common with them, we are not in fellowship with them. One of the points we differ on is having to do with the "Divine Call" and "Mission and Ministry".  Just a point to be aware:) Talk with your pastor for more information!

And we pray,

Lord God, revealed to Moses in a burning bush, to Israel in a cloudy pillar, to Isaiah on a lofty throne: help us in our worship to stand before You as on holy ground, seek the company of Your grace, hear and obey the voice of Your Word. Remove from us all hindrances to proper confessions and forgiveness, to attentive hearing and obedience, to sincere praise and thanksgiving, that we may go forth with Your benediction; through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

What aspect do you most appreciate in the liturgy and why? 

The Receiving End of Love

We are a pastor's family. We both have our roles - his more clearly defined than mine. He's definitely more confident in fulfilling his vocation. I'm still trying to figure out mine most days ...

I have given my fair share of hugs to those who look like they need it. I've tried my best to clear out the cloud of my own self absorption in order to make room for the cares and concerns that our members are going through.  I try to ask questions, offer a listening ear and follow through on prayers I promise I'll make. I've made meals for new moms, those recovering from surgery or for people who are sick. I've worked alongside our women's group to make and serve food for funerals. I've been at the funeral homes and hugged the grieving family members as they struggle to come to terms with saying goodbye to their loved one. I've played my violin, however imperfect, as an accompaniment to a funeral service. I've done none of this perfectly and am fully aware that I've missed plenty of opportunities to show Christian love over the years. But this is what we do, we who are bought by the blood of the Lamb and are just so very grateful for His love and compassion that we try and show love and compassion to others as best we can.

Wayne, in his vocation as pastor, has served countless families and individuals over the years. He has been with his members through their highs of weddings and baptisms to the earthly lows of sickness and death. He has patiently sat with people in their homes or at their hospital bedside. He's held their hand, listened patiently as a good friend and administered the Sacrament to them when they couldn't get to church. He's brought the Word of God to them. He's comforted widows and widowers. He's sat with the dying, so that the final words they hear are the ones that offer real Comfort. He's worked with a number of different funeral homes, arranged the services and guided the families in picking out the sermon text and hymn songs. He was the one called to the hospital when the one who lay dying had no family or friends to come. He gives what's been given to him and  as a vessel that Christ uses to speak words of Truth and Love : that Christ gave of Himself as a ransom for all people. (1 Tim 2:6)

Up until recently, we have been on the giving end. We've given, not always knowing what it means to those receiving it. We've given,  because it's just the right thing to do. We've given, sometimes despite ourselves. We've given, because we've been given so much through Christ.

Recently, we've been the ones who have been on the receiving end of love. When news of my father-in-laws passing was made known, endless emails, Facebook messages and personal condolences were made. Wayne's email box was visible proof that people cared for him and were grieving his loss. Our members graciously gave him the time off he needed. Members were at my front door at 4:45am to take us to the airport. A meal was brought over in anticipation of the busyness of Holy Week around the corner. Prayers were said for our family in public worship.

When the individual families of our clan all flew in from afar to Calgary for the funeral, the love continued to pour in. All together, we make a group of 16.  We were lovingly fed and every meal we ate together was provided by someone who gave to us.  Our bodies were nourished by the very souls Jesus redeemed. Never before in my life did a meat tray and bag of buns make so much sense to me. How could home baked pies manage to be enjoyed so much? The warmth and comfort of lasagna was never appreciated more. The wild game BBQ was a treat. And the chilli brought with the announcement that it's secret ingredient was love was , we all agreed, a hit!

We arrived at the church - the same one where Wayne and I spoke our marriage vows and where two nieces and a nephew were baptized into faith - where now the earthly body of Jake would enter and leave one last time. As family and friends came and went for the visitation, another meal was served for the family in the basement. Food enough to feed an army awaited us and we enjoyed a respite from the heaviness upstairs.

