We all go through struggles. Each and every one of us. Some greater struggles and some lesser struggles, but they take a toll on us in someway. Do we pity others for their struggles? Why should we when everyone has them. The person who should be pitied is the person who feels like they are alone.
The architecture at the Seminary in Fort Wayne focuses on two of our relationships. Relationships with others and relationship with God. The buildings are made out of diamond shape bricks -- Concordia Brick. In the dorms, classroom buildings, cafeteria, and commons the bricks are laid horizontally. Showing man's relationship with man. But in the chapel they are vertical, showing man's relationship with God.
--I never really liked the phrasing. What does it mean to have a relationship with God, many people probably don't think it means the same thing as I do. My relationship with God is all his doing, His Baptizing me into His Death and Resurrection. Him coming to me in the Divine service. His Spirit entering me to open my lips and declare His praise from my body . His putting Truth, Forgiveness of Sins, and Eternal life into my mouth. My praise isn't worthy. I can do nothing that is worthy. The only reason I am considered worthy is because God sees me through His perfect Son's Blood.---
Our relationships with other people do matter. These people we will be spending eternity with. We are here to help others, to love them, to forgive them. Christ focuses a lot on how we are to treat one another in his teachings. Love your neighbor as yourself. We can't do that perfectly. We will covet our neighbors possessions, tell lies about him, and even murder him be it with words or actions. If we do all that is our Salvation in jeopardy of course not. It's permissible but is it beneficial. Why do we keep parts of the Law? Our salvation isn't based on it. We do it because it benefits us and others. We feel good when we do something kind for someone else. At least I do. If we shut everyone out and are mean to everyone. Who will be there when need someone? Does that mean you can't dislike someone even to the point of hate? I don't like a lot of people. Those feelings don't mean anything. "I could hate you today and love you tomorrow. Those feelings don't mean anything they will die with me. If I love you in Christ, that is eternal. - Pr Dreyer
Now, to our Relationship with God. There are many songs even hymns that talk about how everything will be all right if we do this or that to God. Our struggles will be gone if we pray about them. When in actuality, when we do pray about our hardships or struggles how often is the answer no, not now, or I have a different plan for you? More often then we would like it to be. Do not be discouraged though. Throughout everything you do there will be struggle, but we are blessed with a far better comfort then any struggle we encounter. That comfort is Christ on the Cross. Christ's mangled, bloody, body is what give us forgiveness from the blackness covering us-- our sin. From that broken body of Christ also comes our white garments so that we are not naked. These white garments are the water that washed us clean at our baptism and the broken body itself with the blood that came out of its side with the water. The flesh that the Word became. The sacraments that come from that Word are the greatest comforts we have. To the world this seems foolish, but God chose what is foolish to shame the wise. He chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. He chose what is low and despised in the world even things that are not, to bring nothing things that are. So that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (I Cor. 1:27-29) This worldly foolishness, our comfort, comes from God the source of our life in Christ. Whom God made our wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption (I Cor. 1:30)
What greater comfort is there than that? Not drugs or alcohol. They just drive you deeper into breaking the relationships you have with others and breaking the relationship God has instituted with you. Struggles will come and go but know that you are not alone. Share it with ones you trust. Your pastor is a great person to talk to. If you feel lonely surround yourself with others and build relationships with them. Also, do pray about them. Pray that the Lord will help you through them. When you pray focus on the cross, that great comfort of ours.
The Lord be with you all in your struggles and in times of peace.
Pax Christi
Friday, August 04, 2006
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Mark (cont.)
In between the feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 there is the story of the Syrophoenician women's faith. Jesus makes his way into the land of the gentiles. The woman came to him and told him she had a daughter who was possessed by an unclean spirit. The women was a gentile and she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. Jesus says to her "Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs." She answers him with, "Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's curmbs." Jesus first limits his body (bread) to the children of Israel. The woman had been blessed with great faith and for that, her child was cleansed from the demon (baptism). Thus, the sacrament was opened to the gentiles with the feeding of the 4,000.
With the feeding of the 5,000 the people did not really need anything to eat, it was more of a luxury. With the feeding of the 4,000 the food is necessary. They people gathered would not make it home without fainting because of hunger. The disciples still do not understand, they ask how one could feed the people with bread in a desolate place. They have 7 loaves this time. Seven is a gentile number, it is the number of deacons that the apostles appointed to watch over the Gentiles in acts . 7 is also the number of completion, Christ giving his body completely. This points to the Lord's supper basically in the same ways as the feeding of the 5,000 did. They picked up the pieces left over. They gathered the pieces in 7 bushel baskets, bigger then the ones used at the feeding of the 5,000. 7 baskets for the gentiles and they are complete meaning it will never run out.
