V. Law and the Gospel
"The Gospel comforts consciences against the terrors of the Law, points only to Christ's merit, and raises them up again by the lovely preaching of God's grace and favor, gained through Christ's merit."
Formula, Epitome V 7
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Evening Prayer 2-27-11
Reading:
John 9:1-23
"I went and washed and received my sight."
This poor man was born blind. He never in his life time had been able to see the beauty of God's created world around him. Instead he would be stuck in darkness of sight and have to beg for money to care for himself. Having a disability in these days, often it was assumed that the person or their parent must have sinned and this caused the calamity to be brought upon the person. This is why they asked Jesus,"Who sinned, this man or his parents" (John 9:2) But Jesus quickly sets it straight that this poor man's blindness was not due to sin, but rather that God's works could be revealed.
So our Savior spit on the ground made mud and placed it on the young man's eyes and told him to wash. When he did he could see. What a marvelous thing that he could now see and behold with his own eyes the beauty that God had created around him.
It is the same way for each of us. We are born spiritually blind. We are just like this man we stumble around this world trying to figure out our spiritual life on our own. When we realize that we are truly blind and don't know where to go, we become like him in that we are beggars trying to find mercy. It is at this point that our Savior, Jesus Christ, reaches down and calls you to Himself. It is here that He brings you to Holy Baptism where you take off your filthy clothes and He places on you His righteousness. He takes the scales from your eyes so that you can see clearly who you are and more importantly who Jesus Christ is. We do what our Lord commands to do by taking water with the Word and pronouncing I baptize you in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is here in they mystical waters that your sins are washed away because Jesus Christ applies His life to you in these waters. You know see yourself as a sinner who has been redeemed and you see Jesus as your only hope of Glory. Now you can see things from a spiritual perspective because the Holy Spirit has been given to you and lives in you by faith.
May you say with the blind at because of your Holy Baptism, "I went and washed and now I see!" Amen.
John 9:1-23
"I went and washed and received my sight."
This poor man was born blind. He never in his life time had been able to see the beauty of God's created world around him. Instead he would be stuck in darkness of sight and have to beg for money to care for himself. Having a disability in these days, often it was assumed that the person or their parent must have sinned and this caused the calamity to be brought upon the person. This is why they asked Jesus,"Who sinned, this man or his parents" (John 9:2) But Jesus quickly sets it straight that this poor man's blindness was not due to sin, but rather that God's works could be revealed.
So our Savior spit on the ground made mud and placed it on the young man's eyes and told him to wash. When he did he could see. What a marvelous thing that he could now see and behold with his own eyes the beauty that God had created around him.
It is the same way for each of us. We are born spiritually blind. We are just like this man we stumble around this world trying to figure out our spiritual life on our own. When we realize that we are truly blind and don't know where to go, we become like him in that we are beggars trying to find mercy. It is at this point that our Savior, Jesus Christ, reaches down and calls you to Himself. It is here that He brings you to Holy Baptism where you take off your filthy clothes and He places on you His righteousness. He takes the scales from your eyes so that you can see clearly who you are and more importantly who Jesus Christ is. We do what our Lord commands to do by taking water with the Word and pronouncing I baptize you in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is here in they mystical waters that your sins are washed away because Jesus Christ applies His life to you in these waters. You know see yourself as a sinner who has been redeemed and you see Jesus as your only hope of Glory. Now you can see things from a spiritual perspective because the Holy Spirit has been given to you and lives in you by faith.
May you say with the blind at because of your Holy Baptism, "I went and washed and now I see!" Amen.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
III. The Righteousness of Faith Before God
Against both the errors just mentioned, we unanimously believe, teach, and confess that Christ is our Righteousness neither according to His divine nature alone nor according to His human nature alone. But it is the entire Christ who is our Righteousness according to both natures. In His obedience alone, which as God and man He offered to the Father even to His death, He merited for us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life."
Formula, Epitome III 3.
Against both the errors just mentioned, we unanimously believe, teach, and confess that Christ is our Righteousness neither according to His divine nature alone nor according to His human nature alone. But it is the entire Christ who is our Righteousness according to both natures. In His obedience alone, which as God and man He offered to the Father even to His death, He merited for us the forgiveness of sins and eternal life."
Formula, Epitome III 3.
Evening Prayer 2-24-11
Reading:
John 8:1-20
"Neither do I condemn you,"
This woman was caught in the act of adultery the Scriptures tell us. We often liken the sexual sins to some of the worst sins that we can commit. This probably arises from mankinds keen ability to try to rank everything in terms of better or worse. We like to look around and think to ourselves, wow, I am not doing that, so I must not be all that bad. We think that some sins are worse than others and that if we stay away from the big ones, God will just let us squeak by. That is how the Pharisees treated their relationship to God, it was all about how well they were doing in keeping the Law. So they felt their righteous indignation at this woman caught in this horrific act and they would have her stoned to death.
Jesus approaches this differently since He is the author of the Law. He says to the group,"whoever does not have sin, let him cast the first stone." Can you imagine the look on the faces of those that are standing around Him. What does He mean, the Law says to do this. I am right in doing this. However, those words of Jesus cut to the root of the problem. We are all sinners.
As sinners we deserve death. That is what St. Paul records for us in Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death." We are all sinners as Romans 3:23 and have fallen short of God's glory for us. Sin means essentially that you missed the mark. Just like when you are shooting at a target, there is the bulls eye that is dead center, if you miss it be 1/100 of an inch you still did not hit it. So it is with the Law you can try all you want, but when you miss one part you missed it all. We all deserve death according to the Law. This is what Jesus was attempting to teach them.
However, because our God came in the flesh and lived a perfect life for us, something is different. Jesus now says, "I don't condemn you either" The Law drives us to despair. It sends up the S.O.S., Show Our Sins and that we need another S.O.S., the Gospel of Shows Our Savior. The Gospel tells us that we are freely forgiven by God on account of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice that He offered on the Cross. This is gift of eternal life is already bought and paid for by the Blood of Jesus Christ. That gift is yours. The Savior will not condemn you, He came to save you. He came to show you how much He loves you by going to the cross and dying in your place so that you no longer need to fear death and the grave. You have been given the gift of eternal life because the Author of Life says so.
Do not trust your works, only trust the works of Jesus Christ. He is the one that came to prepare your way home to His Father. To Him be the Glory forever and ever.
John 8:1-20
"Neither do I condemn you,"
This woman was caught in the act of adultery the Scriptures tell us. We often liken the sexual sins to some of the worst sins that we can commit. This probably arises from mankinds keen ability to try to rank everything in terms of better or worse. We like to look around and think to ourselves, wow, I am not doing that, so I must not be all that bad. We think that some sins are worse than others and that if we stay away from the big ones, God will just let us squeak by. That is how the Pharisees treated their relationship to God, it was all about how well they were doing in keeping the Law. So they felt their righteous indignation at this woman caught in this horrific act and they would have her stoned to death.
Jesus approaches this differently since He is the author of the Law. He says to the group,"whoever does not have sin, let him cast the first stone." Can you imagine the look on the faces of those that are standing around Him. What does He mean, the Law says to do this. I am right in doing this. However, those words of Jesus cut to the root of the problem. We are all sinners.
As sinners we deserve death. That is what St. Paul records for us in Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death." We are all sinners as Romans 3:23 and have fallen short of God's glory for us. Sin means essentially that you missed the mark. Just like when you are shooting at a target, there is the bulls eye that is dead center, if you miss it be 1/100 of an inch you still did not hit it. So it is with the Law you can try all you want, but when you miss one part you missed it all. We all deserve death according to the Law. This is what Jesus was attempting to teach them.
However, because our God came in the flesh and lived a perfect life for us, something is different. Jesus now says, "I don't condemn you either" The Law drives us to despair. It sends up the S.O.S., Show Our Sins and that we need another S.O.S., the Gospel of Shows Our Savior. The Gospel tells us that we are freely forgiven by God on account of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice that He offered on the Cross. This is gift of eternal life is already bought and paid for by the Blood of Jesus Christ. That gift is yours. The Savior will not condemn you, He came to save you. He came to show you how much He loves you by going to the cross and dying in your place so that you no longer need to fear death and the grave. You have been given the gift of eternal life because the Author of Life says so.
Do not trust your works, only trust the works of Jesus Christ. He is the one that came to prepare your way home to His Father. To Him be the Glory forever and ever.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"There are only two efficient causes for a person's conversion: (1) the Holy Spirit and (2) God's Word, as the instrument of the Holy Spirit, by which He works conversion. A person must hear this Word. However, it is not by that person's own powers, but only through the grace and working of the Holy Spirit that he trusts the Word and receives it."
--Formula Epitom II Free Will 19
--Formula Epitom II Free Will 19
St. Polycarp
Today is the feast of St. Polycarp
Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr
Born around AD 69, Polycarp was a central figure in the Early Church. A disciple of the evangelist John, he linked the first generation of believers to later Christians. After serving for many years as bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp was arrested, tried, and executed for his faith on February 23, in AD 155 or 156. An eyewitness narrative of his death, The Martyrdom of Polycarp continues to encourage believers in times of persecution.