Once the visitation concluded, the family and those that wanted to stay were led by the pastor in devotion. What Wayne has done for many families before was now being done for us. God is so good!! The same pastor who married us and baptized family members was now the one to bury the first of us. The same pastor who inspired my husband many years ago to go into the ministry was now ministering to us. The same pastor who went on holidays with my in-laws, spent countless Christmases and Easters together when extended family was absent was now the one to bury his friend. Through his personal grieving, his task was clear - to comfort the grieving family with the hope and assurance from Jesus Himself through the words of John in Revelation of the New Jerusalem, our eternal home in heaven. "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:1-4

Flower arrangements arrived for the funeral including one from our own congregation.  It meant so much to have their presence there in a sweet smelling way. The funeral arrangements were made with the pastor but with Wayne on the other end. The nearby funeral home had as it's long time employee a woman whom my brother-in-law had been best man in her wedding.  It was more than arrangements and business she made with the family as the connection was worthy of her own family attending the visitation. It all ran like clockwork despite the fact that we were winging it.

The funeral itself drew upwards 400 attendees. And the message spoken by the pastor had nothing to do with the life of Jake. As Jake would have wanted, it had everything to do with the life - and death - and resurrection of Christ! In a room full of people who had crossed paths with my father-in-law throughout his lifetime, the hope that we as a family have, that he had, was preached loud and clear to the crowd. "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:6-8. 

The pastor's wife and also sister-in-Christ to our family, played the hymns on the grand piano. The pastor offered up his own offering of a verse solo as a witness to the crowd and a gift for his departed friend. Their hearts were beautiful as they gave of themselves and Christ's love met us right there in the front row. As their own hearts were grieving for a friend lost, they gave of themselves so generously.

The reception that followed afterward was not catered by a fancy-schmancy service but by the church family that shared in our loss. Once more, the amount of food was ample for the huge crowd but that it was all made as an offering of time and resources made it all the more delicious. There were no eulogies made, although I've no doubt there were plenty of stories to be told. There was my husband at the microphone, the pastor through and through, that announced to those who had expressed a desire to help in any way, that they could honour that offer by coming to church with us the next day. That's what Jake would have wanted - to offer another opportunity for people to hear what Jesus has done for them. For him. Another opportunity for any and all to hear, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope though the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter 1:3-5.

We are all on the receiving end of love. Out of love, God sent His Son to save us through His perfect life, death and resurrection. Out of love, God brings us to faith and changes our hearts to believe in Him. Out of love, He gives us every good and perfect gift.  He opens our hands to receive His love. 

Living in Two Kingdoms/ The Sacred and the Secular

http://www.creationswap.com/media/17207

Before we start getting into this chapter of how we as Christians are citizens of both an earthly and heavenly kingdom, I'd like to first flesh out the meanings of sacred and secular. 

Today's meaning of the word secular is: "denoting attitudes, activities, or other things that have no religious or spiritual basis." When I think of something that is considered secular, it's something that attempts to remove any notion of God. Newspapers, government, schools, organizations are all examples of places where any religious bias is thought to be avoided. To be "secular" is to avoid confrontation of God in favour of finding a "common ground" so as to even the playing field for all people to enjoy or participate. One can even equate secular with Darwinism and downright hostility towards God - evil, even.

In reality, there is nothing that is "secular" according to current definition. Everybody believes something whether you want to call that religious or spiritual. And what they believe will affect how they think, what they see and how they interpret what they hear. In a culture that tries so hard to separate the sacred from the secular, it's easy for a Christian to try and do that in his own life. One could say though, that there is nothing secular, for God, whether hidden or shown is ruling over all and that all is sacred.


I read this chapter several times before I was forced to move beyond the definition of secular that our culture currently uses. Simply put, sacred could be defined in the chapter as anything having to do overtly with God (church, sacraments, etc) while secular has more to do with God hidden (vocation). Vieth uses a different definition of sacred/secular that is "old-school" and more from Luther's time. At one and the same time, the Christian lives in the world through vocation and lives in heaven through faith. (pg 118)

The problem of how to live a spiritual life in the midst of an unspiritual world is one of the most vexing dilemmas of the Christian life. (pg 118) No kidding! How do we be in the world and not of the world? It calls for wisdom and an understanding of these two kingdoms that we are part of at the same time.

As I considered the common way that religion and culture are so intertwined, I looked back on my own experience. It's easy to pigeon hole WELS Lutherans as old Germans who like their hard pews and jello with celery and mandarin oranges from a can. (Yuck, by the way).  I love to celebrate Reformation every year by recalling the history of the church and embracing the German heritage that Lutherans enjoy by feasting on some good Sauerbraten. But strictly speaking, Christianity is supposed to be a universal, a catholic faith for individual human beings from all cultures.(pg119-120)
Our current congregation is in a very multi-cultural neighbourhood that the people in our pews are starting to reflect more and more. Heaven will be full of all ethnicities and it's wonderful to come together on this side of heaven united in one faith.

