The Land of Confusion

“There will be strange things happening to the sun, the moon, and the stars. On earth whole countries will be in despair, afraid of the roar of the sea and the raging tides. People will faint from fear as they wait for what is coming over the whole earth, for the powers in space will be driven from their courses. Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in a cloud with great power and glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and raise your heads, because your salvation is near.” Luke 21:25-28

In these verses Jesus describes the day of His coming, the day of judgement. Confusion similarly reigns today, not only in our nation, but worldwide. Ideological differences confuse and paralyze our government and threaten the very fabric of our nation. Governmental agencies are used to target political enemies and political leaders use fractured and false testimony against those they disagree. More and more seem confused about their gender identity when selfishness and progressive ideology persuade them to abandon their biological reality. Confusing and conflicting religious doctrines are acclaimed by “progressive churches”. Many of the world’s religions are overtaken by radical factions that twist the intentions of their founders, spreading death and destruction in the name of their god. Far too many of God’s “churches” are preaching a gospel unrecognizable from that which our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ taught. Even worse, some of those called to preach the word, reach out against the very God they have pledged to serve.

Case in point, ELCA Bishop, Kristen Keumpel shared an article calling the Reverend Franklin Graham’s ministry, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) that prepares shoeboxes with presents and a message about Jesus Christ to impoverished children around the world. The recommended article contains the assertions that "Samaritan’s Purse president Franklin Graham spews ever more hateful rhetoric about immigrants and Muslims" and that Operation Christmas Child is one of the "more toxic forms of charity." She goes on further to recommend that donations be redircted to the ELCA Good Gifts program instead of OCC. Bishop Keumpel’s ire was also directed at the Salvation Army when she retweeted, "A reminder this holiday season that the Salvation Army is a homophobic, transphobic, uncaring, garbage organization." Seems to me that casting stones at legitimate mission outreaches, such at OCC and the Salvation Army, is counterproductive to what is God’s church mission is to the world. I thought we were supposed to be on the same team with a goal to reach the lost, but apparently that is lost to those drowning in the apostasy that is the ELCA. Apparently, Christian organizations that fail to tow the line of the heretical teaching of the ELCA, are to be reviled and rejected.

What do we tell the world when those who dedicate their lives to Christ become enamored of the world? When Christ becomes secondary in the church’s teaching to diversity, homosexuality, abortion rights, transgenderism, borders, gun control, and any and all leftist goals and programs, it ceases being God’s church. I’m sorry, but if a church is so inclined to abandon their core beliefs in order to be more welcoming, diverse and tolerant, it is no longer performing the functions that our Lord and Savior intended. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

There is one thing lacking in these progressive churches that is all too apparent. Jesus Christ is simply an afterthought within the walls of many of the ELCA churches. There is far more emphasis on virtue signaling to an already lost world. Without our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the world spirals into disarray and chaos. Without our Lord and Savior, our great nation and its’ founding are at risk to the progressive, leftist agenda that seeks to replace our God with ever burgeoning government overreach. Without our Lord and Savior, we fall back into our selfish nature and society suffers as a result. Without our Lord and Savior to guide us, we lose our way, scurrying about like roaches in the light.

We are at a crossroads in this day and age. The progressive left is taking over God’s church. The progressive left is taking over the democrat party. The progressive left is taking over academia and the media. The progressive left is advocating for a global form of government. The progressive left has the same agenda as the prince of darkness and if we sit by idly, more and more will be lost to him. The time has long past for good Christians to rise up and speak out for our God. It is not too late to stem the tide if God’s good people decide to “go and make disciples of all nations” by proclaiming His Word to everyone. Let the world see that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ by not only your actions, but by your words.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Follow the Money

When police investigate crimes, it often becomes important to follow the money. Many a drug dealer has been done in by accountants. Al Capone was not indicted for murder or extortion; he was charged with and convicted of income tax evasion. Many terrorist organizations have been exposed when the trail of money leads to their benefactors. People protect their money and make appropriate accounting of their business transactions, so many criminals, dishonest politicians, and anyone involved in dubious dealings almost always keep a record of their financial transactions. The ELCA, for instance, leaves a wide money trail that exposes the priorities of this misguided denomination. Since the church is charged with doing God’s work, one would expect that much of their benevolence is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel, since it is the church’s primary and most solemn responsibility is to bring people to Christ and save their souls for the Lord. This is obviously not important to the ELCA. The budget amount for the mission to proclaim the word to the world has dipped below the level of the 1988 budget amount. Missionary staff has been cut to less than 200. This is a church with a membership of over 4 million and a budget in excess of 100 million dollars. Anyone else sense a discrepancy here?