-- Treasury of Daily Prayer , pg. 1233
There is a Lutheran Society called after his name, the Society of St. Polycarp. If you are interested in reading more regarding this society, here is the link to the Society of St. Polycarp.
Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor and Martyr
Born around AD 69, Polycarp was a central figure in the Early Church. A disciple of the evangelist John, he linked the first generation of believers to later Christians. After serving for many years as bishop of Smyrna, Polycarp was arrested, tried, and executed for his faith on February 23, in AD 155 or 156. An eyewitness narrative of his death, The Martyrdom of Polycarp continues to encourage believers in times of persecution.
-- Treasury of Daily Prayer , pg. 1233
There is a Lutheran Society called after his name, the Society of St. Polycarp. If you are interested in reading more regarding this society, here is the link to the Society of St. Polycarp.
Evening Prayer 2-23-11
Reading:
John 7:32-53
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."
Our Lord teaches in the Gospel of St. Matthew that "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." But can we in our natural state hunger and thirst after righteousness and how do we thirst and come to Jesus to receive a drink?
We can not by means of our reason come to Jesus Christ. We are set completely contrary to what God wants for us and our desire is to actually try to hide from God or deny that He exists. To thirst implies that one is craving or desiring something. But our sinful nature does not want to crave and search after God. We want to think that we are able to do it ourselves.
However, when we try to please God to earn our status before Him. We realize how woefully short we fall from the glory and perfection that He intends for us. Then we look at the cross and see what God has done for us in that while we were still sinner Christ died for us. He died for you! He did everything that we were supposed to do and could not do.
This causes us to cling to Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see Jesus on the cross as the way of salvation. When we are then Baptized, the Holy Spirit is given to us and we are then to overflow with joy in the salvation that was given to us as a gift. This is what He means will flow from us as living waters. It is the grace filled life of the Christian taking the Good News of Jesus Christ out to the world. This gives the medium for the Holy Spirit to work on lives, convict of sin, and then proclaim salvation and forgiveness of sins in the face of Jesus Christ.
We are satisfied and overflowing with the love of God when He calls us and unites us to His Son. This is the blessed hope that all have to be found in Christ. Let us drink deeply of the Lord so that He can fill us to overflowing with His love and mercy and then reach out to others with that love.
John 7:32-53
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink."
Our Lord teaches in the Gospel of St. Matthew that "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." But can we in our natural state hunger and thirst after righteousness and how do we thirst and come to Jesus to receive a drink?
We can not by means of our reason come to Jesus Christ. We are set completely contrary to what God wants for us and our desire is to actually try to hide from God or deny that He exists. To thirst implies that one is craving or desiring something. But our sinful nature does not want to crave and search after God. We want to think that we are able to do it ourselves.
However, when we try to please God to earn our status before Him. We realize how woefully short we fall from the glory and perfection that He intends for us. Then we look at the cross and see what God has done for us in that while we were still sinner Christ died for us. He died for you! He did everything that we were supposed to do and could not do.
This causes us to cling to Jesus Christ because the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see Jesus on the cross as the way of salvation. When we are then Baptized, the Holy Spirit is given to us and we are then to overflow with joy in the salvation that was given to us as a gift. This is what He means will flow from us as living waters. It is the grace filled life of the Christian taking the Good News of Jesus Christ out to the world. This gives the medium for the Holy Spirit to work on lives, convict of sin, and then proclaim salvation and forgiveness of sins in the face of Jesus Christ.
We are satisfied and overflowing with the love of God when He calls us and unites us to His Son. This is the blessed hope that all have to be found in Christ. Let us drink deeply of the Lord so that He can fill us to overflowing with His love and mercy and then reach out to others with that love.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"We reject the teaching that in a person the human nature and essence are not entirely corrupt, but a person still has something good in him, even in spiritual things (e.g. capacity, skill, aptitude, or ability tin spiritual things to begin, to work, or to help working for something good)."
Formula Epitome I 16
Formula Epitome I 16
Evening Prayer 2-21-11
Reading:
John 7:1-13
"My time has not yet come"
Today, Jesus is speaking with those of his family that are requesting Him to make the trip to attend to the Feast of Booths. Jesus lets them know that "His time has not yet come".
The Jews were already plotting to kill Him. He was leading people astray many thought. They felt that He was destroying their faith and He had to be stopped. Is it really much different today? Ask people what they think of Jesus, some will say that He was a great teacher, others will say He came to do nothing but judge people and condemn them, others will say that He was crazy. Many times we hear the same thing regarding us as Christians in this society. We are bigots, racist, hypocrites. We are always trying to impose our "rules" on others.
We must remember that people who are in the darkness want to stay there. They are there because they do not want to see who they really are and we can not expect them to act like Christians. However, we must continue to stand up for those that have no voice, the poor, the orphans, widows, and the unborn. We must not stop speaking about the truth of life in the womb. We are not putting in rules, we are trying to protect human life that is made in the image and likeness of God.
After all this is why Jesus Christ came into the world to redeem mankind. He came and was like us in every way yet without sin. He died voluntarily on the cross so that He could make us right with God. This is what occurred when He time was come and that is why He stated from the cross, it is finished. The perfect sacrifice was offered that covers the sin of the whole world. Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save the world but dying in its place.
Just look to Jesus Christ and trust that He did it all and you will be saved. It is all about Him and not about you. The world has hated Him from the beginning because He called out the sin. He still gives His life for the world and offers salvation to all.
John 7:1-13
"My time has not yet come"
Today, Jesus is speaking with those of his family that are requesting Him to make the trip to attend to the Feast of Booths. Jesus lets them know that "His time has not yet come".
The Jews were already plotting to kill Him. He was leading people astray many thought. They felt that He was destroying their faith and He had to be stopped. Is it really much different today? Ask people what they think of Jesus, some will say that He was a great teacher, others will say He came to do nothing but judge people and condemn them, others will say that He was crazy. Many times we hear the same thing regarding us as Christians in this society. We are bigots, racist, hypocrites. We are always trying to impose our "rules" on others.
We must remember that people who are in the darkness want to stay there. They are there because they do not want to see who they really are and we can not expect them to act like Christians. However, we must continue to stand up for those that have no voice, the poor, the orphans, widows, and the unborn. We must not stop speaking about the truth of life in the womb. We are not putting in rules, we are trying to protect human life that is made in the image and likeness of God.
After all this is why Jesus Christ came into the world to redeem mankind. He came and was like us in every way yet without sin. He died voluntarily on the cross so that He could make us right with God. This is what occurred when He time was come and that is why He stated from the cross, it is finished. The perfect sacrifice was offered that covers the sin of the whole world. Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save the world but dying in its place.
Just look to Jesus Christ and trust that He did it all and you will be saved. It is all about Him and not about you. The world has hated Him from the beginning because He called out the sin. He still gives His life for the world and offers salvation to all.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
Original Sin
"On the other hand, we believe, teach, and confess that original sin is not a minor corruption. It is so deep a corruption of human nature that nothing healthy or uncorrupt remains in man's body or soul, in his inware or outward powers."
Formula, Epitome I. Original Sin 3.8
"On the other hand, we believe, teach, and confess that original sin is not a minor corruption. It is so deep a corruption of human nature that nothing healthy or uncorrupt remains in man's body or soul, in his inware or outward powers."
Formula, Epitome I. Original Sin 3.8
Evening Prayer 2-20-11
Reading:
John 6:60-71
"Lord, to whom shall we go?"
These words are often echoed in the Liturgy of the Divine Service just directly preceding the Gospel reading. The congregation will repeat these words, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." What a great statement to be made prior to the reading of the Gospel. It truly speaks to the fact that as Christians we believe, teach and confess that Jesus Christ is the center of the Gospel and that the reading of His Gospel brings Him into our midst in special way.
Our Lord just finished teaching yesterday that He was the bread that came down from heaven and that we have to eat His body and drink His blood to have His life in us. Today we see many of the disciples are walking away from the Lord. You see these that walked away, knew full well what Jesus was teaching. He was not speaking symbolically. Or rather if He was speaking symbolically they did not understand it and then Jesus would have said to them, "wait come on back, I don't mean it literally". No rather He let them walk away from Him because He was speaking about His very Body and Blood that is given and shed for you and for me. It is when we partake of this Holy meal that our Lord dwells in us and we in Him.
We who have been called by God and washed in Baptism see Jesus for who He really is, the Holy One of God. He is the one that laid down His life on the cross so that He could administer His life to you. Jesus is the one that continues to feed us with His body and blood in Holy Communion so that we can grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, be filled His grace and heavenly benediction. These gifts are constantly given to us by Jesus because He loves us and wants to be with His people that He redeemed.
John 6:60-71
"Lord, to whom shall we go?"