My husband and I have wrestled over our own political activism - not within the church but as individuals and citizens of both kingdoms. We desire to march "The Hill" for the right for life but not as representatives of our congregation - When churches turn into political action committees, however, the danger is that they will loose their supernatural focus, concentrating instead on earthly programs and becoming just another worldly institution. (pg 121) 

In our home, we listen to a variety of music ranging from classical to rock to Christian. Actually, we listen to very little contemporary Christian music except for maybe our CD's from our favourite bands like Koine. The stuff you find on the radio tends to drive my husband nuts with all of it's doctrinal errors. It's just not worth it. We'd rather listen to bands that have lyrics we can agree with and relax and enjoy. On the rock side, I really enjoy when the "secular" artist shows their "sacred" beliefs with lyrics that include common Christian themes of right and wrong, forgiveness, grace and thanksgiving. What a beautiful testimony to the secular world!

When it comes to movies and TV, we've become much more limited. We hardly watch movies anymore because they are usually so profane to us that we can't even enjoy it. TV isn't much better. A few years ago, my husband wanted us to watch some episodes of "The Big Bang Theory" because we knew of members and others that enjoyed the show. The idea was that we would watch and see what was so appealing to those that enjoyed it. We really went in with an open mind! But it became clear very quickly that a show like this wasn't worth continuing to watch just to better know what others were being exposed to. It was crap and that's all we needed to know. No need to expose ourselves to it anymore! We continue to wrestle with living in this world but not under a rock - being aware of the culture around us but not being led by it. Oh, it's hard!

There was more in this chapter to talk about and I hope to hear what favourites others had. But I'd like to skip to the last heading of the chapter called "Everyday Spirituality".  We often expect a highly spiritual life to include mystical reveries, superhuman virtue, or the possession of a supernatural power that overcomes all obstacles. Actually, the spiritual life turns out to be somewhat ordinary - on the surface. It involves the universal experiences of forming relationships, marrying, rearing children, struggling with problems, and working. The doctrine of the two kingdoms teaches that God is hidden in ordinary, everyday life. And I could pretty much quote the whole rest of the chapter as it's all so wonderful to consider.  Making music, baking cinnamon rolls, producing a work of art, passionately kissing my husband or soothing my child after a fall is something spiritual. Enjoying the work of others is spiritual. Reading a well written novel or appreciating an artist's talent is more than inspirational! These little moments are big gifts from God.

Vocation/The Spirituality of Ordinary Life

I've so enjoyed having this excuse to go through this book again. Thank you for all the comments you've made either to me personally, through email or on the blog.

I ask for some added grace and maybe a boatload of prayers from those following along? I'm going to limit my own comments for this week and allow you to explore the topic of vocation a bit more on your own.

This has turned into a week of mourning and rejoicing as my father-in-law has been called to his eternal home with Jesus.

I'd like to suggest the following podcast to compliment your reading this week. The guest is one of my favourite bloggers and I totally dig her Tennessee accent. The Dignity of Christian Vocation by Edie Wadsworth on Issues, etc. 

The whole topic of vocation gets me all excited and I don't know why. I think maybe it's because it gives me such purpose in all the mundane things of life and makes it incredibly important. That God is working through me as I change diapers, clean toilets and make bread (not in that order). That He provides for others through me is very humbling. And that He provides my needs through the people around me makes me see everyone as "wearing the masks of God". We don't have to be doing something overtly "Christian" and "good" like serving at a soup kitchen, pregnancy counselling centre or church function to be doing something important (although there is certainly nothing wrong with those things), but that serving our neighbour in any capacity like being a mother, daughter, wife or friend is a spiritual act.

In this culture of independence, we are in fact, dependant. We need one another. We need Him. God has designed it that way.

This topic has made me think over the years about how to apply it as a parent. If we believe that God chooses our vocations (because He is in control and blesses us with the unique gifts we have), how do we guide our children in their future? Don't mistake this belief with some sort of fatalism as if we don't have the responsibility to make choices, plans, etc. It should always be balanced with God's Word and an understanding of our free will.

The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: Discerning God's Will - Issues,etc. 