The ELCA now uses what they call “accompaniment” as a response to the changing context of global mission. Now that the seeds of their ministry have been planted throughout the world, they can step back and allow those churches to support themselves. This probably has nothing to do with prioritizing the funds left after the drastic loss in revenue due to so many churches leaving the ELCA. Let’s see, what should we cut, social justice or saving the lost? Apparently, the lost are going to have to be on their own for a while. The ELCA states that today, 70% of their missionaries are lay people who are invited by companion churches to serve as specialized medical personnel, development workers, librarians, accountants and teachers of English, science, math and computers. They typically serve two to six years. Funny, I remember that missionaries are those charged by the church to reach out to those who have not heard the word so that they too, may believe and be saved. Of course, in the ELCA, the word has been toyed with, been juggled, and has been made to submit to being explained, twisted, stretched, and revised to suit people and to achieve peace and union. The leaders of the ELCA have eliminated any secure or stable foundation on which human conscience might rely. – paraphrased from a sermon by Martin Luther.

If the missionaries of the ELCA wish to reach out to the lost and proclaim the gospel of radical inclusiveness and the doctrine of bound conscience, perhaps we should be glad that the ELCA budget for missionaries has been slashed. If the missionaries, like the one my congregation supported for eight years, believe that there are many paths to heaven and that there is no hell, then perhaps it is best that they not preach a false gospel to the world. This is why it is even more important for those churches that submit to the authority of Scripture and preach the true Gospel of Jesus Christ to step up and serve. A new mission clearing house has been established by Lutherans Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) where all Christians can get involved in mission work. The site is http://www.augustanadistrict.org/forum.html. This site is for congregations looking to help or partner with existing missions, for those looking to start missions, and for those looking for help or partner with missions they are currently involved with. Our Wisconsin LCMC congregation partnered with a Methodist church in Missouri to provide mission relief work in Joplin, MO and will partner with them this April in Indiana, both areas that were hit hard by tornados. So, there are many opportunities to get out and do God’s work.

Continue to pray that God will lift up and make strong leaders within the ELCA that will help turn them back to the path that our Lord wants them to travel. With the help of God, nothing is impossible. Proclaim the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ that remain in the ELCA, with true Christian love.

Let it Be

Let it Be was a song written in 1970 by Paul McCartney, but credited to both McCartney and John Lennon, and recorded by the Beatles. McCartney, and especially Lennon were not particularly spiritual, even though Lennon was much more conservative that he led on. McCartney based the song on a dream he had where his deceased mother, Mary, visited him during the troubled times just before the band broke up, and told him that everything will be alright, just let it be. While McCartney looked to his mother for guidance, Christians look to our Lord and Savior for direction, through the word of the Holy Scriptures.
 
When we find ourselves in times of trouble, Jesus comes to us, speaking words of wisdom, “Come to Me for comfort.” In our hours of darkness, He is standing right in front of us, speaking words of wisdom, “Give yourselves to me and I will lead you to salvation.”

When the broken hearted people living in the world agree, they will find that Jesus is the answer, the way, the Truth, and the life. For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer, let it be the Risen Christ.

And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me, but shine not just until tomorrow, let His light shine forever. When I wake up to the sound of music, my Savior comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, “Come to me and share My kingdom.”

We must also “let it be”. We must let ourselves, our time and our possessions become secondary to our love of our Lord and Savior. For if we persist in placing our needs before our Lord, we withhold that which He desires of His children. Failing to give ourselves to Him will only lead us on an empty pursuit of worldly things, leaving us unable to find the love and fulfillment that a deeper relationship with Jesus will overcome. When we truly give in and let God control our lives and strive to simply please Him, we will have found the answer. No matter how much wealth or fame we have, it can never be enough and will ultimately only lead to disappointment and emptiness. If we find that our identities are the driving factors in our lives, we can never reach a height that will truly satisfy. There will always be someone better, with more skills that we covet, and there will always remain a void in our lives.