These words are often echoed in the Liturgy of the Divine Service just directly preceding the Gospel reading. The congregation will repeat these words, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." What a great statement to be made prior to the reading of the Gospel. It truly speaks to the fact that as Christians we believe, teach and confess that Jesus Christ is the center of the Gospel and that the reading of His Gospel brings Him into our midst in special way.
Our Lord just finished teaching yesterday that He was the bread that came down from heaven and that we have to eat His body and drink His blood to have His life in us. Today we see many of the disciples are walking away from the Lord. You see these that walked away, knew full well what Jesus was teaching. He was not speaking symbolically. Or rather if He was speaking symbolically they did not understand it and then Jesus would have said to them, "wait come on back, I don't mean it literally". No rather He let them walk away from Him because He was speaking about His very Body and Blood that is given and shed for you and for me. It is when we partake of this Holy meal that our Lord dwells in us and we in Him.
We who have been called by God and washed in Baptism see Jesus for who He really is, the Holy One of God. He is the one that laid down His life on the cross so that He could administer His life to you. Jesus is the one that continues to feed us with His body and blood in Holy Communion so that we can grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, be filled His grace and heavenly benediction. These gifts are constantly given to us by Jesus because He loves us and wants to be with His people that He redeemed.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Treasury Prayer for Saturday
The Treasury of Daily Prayer which is published by Concordia Publishing House (www.cph.org), is a great resource to strengthen your devotional life with God's Word and a structured prayer life. One of the gifts is to read prayers that have been prayed by Christians throughout the ages.
This prayer is used for Saturday and a snippet of it is provided here that truly sets out our life in Christ.
"Redeem us by Your mercy. We know that a single sin eternally destroys our fellowship with You. We know that we have eternally earned Your wrath. We know that by our sin we are not worthy to be named Your children. But our hope is not in our works; our hope is found in Your grace alone, O God. We pray You to forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son. Through Him, grant us the power to hate our sins, so that we may lead a life well-pleasing to You in true humility and in knowledge of Your holy will. O Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
--Treasury of Daily Prayer pg. 1309
This prayer is used for Saturday and a snippet of it is provided here that truly sets out our life in Christ.
"Redeem us by Your mercy. We know that a single sin eternally destroys our fellowship with You. We know that we have eternally earned Your wrath. We know that by our sin we are not worthy to be named Your children. But our hope is not in our works; our hope is found in Your grace alone, O God. We pray You to forgive us for the sake of Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son. Through Him, grant us the power to hate our sins, so that we may lead a life well-pleasing to You in true humility and in knowledge of Your holy will. O Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
--Treasury of Daily Prayer pg. 1309
Evening Prayer 2-19-2011
Reading:
John 6:41-59
"I am the bread of life."
These words seem so simple don't they. Surely Jesus in these verses was not speaking about His flesh and blood because that would have been something that the Jews would have found offensive. For remember the Jews were not allowed to partake of the blood. They could not partake of the blood because they were taught in the Holy Scriptures this truth, "the life is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:14) In verse 11 of this same chapter of Leviticus God tells them that He has given the life on the altar to make an atonement for their sins. This is a powerful teaching.
So here Jesus is teaching the disciples that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood if they are to have His life in them. You see it is not about some great spiritual awakening and feeling that keeps you with Jesus, rather it is your continual feeding on Him in Holy Communion. In this great Sacrament our Lord breaks through among His people with His body and blood. He comes among His people to feed them so that you should want to take of His blood because it is in the blood that you receive His life. This Sacrament is not some spiritual thing, but a physical thing, where Jesus comes to us in, with and under the form of bread and wine to administer His very true and present body and blood to us. In doing so He gives us life, health and salvation.
Our Lord promises to never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) So He continues to be among us through His proclaimed words of Holy Scripture. Where His word goes out to convert the heart and allow the Holy Spirit to implant faith in our hearts. He then comes to us in Holy Baptism where we die and rise to a new life in Him. Then in Holy Absolution where the Pastor constantly reminds us that we are forgiven on account of Jesus Christ. And finally in the Holy Communion where He feeds us with His most Precious Body and Blood. Our Lord is not some distant God, but one that is constantly near to us to give us His life so that we can dwell in Him and He can dwell in us.
John 6:41-59
"I am the bread of life."
These words seem so simple don't they. Surely Jesus in these verses was not speaking about His flesh and blood because that would have been something that the Jews would have found offensive. For remember the Jews were not allowed to partake of the blood. They could not partake of the blood because they were taught in the Holy Scriptures this truth, "the life is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:14) In verse 11 of this same chapter of Leviticus God tells them that He has given the life on the altar to make an atonement for their sins. This is a powerful teaching.
So here Jesus is teaching the disciples that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood if they are to have His life in them. You see it is not about some great spiritual awakening and feeling that keeps you with Jesus, rather it is your continual feeding on Him in Holy Communion. In this great Sacrament our Lord breaks through among His people with His body and blood. He comes among His people to feed them so that you should want to take of His blood because it is in the blood that you receive His life. This Sacrament is not some spiritual thing, but a physical thing, where Jesus comes to us in, with and under the form of bread and wine to administer His very true and present body and blood to us. In doing so He gives us life, health and salvation.
Our Lord promises to never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) So He continues to be among us through His proclaimed words of Holy Scripture. Where His word goes out to convert the heart and allow the Holy Spirit to implant faith in our hearts. He then comes to us in Holy Baptism where we die and rise to a new life in Him. Then in Holy Absolution where the Pastor constantly reminds us that we are forgiven on account of Jesus Christ. And finally in the Holy Communion where He feeds us with His most Precious Body and Blood. Our Lord is not some distant God, but one that is constantly near to us to give us His life so that we can dwell in Him and He can dwell in us.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
Absolution, or the Power of the Keys, is an aid against sin and a consolation for a band conscience; it is ordained by Christ in the Gospel (Matthew 16:19). Therefore, Confession and Absolution should by no means be abolished in the Church.
-- Smalcald Articles Part III Article VIII Confession 1
-- Smalcald Articles Part III Article VIII Confession 1
Philipp Melancthon
Philipp Melancthon (1497 - 1560) was a brilliant student of the classics and a humanist scholar. In 1518, he was appointed to teach along with Martin Luther at he University of Wittenberg. At Luther's urging Melancthon began teaching theology and Scripture in addition to his courses in classical studies. In April 1530, Emperor Charles V called an official meeting between the representatives of Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism, hoping to effect a meeting of minds between two opposing groups. Since Luther was at that time under papal excommunication and an imperial ban, Melancthon was assigned the duty of begin the chief Lutheran representative at this meeting. He is especially remembered and honored as the author of the Augsburg Confession, which was officially presented by the German princes to the emperor on June 25, 1530, as the defining document of Lutheranism within Christendom. Melancthon died on April 19, 1560.
Treasury of Daily Prayer pg. 1214-1215
Treasury of Daily Prayer pg. 1214-1215
Evening Prayer 2-16-11
Philipp Melancthon (birth), Confessor
Reading:
John 5:30-47
"Moses on whom you have set your hope."
Jesus is continuing His discourse with the Jews who were seeking to kill Him after He healed the man on the Sabbath day. He goes on throughout the reading today, letting the Jewish people know that they are missing the point because they are only concerned with the externals in regards to spiritual issues. They know the Scriptures and the fullness of the Scriptures point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and yet they did not want to see it.
Jesus cuts to the chase when He tells them that there is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. Jesus was teaching them regarding the Law. The Law is there to be used to be a curb, to let us know what sin is, to be a mirror, so that we see sin for what it is in ourselves, and finally a rule, where it is a guide for life. But the bottom line is that the Law can not save, it only brings death to us. For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) This is what the Jews were hoping in that they could keep the Law and therefore earn the righteousness before God. But Jesus let's them know it is the Moses and the Law that accuse them and find them falling short of what God had intended them to be.
In order to be found righteous before God we have to be perfect. Guess what for us humans, it is impossible to do that. So God fixed it for us. He sent His only begotten Son into the world to live the perfect life for you and for me. Jesus was like us in every way, He was born, raised on the lap of His holy Mother, learned the Scriptures, was tempted and tried BUT NEVER SINNED. (Hebrews 4:15) He then offered Himself as the perfect Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world on the cross. Now He continues to come to us through the Gospel and through the Sacraments to give us His righteousness. We do not come to Jesus, He comes to us with open arms and gives us life, forgiveness and salvation as a gift. What a wonderful God we serve! He does not leave us as orphans, but washes in Holy Baptism to cleanse our sin and unite us to Himself, feeds us with the words of Holy Scripture so that we can be strengthened in our faith, comes to us under the veil of bread and wine to give us His very body and blood. All of this to be sure that we are united to Him and His righteousness.
Do not trust the Law for your salvation. That is not the purpose of the Law. But when you realize that you can not keep the Law and that you have no health in you. Look to Jesus Christ and realize that He already died for you while you were yet a sinner. Plead Lord have mercy and forgive me for Jesus sake. You will find such peace when you no longer trust yourself but God for your salvation.