Thanks be to God for the opening of this wonderful mean of grace to the entire world! The Sacrament of the Altar is a great gift. Where else can Truth be placed in your mouth? The body of Christ sustaining us for eternity and the bread sustaining us for our time here on earth. Through this we receive forgiveness of sins. Without having to do anything!
I may add more to this later, if something else comes to me to post. I'll basically be putting this post and the last one together, probably adding scripture where you would have had to look it up before, before I put it up on my HT Blog.
Pax Christi
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Side thing
Well since Jared yelled at me I updated the side bar thing.
Over there ------>
Eventually ill get a good post up. Soon I promise
Pax
Over there ------>
Eventually ill get a good post up. Soon I promise
Pax
Friday, July 28, 2006
Let's Laugh at Jon
So, there's this awesome picture of me that one of the fellow CA attendees put up on his blog http://sethanizethis.blogspot.com Yes that is me headbanging, to the Kantorei. That last night was fun.
An Awesome Hymn
TLH 329
1. From depths of woe I cry to Thee,
Lord, hear me, I implore Thee.
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,
My prayer let come before Thee.
If Thou rememberest each misdeed,
If each should have its rightful meed,
Who may abide Thy presence?
2. Thy love and grace alone avail
To blot out my transgression;
The best and holiest deeds must fail
To break sin's dread oppression.
Before Thee none can boasting stand,
But all must fear Thy strict demand
And live alone by mercy.
3. Therefore my hope is in the Lord
And not in mine own merit;
It rests upon His faithful Word
To them of contrite spirit
That He is merciful and just;
This is my comfort and my trust.
His help I wait with patience.
4. And though it tarry till the night
And till the morning waken,
My heart shall never doubt His might
Nor count itself forsaken.
Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed,
Ye of the Spirit born indeed;
Wait for your God's appearing.
5. Though great our sins and sore our woes,
His grace much more aboundeth;
His helping love no limit knows,
Our utmost need it soundeth.
Our shepherd good and true is He,
Who will at last His Israel free
From all their sin and sorrow.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Feeding of 5,000
Mark is quickly becoming my favorite Gospel. It Might be helpful to have a bible open to Mark as you read this.
I am beginning to see how sacramental Mark is. Redemption by water is a recurring theme throughout Mark. The feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 pointing toward communion. The feeding of the 5,000 points a lot toward psalm 23. It describes the people there as sheep. These people who are there listening and learning from the Lord. He commanded them to sit down in groups on green grass. A better translation would be He commanded them to recline in symposia. They reclined, relaxing. Symposia is having fun eating, drinking, speaking theologically or philosophically. That directly falls in line with the psalm, "He makes me lie down in green pastures." The 5,000 followed him before this when he got on a boat - He led them beside still waters. The third verse of Psalm 23 could apply to what he was teaching them restoring their souls- leading them in paths or righteousness. Verse 4 goes back to the overriding shepherd theme. Verse 5 He prepares a table - Jesus gives them something to eat and they eat until they are satisfied, until they were full. It was a feast for most of them. Finally, verse 6 points directly to what comes from what The Feeding points to, the Lord's Supper.
You might be asking, "How does the feeding point to the Lord's Supper?" Well lets look at it then. We are sheep without a shepherd covered in our own sin. Rejection God. We all have gone astray like sheep. We are all dumb like sheep, but Christ has compassion on us. He teaches us many things.
The disciples said to him "This is a desolate place and the hour is now growing late." It was most likely a desert. The disciples tried to send them away. This world is a desolate place and Christianity is frowned upon in society. The disciples take the worldly view here and want to send them away to find food for themselves in this late hour. . How often do we want to not deal with unbelievers and let them fend for themselves in these end times? But Christ does not take the worldly view. He calls for the apostles to give them something to eat. Who are the apostles in the church today? Pastors! The apostles are called to feed the people who he teaches. Pastors today feed believes through the word and sacrament. The feeding seen most physically in Holy Communion. The apostles answer with a very worldly question. "Are we to spend money equal to that of the wages of 200 days of work? Jesus tells them to go and see how many loaves they had. They came back with 5. This is just something I think but I think that the 5 loaves could correspond with the 5 wounds of Christ. The 5 places where Christ's body was broken His head from the crown of thorns, each hand from the 2 nails, his side from the spear, and his feet from the nail.
He commanded them to sit down in groups. So they sat down in groups of fifties and hundreds. That would have been about the size of a church at the beginning of Christianity. The fifties and hundreds could also refer to how the Romans ran things in their army. Pointing to the church militant.
