Well, my first Anonymous comment. If you choose to post "anonymously" I ask that you put at least your first name. Unless for some reason you wish to remain Anonymous. Although if theres an issue that you would want to remain anonymous for you can always IM me on AIM at DunklerGeist07 so that all 3 people who read my blog wont see it.
And since my first Anonymous poster liked a hymn how about another.
"Ach bleib bei uns Herr Jesu Christ" Nikolaus Selnecker, 1530-1592
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,
For round us falls the eventide;
Nor let Thy Word, that heavenly light,
For us be ever veiled in night.
2. In these last days of sore distress
Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness
That pure we keep, till life is spent,
Thy holy Word and Sacrament.
3. Lord Jesus, help, Thy Church uphold,
For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold.
Oh, prosper well Thy Word of grace
And spread its truth in every place!
4. Oh, keep us in Thy Word, we pray;
The guile and rage of Satan stay!
Oh, may Thy mercy never cease!
Give concord, patience, courage, peace.
5. O God, how sin's dread works abound!
Throughout the earth no rest is found,
And falsehood's spirit wide has spread,
And error boldly rears its head.
6. The haughty spirits, Lord, restrain
Who o'er Thy Church with might would reign
And always set forth something new,
Devised to change Thy doctrine true.
7. And since the cause and glory, Lord,
Are Thine, not ours, to us afford
Thy help and strength and constancy.
With all our heart we trust in Thee.
8. A trusty weapon is Thy Word,
Thy Church's buckler, shield and sword.
Oh, let us in its power confide
That we may seek no other guide!
9. Oh, grant that in Thy holy Word
We here may live and die, dear Lord;
And when our journey endeth here,
Receive us into glory there.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Monday, August 29, 2005
People Change
Well I will probably post something about the first day of school. Also, the first troubs practice.
But First: I went to a "class reunion" of my EGL class on Saturday night. At first it was fun talking to everyone and seeing how everyone has changed. As time went on, got more into conversations. Turns out that over half the people drink regularly. Some others on drugs. Others sleeping with a ton of girls. Keep in mind we all went to a Lutheran grade school. People where asking what was so wrong with drinking. I dont really see anything wrong with drinking, except for it being against the law. But, these people are drinking to get drunk. For no other reason. We know that drunkeness is a sin. I guess i dont see the point, especailly when some say that they know they can have fun without it. Don't get me wrong, not everyone was like that. Another thing they brought up was how private schools like Martin Luther keep us sheltered. When, there is probably a higher percent of people at ML then at most public schools who are on drugs Well this rant really isnt going anywhere probably becasue i am more in awe of troubs songs. I may add more later.
But First: I went to a "class reunion" of my EGL class on Saturday night. At first it was fun talking to everyone and seeing how everyone has changed. As time went on, got more into conversations. Turns out that over half the people drink regularly. Some others on drugs. Others sleeping with a ton of girls. Keep in mind we all went to a Lutheran grade school. People where asking what was so wrong with drinking. I dont really see anything wrong with drinking, except for it being against the law. But, these people are drinking to get drunk. For no other reason. We know that drunkeness is a sin. I guess i dont see the point, especailly when some say that they know they can have fun without it. Don't get me wrong, not everyone was like that. Another thing they brought up was how private schools like Martin Luther keep us sheltered. When, there is probably a higher percent of people at ML then at most public schools who are on drugs Well this rant really isnt going anywhere probably becasue i am more in awe of troubs songs. I may add more later.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Lack of Ideas
So, Lack of comments. People dont like my posts do they? I know that some people read this. Someone give me an idea for something to put in here. (Preferably not about my day every day) Well, I really dont have much to type about so maybe ill just ramble on about nothing to make this post look long. On second thought how about another hymn.
How about Abide with me. Becasue the harmony is cool and its nighttime.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
TLH 552
- Words: Henry F. Lyte, 1847- Music: William H. Monk, 1861
How about Abide with me. Becasue the harmony is cool and its nighttime.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
TLH 552
- Words: Henry F. Lyte, 1847- Music: William H. Monk, 1861
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Truth.
Ive been told i need to post more. I dont really have anything to post right now so I am just going to put the Truth post from my xanga on here now.
Truth, What does this Mean?
Truth has become understood as a personal possession which can and does vary from individual to individual recently. Some comments that you have left have led me to believe that some of you believe this too, at least in one sense or another.
Relativism is the belief in multiple “truths” or the belief that everything is true. Through relativism man determines “truth” from within himself, based on a combination of personal experiences, personal feelings, interests, tastes, and wants/desires. Through that line of thinking the only thing that is sure is that nothing in sure. If everything is true wouldn't it be a lot easier to doubt what you do believe? If you doubt all you believe it would lead you to despair.
How do we tell what is a matter of truth or what is a matter of taste? In one of the answers I got when I asked What truth is was, a person responded with this:
“However, there are far more objective than subjective realities, such as who someone is, attractiveness, humor, good art, a good kisser, etc”
Are these truths? I do not think so. An easy way to see if it is a matter of truth or taste is if someone presents an opposing point, will you defend your views if someone disagrees? Not many people will spend a great deal of time arguing over if a food tastes good. So that is a matter of taste. I like pizza. If someone comes to me and says they don't like pizza, is it true that pizza is good? No, it is just true that i find pizza to taste good. It is also true that my friend does not think pizza tastes good. Do these contradict each other? No, they are dealing with two different people who have two different opinions on pizza.