As my children set out on their own life, my husband and I have the important responsibility to point out or guide them in a direction they may not clearly see. We may see the unique talents they have, the strength of character they possess and the passion in certain areas they show. We will want to offer suggestions on how best to use what we see in them. Ultimately, it is their life and it's up to them whether they desire our wisdom. We want them to use what they have and find a career that makes the most of those God given characteristics, not work against them. To have a job you can enjoy is such a gift!

And as this week for me is all about family - we have our vocations here, too. I thank the Lord for the man who's name I've married into. I thank the Lord for providing me with a husband who had such a great Dad who taught him about Jesus. I thank the Lord for the Grandpa my kids loved. In his many vocations - as husband, Dad, father-in-law, Grandpa, son, brother, friend, engineer and more, Jake wore the "mask of God" as he served and gave of himself to those around him.
All our work in the field, in the garden, in the city, in the home, in struggle, in government - to what does it all amount before God except child's play, by means of which God is pleased to give his gifts in the field, at home and everywhere? These are the masks of our Lord God, behind which he wants to be hidden and to do all things. (page 93/94) 

Jake Halldorson July 3, 1945 - March 23, 2015

The Theology of the Cross/ The Hiddenness of God

http://www.creationswap.com/media/20178

We read last week of how God is present and active in seemingly ordinary ways through the Means of Grace. This week we read about what is called "the theology of the cross". It has to do with Christ's work, His presence, and how we draw closer to Him. The theology of the cross also deals with the difficulties and hardships that Christians must live through in an utterly realistic and honest way. (page 70, 71) 

I've had the most difficulty so far with understanding this chapter. Not because the author doesn't do a good job but because there's so much to this topic that it's hard to flesh it all out in a short chapter. I've had to use other resources this week to fill in the gaps and get a better handle on it.

Issues, etc podcast: The Cross in Lutheran Theology
The Theology of the Cross - Reflections on His Cross and Ours by Daniel Deutschlander  (NPH)
My pastor husband:)

It helps me understand what is meant by The Theology of the Cross by looking at what the opposite of it is - The Theology of Glory. This is a message preached that offers fixes for our problems on earth, often heard in stadium size churches and those on TV.  This same message is found in best selling books promising a better life, a sure fire way to improve your situation and get what you want. "God wants to bless you if you are bold enough to declare it" leads one to believe that a heaven on earth can be attained and problems can go "poof" with God's favour on you. In other words, they are a self-help message that occasionally uses words like "Jesus" and "God" to make it sound biblical.

The best Christian families still experience conflicts, intractable problems, and embarrassing failures. The most devout Christian may go bankrupt or have a mental breakdown or contract a heartbreaking disease and not be healed. ... The ideal of the "victorious Christian life" proves impossible to attain, so we have to suppress our failures, keep trying harder (and buy more books), and present a more positive front to the world. ...Naturally, we want success, victories, and happiness.  We will be attracted to any religion that can promise us such things.... Instead, God gives us the cross. (page 72,73) 

With the theology of glory, "we begin to demand that God justify himself to us in our sufferings by giving us healing and success. We will demand a God who does what we want him to do, and we will reject the way of the cross by which he comes to us. We will become fearful of suffering and preoccupied with its avoidance at the expense of truth and faithfulness." (page 76,77)


It also helps me understand this theology to understand what it is not. It is not self-chosen or self-inflicted suffering. Jesus makes the cross for his followers a consequence, not a cause, of discipleship. Mark 8:34-38(Deutschlander) A Christian's cross will not be the same for everyone. Our suffering does not make us anymore saved or loved by God.

It does mean that the spiritual life has to do with suffering, defeat, and weakness - not simply with the experience of "glory," as we might like. (page 75) Rather, bearing our cross has to do precisely with the suffering that we do not choose for ourselves, the trial and difficulties that are imposed on us from the outside, that we have no control over whatsoever. (pg 80) 

Deutschlander's book is fantastic and I highly recommend reading it throughout your life so you should just buy it for your personal library:) One of the techniques he uses to help the reader understand and relate to this theology is to personify the role of "Self" in each of us and what self naturally seeks to do and desire.