After they were seated, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. He broke the five loaves(his five wounds) and gave it to the apostles to distribute to the people. Just as he gives his body to us all, and charges the apostles(pastors) with the task of distributing it.
They all ate and were satisfied. No one was left out! Everyone had their fill. The disciples picked up 12 baskets of extras. 12 baskets one for each tribe of Israel whom the apostles over saw. 5,000 men ate, I'm not sure how important that number is but I think it shows that there will always be a remnant of Israel. Jews who believe in the true God; Father, Son, and Spirit.
Ill continue with more from mark in the next couple posts.
I am beginning to see how sacramental Mark is. Redemption by water is a recurring theme throughout Mark. The feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 pointing toward communion. The feeding of the 5,000 points a lot toward psalm 23. It describes the people there as sheep. These people who are there listening and learning from the Lord. He commanded them to sit down in groups on green grass. A better translation would be He commanded them to recline in symposia. They reclined, relaxing. Symposia is having fun eating, drinking, speaking theologically or philosophically. That directly falls in line with the psalm, "He makes me lie down in green pastures." The 5,000 followed him before this when he got on a boat - He led them beside still waters. The third verse of Psalm 23 could apply to what he was teaching them restoring their souls- leading them in paths or righteousness. Verse 4 goes back to the overriding shepherd theme. Verse 5 He prepares a table - Jesus gives them something to eat and they eat until they are satisfied, until they were full. It was a feast for most of them. Finally, verse 6 points directly to what comes from what The Feeding points to, the Lord's Supper.
You might be asking, "How does the feeding point to the Lord's Supper?" Well lets look at it then. We are sheep without a shepherd covered in our own sin. Rejection God. We all have gone astray like sheep. We are all dumb like sheep, but Christ has compassion on us. He teaches us many things.
The disciples said to him "This is a desolate place and the hour is now growing late." It was most likely a desert. The disciples tried to send them away. This world is a desolate place and Christianity is frowned upon in society. The disciples take the worldly view here and want to send them away to find food for themselves in this late hour. . How often do we want to not deal with unbelievers and let them fend for themselves in these end times? But Christ does not take the worldly view. He calls for the apostles to give them something to eat. Who are the apostles in the church today? Pastors! The apostles are called to feed the people who he teaches. Pastors today feed believes through the word and sacrament. The feeding seen most physically in Holy Communion. The apostles answer with a very worldly question. "Are we to spend money equal to that of the wages of 200 days of work? Jesus tells them to go and see how many loaves they had. They came back with 5. This is just something I think but I think that the 5 loaves could correspond with the 5 wounds of Christ. The 5 places where Christ's body was broken His head from the crown of thorns, each hand from the 2 nails, his side from the spear, and his feet from the nail.
He commanded them to sit down in groups. So they sat down in groups of fifties and hundreds. That would have been about the size of a church at the beginning of Christianity. The fifties and hundreds could also refer to how the Romans ran things in their army. Pointing to the church militant.
After they were seated, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. He broke the five loaves(his five wounds) and gave it to the apostles to distribute to the people. Just as he gives his body to us all, and charges the apostles(pastors) with the task of distributing it.
They all ate and were satisfied. No one was left out! Everyone had their fill. The disciples picked up 12 baskets of extras. 12 baskets one for each tribe of Israel whom the apostles over saw. 5,000 men ate, I'm not sure how important that number is but I think it shows that there will always be a remnant of Israel. Jews who believe in the true God; Father, Son, and Spirit.
Ill continue with more from mark in the next couple posts.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Christ Academy
I just posted some basic things about my experience at Christ Academy on my Higher Things Blog. http://blog.higherthings.org/jkohlmeier/ Ill probably have some posts reflecting on things I learned or other things that come to mind soon. But tonight I am tired, and sleep seems like a good thing. Hope you didn't miss my posts too much!
Pax Domini
Pax Domini
Monday, June 12, 2006
Serenity
Just recently I watched the movie Serentiy. I must say it is one of the best movies I've seen. At one of my friends houses we watched a few episodes of Firefly also. It is probably one of the best TV shows ever made. It's a shame it only lasted one season.
So enough about the movie and show, except I recommend that everyone watch it.
Serenity- How does one become serene? Just go somewhere, you never find someone who is in a state of serenity. People are always running around. They always have something to do, or somewhere to go. A person can see thousands of people in a day and be too busy to even smile at one, much less talk to them. There is always some type of stress people have, be it from school, from work, from a relationship with friends, relationship with family, or just how the media is influencing them. People have no time! So how does one become peacefuly. Some might say death, but why does death give us peace? How does death set us apart from all the stress and business from this world.