Reading:
John 5:30-47
"Moses on whom you have set your hope."
Jesus is continuing His discourse with the Jews who were seeking to kill Him after He healed the man on the Sabbath day. He goes on throughout the reading today, letting the Jewish people know that they are missing the point because they are only concerned with the externals in regards to spiritual issues. They know the Scriptures and the fullness of the Scriptures point to Jesus Christ as the Messiah, and yet they did not want to see it.
Jesus cuts to the chase when He tells them that there is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. Jesus was teaching them regarding the Law. The Law is there to be used to be a curb, to let us know what sin is, to be a mirror, so that we see sin for what it is in ourselves, and finally a rule, where it is a guide for life. But the bottom line is that the Law can not save, it only brings death to us. For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) This is what the Jews were hoping in that they could keep the Law and therefore earn the righteousness before God. But Jesus let's them know it is the Moses and the Law that accuse them and find them falling short of what God had intended them to be.
In order to be found righteous before God we have to be perfect. Guess what for us humans, it is impossible to do that. So God fixed it for us. He sent His only begotten Son into the world to live the perfect life for you and for me. Jesus was like us in every way, He was born, raised on the lap of His holy Mother, learned the Scriptures, was tempted and tried BUT NEVER SINNED. (Hebrews 4:15) He then offered Himself as the perfect Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world on the cross. Now He continues to come to us through the Gospel and through the Sacraments to give us His righteousness. We do not come to Jesus, He comes to us with open arms and gives us life, forgiveness and salvation as a gift. What a wonderful God we serve! He does not leave us as orphans, but washes in Holy Baptism to cleanse our sin and unite us to Himself, feeds us with the words of Holy Scripture so that we can be strengthened in our faith, comes to us under the veil of bread and wine to give us His very body and blood. All of this to be sure that we are united to Him and His righteousness.
Do not trust the Law for your salvation. That is not the purpose of the Law. But when you realize that you can not keep the Law and that you have no health in you. Look to Jesus Christ and realize that He already died for you while you were yet a sinner. Plead Lord have mercy and forgive me for Jesus sake. You will find such peace when you no longer trust yourself but God for your salvation.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"Baptism is nothing other than God's Word in the water, commanded by His institution."
"Of the Sacrament of the Altar, we hold that the bread and wine in the Supper are Christ's true body and blood."
"The Keys (Office of the Ministry) are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding and loosing sin."
--Smalcald Articles Part III, Articles V (Baptism), VI (The Sacrament of the Altar), VII (The Keys)
"Of the Sacrament of the Altar, we hold that the bread and wine in the Supper are Christ's true body and blood."
"The Keys (Office of the Ministry) are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding and loosing sin."
--Smalcald Articles Part III, Articles V (Baptism), VI (The Sacrament of the Altar), VII (The Keys)
Evening Prayer 2-15-11
Reading:
John 5:19-29
"We all worship the same God"
In today's pluralistic society we are very concerned about offending people. We are neighbors with people that are potentially from different religious backgrounds, how can we say that we as Christians have the corner on truth and what does that mean. We hear so often in our society that Jewish people, Muslims and Christians all worship the same God, but is that really true?
It is true that the Christian faith was given birth from within the Jewish race. Our great God and Savior when He became man took flesh of the Virgin Mary. This is the same God that spoke to Abraham when He promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations. (Romans 4:16-18) It is true that all three religions are monotheistic. But there is a major dividing line between the three religions, and that is the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is God in the flesh. The Scriptures teach us today that He has the authority to judge and to give life, just as His Father who sent Him. For the Muslim this is blasphemy to think that man and God are one, for the Jew it is folly to believe that Messiah would die the disgusting death on the cross. Either way they deny the One that comes to give life by His death and resurrection. Jesus is quite clear that is we do not honor the Son we do not honor the Father. (John 5:23) Jesus is also clear that He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by Him. (John 14:6)
Our God left the throne of Glory to become man. He came to find us where we were, dead in our trespasses and sins. He took our pain, our sorrow and our sin upon Himself. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary for the sin of the whole world. Do you see this, you do not work yourself to God, He came to you and calls you by the Gospel to Himself. Our God knows that our works would never make us good enough, so He paid the price for us. He now gives Himself to us through the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. To deny Jesus is to deny God.
Do not be deceived into political correctness. In a true and false test, there is a true and a false. Same with Christianity, it is either true or it is not. If it is not true, then mankind is truly lost. But thanks be to God that He sent His Son to die for me and for you so that we do not need to fear death, but can lay hold of the promises of God that He will call us again at the end to raise us up in the resurrection.
John 5:19-29
"We all worship the same God"
In today's pluralistic society we are very concerned about offending people. We are neighbors with people that are potentially from different religious backgrounds, how can we say that we as Christians have the corner on truth and what does that mean. We hear so often in our society that Jewish people, Muslims and Christians all worship the same God, but is that really true?
It is true that the Christian faith was given birth from within the Jewish race. Our great God and Savior when He became man took flesh of the Virgin Mary. This is the same God that spoke to Abraham when He promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations. (Romans 4:16-18) It is true that all three religions are monotheistic. But there is a major dividing line between the three religions, and that is the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is God in the flesh. The Scriptures teach us today that He has the authority to judge and to give life, just as His Father who sent Him. For the Muslim this is blasphemy to think that man and God are one, for the Jew it is folly to believe that Messiah would die the disgusting death on the cross. Either way they deny the One that comes to give life by His death and resurrection. Jesus is quite clear that is we do not honor the Son we do not honor the Father. (John 5:23) Jesus is also clear that He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but by Him. (John 14:6)
Our God left the throne of Glory to become man. He came to find us where we were, dead in our trespasses and sins. He took our pain, our sorrow and our sin upon Himself. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary for the sin of the whole world. Do you see this, you do not work yourself to God, He came to you and calls you by the Gospel to Himself. Our God knows that our works would never make us good enough, so He paid the price for us. He now gives Himself to us through the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. To deny Jesus is to deny God.
Do not be deceived into political correctness. In a true and false test, there is a true and a false. Same with Christianity, it is either true or it is not. If it is not true, then mankind is truly lost. But thanks be to God that He sent His Son to die for me and for you so that we do not need to fear death, but can lay hold of the promises of God that He will call us again at the end to raise us up in the resurrection.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"All people" He says. No one is an exception who is a human being. This repentance teaches us to discern sin; We are completely lost; there is nothing good in us from head to foot; and we must become absolutely new and different people."
--Smalcald Article Part III Article III Repentance 35
--Smalcald Article Part III Article III Repentance 35
Evening Prayer 2-14-11
Reading:
John 5:1-18
"Do you want to be healed?"
People are always looking for a miracle. You can see it society today, if a person thinks they see an image of our Lord or the saints in some object thousands upon thousands of people will flock there to hope to see it. People make pilgrimmages every year to holy sites around the world for the hope of being healed or the hope of being close to God. Sometimes they go a lifetime looking for the miracle without getting what THEY were looking for.
Jeremy Camp who is a very good Christian singer and ordained Pastor has an incredible testimony. He married a young lady early on after they found out that she had cancer. She was in remission and they were married and while on the honeymoon she began with pains in her stomach. When they returned from the honeymoon they found out that it had spread and was throughout her body. She ended up dying a few months after they wed. Tragic story. He speaks openly about how he could not understand that God did not heal her. They did all of annointings, prayers and things. Why did she have to die? He healed others why not her? These are all normal questions to ask in times like this. The answer is what he came to find out.
God is still God. Despite what we want, despite what we are looking for, God is in control. Though his wife passed from this life, she passed into the arms of the savior, Jesus Christ. He wrote a song called, "I still believe" and it states:
"I still believe in Your faithfulness, I still believe in Your Truth. I still believe in Your Holy Word. Even when I don't see, I still believe."
This is faith that we cling to God despite all else that may be going on around us. We may not get the healing that the man received in today's story, but despite the fact that our physical body will breakdown because of our sin, we have hope in the resurrection because of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ overcame death and the grave. Because He lives we too shall live and we will experience joy beyond our wildest notion when we see Him face to face.
John 5:1-18
"Do you want to be healed?"
People are always looking for a miracle. You can see it society today, if a person thinks they see an image of our Lord or the saints in some object thousands upon thousands of people will flock there to hope to see it. People make pilgrimmages every year to holy sites around the world for the hope of being healed or the hope of being close to God. Sometimes they go a lifetime looking for the miracle without getting what THEY were looking for.
Jeremy Camp who is a very good Christian singer and ordained Pastor has an incredible testimony. He married a young lady early on after they found out that she had cancer. She was in remission and they were married and while on the honeymoon she began with pains in her stomach. When they returned from the honeymoon they found out that it had spread and was throughout her body. She ended up dying a few months after they wed. Tragic story. He speaks openly about how he could not understand that God did not heal her. They did all of annointings, prayers and things. Why did she have to die? He healed others why not her? These are all normal questions to ask in times like this. The answer is what he came to find out.