To put it briefly, cross-bearing self denial is to take Christ and His Word seriously in both the law and the gospel. Self strenuously and with all its might always resisted every attempt to do that. Therefore, the work of such self denial is well called a cross.
As already noted, the cross may change its outward appearance from age to age, from individual to individual, from one time in life to another. The slivers may move and the splinters be differently configured, but its essence remains the same. It is the struggle to deny self and instead follow Jesus. It is the struggle to follow him willing, even joyfully, in defiance of the adulterous and sinful generation that still remains in one's own heart as well as in the world. It is a self denial that begins with a struggle in the will, continues with the struggle in the mind, in reason, and is plagued with obstacles from beginning to end in the emotions. (page 30 - Deutschlander) 

This is very practical for my life in a number of ways. First of all, it's comforting to know that the struggle is normal. It's good when there is an internal struggle with Self to know that Self hasn't taken over! Christ is there, giving me strength to deny Self and follow Him. Which leads me to the second comfort offered - Christ is there.  Even in the midst of suffering (whatever form that may look like in my life) Christ has not abandoned me. His strength is made perfect in my weakness! Thirdly, I have realistic expectations that while I'm walking on this earth, I will have crosses to bear.

Cross now, glory later. Which leads me to the fourth meaning it has for me - perspective. Christ has won the ultimate victory for me on His cross. I know that I will have His glory in eternity, for eternity. There will be no suffering, no death in heaven. There will be no internal struggle to protect my sinful Self over that which wants to give of mySelf.

To make it painfully personal, allow me to share an example of my own cross to bear. Keep in mind this is my cross and not imposed necessarily on anyone else.
My husband and I have chosen to bear the sole responsibility of providing an education for our children. We are convinced through Scripture that we would find it very difficult, if not impossible, to fulfill our God given roles as parents as defined by Scripture if we did not.  Having said this, it's not the homeschooling that is the cross but the struggle in it. The weight of this choice has fallen heavily to me as the main person to carry this out. Over the years, I have researched learning styles, philosophies, methods, curriculum choices, etc. I've been in the trenches with my kids teaching them everything from the sounds of the letters, to their multiplication tables, to the catechism.

Don't get me wrong before I move on with this - God has blessed this pursuit significantly and has bonded us as a family through this. He has given me joy and satisfaction in the hefty amount of time and energy I've invested in my kids. I thank Him for that! But there are more days and times than I'd like to admit to wanting to make a run for it. I'm not kidding.

The #1 response I get from others when they learn I homeschool is, "That's great! I could never do that!" usually followed by "I don't have the patience", "I'd eat them alive", "I need to get out the house to be a good Mom", etc.

Make no mistake. I echo every one of these reasons not to educate my kids at home. Every. Single. One. 

My Self screams impatience with my kids. Seriously, do we really have to go over the three spellings of their/they're/there again?!!!!!! My Self has, on plenty of occasions, understood why it is that some animals eat their offspring and I have let my kids know in no uncertain terms that they are pretty darn lucky not to belong to those species. My Self has panicked at the pressure of swimming upstream while it seems easy for the rest of the "school of fish" to be swept along by the current of traditional school. I have sat at the window in the front of our house with my face pressed up against it as the school bus drives by just daring me to start running after it, kids in tow. You think I don't need to get mySelf out of the house and away from my family so I can appreciate them more when I come home? Oh heck ya.

Honestly? I worry about my Self identity when this is all over and the kids move out. I worry about loosing my Self amid all these years of babyhood, childhood, teen years and marriage because by nature I'm all about protecting Self. In every single one of the examples above, I am having to deny Self. I'm not doing this for me. I'm not doing this for martyrdom. I'm not doing this for acclamation. Because if it was, I would have chased down that bus along time ago. It is my struggle to deny self and follow Jesus. And it's a struggle. Every. Single. Day. 

And just when I thought it couldn't get worse, we sent our first born away to school. In another country, ya'll. Self was relieved at first to finally, in good conscience, delegate the education of my teenager to someone else. Seriously, to finally have a break from wanting to bang my head against the wall in frustration while reminding said teenager for the millionth time what a noun is. Sounds good to me! But mySelf didn't transition to this "freedom" as well as I would have liked. Now Self wasn't in control. Now Self was sad, miserable and missing her teenager like crazy. Self got bitter that we have to live so stinking far away that we're forced to be so far away from our 14 year old just so he can get a Lutheran, Christian education along with a host of other benefits. Self doesn't like driving 20 hours just to see her child. Self would rather take tuition money and go to Mexico. Self is panicking about her identity again.