(by now you should be saying, "This is a Jon post, wheres the Theology?" Well here it comes"
God! I sign some of my posts and emails with Pax Domini. I got this idea from a person I met through Higher Things. Pax Domini is "God's Peace." Philipeans 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." So how does one become serene? Through Jesus Christ. The peace he acheived for us on the cross. The peace He gives to us in His Word and Sacraments. What greater comfort is there then the Cross of Christ for us as Christians? What is more soothing to our minds and ears then the Word of God? What food and drink gives us benifits that even come close to the Body and Blood of Christ? What greater comfort can we have then knowing that we were baptized into Christ's Death, buried with him, and rise again with him?
So I leave you once again saying Pax Domini, The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
So enough about the movie and show, except I recommend that everyone watch it.
Serenity- How does one become serene? Just go somewhere, you never find someone who is in a state of serenity. People are always running around. They always have something to do, or somewhere to go. A person can see thousands of people in a day and be too busy to even smile at one, much less talk to them. There is always some type of stress people have, be it from school, from work, from a relationship with friends, relationship with family, or just how the media is influencing them. People have no time! So how does one become peacefuly. Some might say death, but why does death give us peace? How does death set us apart from all the stress and business from this world.
(by now you should be saying, "This is a Jon post, wheres the Theology?" Well here it comes"
God! I sign some of my posts and emails with Pax Domini. I got this idea from a person I met through Higher Things. Pax Domini is "God's Peace." Philipeans 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." So how does one become serene? Through Jesus Christ. The peace he acheived for us on the cross. The peace He gives to us in His Word and Sacraments. What greater comfort is there then the Cross of Christ for us as Christians? What is more soothing to our minds and ears then the Word of God? What food and drink gives us benifits that even come close to the Body and Blood of Christ? What greater comfort can we have then knowing that we were baptized into Christ's Death, buried with him, and rise again with him?
So I leave you once again saying Pax Domini, The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
Monday, June 05, 2006
The Theology of Lifehouse
Sick Cycle Carousel
if shame had a face I think it would kind of look like mine
if it had a home would it be my eyes
would you believe me if I said I'm tired of this
well here we go now one more time
I tried to climb your steps
I tried to chase you down
I tried to see how low I could get down to the ground
I tried to earn my way
I tried to change this mind
you better believe that I have tried to beat this
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this for good
well I never thought I'd end up here never
thought I'd be standing where I am
I guess I kind of thought that it would be easier than this
I guess I was wrong now one more time
I tried to climb your steps
I tried to chase you down
I tried to see how low I could get down to the ground
I tried to earn my way
I tried to change this mind
you better believe that I have tried to beat this
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this
sick cycle carousel
this is a sick cycle yeah
sick cycle carousel
this is a sick cycle yeah
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this for good
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this for good
sick cycle carousel
sick cycle carousel
sick cycle carousel
sick cycle carousel
Now thats a pretty awesome song, don't you think. Its kind of sad when secular rock music is better then CCM when it comes to theology. This sick cycle of sin just keeps going on and on, I keep sinning over and over again. It keeps spinning around I know that this wont stop, till I die. I love metaphors, I love music. I love summer. You may get an actually deep post sometime this summer, but for now the brain is resting.
if shame had a face I think it would kind of look like mine
if it had a home would it be my eyes
would you believe me if I said I'm tired of this
well here we go now one more time
I tried to climb your steps
I tried to chase you down
I tried to see how low I could get down to the ground
I tried to earn my way
I tried to change this mind
you better believe that I have tried to beat this
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this for good
well I never thought I'd end up here never
thought I'd be standing where I am
I guess I kind of thought that it would be easier than this
I guess I was wrong now one more time
I tried to climb your steps
I tried to chase you down
I tried to see how low I could get down to the ground
I tried to earn my way
I tried to change this mind
you better believe that I have tried to beat this
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this
sick cycle carousel
this is a sick cycle yeah
sick cycle carousel
this is a sick cycle yeah
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this for good
so when will this end it goes on and on
over and over and over again
keeps spinning around I know that it won't stop
till I step down from this for good
sick cycle carousel
sick cycle carousel
sick cycle carousel
sick cycle carousel
Now thats a pretty awesome song, don't you think. Its kind of sad when secular rock music is better then CCM when it comes to theology. This sick cycle of sin just keeps going on and on, I keep sinning over and over again. It keeps spinning around I know that this wont stop, till I die. I love metaphors, I love music. I love summer. You may get an actually deep post sometime this summer, but for now the brain is resting.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Summer
Well, well, well.. my junior year is over. Now here is summer, which promises to be a lot better then last summer. 'Why?' you ask. This summer I actually have things to do. One of the things im looking forward too the most is my spending two weeks in Ft. Wayne for Christ Academy. I dont really have anything else planned, but the summer should be full of reading, watching movies (POTC II!!!), hanging out with friends, video games, Exaulted and maybe dragon Lance role playing. This should be the best summer yet. Which will hopefully lead into a great senior year! To those who are newly graduated, good luck in whatever you are doing. The Lord bless you in everything you do. Continue recieving Gods Word and his Body and Blood as often as you can.