God is still God. Despite what we want, despite what we are looking for, God is in control. Though his wife passed from this life, she passed into the arms of the savior, Jesus Christ. He wrote a song called, "I still believe" and it states:
"I still believe in Your faithfulness, I still believe in Your Truth. I still believe in Your Holy Word. Even when I don't see, I still believe."
This is faith that we cling to God despite all else that may be going on around us. We may not get the healing that the man received in today's story, but despite the fact that our physical body will breakdown because of our sin, we have hope in the resurrection because of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ overcame death and the grave. Because He lives we too shall live and we will experience joy beyond our wildest notion when we see Him face to face.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"As for satisfaction, this is by far the most complex part of all. For no one can know how much to render for a single sin, let alone how much for all."
--Smalcald Articles Part III, Article III (Repentance) 21
Luther was teaching here that the only satisfaction for our sins is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We do not pay for our sins, He paid for them all when He died for us. If we are trusting in our works to make us right before God, we will always be in misery and without certainty that we are saved by the works of Jesus alone.
--Smalcald Articles Part III, Article III (Repentance) 21
Luther was teaching here that the only satisfaction for our sins is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We do not pay for our sins, He paid for them all when He died for us. If we are trusting in our works to make us right before God, we will always be in misery and without certainty that we are saved by the works of Jesus alone.
Evening Prayer 2-13-11
Reading:
John 4:46-54
"Go, your son will live."
In today's reading Jesus is confronted with an official whose son was ready to die. This is such a tragic time and having two children of my own, I still not sure that I can imagine the flood of emotions that this man was feeling. So he reaches out to Jesus to heal the child before he dies. You can picture this man begging Jesus to please come to my house before my child dies and heal him. All Jesus does is respond with the words, "Go; your son will live." (John 4:50) The man believes and then finds out that his son was healed at the very hour that Jesus spoke these words.
You see Jesus does not have to be physically there to bring about the healing. He is the Word of God, the second person of the Holy Blessed and Glorious Trinity that has come into the flesh. When He speaks it acts and does what He says. So when He stated that the official's son would live, it was as good as Him standing next to the child. The Word does what it says. We just have to receive it.
The same is true today for us. We are dead in our trespasses and sins. We are so disordered because of the fall of Adam and Eve that we can not begin to make the first move towards to God. So we bring our children into the Church, good as dead because of the sin that separates them from their heavenly Father. It is in the Church that our God comes to the child through the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. Jesus Christ comes to them in them in the water of Holy Baptism and forgives them of their sins and gives them new life. They die, but rise again to newness of life in Christ in this mighty Sacrament. You no longer need to fear death because you have been baptized and are made an heir of everlasting salvation on account of your life in Christ. Jesus' perfect life is applied to you in that Sacrament by grace through faith. You take God at His Word, just as the official did in today's reading.
It is here in the Church that we hear that our child will live. Not because of some good that they may do, but because God has declared this child righteous because of the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus says to you and I today,"Go; your son will live."
John 4:46-54
"Go, your son will live."
In today's reading Jesus is confronted with an official whose son was ready to die. This is such a tragic time and having two children of my own, I still not sure that I can imagine the flood of emotions that this man was feeling. So he reaches out to Jesus to heal the child before he dies. You can picture this man begging Jesus to please come to my house before my child dies and heal him. All Jesus does is respond with the words, "Go; your son will live." (John 4:50) The man believes and then finds out that his son was healed at the very hour that Jesus spoke these words.
You see Jesus does not have to be physically there to bring about the healing. He is the Word of God, the second person of the Holy Blessed and Glorious Trinity that has come into the flesh. When He speaks it acts and does what He says. So when He stated that the official's son would live, it was as good as Him standing next to the child. The Word does what it says. We just have to receive it.
The same is true today for us. We are dead in our trespasses and sins. We are so disordered because of the fall of Adam and Eve that we can not begin to make the first move towards to God. So we bring our children into the Church, good as dead because of the sin that separates them from their heavenly Father. It is in the Church that our God comes to the child through the proclamation of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. Jesus Christ comes to them in them in the water of Holy Baptism and forgives them of their sins and gives them new life. They die, but rise again to newness of life in Christ in this mighty Sacrament. You no longer need to fear death because you have been baptized and are made an heir of everlasting salvation on account of your life in Christ. Jesus' perfect life is applied to you in that Sacrament by grace through faith. You take God at His Word, just as the official did in today's reading.
It is here in the Church that we hear that our child will live. Not because of some good that they may do, but because God has declared this child righteous because of the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus says to you and I today,"Go; your son will live."
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
The False Repentance of the Papists
"There was here no mention of Christ and faith. People hoped to overcome and blot out sins before God by their own works."
-- Smalcald Articles Part III Article III 14
"There was here no mention of Christ and faith. People hoped to overcome and blot out sins before God by their own works."
-- Smalcald Articles Part III Article III 14
Evening Prayer 2-12-11
Reading:
John 4:27-45
"Why are you talking to her?"
The disciples see our Lord speaking with a woman from Samaria. Now the Samaritans were part Jew and they were considered outcasts of the Jewish faith. They believed in the Pentateuch (First 5 books of the Bible). So they knew that at some time the Messiah the Savior of the world would come. So the disciples marveled at Jesus speaking with her but did not ask why are you talking to her?
But in today's society, how many times do we in the Church approach the faith in this manner. We see those that we deem undesirable and if someone from the Church was speaking with them we may wonder why. We see those in the Church that are coming for the first time and if they do not come back immediately, we wonder what is wrong with them. Why can't they see Jesus for everything that "we" see Him for and why don't they want to worship Him.
Well, we have to remember we are not to become like the Pharisees who stayed distant from people. But rather we are to reach into the lives of others and bring the love God as found in Jesus Christ to them. This means meeting people where they are. It means confronting their sin as we preach boldly the Law of God and then applying the healing balm of the Gospel that they are saved because the Savior of the world has come. This is what Jesus did with the woman at the well. He told her all that she had ever done and He did not say to her you are lost and have no hope. He tells her that the hour is coming when all will worship God in spirit and in truth. When we speak like this to people that there is hope in Jesus Christ, that there is nothing you can ever do that God can not forgive you for in His Son, there is the gift of grace presented to the person. It is there that they can hear God is not some judge to be feared because He sent His Son to be everything that we could not be and He now gives us eternal life.
Reach the people where they are. They may not jump at the Gospel right away, but you planted the seed. Now it is the role of the Holy Spirit to give the increase. When that occurs the person will respond with the Samaritans "and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."
John 4:27-45
"Why are you talking to her?"
The disciples see our Lord speaking with a woman from Samaria. Now the Samaritans were part Jew and they were considered outcasts of the Jewish faith. They believed in the Pentateuch (First 5 books of the Bible). So they knew that at some time the Messiah the Savior of the world would come. So the disciples marveled at Jesus speaking with her but did not ask why are you talking to her?
But in today's society, how many times do we in the Church approach the faith in this manner. We see those that we deem undesirable and if someone from the Church was speaking with them we may wonder why. We see those in the Church that are coming for the first time and if they do not come back immediately, we wonder what is wrong with them. Why can't they see Jesus for everything that "we" see Him for and why don't they want to worship Him.
Well, we have to remember we are not to become like the Pharisees who stayed distant from people. But rather we are to reach into the lives of others and bring the love God as found in Jesus Christ to them. This means meeting people where they are. It means confronting their sin as we preach boldly the Law of God and then applying the healing balm of the Gospel that they are saved because the Savior of the world has come. This is what Jesus did with the woman at the well. He told her all that she had ever done and He did not say to her you are lost and have no hope. He tells her that the hour is coming when all will worship God in spirit and in truth. When we speak like this to people that there is hope in Jesus Christ, that there is nothing you can ever do that God can not forgive you for in His Son, there is the gift of grace presented to the person. It is there that they can hear God is not some judge to be feared because He sent His Son to be everything that we could not be and He now gives us eternal life.
Reach the people where they are. They may not jump at the Gospel right away, but you planted the seed. Now it is the role of the Holy Spirit to give the increase. When that occurs the person will respond with the Samaritans "and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"This hereditary sin (original sin) is such a deep corruption of nature that no reason can understand it. Rather, it must be believed from revelation of Scripture."
--Smalcald Articles Part III Article I:3
--Smalcald Articles Part III Article I:3
Evening Prayer 2-10-11
Silas, Fellow Worker of Sts. Peter and Paul
Reading:
John 3:22-4:6
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
St. John the Baptist, who as the Scriptures recorded there was none greater born among men. (Luke 7:28) He baptized thousands in the Jordan river for a sign of repentance. He proclaimed God's Kingdom was at hand and when he saw Jesus approaching him, he proclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God, behold that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) This is the man that had crowds coming to him to have the Word of God proclaimed and yet he does not take the honor onto himself.