You see where I'm going with this? If it were up to Self, we'd have quite a different life - all of us.

There is good to be found in these struggles.

Jesus can be found in these struggles. 

Dear Lord Jesus,

Be my strength so that I am able to take up my crosses and follow you. Thank you for taking up your cross that looked so horrific and yet accomplished my salvation! It is in your name that we can confidently say,"Cross now, glory later! ". Amen

Questions for contemplation:

Do you feel that you have a good grasp on what the Theology of the Cross is and what that looks like in your life? 

Do you have specific crosses to bear that you could use help, encouragement or insight about at this time? 

The Means of Grace/ The Presence of God

How does God bring us to faith? How does He promise to strengthen our faith? How do we know where God is living and active? Where are we reassured of our salvation? How can I really know that He is pleased with me? Where is He present? What if I don't feel it? How does He speak to us today?

Through what means (or way) does He give us His grace (the undeserved love of God for sinners)?

Lutherans call this teaching "the means of grace".  Luther's Catechism defines this as "the Gospel in Word and Sacrament".  What does this mean? 

This is a very weighty chapter! It has to be - to be able to answer all those questions we ask ourselves. God is also very clear in the Bible how He works and gives us absolute assurance that He is working through the means He gives us. He knows us all too well - that anytime humans try to come up with their own system, we'll make a mess! He takes our mess and makes us clean.

Fact: God caused Himself to be born as a human being. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, kept the moral law perfectly. And then, when He was tortured to death on the cross, in perhaps the profoundest miracle imaginable, He took upon Himself every sin, every transgression ever committed, and suffered every punishment everyone in the human race deserves. Jesus died because "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). More than that, when He cried out in His death agony, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46), Jesus was experiencing the Holy God turning away from all the evil in the world - which Jesus was bearing in His body - the same withdrawal of God that constitutes hell. But then, having atoned for the sins of the world, Jesus rose again. (page 42)

Honestly, I should just keep typing but I'm afraid of carpal tunnel. Instead I'll use a graphic.

http://adam4d.com/great-exchange/

Lutheran theologians speak of "objective justification". Strictly speaking, justification took place outside of ourselves, in the actual historical events of Christ's death and resurrection. ... the objectivity of what happened on the cross has a profound spiritual implication for us now. Our own miserable little vices and perversities were there - right on the cross with Jesus. ... despite any subjective feelings we may have of guilt over what we have done, forgiveness is also objective. (pg 43)
So how do we attain a saving, life-changing faith?
... We are connected to Christ, and the Holy Spirit works both faith and good works in our lives by means of the Word and the Sacraments. (pg 44)

God's Word - I love to read! I have a ton of books in my personal library and we frequent our local library. We listen to books on tape, CD or digital format. I find it amazing that through something as ordinary as words (whether spoken, written or digitalized) we have the ability to sit at the feet of brilliant, creative writers that we can learn from. We have instant access to great thinkers of all time! We have  ideas and thoughts of people dead and gone immortalized in the written word. The written word in some form is familiar to all people of all time in some form or another, and is needful in communicating and relating. Is it any wonder of wonders that our Lord chose a Book to communicate to us?

The Christian's relationship to God, like all other relationships, thrives on two-way conversations - the Christian speaks to God by prayer, and God speaks to the Christian by His Word. (pg 46)

The main difference between God's Word and merely human works, is that God - the Holy Spirit - promises to be at work whenever His Word is spoken. (pg 47)

The words of the Bible do not merely convey information, they convey the Holy Spirit. "The Word of God is living and active." The words of Scripture actually connect us to what they are describing. As we read those words on the page, God is literally and objectively present and working, inscribing in our hearts the gift of faith. (pg 50)

What this means to me is that if I want to know what God has to say, I will go directly to His Word found only in the Bible. What this means to me is that if I want to grow in knowledge and understanding, it is through reading and spending time daily in His Word that grows my faith. What this means to me is that if I desire to witness my faith to others, I will use the power found in the Words of God himself that has the ability to change hearts. This is the place where He is present and living and active. Jesus Himself is "the Word made flesh".  "the Word of God, working through Law and Gospel, is the means by which the Holy Spirit bestows the gift of faith." (pg 53) Anytime the Gospel (Word of God) is preached in its' truth and purity,  He is speaking.