Have a wonderful summer!
Pax Domini
P.S You graduates don't forget your old friends.
TLH 220
1. Jesus, my great High Priest,
Offered His blood and died;
My guilty conscience seeks
No sacrifice beside.
His powerful blood did once atone,
And now it pleads before the throne.
2. To this dear Surety's hand
Will I commit my cause;
He answers and fulfils
His Father's broken laws.
Behold my soul at freedom set;
My Surety paid the dreadful debt.
3. My Advocate appears
For my defense on high;
The Father bows His ears
And lays His thunder by.
Not all that hell or sin can say
Shall turn His heart, His love, away.
4. Should all the hosts of death
And powers of hell unknown
Put their most dreadful forms
Of rage and mischief on,
I shall be safe, for Christ displays
Superior power and guardian grace.
Have a wonderful summer!
Pax Domini
P.S You graduates don't forget your old friends.
TLH 220
1. Jesus, my great High Priest,
Offered His blood and died;
My guilty conscience seeks
No sacrifice beside.
His powerful blood did once atone,
And now it pleads before the throne.
2. To this dear Surety's hand
Will I commit my cause;
He answers and fulfils
His Father's broken laws.
Behold my soul at freedom set;
My Surety paid the dreadful debt.
3. My Advocate appears
For my defense on high;
The Father bows His ears
And lays His thunder by.
Not all that hell or sin can say
Shall turn His heart, His love, away.
4. Should all the hosts of death
And powers of hell unknown
Put their most dreadful forms
Of rage and mischief on,
I shall be safe, for Christ displays
Superior power and guardian grace.
Friday, May 19, 2006
The DaVinci Code
When I grow up I want to be Pastor Borghardt. He has an awesome post on the Higher Things website about the DaVinci code. If you plan on or have read the book or seen the movie, you should read it.
http://higherthings.org/?article=1475
Pax
http://higherthings.org/?article=1475
Pax
Friday, May 05, 2006
Corpus Depicted on Cross
This was in the HT Reflection for today, I just thought it was awesome:
"This is why there is always a corpus, a body, depicted on the cross. We all know that Jesus rose from the dead. We’re in the middle of the Easter season, after all. We keep saying it to each other and to the world: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Yet we always depict the cross with a corpus, the lifeless body of Jesus.The world finds the crucifix bizarre, macabre, weird. What an ugly symbol! But viewed through baptismal eyes, this is the symbol of victory, the emblem of our salvation. This is the bronze serpent held high on a stick on which snakebitten Israel look and lived (St. John 3:14; Numbers 21:8-9). This is our death by which we die to sin. This is our life by which we live for righteousness. Those horrible wounds are the wounds of our healing. The resurrection of Jesus is the evidence that His death is the victory over Death.The cross of Jesus is the tree of life, planted in the Zion, the Church, from which the nations may come and eat of its fruits and live. Even its leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2) . The fruits of that saving treeare yours in the Holy Supper, where Jesus gives you the fruits of His sacrifice – His broken Body, His shed Blood, for you, for your forgiveness and life."
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God. On the tree of the cross you gave salvation to mankind that, whence death arose,thence life also might rise again and that he who by a tree once overcame likewise by a tree might be overcome, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Preface for the Passion of our Lord)
1. 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.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #292
"This is why there is always a corpus, a body, depicted on the cross. We all know that Jesus rose from the dead. We’re in the middle of the Easter season, after all. We keep saying it to each other and to the world: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Yet we always depict the cross with a corpus, the lifeless body of Jesus.The world finds the crucifix bizarre, macabre, weird. What an ugly symbol! But viewed through baptismal eyes, this is the symbol of victory, the emblem of our salvation. This is the bronze serpent held high on a stick on which snakebitten Israel look and lived (St. John 3:14; Numbers 21:8-9). This is our death by which we die to sin. This is our life by which we live for righteousness. Those horrible wounds are the wounds of our healing. The resurrection of Jesus is the evidence that His death is the victory over Death.The cross of Jesus is the tree of life, planted in the Zion, the Church, from which the nations may come and eat of its fruits and live. Even its leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:1-2) . The fruits of that saving treeare yours in the Holy Supper, where Jesus gives you the fruits of His sacrifice – His broken Body, His shed Blood, for you, for your forgiveness and life."