No rather, he realizes that he must decrease. This means that John knew for well that the salvation of the world was not about him. John declares that there is one coming whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. (Mark 1:7) John realizes that he is not the one that is going to take the sin of the world upon himself and die on the cross. He realizes that his job is to proclaim that the kingdom of God is at hand and to make straight the way of the Lord. He was to help prepare the way for Jesus' message of salvation in the Gospel. But this meant that he had to decrease and Jesus would increase.
This is how it is for us as well. We must decrease so that Christ can increase in us. As we die to self and we drown our works of self righteousness in the waters of the Baptism, Christ can increase in us. We must first die though so that the new man in Christ, who is born again from above can live in and through us. For the one that comes from heaven, (Jesus) is above all. This is the One that now comes to you can gives you faith so that you can trust Him as your only way of salvation. Don't try to find a cure for your 'self', that is the problem. The self must die and then Christ lives and shines through you as you begin to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Our needs come second and others needs come first. So that you minister to them in the name of Christ.
Reading:
John 3:22-4:6
"He must increase, but I must decrease."
St. John the Baptist, who as the Scriptures recorded there was none greater born among men. (Luke 7:28) He baptized thousands in the Jordan river for a sign of repentance. He proclaimed God's Kingdom was at hand and when he saw Jesus approaching him, he proclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God, behold that takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) This is the man that had crowds coming to him to have the Word of God proclaimed and yet he does not take the honor onto himself.
No rather, he realizes that he must decrease. This means that John knew for well that the salvation of the world was not about him. John declares that there is one coming whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. (Mark 1:7) John realizes that he is not the one that is going to take the sin of the world upon himself and die on the cross. He realizes that his job is to proclaim that the kingdom of God is at hand and to make straight the way of the Lord. He was to help prepare the way for Jesus' message of salvation in the Gospel. But this meant that he had to decrease and Jesus would increase.
This is how it is for us as well. We must decrease so that Christ can increase in us. As we die to self and we drown our works of self righteousness in the waters of the Baptism, Christ can increase in us. We must first die though so that the new man in Christ, who is born again from above can live in and through us. For the one that comes from heaven, (Jesus) is above all. This is the One that now comes to you can gives you faith so that you can trust Him as your only way of salvation. Don't try to find a cure for your 'self', that is the problem. The self must die and then Christ lives and shines through you as you begin to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Our needs come second and others needs come first. So that you minister to them in the name of Christ.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
The Papacy:
"The pope, however, bans this faith. He says that to be saved a person must obey him. This we are unwilling to do, even thought we must die in God's name because of this."
-- Smalcald Articles Part II Article IV 12
"The pope, however, bans this faith. He says that to be saved a person must obey him. This we are unwilling to do, even thought we must die in God's name because of this."
-- Smalcald Articles Part II Article IV 12
Evening Prayer 2-9-11
Reading:
John 3:1-21
"You must be born again"
Nicodemus was one of the rulers of Jews, a Pharisee. He comes to our Lord in the night. This shows that already early on in our Lord's ministry that the Pharisee's would not be happy to see one of their own seeking counsel from Jesus. But Nicodemus by a gift of the Holy Spirit knew that Jesus was from God and was trying to understand His teachings.
Jesus explains to Nicodemus that you must be born again. This little statement "born again" separates a many within the Church of Christ today. Is it that you have to believe something or say a certain prayer in order to be "born again"? Martin Luther teaches in the Small Catechism, that we can not believe in Jesus Christ on our own, but the Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel. We cannot believe so God gives us faith and trust as a gift so that we can see Jesus for all that He has done and we can trust in Him alone and not in any work of ours. What does it mean to be born again and how does one become born again? Let's approach this from the what the Scriptures themselves state that Jesus said regarding this. So,
1. You must be born again or you cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
2, Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
So to be born again means to be born again of water and the Spirit and then you can enter the kingdom of God.
You are born again in the waters of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. In this mighty Sacrament it is not just water, but water with the Word of God that effects the change in the person. In Baptism, God creates a new heart in you so that you are born again. You have been given by grace that which by nature you can not receive, the gift of everlasting life. It is not that the Sacrament does this, but it is the Word of God (Jesus Christ) that comes to you in this Sacrament. In Baptism you are buried with Christ so that you can rise to newness of life. (Romans 6:1-8) Christ has forgiven your sins and you are now an adopted child of God and made an heir of kingdom. It is not something that you earned by believing or saying the right prayer. It is the gift that is given to you based solely on grace and faith in the perfect life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Your old man, made after Adam, must die so that new man in Christ can rise. This is what happens in Baptism and it is not just once and done, but daily we come back to our Baptism as we wrestle with sins in our life. We must remember that we have a promise from God Himself that He has given us new life and forgiveness of sins through this Sacrament and remember that you are Baptized child of God and He will never leave on account of His Son Jesus Christ.
John 3:1-21
"You must be born again"
Nicodemus was one of the rulers of Jews, a Pharisee. He comes to our Lord in the night. This shows that already early on in our Lord's ministry that the Pharisee's would not be happy to see one of their own seeking counsel from Jesus. But Nicodemus by a gift of the Holy Spirit knew that Jesus was from God and was trying to understand His teachings.
Jesus explains to Nicodemus that you must be born again. This little statement "born again" separates a many within the Church of Christ today. Is it that you have to believe something or say a certain prayer in order to be "born again"? Martin Luther teaches in the Small Catechism, that we can not believe in Jesus Christ on our own, but the Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel. We cannot believe so God gives us faith and trust as a gift so that we can see Jesus for all that He has done and we can trust in Him alone and not in any work of ours. What does it mean to be born again and how does one become born again? Let's approach this from the what the Scriptures themselves state that Jesus said regarding this. So,
1. You must be born again or you cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
2, Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
So to be born again means to be born again of water and the Spirit and then you can enter the kingdom of God.
You are born again in the waters of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. In this mighty Sacrament it is not just water, but water with the Word of God that effects the change in the person. In Baptism, God creates a new heart in you so that you are born again. You have been given by grace that which by nature you can not receive, the gift of everlasting life. It is not that the Sacrament does this, but it is the Word of God (Jesus Christ) that comes to you in this Sacrament. In Baptism you are buried with Christ so that you can rise to newness of life. (Romans 6:1-8) Christ has forgiven your sins and you are now an adopted child of God and made an heir of kingdom. It is not something that you earned by believing or saying the right prayer. It is the gift that is given to you based solely on grace and faith in the perfect life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Your old man, made after Adam, must die so that new man in Christ can rise. This is what happens in Baptism and it is not just once and done, but daily we come back to our Baptism as we wrestle with sins in our life. We must remember that we have a promise from God Himself that He has given us new life and forgiveness of sins through this Sacrament and remember that you are Baptized child of God and He will never leave on account of His Son Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"The Church can never be better governed and preserved than if we all live under one head, Christ. All the bishops should be equal in office (although they may be unequal in gifts). They should be diligently joined in unity of doctrine, faith, sacraments, prayer, works of love, and such."
-- Smalcald Articles Part II, Article IV:9
-- Smalcald Articles Part II, Article IV:9
Evening Prayer 2-7-11
Reading:
John 2:13-25
"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
This must have sounded completely crazy to the people that were in the Temple that day. First you have Jesus driving out the people selling the animals and the overturning tables. Since the people needed these things, why was Jesus so mad? Isn't this what you are supposed to do?
They created issues for the people because they were making a profit off of God. God demanded the sacrifices to be offered to be a covering for the sins of the people. These people were trying to make a profit off of what God demanded. God's gifts are free. They are not meant to be paid for as if we could ever pay a price that was high enough for God's gifts. It is like the Mastercard commercial, PRICELESS. God's grace and gifts are priceless and come to us for free.
Jesus taught the disciples about what was going to happen to Him. He realized that He was going to have to suffer and die so that mankind could have eternal life. He knew that the animals in the temple that day as they were being sacrificed pointed to the day when He would take the sins of the world upon Himself and then die on the cross to take away the sin of the whole world. In Him was prophet, priest and King. He had to offer Himself on the cross and He had to die. But in dying He willingly laid down His life, in rising again He took it back victoriously. Because by His death and resurrection He defeated sin, death, and the devil once and for all.
This is your hope of everlasting the perfect Son of God came and died for you. He now calls you to receive the gift that He has for you. No strings attached, just leave your works, your ability at the door and cling to Him and His all perfect work.
John 2:13-25
"Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
This must have sounded completely crazy to the people that were in the Temple that day. First you have Jesus driving out the people selling the animals and the overturning tables. Since the people needed these things, why was Jesus so mad? Isn't this what you are supposed to do?
They created issues for the people because they were making a profit off of God. God demanded the sacrifices to be offered to be a covering for the sins of the people. These people were trying to make a profit off of what God demanded. God's gifts are free. They are not meant to be paid for as if we could ever pay a price that was high enough for God's gifts. It is like the Mastercard commercial, PRICELESS. God's grace and gifts are priceless and come to us for free.