OK. This is getting long and I haven't even made it to the Sacraments. But stay with me because the gifts just keep coming ....

"Baptism ... now saves you" reads the words of one of our banners at church. One Sunday a visiting family attended our service and noticed that banner. When the pastor approached them in greeting, they pointed to the banner and declared, "we don't believe that".  I don't recall the exact words the pastor used in response to this but it was something like, "Well, that's what God says it does." (1 Peter 3:21)

According to this Scripture passage (Romans 6:3-5), Baptism unites a person to Christ, specifically, to His death and resurrection. In Baptism, we are immersed in His death. When we are baptized, we are buried with Him. When we are baptized, we are united with Him in His resurrection."
...To be baptized is to die - with Christ - and rise again. It is the link between now, this time and place, and Golgotha and the empty tomb. Someone who has been baptized can have the assurance that he or she has a share in Christ's death and resurrection. Someone who has been baptized has been born again. (pg 55)

According to the Bible, this is a gift God gives us. It's not an act we do for Him. There's no better example than the baptism of an infant. The infant has nothing to give, nothing to offer and yet is still born into sin, needing His grace . It is all a gift from God! He has the power to create faith in even the smallest of children. For those that come to faith at an older age, it still offers strengthening in that faith and assurance that your sins have been drowned through the waters of Baptism. You are God's child.

What this means to me is that I have assurance (even when I don't feel worthy), that God has made me worthy through Jesus life, death and resurrection. What this means to me is that I have the benefit of "remembering" by Baptism (even though I was an infant) every day and know my sins are immersed in His death, buried with Him and united in His resurrection (pg 55). What this means to me is that I can confidently bring my own babies to the font and know that the Holy Spirit is working faith in their souls that I as their parent will continue to nurture through the Word in our home. What this means to me is that I know where my identity and worthiness lies:  "I am a redeemed child of God".

The Lord's Supper - Christ's body and blood present in, with and under the bread and wine.
In the Sacrament of Holy Communion, all of Lutheran spirituality is crystallized: God acts, objectively, through matter, embodying the Gospel and promising the forgiveness of sin. And, more than that - or rather, making all of these efficacious - is the real presence of Jesus Christ. (pg 64)
Not only is Christ present at the altar, but He also gives Himself to us. As we eat the bread, we are receiving His blood that sealed the covenant, assuring the forgiveness of sin. We are literally united with Christ - Christ crucified, resurrected, and ascended - bridging the gap between here and Golgatha, now and eternity. (pg 65)

I loved how at the end of the chapter, he likened the Means of Grace to food. We can all understand that we would die without food to eat. We have to eat to fuel our physical life; otherwise, we grow weak and waste away. The only food that can sustain our bodies comes from the death of other living things. (pg 67) Likewise, in the Lord's Supper we are spiritually fed and kept alive by Christ's own body and blood!

What this means to me is that Christ is personally touching me with Himself. What this means to me is that I am assured of my forgiveness. What this means to me is knowing without doubt that eternal life and salvation our mine. What this means to me is that He is continually strengthening my faith as He gives of Himself everything I need. What this means to me is that I have a regular opportunity to prepare for this meal by examining my heart in light of God's Word and in repentance, enter into this meal with the blessed assurance of his forgiveness and love. What this means to me is that not only is my relationship with Him strengthened, but I stand in a bond of unity with my spiritual family sharing this same meal with me.  What this means to me is that I know He's pleased with me because when He looks at me He sees the perfection of Jesus.

I highly recommend listening to the following programs on Issues, etc 
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: "Do This in Remembrance of Me"
The Gospel for Former Evangelicals: "This is My Body"

*My Lenten Garden has become a tradition in my home.

 It's a Diorama of Grace.

 In it lies a clay, homemade grave with stone, a stick cross and a pool of water with a shell symbolizing our baptisms along with a few small plants and moss. A visual reminder of what He's done for us! 

My Baptism (with my godparents)

Lord, help me trust in your words and promises and base my faith upon your objective means of grace. Help me to follow Christ - cross now, glory later! Amen

How does it affect our faith and personal relationship with God having the objective facts and promises of the means of grace versus a faith based on my commitments, my feelings and my promises? 

It seems that God likes to hide His most powerful gifts in seemingly common and familiar places - word, water, bread and wine attached to His promises. Why do you think God operates in this way?