Truth is an expression, symbol, or statement that matches or corresponds to what it is referring to(whether it be an actual thing or and abstract idea). If a statement or expression is about reality to be true it must match or correspond to reality. Relativists believe that there is no one better view of reality. If there are no better views of reality why bother arguing for the truth of relativism? Unless, relativists believe that they have a better view of reality. It is contradictory to believe that all views of reality are false or relative. It is also contradictory to believe that all views of reality are true. Because of this the only logical option is to believe that some views represent reality in a better, more accurate way. Therefore it makes sense to believe that there is a knowable, unchanging reality. If a statement or expression is about reality and reality doesn't change, to be true it must match or correspond to that unchanging reality.
Truth by its very nature is Non-contradictory, it does not violate the basic laws of logic. It is also absolute. By being absolute it does not depend upon any time, places, or conditions. It exists independently of our minds; we don't create it. It agrees with reality. If we attempt to deny it we affirm its existence. It also is unchanging.
The main problem with relativism is that it contradicts itself. If one states that “relativism is correct” that in itself is relative. One person can say its correct and the other say it isn't and both would be correct. Not only does it contradict itself it is illogical.
We are finite and can only see something from one view at a time. God sees things as a whole from every possible perspective, all at once.
Truth, What does this Mean?
Truth has become understood as a personal possession which can and does vary from individual to individual recently. Some comments that you have left have led me to believe that some of you believe this too, at least in one sense or another.
Relativism is the belief in multiple “truths” or the belief that everything is true. Through relativism man determines “truth” from within himself, based on a combination of personal experiences, personal feelings, interests, tastes, and wants/desires. Through that line of thinking the only thing that is sure is that nothing in sure. If everything is true wouldn't it be a lot easier to doubt what you do believe? If you doubt all you believe it would lead you to despair.
How do we tell what is a matter of truth or what is a matter of taste? In one of the answers I got when I asked What truth is was, a person responded with this:
“However, there are far more objective than subjective realities, such as who someone is, attractiveness, humor, good art, a good kisser, etc”
Are these truths? I do not think so. An easy way to see if it is a matter of truth or taste is if someone presents an opposing point, will you defend your views if someone disagrees? Not many people will spend a great deal of time arguing over if a food tastes good. So that is a matter of taste. I like pizza. If someone comes to me and says they don't like pizza, is it true that pizza is good? No, it is just true that i find pizza to taste good. It is also true that my friend does not think pizza tastes good. Do these contradict each other? No, they are dealing with two different people who have two different opinions on pizza.
Truth is an expression, symbol, or statement that matches or corresponds to what it is referring to(whether it be an actual thing or and abstract idea). If a statement or expression is about reality to be true it must match or correspond to reality. Relativists believe that there is no one better view of reality. If there are no better views of reality why bother arguing for the truth of relativism? Unless, relativists believe that they have a better view of reality. It is contradictory to believe that all views of reality are false or relative. It is also contradictory to believe that all views of reality are true. Because of this the only logical option is to believe that some views represent reality in a better, more accurate way. Therefore it makes sense to believe that there is a knowable, unchanging reality. If a statement or expression is about reality and reality doesn't change, to be true it must match or correspond to that unchanging reality.
Truth by its very nature is Non-contradictory, it does not violate the basic laws of logic. It is also absolute. By being absolute it does not depend upon any time, places, or conditions. It exists independently of our minds; we don't create it. It agrees with reality. If we attempt to deny it we affirm its existence. It also is unchanging.
The main problem with relativism is that it contradicts itself. If one states that “relativism is correct” that in itself is relative. One person can say its correct and the other say it isn't and both would be correct. Not only does it contradict itself it is illogical.
We are finite and can only see something from one view at a time. God sees things as a whole from every possible perspective, all at once.
Monday, August 22, 2005
I dont like school....
...and still there are 6 days until it starts again. Just really not looking forward to seeing some people. Also, Im really not looking forward to troubs. (which also could have to do with people in it) More comments from the omniscient self-proclaimed savior of Martin Luther. We wont go into that. Um... Really i dont have much else to say. So how about a hymn.
The Church’s One Foundation
By Samuel J. Stone
The Church’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is his new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven he came and sought her
To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her,
And for her life he died.
Elect from every nation,
Yet one over all the earth;
Her charter of salvation:
One Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses
With every grace endued.
Through toil and tribulation
And tumult of her war
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore
Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth has union
With God, the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won.
O blessed heavenly chorus!
Lord, save us by your grace
That we, like saints before us,
May see you face to face.
Hymn # 289 from Lutheran Worship
The Church’s One Foundation
By Samuel J. Stone
The Church’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is his new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven he came and sought her
To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her,
And for her life he died.
Elect from every nation,
Yet one over all the earth;
Her charter of salvation:
One Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses
With every grace endued.