Jesus taught the disciples about what was going to happen to Him. He realized that He was going to have to suffer and die so that mankind could have eternal life. He knew that the animals in the temple that day as they were being sacrificed pointed to the day when He would take the sins of the world upon Himself and then die on the cross to take away the sin of the whole world. In Him was prophet, priest and King. He had to offer Himself on the cross and He had to die. But in dying He willingly laid down His life, in rising again He took it back victoriously. Because by His death and resurrection He defeated sin, death, and the devil once and for all.
This is your hope of everlasting the perfect Son of God came and died for you. He now calls you to receive the gift that He has for you. No strings attached, just leave your works, your ability at the door and cling to Him and His all perfect work.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"The invocation of saints...It is neither commanded nor counseled, not has it any warrant in Scripture. Even if it were a precious thing - which it is not - we have everything a thousand times better in Christ."
-- Smalcald Articles Part II Article III 25
-- Smalcald Articles Part II Article III 25
Evening Prayer 2-7-11
Reading:
John 2:1-12
The Wedding at Cana
The first miracle of Jesus is found in the context of a wedding. During this great celebration it was noted that the wine was almost out. So Mary, Jesus' mother, asks Jesus to do something. Jesus answers her that it is not His time yet, however, He does perform the miracle. This would be because He has to comply with the commandment of Honor your father and mother.
The servants fill the jugs to the brim and then Jesus tells them to take it to the master of the feast. He fines that it is the best wine that he ever had. He can not believe that after they had drank for so long that the groom would bring out the best. However, the groom did not know about this miracle.
Jesus changing water into wine at a wedding is a sign of the multitude of blessings that Jesus is ready to shower upon a man and a woman who enter into holy matrimony. In this event, a man and a woman are made one flesh, just as Christ and His Church are one. It is meant to show that mystical union between Christ and His Church. The changing of water into wine can allude to the two great Sacraments of Baptism, which makes us one in Christ and the Eucharist which allows to share in the body of Christ. Christ in marriage performs a miracle of turning two flesh into one. In doing so God will continue to bless the marriage that will foster and use the Sacraments to allow for reconciliation with each other and ultimately reconciliation with God as we are given forgiveness in these Sacraments.
May we all pray for a continued movement to uphold the traditional marriage of one man and one woman and may we also pray for families to be a haven of blessing as they draw on God in the Sacraments and the Gospel so that husband and wife may live together until their lives end.
John 2:1-12
The Wedding at Cana
The first miracle of Jesus is found in the context of a wedding. During this great celebration it was noted that the wine was almost out. So Mary, Jesus' mother, asks Jesus to do something. Jesus answers her that it is not His time yet, however, He does perform the miracle. This would be because He has to comply with the commandment of Honor your father and mother.
The servants fill the jugs to the brim and then Jesus tells them to take it to the master of the feast. He fines that it is the best wine that he ever had. He can not believe that after they had drank for so long that the groom would bring out the best. However, the groom did not know about this miracle.
Jesus changing water into wine at a wedding is a sign of the multitude of blessings that Jesus is ready to shower upon a man and a woman who enter into holy matrimony. In this event, a man and a woman are made one flesh, just as Christ and His Church are one. It is meant to show that mystical union between Christ and His Church. The changing of water into wine can allude to the two great Sacraments of Baptism, which makes us one in Christ and the Eucharist which allows to share in the body of Christ. Christ in marriage performs a miracle of turning two flesh into one. In doing so God will continue to bless the marriage that will foster and use the Sacraments to allow for reconciliation with each other and ultimately reconciliation with God as we are given forgiveness in these Sacraments.
May we all pray for a continued movement to uphold the traditional marriage of one man and one woman and may we also pray for families to be a haven of blessing as they draw on God in the Sacraments and the Gospel so that husband and wife may live together until their lives end.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"It is not right (even if otherwise done properly) to use the Sacrament that belongs to the community of the Church for one's own private devotion. It is wrong to toy with the Sacrament without God's Word and apart from the community of the Church."
-- Smalcald Articles II: 9
-- Smalcald Articles II: 9
Evening Prayer 2-5-11
Reading:
John 1:19-34
John the Baptist.
John the Baptist was the forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was the one that the prophet Isaiah foretold "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3). John's role was to be a prophet to call people to repentance. He wanted people to realize that they had strayed from God and that the Kingdom of God was coming near to them and they had better change their ways. He preached to them the need to repent (turn away) from their old life, receive forgiveness and move forward in newness of life. He did this by baptizing. This was not Sacramental Baptism because the Holy Spirit was not yet given. It symbolized the washing away of sins as they repented of their former life.
John knew that he was not the Messiah. He knew his role in the plan of salvation. He was to prepare the way for the one that would come after him. This is incredible since the Scriptures say that there was none born among men as great as John the Baptist (Luke 7:28) Despite the fact that he was the greatest among men, he knew that Jesus was greater.
So when John saw Him approaching he cries out "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!". Such an incredible saying. The Jews standing with John knew well what he meant. They had seen the Temple sacrifices offered day in and day out trying to remove the sins of the people. Here was John calling Jesus the Lamb of God. He is the perfect Lamb, the one without spot or blemish. He is the one that the sins of the whole world are laid upon. He is the one that goes silently to the Cross where His precious blood was spilled to cover all of the worlds sin. His sacrifice removed the sin forever. Jesus is God in the flesh, He died for you so that you can have life everlasting. A life filled with peace, joy, and hope because He died for you and continues to give Himself to you in the Blessed Sacrament. In doing so His life is in you and you are in Him.
Look to the Lamb of God upon the cross. Realize that it is there that your sins are removed and forgiven. You receive your life, health and salvation through Jesus Christ who loved you and died for you.
John 1:19-34
John the Baptist.
John the Baptist was the forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was the one that the prophet Isaiah foretold "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord" (Isaiah 40:3). John's role was to be a prophet to call people to repentance. He wanted people to realize that they had strayed from God and that the Kingdom of God was coming near to them and they had better change their ways. He preached to them the need to repent (turn away) from their old life, receive forgiveness and move forward in newness of life. He did this by baptizing. This was not Sacramental Baptism because the Holy Spirit was not yet given. It symbolized the washing away of sins as they repented of their former life.
John knew that he was not the Messiah. He knew his role in the plan of salvation. He was to prepare the way for the one that would come after him. This is incredible since the Scriptures say that there was none born among men as great as John the Baptist (Luke 7:28) Despite the fact that he was the greatest among men, he knew that Jesus was greater.
So when John saw Him approaching he cries out "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!". Such an incredible saying. The Jews standing with John knew well what he meant. They had seen the Temple sacrifices offered day in and day out trying to remove the sins of the people. Here was John calling Jesus the Lamb of God. He is the perfect Lamb, the one without spot or blemish. He is the one that the sins of the whole world are laid upon. He is the one that goes silently to the Cross where His precious blood was spilled to cover all of the worlds sin. His sacrifice removed the sin forever. Jesus is God in the flesh, He died for you so that you can have life everlasting. A life filled with peace, joy, and hope because He died for you and continues to give Himself to you in the Blessed Sacrament. In doing so His life is in you and you are in Him.
Look to the Lamb of God upon the cross. Realize that it is there that your sins are removed and forgiven. You receive your life, health and salvation through Jesus Christ who loved you and died for you.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
I have now begun reading the Smalcald Articles.
The Smalcald Articles were written by Martin Luther. The Lutherans were being summoned to the Roman Church Council in Mantua, Italy which was to begin on Mary 23, 1537. John Frederick commissioned Martin Luther to prepare a statement of faith so that the Lutherans could all be united in their doctrine and this was to be presented in Smalcald, Germany on February 7, 1537.
The Smalcald Articles speak of the difference between the Roman Catholic faith and the Lutheran belief. This is seen through a series of rejection of errors and affirming truth statements.
The Mantua council was never held. It was finally reconvened in Trent, Italy in 1545. The Church debated items at the council of Trent until 1563. This Council of Trent produced The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent which is an authoritative work of the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Cheminitz wrote the Lutheran response The Examination of the Council of Trent.
The Smalcald Articles were written by Martin Luther. The Lutherans were being summoned to the Roman Church Council in Mantua, Italy which was to begin on Mary 23, 1537. John Frederick commissioned Martin Luther to prepare a statement of faith so that the Lutherans could all be united in their doctrine and this was to be presented in Smalcald, Germany on February 7, 1537.
The Smalcald Articles speak of the difference between the Roman Catholic faith and the Lutheran belief. This is seen through a series of rejection of errors and affirming truth statements.
The Mantua council was never held. It was finally reconvened in Trent, Italy in 1545. The Church debated items at the council of Trent until 1563. This Council of Trent produced The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent which is an authoritative work of the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. Martin Cheminitz wrote the Lutheran response The Examination of the Council of Trent.
Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord
Thirty-two days after Jesus' circumcision and seventy weeks after the announcement of John's birth to Zechariah by the angel Gabriel, the Lord comes to his temple to fulfill the Torah (Luke 2:22-38) The days are indeed fulfilled with the presentation. Jesus' parents keep the Torah and fulfill it by bringing Jesus to His true home. Also, Jesus' parents offer the alternative sacrifice of two turtledoves or two pigeons. Leviticus 12:8 allows this instead of a lamb, since not everyone could afford a lamb (showing the poverty and humility of Joseph and Mary). Yet no lamb was necessary because already here at forty days old, Jesus is the Lamb brought to His temple for sacrifice. Simeon's Nunc Dimittis is a beautiful example of the immediate response to this inauguration of God's consolation and redemption in the Christ Child. Speaking to Mary, Simeon also prophesies the destiny of this child.
- - Treasury of Daily Prayer, pg. 1176-1177
- - Treasury of Daily Prayer, pg. 1176-1177
Evening Prayer 2-2-11
The Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord
Reading:
Titus 1:1-2:6
Our readings switch tonight since we finished 2 Timothy to that of Titus. St. Paul opening chapter deals with qualifications of elders. It is difficult being in the leadership of the Church. Whether we like it or not people are watching the leaders step. Always under the microscope by people outside the Church waiting for you to mess up. St. Paul states that we are to not only have ourselves under control, but our family (wives and children) also must give a good witness to the faith. So many times leaders will try to put the mask on and make their lives look perfect because we don't want anyone to see what is going on.
People outside of the Church are always going to look for any reason to stay outside the Church. So most will discuss the issue of hypocrisy and they will point to one leader or another who missed the mark as to why they will not come back to the Church. I am always amazed by this. The Church is the place where sinners go to receive forgiveness. If we could do this on our own, we would not need the Church. Even inside the Church our leaders are often "forced" into some mask of perfection. This should not be the case within the body of Christ. We are all fallen and in need of the Savior. We all have our problems, our sins, our stresses and strains, and leaders have the needs of the congregation placed upon them as well. This all means that our leaders are prime for attacks from Satan.
Remember Satan does not want man to have successful Church leaders. He wants scandal to rip the Church apart. The Pastor job is not to be perfect, it is to be the representative of Christ in the Church to bring the Words of grace and forgiveness and to bring the people the Sacraments to strengthen them. His job is to point not to himself and his "righteousness", but rather to point us to Jesus Christ, who is our righteousness. His job is to bring us the Word of comfort from God that we are forgiven on account of the work of Christ and to administer the grace filled Sacraments. Our leaders need our prayers and support. Don't look to them to be perfect, you will not find it unless you are looking to Jesus. Our Pastor's are fallen like us and the need the Savior like us. They are great men, but they have their flaws, don't let your faith be rocked by them not being perfect. It is God's Word and promises in Jesus Christ that are the sure foundation and where our hope and peace truly lie.
Reading:
Titus 1:1-2:6
Our readings switch tonight since we finished 2 Timothy to that of Titus. St. Paul opening chapter deals with qualifications of elders. It is difficult being in the leadership of the Church. Whether we like it or not people are watching the leaders step. Always under the microscope by people outside the Church waiting for you to mess up. St. Paul states that we are to not only have ourselves under control, but our family (wives and children) also must give a good witness to the faith. So many times leaders will try to put the mask on and make their lives look perfect because we don't want anyone to see what is going on.
People outside of the Church are always going to look for any reason to stay outside the Church. So most will discuss the issue of hypocrisy and they will point to one leader or another who missed the mark as to why they will not come back to the Church. I am always amazed by this. The Church is the place where sinners go to receive forgiveness. If we could do this on our own, we would not need the Church. Even inside the Church our leaders are often "forced" into some mask of perfection. This should not be the case within the body of Christ. We are all fallen and in need of the Savior. We all have our problems, our sins, our stresses and strains, and leaders have the needs of the congregation placed upon them as well. This all means that our leaders are prime for attacks from Satan.
Remember Satan does not want man to have successful Church leaders. He wants scandal to rip the Church apart. The Pastor job is not to be perfect, it is to be the representative of Christ in the Church to bring the Words of grace and forgiveness and to bring the people the Sacraments to strengthen them. His job is to point not to himself and his "righteousness", but rather to point us to Jesus Christ, who is our righteousness. His job is to bring us the Word of comfort from God that we are forgiven on account of the work of Christ and to administer the grace filled Sacraments. Our leaders need our prayers and support. Don't look to them to be perfect, you will not find it unless you are looking to Jesus. Our Pastor's are fallen like us and the need the Savior like us. They are great men, but they have their flaws, don't let your faith be rocked by them not being perfect. It is God's Word and promises in Jesus Christ that are the sure foundation and where our hope and peace truly lie.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Lutheran Confession Quote
"But if you say," What, then, shall I do if I cannot feel such distress or experience hunger and thirst for the Sacrament?" Answer,"For those who are of such a mind that they do not realize their condition I know no better counsel than that they put their hand into their shirt to check whether they have flesh and blood....Therefore, if you cannot discern this, at least believe the Scriptures. They will not lie to you, and they know your flesh better than you yourself."
-- Large Catechism V:75-76
-- Large Catechism V:75-76
Church Father Quote
"Our Lord says: "I feed you with My own flesh, desiring that you all be nobly born, and holding forth good hopes for your future...I have willed to become your Brother. For you sake, I shared in flesh and blood, and, in turn, I give you the flesh and the blood by which I became your kinsman."
-- St. John Chrysostom
-- St. John Chrysostom
Evening Prayer 2-1-11
Reading:
2 Timothy 4:1-18
Preach the word, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. These words from St. Paul ring so true. This is the work of the Church and specifically the Pastors of Christ's holy Church. However, so many have desired to not address sins as sin any longer. They follow after the newest fad in regards to religion. They preach a new Gospel that does not involve sacrifice, does not involve suffering. Somehow they seem to have forgotten what it looked like for our Lord as He was beaten, spit upon, and nailed to the Cross. They may have forgotten what that looks like because there is no corpus (body) on the cross to remind us what great lengths He went through to save us.
They seem to think that whatever the people want to hear is what they should be saying. They present the faith like a buffet line and you can pick and choose which parts of the faith you like. However, they neglect the fact that the faith was once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3) and this is what we are to earnestly contend for. They forgot that St. Paul had just commended Timothy that he was to guard that "good deposit entrusted to him." (2 Timothy 1:14) But t it is not you who protects the faith but the Holy Spirit who has enlightened you with His gifts. He is the one that gives you the understanding and removes the scales from your eyes so that you can see Jesus Christ as the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Do not be deceived into following Pastors that only want to say what you want to hear. I started First Communion lessons this evening with my son and the lesson had a drama about a girl with 3 mirrors and all of the mirrors told her what she wanted to hear. She finally realized that she could not trust them. If a Pastor is not calling sin out for what it is sin and the wages of sin being death, but the gift of God is free salvation in Jesus Christ, you need to depart from them, he can not be trusted. They are not being honest with you and your soul is in peril staying there. They are robbing you of the chance to repent and to have forgiveness and amendment of life. Realize that you are a sinner, cling to the cross, cling to Jesus for this is the only hope that you have. This is the faith that the gates of hell will never prevail against.
2 Timothy 4:1-18
Preach the word, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. These words from St. Paul ring so true. This is the work of the Church and specifically the Pastors of Christ's holy Church. However, so many have desired to not address sins as sin any longer. They follow after the newest fad in regards to religion. They preach a new Gospel that does not involve sacrifice, does not involve suffering. Somehow they seem to have forgotten what it looked like for our Lord as He was beaten, spit upon, and nailed to the Cross. They may have forgotten what that looks like because there is no corpus (body) on the cross to remind us what great lengths He went through to save us.
They seem to think that whatever the people want to hear is what they should be saying. They present the faith like a buffet line and you can pick and choose which parts of the faith you like. However, they neglect the fact that the faith was once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3) and this is what we are to earnestly contend for. They forgot that St. Paul had just commended Timothy that he was to guard that "good deposit entrusted to him." (2 Timothy 1:14) But t it is not you who protects the faith but the Holy Spirit who has enlightened you with His gifts. He is the one that gives you the understanding and removes the scales from your eyes so that you can see Jesus Christ as the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Do not be deceived into following Pastors that only want to say what you want to hear. I started First Communion lessons this evening with my son and the lesson had a drama about a girl with 3 mirrors and all of the mirrors told her what she wanted to hear. She finally realized that she could not trust them. If a Pastor is not calling sin out for what it is sin and the wages of sin being death, but the gift of God is free salvation in Jesus Christ, you need to depart from them, he can not be trusted. They are not being honest with you and your soul is in peril staying there. They are robbing you of the chance to repent and to have forgiveness and amendment of life. Realize that you are a sinner, cling to the cross, cling to Jesus for this is the only hope that you have. This is the faith that the gates of hell will never prevail against.
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