With Jesus in control, whatever it is that we do is good enough for Him. Whenever we fail, He loves us unconditionally, no matter how far we fall. When we give up control, we find comfort in His direction. We please our Lord by simply loving Him, thankful for the life He gave for us. We do not need to be broken hearted. We can all agree that Jesus is truly the Way, the Truth and the Life. We can also agree that we need to share the joy that the love of Jesus brings. We must share that which the Lord has blessed us with. We must shine the light of the Lord upon the world. We must give those that do not know, the chance that they too, may see. The Good News is meant to be shared. True Discipleship will require sacrifice on our part, but everything we have is a gift from God. In times of trouble, Jesus is there for all, they only need to have His love and wisdom shared to rescue them. When darkness is all around, He is standing there, waiting for the words, “I believe” to extend that liberating salvation. When the night is cloudy, be the light that shines the light of Jesus to those in need. With the sound of music, lift up your praises to the Lord and reach out beyond the safety of your comfortable church and share that joy with those who have not heard. Ephesians 6:19, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,” Pray that we Christians will also be given the words and the courage to proclaim the Truth and become Disciples of Christ.

Truth, No Consequences?

Truth or Consequences was a game show that originated on the radio in 1940, then graduated to television in the early 1950’s, lasting until 1988. Contestants were asked to correctly answer a trivia question or “Truth”. Typically there was either no correct answer, or the allotted time, often two seconds or less, would elapse. An incorrect answer or failure to beat the clock would subject the contestant to "Consequences," usually a zany and/or embarrassing stunt. Many contestants deliberately answered the question incorrectly in order to face the consequences. Stunts often included a surprise family reunion and many active military personnel were brought home to reunite with their families. When we accept the Truth that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we no longer are subject to the consequences of our sinful lives. The punishment that our sinful behavior warrants has been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

So, once our lives truly belong to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the consequences of our sinful behavior are no longer counted against us, we are home free, right? Actually, there are many more consequences once we believe. We are no longer in control. When we are filled with the Spirit, our wants and desires become secondary to our Lord’s will. We truly become a new creation, placing our Lord in control of our lives. It’s not “What Would Jesus Do”, it’s what would our Lord want us to do to bring Him the glory. We cannot simply become a Christian without the desire to be a Disciple of Christ. And being a Disciple brings with it much responsibility, the greatest being to make disciples of all nations. This unconditional grace that grants us eternal life with our Father must be shared. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.“ If we selfishly keep the Good News to ourselves, we not only neglect our Lord’s command to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but also to love our neighbors as ourselves. For if we truly loved our neighbor as ourselves, we would want to share the gift of salvation with everyone.

The leaders of the ELCA have neglected their responsibility to engage in the mission to reach out to save the souls of those who do not know our Lord. So much money has been lost due to congregations leaving, by members who uphold the authority of Scripture and have left to join other denominations or began a new mission start, and by other ELCA members that have redirected their benevolences to Christ centered mission, that the ELCA mission budget has been slashed. The ELCA has budgeted less to mission in 2011 than what was budgeted in 1988. This is more than simply a sluggish economy.  Something had to give if the ELCA was to continue their drive to transform the very foundation of Lutheranism. Something would have to be cut since the social justice agenda continues to be of utmost importance to this wayward denomination. Since the largest Lutheran denomination in North America has abandoned its’ duty to save the lost, it is even more important that more Christians step up and become Disciples.

Now is the time to get involved in mission. Now is the time to step out of your comfort zone and start sharing the peace of the Lord with someone outside of your secure and cozy church. There are so many missions looking for volunteers. There are many churches looking for partners in existing mission ministries and others wanting to share the Good News, but need partners to help them get started. Putting a few extra dollars in the collection plate is way too easy. It is time to “get some boots on the ground” and those boots belong to you. It is easy being a Christian. Will you step out and be what God calls you to be and become His Disciple? Matthew 4:19, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Use the gifts that God has blessed you with and reach out to the world. Take that first step and truly give yourself to Him. Don’t take the easy way out. Accept the consequences that come with being a Disciple of Christ, the Truth that sets you free.

Good Works or God’s Work?

Many Christians give of their time, talents, and possessions to serve those that are in need. Our Lord instructs us to reach out to the hungry, the lonely, the imprisoned, and anyone else in need as we would provide for our Lord Himself. But, are we truly fulfilling Christ’s mission if we fail to do this to the glory of our Savior’s name. What differentiates those that perform these tasks in Jesus’ name and those that simply do this out of the goodness of their hearts? One does not need to know the Lord to give of oneself much more than many Christians would ever do. Those Christians that fail to nurture the spirit of those that they serve, do them a great disservice. If one fails to fill their heart with the Holy Spirit when doing good works, one can easily fall into the trap of the evil one and become enamored of oneself and those good works that we accomplish. Romans 15:18, "I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me." Something as simple as telling someone that Jesus loves them while serving in a soup kitchen is even more important than providing food for them. We don’t need to proselytize to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our actions can serve as a beacon to those we serve. But, we must do these things in Jesus’ name and be selfless as we serve. Matthew 20:28, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Luke 22:26-27, “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Just as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ came to serve, so should we be servants of our Lord. It is not our willingness to merely perform these tasks; it should be our willingness to serve the Lord.

