Nativity painting that didnt want to go into the last post

Putting the Mass Back in Christmas

By Rev. George Borghardt III

You’ve heard the expression,“Keep Christ in Christmas,”
haven’t you? That couldn’t be more true! The world has
no problem talking about “God”at Christmastime, but
wants to find God somewhere else other than on earth,
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying and sleeping in a
manger. For us, the big deal about Christmas is that Jesus
has come into the flesh.We most definitely should keep
Christ in Christmas!

But no one ever says not to take the “mass” out of Christmas, do they? What does the “mass”
mean? Did your Lutheran alarm go off when you first read the word “mass”? Did you think,“That’s Roman Catholic”? That’s not a bad thing to think for we have many disagreements with the doctrines of the Roman Mass. But we Lutherans do celebrate mass every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper.The Divine Service in our hymnal flows from Luther’s Deustche Messe, his German Mass. When the “mass” is celebrated byLutherans, this means simply that
the Lord Jesus gives us what He won on the cross by grace alone at His Supper.

So we are gathered together by our Lord Jesus on December 25 to celebrate the Mass of Christ. What’s the connection between Jesus being born in the manger and the Lord giving us His Body and Blood in the Sacrament?

Answer: everything! Christmas is the church feast where we remember that the Babe of Bethlehem is born not to stay in the manger, but to go to Jerusalem.Mary’s Boy is born to die, born to be sacrificed for your sins and mine on the cross. He reconciles God and sinners by giving His life for the sin of the world. But we can’t go back to the manger that first Christmas Day no matter how hard we try. Nor can we go back to the cross when grown-up Jesus died on
Good Friday. Nor will we find Jesus there! So what does Jesus do? Christmas is the day when the Babe of Bethlehem comes to us not in the manger but in His Body and Blood at the Sacrament.

Jesus came that first Christmas not in heavenly splendor, but wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in the manger. He was born so down-to-earth, so one of us, so ordinary.He came to
earth not with thunder and lightning, but humble, meek, and lowly. Jesus is God with us,God one of us,God for us. Jesus comes to you at Christmas not in heavenly splendor. He comes to you
in ordinary, down-to-earth bread and wine. He comes not with thunder and lighting, but with the forgiveness of sins put into your mouth. Dr. Luther said it this way, “If now I seek the forgiveness of sins, I do not run to the cross, for I will not find it given there… But I will find in the sacrament or Gospel the word which distributes, presents, offers, and gives to me that forgiveness which was won on the Cross” (AE 40, 214).We don’t go to the manger to find God on Christmas; we go to the Sacrament where God delivers Himself to us, into our mouths, in, with, and under the bread and wine. But don’t we have the Lord’s Supper often and not just on
Christmas? Yes! The good Lutheran question is,“What does that mean?” It means that every celebration of the Lord’s Supper is a Christmas celebration! Our Lord Jesus loves us that much that He gives us His Body and Blood not just on Christmas,but every Divine Service. Don’t let anyone take Christ out of Christmas. And don’t let anyone take the Lord’s Supper out of
Christmas either! Jesus desires to come to you in His Supper.This Christmas, He breaks into your world, not wrapped in swaddling clothes, but bearing His salvation in His Body and Blood given and shed for you for the remission of all your sins.Take Eat, His Body.Take Drink, His Blood. A blessed and merry Christ’s Mass to you!

"From Heaven above to earth I come to bring Good News to everyone! Glad tidings of great joy I bring. To all the world and Gladly sing" vs 1 LW37

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is here! I hope you all enjoy the things that I post throughout the Christmas Season. As you all go through your festivites today and tomorrow, Remember why Jesus came to earth. He came to earth to go to the cross. The cross a humiliating death for us, to save you from your sins. As you celebrate and enjoy food, presents, and time with family; take the time to thank God for sending His Son in human form to become one of us, yet without sin.
Christ is born! I hope you all have a very Blessed Christmas.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. Alleluia. Luke 2:11

Of the Father's Love Begotten LW 36

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He,
Of the things that are, that have been,
And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!

O that birth forever blessèd, when the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race;
And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!

This is He Whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord;
Whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word;
Now He shines, the long expected,
Let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven adore Him; angel hosts, His praises sing;
Powers, dominions, bow before Him, and extol our God and King!
Let no tongue on earth be silent,
Every voice in concert sing, evermore and evermore!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory, evermore and evermore!