Through toil and tribulation
And tumult of her war
She waits the consummation
Of peace forevermore
Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth has union
With God, the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won.
O blessed heavenly chorus!
Lord, save us by your grace
That we, like saints before us,
May see you face to face.
Hymn # 289 from Lutheran Worship
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Randomness
Hm.. I haven't posted in a couple of days so I thought that I would tell you about my not so exciting life (although it has been more exciting then it normally is). Lets see, Monday and Tuesday had cross country. I have now quit cross country due to injuries. So there goes one of the two things I'm good at. Had my first Behind-the-Wheel. Last night there was a Halo Party at the Davis' house. That was fun. Played Halo, talked to Chris a lot. So that was fun. Well right now its time for me to eat So I may put a more interesting post up later.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Finally finished
Alright I think I have everything on here how i want it now. Check out the links to the right. Also I found a way to change the date to german. Seeing as the title is german i think the posting dates should be too. (Just be glad I dont know enough german to post in it :P)
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Amen
Well i posted this in my xanga a while ago i thought i would post it again. This is an article by Rev. Fabrizius on Amen.
Sometimes people regard the "Amen" as optional or simply as a way of saying "the end." If that is the case then it is understandable that the "Amen" is mumbled and omitted at times. Why do we even use the word?In Luther's Small Catechism, he explains the meaning of this little word at the end of the Lord's Prayer. Some may think lightly of a word that is used so often, but this is a great and powerful word. It means, "Yes, it shall be so" or, in a Lutheran phrase, "This is most certainly true." This is a powerful confession of faith which is spoken by God's children in response to His Word.From the beginning of the Church's history the Old Testament practice of saying "Amen" to God's Words was retained. Our liturgy continues to reflect that understanding. The invocation begins the service. To these words the congregation responds with a hearty "Amen." When you do this, you are confessing that in the waters of Holy Baptism God truly adopted you as His child, forgave your sins, and poured out His Holy Spirit. You are acknowledging that you are joined with the Holy Trinity. When these same words are used at a baptism, it is not the Pastor who says "Amen," but you who have witnessed it. With your loud "Amen" you confess that Christ has baptized through water and the Word.Does it make a difference if the Pastor says "Amen" or you say "Amen"? Yes. The Pastor speaks the Word of Christ and performs the Baptism as Christ's steward of the mysteries of God. When he has spoken for Christ, then you confess you faith that Christ's Word of promise in Baptism is true.When you say "Amen" at the end of a prayer, you are ending it with a confession of faith. The Pastor leads the prayers of the people because he represents Christ who intercedes for us before the throne of the Father. You confess that you believe Christ's promise to hear your prayer and answer it.Finally, let us examine the word of blessing at the end of the Sacrament. The Pastor speaks the comforting promise of peace after you have received the body and blood of the Lord. The heart of faith then confesses with the Pastor that this is certainly true. Our "Amen" testifies that you believe the Word of Christ spoken by the Pastor, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."But what if you don't do this? The blessing is not dependent on your outward response. Your faith is totally reliant upon the promise of Christ who gives the gift. But why not confess with your lips what you believe with your heart?
Hope you enjoyed it.
Sometimes people regard the "Amen" as optional or simply as a way of saying "the end." If that is the case then it is understandable that the "Amen" is mumbled and omitted at times. Why do we even use the word?In Luther's Small Catechism, he explains the meaning of this little word at the end of the Lord's Prayer. Some may think lightly of a word that is used so often, but this is a great and powerful word. It means, "Yes, it shall be so" or, in a Lutheran phrase, "This is most certainly true." This is a powerful confession of faith which is spoken by God's children in response to His Word.From the beginning of the Church's history the Old Testament practice of saying "Amen" to God's Words was retained. Our liturgy continues to reflect that understanding. The invocation begins the service. To these words the congregation responds with a hearty "Amen." When you do this, you are confessing that in the waters of Holy Baptism God truly adopted you as His child, forgave your sins, and poured out His Holy Spirit. You are acknowledging that you are joined with the Holy Trinity. When these same words are used at a baptism, it is not the Pastor who says "Amen," but you who have witnessed it. With your loud "Amen" you confess that Christ has baptized through water and the Word.Does it make a difference if the Pastor says "Amen" or you say "Amen"? Yes. The Pastor speaks the Word of Christ and performs the Baptism as Christ's steward of the mysteries of God. When he has spoken for Christ, then you confess you faith that Christ's Word of promise in Baptism is true.When you say "Amen" at the end of a prayer, you are ending it with a confession of faith. The Pastor leads the prayers of the people because he represents Christ who intercedes for us before the throne of the Father. You confess that you believe Christ's promise to hear your prayer and answer it.Finally, let us examine the word of blessing at the end of the Sacrament. The Pastor speaks the comforting promise of peace after you have received the body and blood of the Lord. The heart of faith then confesses with the Pastor that this is certainly true. Our "Amen" testifies that you believe the Word of Christ spoken by the Pastor, "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."But what if you don't do this? The blessing is not dependent on your outward response. Your faith is totally reliant upon the promise of Christ who gives the gift. But why not confess with your lips what you believe with your heart?
Hope you enjoyed it.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)