Matthew 6:1-4, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” It is so easy to forget why we reach out to those in need. When we do justice toward our fellow man, we tend to congratulate ourselves for reaching out and expect, to not only impress our neighbor, but to impress our God. When we are so wrapped up in doing good deeds, we often lose sight that our Lord taught us that this is what He expects us to do, in His name. For everything that we have and are is a gift from God. Our good deeds are merely a faint reflection of our Lord’s love for us. Every day the Holy Spirit taps us on the shoulder, offering us opportunities to serve Him by reaching out to our brothers and sisters. We are not to take credit for doing what our Lord taught us. John 7:37-39, “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” When we truly believe, we will be filled with the Spirit so that we become the instruments by which the Holy Spirit uses to minister to the world. All our good works flow from the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Filled with the Holy Spirit, we can joyfully reach out in true Christian love to our neighbors, and proclaim the glory of our Lord.

There are many agencies that reach out to the world in need. Some are Christian, some are not. Some Christian missions tend to downplay the Lord’s role in their mission, instead choosing to be politically correct and tolerant with the emphasis on demonstrating their love for their neighbor. There will always be secular agencies that reach out to feed the poor, but as Christians, we are not only called to feed the poor, we are to pronounce our love of our God by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.  When we engage in our good works, we do so to bring the glory to our Lord and to bring those we serve to God. So, we must remember that this life is but a mere whisper of what lies ahead. John 6:32-35, “Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” Feeding the body without feeding the soul with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will only lead to spiritual starvation and death. “The first and highest, the most precious of all good works is faith in Christ.” - Martin Luther from Chapter II of the Treatise on Good Works.  So, fill your heart with the love of the Lord and let the Spirit flow like a river while you go out and do God's work.  Praise be to God!

Just Words

In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the light. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The ELCA cites our Lord’s name in many of their social justice agendas and committees. The “Reconciling in Christ” task force sounds so appropriate. The Greater Milwaukee ELCA website has a link to the RIC annual report. Our Lord is obviously not the primary focus of this committee. This committee’s primary focus is, “empowered by the gospel we work for the equality and the inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the ELCA.” In most correspondence regarding the Gospel of Christ, capitalization is used to underscore the significance it has to the family of Christians. Perhaps they cite a different gospel.

As the ELCA attempts to change the world into the welcoming, tolerant, and accepting place that they believe it should be, they continue to fail our Lord. By lifting their struggle for social justice above the call to lead people to the Gospel of Christ, they fall right into the evil ones trap. Without Jesus Christ as the central authority in our mission, we neglect our responsibilities as disciples of Christ. Words mean nothing if we fail to put them into action. Invoking our Lord’s name to add credibility to the social justice agendas promoted by the ELCA is nothing more than window dressing. Using our Lord’s name without promoting His agenda, is an empty promise to a humanity thirsting for God’s Word, God’s love and acceptance, and to those searching for their salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in Matthew 15:8-9, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” As the ELCA discards God’s Word and replaces it with the words that fulfill their human desires, they worship in vain and lead others away from the Gospel of Christ with their human rules. Without our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as the primary emphasis in our mission, we will surely fail. Those that follow the path that the ELCA promotes will also fail our Lord and fall away from Him. Luke 17:1-2, Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone though whom they come. 2 It would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around your neck that for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Those that promote a false gospel and lead people astray are subject to God’s judgment. Christ’s mission for us is to be His disciples, share the Good News and lead our fellow man to the Lord.

The ELCA uses empty words that promise equality, social justice, acceptance and tolerance without the promise of God’s love and approval. Amending His law by replacing His Word with earthly terms is unacceptable for man, biblical scholars or the church. Our Lord is the sole authority and Scripture is His law for us. Using His name to attempt to justify an agenda that is contrary to Scripture will only cause believers to stumble and others will lose the opportunity to come to the Lord. Psalm 119:160, “All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”