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God. On the tree of the cross you gave salvation to mankind that, whence death arose,thence life also might rise again and that he who by a tree once overcame likewise by a tree might be overcome, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Preface for the Passion of our Lord)
1. 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.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #292
Sunday, April 23, 2006
The Gospel of Judas
Well, today I finally got around to watching The Gospel of Judas which I taped a while ago. Its interesting and instead of writing about it. I give you a link to Pastor Cwirla's post on his Blogosphere.
http://blog.higherthings.org/wcwirla/article/1372.html
edit: Here is another good resource for it: http://www.csl.edu/Resources_Audio_GospelofJudas.aspx
Christ is Risen!
http://blog.higherthings.org/wcwirla/article/1372.html
edit: Here is another good resource for it: http://www.csl.edu/Resources_Audio_GospelofJudas.aspx
Christ is Risen!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Death?
TLH 198
Oh, where is thy sting, Death? We fear thee no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.
This past week one of the people in my handbell group lost her father. The choir sang the verse above during "He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord. C. F. W. Walther wrote great words of comfort in this verse. There have been many deaths this past year. One that sticks out for me is the death of Nathan Charles. It hit many people I know. The second line "Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door." Through Christs ressurection heaven is open to us. All of us. Those who have died heaven is open to also.
The blood of Christ, which at the Lambs High Feast we drank of today, atones the world of sin. Christ died for us. Through baptism we are baptised into His death. He Lives! Therefore we to shall live through all eternity!
Christ is Risen!
A blessed Eastertide to you all!
Oh, where is thy sting, Death? We fear thee no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.
This past week one of the people in my handbell group lost her father. The choir sang the verse above during "He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord. C. F. W. Walther wrote great words of comfort in this verse. There have been many deaths this past year. One that sticks out for me is the death of Nathan Charles. It hit many people I know. The second line "Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden's door." Through Christs ressurection heaven is open to us. All of us. Those who have died heaven is open to also.
The blood of Christ, which at the Lambs High Feast we drank of today, atones the world of sin. Christ died for us. Through baptism we are baptised into His death. He Lives! Therefore we to shall live through all eternity!
Christ is Risen!
A blessed Eastertide to you all!
Christ is Risen
At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
office hymn, 17th cent.
office hymn, 17th cent.
At the Lamb’s high feast we sing
Praise to our victorious king,
Who has washed us in the tide
Flowing from his pierced side.
Alleluia!
Praise we him, whose love divine
Gives his sacred blood for wine,
Gives his body for the feast
Christ the victim, Christ the priest.
Alleluia!
Where the paschal blood is poured,
Death’s dread angel sheathes the sword;
Israel’s hosts triumphant go
Through the wave that drowns the foe.
Alleluia!
Praise we Christ, whose blood was shed,
Paschal victim, paschal bread;
With sincerity and love
Eat we manna from above.
Alleluia!
Mighty Victim from the sky,
Hell’s fierce powers beneath you lie;
You have conquered in the fight
You have brought us life and light.
Alleluia!
Now no more can death appall,
Now no more the grave enthrall;
You have opened paradise,
And your saints in you shall rise.
Alleluia!
Easter triumph, Easter joy!
This alone can sin destroy;
From sin’s power, Lord, set us free,
Newborn souls in you to be.
Alleluia!
Father, who the crown shall give,
Savior, by whose death we live,
Spirit, guide through all our days;
Three in One, Your name we praise.
Alleluia!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Easter Vigil
It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places, with all our heart and mind and voice, praise You, O Lord, Holy Father, almighty everlasting God, and Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
For He is the very Paschal Lamb who offered Himself for the sin of the world,
who has cleansed us by the shedding of His precious blood.
This is the night when You brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt
and led them through the Red Sea on dry ground.
This is the night when all who believe in Christ are delivered from bondage to sin and are restored to life and immortality.
This is the night when Christ, the Life, arose from the dead. The seal of the grave is broken and the morning of the new creation breaks forth out of night.
Oh, how wonderful and beyond all telling is Your mercy toward us, O God, that to redeem a slave You gave Your Son.
How holy is this night when all wickedness is put to flight and sin is washed away.
How holy is this night when innocence is restored to the fallen and joy is given to those downcast.
How blessed is this night when man is reconciled to God in Christ.