Collect:
O God, because you once caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light, grant that we who have known the mystery of that Light here on earth may come to the full measure of its joys in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

"To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. " Is. 9:6

Advent IV

Lift up your heads, you mighty gates! Behold, the King of glory waits.
The King of kings is drawing near, the Savior of the world is here.
He brings salvation down to earth. Greet him with shouts of holy mirth.
Our highest praise we bring, our God, Creator, King.

The righteous King is bringing peace; he comes the pris’ners to release.
His royal crown, self-sacrifice, its jewel, mercy without price.
He brings our sorrows to an end. Shout out your joy to God, our friend.
Our highest praise we bring, our God, Redeemer, King.

O happy town, O blessed land that keeps our gracious King’s command,
And blest the heart when he comes in his holy reign there to begin.
His entrance is the dawn of bliss; he fills our lives and makes them his.
Our highest praise we bring, God, Comforter and King.

Unbar the gate, fling wide the door, your heart to God’s design restore.
Adorn its walls with all things right, with peace and love and joy and light.
Your King will then be glad to come and live within you as his home.
Our highest praise we bring to God, our Lord and King.

Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior, come, I open wide my heart, your home.
Oh, Enter with your radiant grace, n my lifes pattern shine your face,
And let your Holy Spirit guide To gracious vistas rich and wide.
Our God, we praise your name, Forevermore the same.

Collect:
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come among us with great might; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives a reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and foreever. Amen.

Advent III

O come, O come Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Chorus:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

2. Oh, come, oh, come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In Ancient times once gave the law
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Chorus:

3. Oh, come, strong branch of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satans tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save
And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Chorus:

4. Oh, come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home:
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery.
Chorus:

5. O Come Thou Dayspring, from on high
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Chorus:

6. O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.
Chorus:

7. O come desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace.
Chorus:

Collect:
Almighty God, through John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, you once proclaimed salvation; now grant that we may know this salvation adn serve you in holinessand righteousness all the days of our lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Narnia

This past weekend I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I was actually really scared to go see it. I thought for sure that Disney would screw it up. To my surprise it was exellent. All the Christ parallels were there. There is one scene(probably my favorite) where Peter was fighting the White Witch. There was a long struggle between the two. Then Aslan, who everyone thought was dead, jumps in and crushes the witches head right as she was about to kill Peter. Aslan was done really well. The children were also perfectly cast. Everyone should go see it, and read all the chronicles if you havent already.

Now I leave you with a part from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, that really shows that Aslan is Christ.

But between them and the foot of the sky there was something so white on the green grass that...they could hardly look at it. They came on and saw that it was a Lamb...
"Please, Lamb," said Lucy, "is this the way to Aslan's country?"
"Not for you," said the Lamb. "For you the door into Aslan's country is from your own world."
"What!" said Edmund. "Is there a way into Aslan's country from our world too?"
"There is a way into my country from all the worlds," said the Lamb; but as he spoke, his snowywhite flushed into tawny gold and his size changed and he was Aslan himself, towering above them and scattering light from his mane.
"Oh, Aslan," said Lucy. "Will you tell us how to get into your country from our world?"
"I shall be telling you all the time," said Aslan. "But I will not tell you how long or short the way will be; only that it lies across a river. But do not fear that, for I am the great Bridge Builder. And now come; I will open the door in the sky and send you to your own land."
"Please, Aslan," said Lucy. "Before we go, will you tell us when we can come back to Narnia again? Please. And oh, do, do, do make it soon."
"Dearest," said Aslan very gently, "you and your brother will never come back to Narnia."
"Oh, Aslan!!" said Edmund and Lucy both together in despairing voices."
"You are too old, children," said Aslan, "and you must begin to come close to your own world now."
"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are-are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."

Advent II

"Hark, a Thrilling Voice is Sounding"
by unknown author, c. 900
Translated by Edward Caswall, 1814-1878

1. Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding!
"Christ is nigh!" we hear it say;
"Cast away the works of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"

2. Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ, her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

3. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven.
Let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
One and all, to be forgiven,

4. That, when next He comes with glory
And the world is wrapped in fear,
He may shield us with His mercy
And with words of love draw near.

5. Honor, glory, might, dominion,
To the Father and the Son,
With the everlasting Spirit,
While eternal ages run!

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #60


Oh...and I got "The Fire and the Staff" from "St. Nick" Havent read much of it yet but so far its awesome. Now for some quotes.

"Doctrine affects practice and practice affects doctrin. The two are so intimately woven together that when you change one, you will inevitably change the other, sometimes without realizing what has happened."