Holy Father, accept now the evening sacrifices of our thanksgiving and praise. Let Christ, the true light and morning star, shine in our hearts, He who gave light to all creation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Collect for the Vigil of Easter)
For He is the very Paschal Lamb who offered Himself for the sin of the world,
who has cleansed us by the shedding of His precious blood.
This is the night when You brought our fathers, the children of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt
and led them through the Red Sea on dry ground.
This is the night when all who believe in Christ are delivered from bondage to sin and are restored to life and immortality.
This is the night when Christ, the Life, arose from the dead. The seal of the grave is broken and the morning of the new creation breaks forth out of night.
Oh, how wonderful and beyond all telling is Your mercy toward us, O God, that to redeem a slave You gave Your Son.
How holy is this night when all wickedness is put to flight and sin is washed away.
How holy is this night when innocence is restored to the fallen and joy is given to those downcast.
How blessed is this night when man is reconciled to God in Christ.
Holy Father, accept now the evening sacrifices of our thanksgiving and praise. Let Christ, the true light and morning star, shine in our hearts, He who gave light to all creation, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
(Collect for the Vigil of Easter)
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday
Psalm 22
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?
2 O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, and am not silent.
3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.
4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads:
8 "He trusts in the LORD;
let the LORD rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him."
9 Yet you brought me out of the womb;
you made me trust in you
even at my mother's breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon you;
from my mother's womb you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 Roaring lions tearing their prey
open their mouths wide against me.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax;
it has melted away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;
you lay me in the dust of death.
16 Dogs have surrounded me;
a band of evil men has encircled me,
they have pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I can count all my bones;
people stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.
19 But you, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my life from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions;
save [d] me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers;
in the congregation I will praise you.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
they who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!
27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
for he has done it.
O Sacred Head Now Wounded (TLH)
1. O sacred Head, now wounded,
With grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown.
O sacred Head, what glory,
What bliss, till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine.
2. Men mock and taunt and jeer Thee,
Thou noble countenance,
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee
And flee before Thy glance.
How art thou pale with anguish,
With sore abuse and scorn!
How doth Thy visage languish
That once was bright as morn!
3. Now from Thy cheeks has vanished
Their color, once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banished
The splendor that was there.
Grim Death, with cruel rigor,
Hath robbed Thee of Thy life;
Thus Thou has lost Thy vigor,
Thy strength, in this sad strife.
4. My burden in Thy Passion,
Lord, Thou hast borne for me,
For it was my transgression
Which brought this woe on thee.
I cast me down before Thee,
Wrath were my rightful lot;
Have mercy, I implore Thee;
Redeemer, spurn me not!
5. My Shepherd, now receive me;
My Guardian, own me Thine.
Great blessings Thou didst give me,
O Source of gifts divine!
Thy lips have often fed me
With words of truth and love,
Thy Spirit oft hath led me
To heavenly joys above.
6. Here I will stand beside Thee,
From Thee I will not part;
O Savior, do not chide me!
When breaks Thy loving heart,
When soul and body languish
In death's cold, cruel grasp,
Then, in Thy deepest anguish,
Thee in mine arms I'll clasp.
7. The joy can ne'er be spoken,
Above all joys beside,
When in Thy body broken
I thus with safety hide.
O Lord of life, desiring
Thy glory now to see,
Beside Thy cross expiring,
I'd breathe my soul to Thee.
8. What language shall I borrow
To thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this, Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine forever!
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never,
Outlive my love for Thee.
9. My Savior, be Thou near me
When death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me,
Forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish,
Oh, leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish
By virtue of Thine own!
10. Be Thou my Consolation,
My Shield when I must die;
Remind me of Thy Passion
When my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee,
Upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfold Thee.
Who dieth thus dies well!
"John 18:33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken"
Today we look at the crucifixion of Jesus. Good Friday one of the most holy days of the Church year. It was foretold in the Old testament. It is the day when Christ saves us! "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Those are the words he speaks on the cross. Even when he is dead Salvation comes through him. John 18:3bringinging a sudden flow of blood and water." The sacraments! Through Christ's dead body comes the sacraments. The holy water used in baptism. His precious blood that yesterday. "When he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to the disciples and said 'Take. Eat. This is my Body" Through this broken body comes the blood that makes us white as snow and the water that washes us clean and clothes us with Christ.
Without Christ's Crucifixion our Faith is futile. Truly his laying his life down on the cross is the purest gospel we have.
Pax Christi
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Maundy Thursday
IntroitI will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord
How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
O Lord, truly I am your servant;
I am you servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.
I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the Lord.
I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
O Lord, We Praise You
2. Your holy body into death was given,
Life to win for us in heaven,
No greater love than this to you could bind us:
May this feast of that remind us!
O Lord, have mercy!
Lord, your kindness so much did move you
That your blood now moves us to love you.
All our debt you have paid;
Peace with God once more is made.
O Lord, gave mercy!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Passion Hymn
Passion Week is my favorite week of the church year. It contains amazing hymns! But most of all it presents the Gospel in the purist form. Christ on the Cross.
What better image do we as Christians have then the image of Christ beaten, bloody, and dead on the cross? The Cross where Christ becomes the biggest sinner yet was without sin. He confesses for everything we do. For what everyone ever has done or ever will do. You lied to your parents, What does Christ say when the Father is on the brink of releasing his justice on us. Christ says "(insert your name here) didn't do anything. I did that. I also did what Suzy did and Joe he didn't do anything either. I did all those things." Then Christ takes the blow for us. He willingly takes our fate upon himself. He willingly lays down his life. He alone has the authority to lay down his life. NO ONE takes it from him. The Father has given him authority to lay his life down and take it up again. (John 10:17-18)
This Passion week don't focus on how we need to "act better" there is no way we can. This week Rejoice! For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)
Have a blessed week as you observe Christs Passion.
1. The death of Jesus Christ, our Lord,
We celebrate with one accord;
It is our comfort in distress,
Our heart's sweet joy and happiness.
2. He blotted out with His own blood
The judgment that against us stood;
He full atonement for us made,
And all our debt He fully paid.
3. That this is now and ever true
He gives an earnest ever new:
In this His holy Supper here
We taste His love so sweet, so near.
4. His Word proclaims, and we believe.
That in this Supper we receive
His very body, as He said,
His very blood for sinners shed.
5. A precious food is this indeed,--
It never fails us in our need,--
A heavenly manna for our soul,
Until we safely reach our goal.
6. Oh, blest is each believing guest
Who in this promise finds His rest;
For Jesus will in love abide
With those who do in Him confide.
7. The guest that comes with true intent
To turn to God and to repent,
To live for Christ to die to sin,
Will thus a holy life begin.
8. They who His Word do not believe,
This food unworthily receive,
Salvation here will never find,--
May we this warning keep in mind!
9. Help us sincerely to believe
That we may worthily receive
Thy Supper and in Thee find rest.
Amen, he who believes is blest.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Not a Tame Lion
"One day you'll see him and another you won't. He doesn't like being tied down--and of course he has other countries to attend to. It's quite all right. He'll often drop in. Only you mustn't press him. He's wild, you know. Not like a tame lion."
I recently bought The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It is quickly becoming my favorite movie. I read the books regularly. You can get something out of the books each time you read them. I'm finding out even through the few times I've seen the movie that seeing differnt things each time holds true with the movie also. The movie is extremely close to the book. Yet from my point of view they are extremely different. Many of the symbolisms are the same, but some of the dialogue has changed. You can see one thing in the way the dialogue is in the book, and something else in other places in the movie. I find different symbolisms in the book then in the movie. Then when I see the movie I find things I didn't see in the book. Some of the symbolisms I see in both the book and the movie. I don't know if C. S. Lewis meant them to be there (in the case of the movie either Andrew Adamson or people who worked on the script).
I recommend that if you have not seen it yet that you do. It is a great movie in both that it sticks to the story line as written in the book, extraordinarily closely, and it is great as far as movies go. Everything from the beautiful locations, battle scenes, costuming, to the way Aslan was presented in both appearance and personality (for lack of a better word).
As was brought up in my theology class to day, truly Aslan (God) is not a tame lion. From the human perspective, the way God works is illogical. Of ways to save the world why send your only son to die, therefore cracking the stone table? Why save the world at all? Why make it appear that some of your prophets are just crazy men? Thankfully God does work in illogical ways, or mankind would be in a serious predicament.
Pax Domini
I recommend that if you have not seen it yet that you do. It is a great movie in both that it sticks to the story line as written in the book, extraordinarily closely, and it is great as far as movies go. Everything from the beautiful locations, battle scenes, costuming, to the way Aslan was presented in both appearance and personality (for lack of a better word).
As was brought up in my theology class to day, truly Aslan (God) is not a tame lion. From the human perspective, the way God works is illogical. Of ways to save the world why send your only son to die, therefore cracking the stone table? Why save the world at all? Why make it appear that some of your prophets are just crazy men? Thankfully God does work in illogical ways, or mankind would be in a serious predicament.
Pax Domini
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