"Justification is often questioned today, especially by those who think that we are saved by Jesus in our heart rather then on the cross."

Nate 12-3-05

Many of you who read this know that Nathan Charles, a junior at Martin Luther was killed in a car accident.

Job 34:20 "In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight and pass away; and the mighty shall be taken away without hand."

I did not know Nate all that well but, I do know that he was kind to others. He also died in Christ.

II Tim. 1:10 "Jesus Christ hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."

Many people have been saying how unbelievable this is. How blessed we are because we can say that. Something like this could be happening a lot more often then it does. Let us thank God that it does not.

James 4:14 "What is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away."

Thankfully, Christ came and died for us so that we will have everlasting life. Nate has everlasting life. He is eating from the Tree of Life.

1 Cor. 15:55-57. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

All of us will one day die. We will one day join Nate in the eternal feast with God. Do not let his death weaken your faith. Let it strengthen your faith in Christ and the Eternal Life he bought for us with His death. Christ conquered death for us so that we will live. Thanks be to God that he has taken our brother from us, from sin, from all evil. Nate is with Christ! Christ was waiting for him. As Christ is waiting for us now!

John 14:2-3 "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also."

Although, Nate is missed by all of us. We must look to our last days. Let us remain strong in faith throughout this time of sorrow. We all are sinners. We all deserve both a physical death and spiritual death. But Christ has come to save you, me and all others. Nate has been taken to be with Christ. Gods will be done.

I Tim. 1:15 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief."

Rev. 14:13 "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence forth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

Jer. 31:3 "I have loved thee with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Come, quickly Lord Jesus!

An Advent Hymn

Savior of the Nations Come- Martin Luther TLH 95

Savior of the nations, come;
Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home!
Marvel now, O heaven and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.

Not by human flesh and blood;
By the Spirit of our God
Was the Word of God made flesh,
Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.

Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child
Of the virgin undefiled!
Though by all the world disowned,
Still to be in heaven enthroned.

From the Father forth He came
And returneth to the same,
Captive leading death and hell
High the song of triumph swell!

Thou, the Father’s only Son,
Hast over sin the victory won.
Boundless shall Thy kingdom be;
When shall we its glories see?

Brightly doth Thy manger shine,
Glorious is its light divine.
Let not sin o’ercloud this light;
Ever be our faith thus bright.

Praise to God the Father sing,
Praise to God the Son, our King,
Praise to God the Spirit be
Ever and eternally.

A Sunday Night Post

Well I haven't posted on here for a couple days. So how about a post.

There was a post that was put up on one of my friends sites. Everyone said it was awesome, but I didn't think it was that great. It was supposibly about CCM, but this person didn't seem to address what's wrong with it. He just put it down with really no way of backing it up. In this post he also put in lines to have a "way out" lines such as, "I'm not saying all churches that do this are bad" or "I mean.. Its fine... But I'm not brave enough to listen to that crap..." Wait, did you just say it was fine after trying to put together an argument about why it was wrong?

Now, more about the content of the post. It was said that "normal" Christians hate it. What exactly is a normal Christian. I mean we have Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans and many others that would call themselves Christian.

The Next point that was made was on why people go to church. This got me thinking and is basically what made me decide to write this post. The answer given in his post was "because you love God" (I'll come back to this a little later) He then went on to say church isn't about making you feel all warm and fuzzy. Which its not, but the next line is what got me. "Church is suppose to make you feel like crap, because you are crap." There is no doubt that we are all "crap" If church was about making us feel like crap why would anyone go? We first must understand that we are "crap" to understand the gospel. "Then you take a deep breath and remember your ass is saved without you lifting a pinkie finger" That was the line that came after the last one. This line is strange in my point-of-view. If church is all about making you feel like crap how do you even know that your saved. Do we have to do the remembering in order to be saved. What did God give us pastors for? To remind us that we are saved. Not to put a law twist on the gospel saying that you need to remember your saved. The pastor is there to tell you that all your sins were paid for. All the sins of unbelievers were paid for. On the cross, Jesus took on the sins of the entire world. All those that were committed up to his time. Those that were committed during his time and all those that were committed after his time until the time of his return. That included every single second that you are alive. We are sinning constantly.

Next, there is talk about how some churches to have communion every Sunday. That part is good. Through communion we receive forgiveness of sins. Communion is very key as was stated in the post. Then there was a little about sermons. How some pastors make the pulpit (if they use one) to make jokes or make political stands. "Crux sola nostra theologica est." The Cross alone is our theology. We preach Christ crucified. My Dad has told me that there are three things in a good Lutheran sermon. Law, Gospel, and reference to at least one of the sacraments. Too many times the Law is given in such a way to make it seem like gospel when really there is no gospel at all. In our troubs chapel there was one line of gospel in the speaking parts, even that had a law twist on it saying that we need to remember.

A couple last comments on the post. "The only sin that could POSSIBLY be greater is forsaking God." Everytime we sin we forsake God. By sinning we are forsaking God so apparently the only sin that is greater is all sins. Which is true because all sins are equal in God's sight.
" and yeah I guess God isn't all fire and brimestone anymore... " I was pretty sure that God was unchanging. "no.. The hurricanes were not him." I believe it says in scripture even the winds and the waves obey him. So from the conversations I have had with Mr. Pierson I can pretty confidently say No that did not sound like Pierson.



Now to make the post even longer, I'm going back to Why we go to church. I asked this question and I got 2 responses besides the one that was stated in that post.

The First response I got was this.

"we go to church to worship God, because he is infact worthy of praise. We go to church to hear the gospel, that is our salvation through Christ (definitely helps if its infused with the fact that we NEED to be saved). Going to hear the word of God as well as the sacraments in which God comes to us."

The first part of that response at least is all Law. Especially considering Church is a very "gospelly" thing. We go to church to worship God. Yes, that is part of it but are we capable of worshiping God in any worthy way? God coming to us is an awesome point in this answer. For that is what happens in Church its God coming to us in His word and Sacraments. Its nothing that we do.

Another response I got.

" worship," "hear God's Word, that we are sinners and NEED a Savior!"

This a much shorter answer contains pretty much the same points. Worship, we aren't capable of worshiping God in a worthy manner. We do hear God's Word. Not because we want to but because God allows us to. The last part to hear that we are sinners an NEED a Savior. Where is the gospel in that answer? Yes we need to hear that we are sinners and need a savior or the gospel makes no sense. In that answer where's the part that talks about us hearing that we have a Savior and we are forgiven?

So why do we go to church? Not to feel like crap. Although we do worship in church that is not the reason we go. We do hear that we are sinners and need a Savior at church. But what's a good answer to that question. Actually, what's a "gospelly" answer to that question. We go to church because God in his mercy sent his Son to take away every sin of ours. Also, In His mercy God allows us to hear that he sent his Son, and receive the word and sacraments. To receive forgiveness of sins in the Lord's body and blood during Communion. What a great gift of God church is!

CCM or not?

Let's play a game I give you some lyrics and you tell me if they are CCM or by some secular band/singer.



I spent a day by the river
It was quiet and the wind stood still
I spent some time with nature
To remind me of all that's real
It's funny how silence speaks sometimes when you're alone
And remember that you feel
It's funny how silence speaks sometimes when you're alone
And remember that you feel
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man
Now I saw a face on the water
It looked humble but willing to fight
I saw the will of a warrior
His yoke is easy and His burden is light
He looked me right in the eyes
Direct and concise to remind me
To always do what's right
He looked me right in the eyes
Direct and concise to remind me
To always do what's right
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man
Again I stand, Lord God I stand, against the Faceless Man
'Cause if the face inside can't see the light
I know I'll have to walk alone
And if I walk alone to the other side
I know I might not make it home
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man
Next time I see this face
I'll say I choose to live for always
So won't you come inside And never go away
Next time I see this face
I'll say I choose to live for always
So won't you come inside And never go away
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man
Again I stand, Lord I stand, against the Faceless Man.

Power of One and Bob Lenz

So.. Im just got home so I think I should write a breif post. First of all, I win best curtain call.

Now, Ive heard lots of talk about this power of one thing tomorrow(today i guess technically) Now I dont know much about it but i know it cant be very good. I know it cant be good because Bob "target youths emotions" Lenz is speaking. Now Bob Lenz is ELCA so dont ask me why he speaks at a bunch of LCMS things. At the last National Youth Gathering he made fun of people who use big words like "beseech" (ya i know i probably spelled that wrong) in prayers. What he does is plays with the youths emotions. He tells all these stories that will have people in tears one minute and the next they'll be laughing. I think thats the reason why he is called a powerful speaker by so many people. I was just reading on of his bio's on-line, Christ was not mentioned once in it. Which I guess goes right along with his 'messages.' What a great person to be speaking to the youth. One who doesnt mention Christ at all. Here are some quotes from the webpage:

"Bob easily connects with his audiences by sharing valuable principles intertwined with stories and personal experiences that help youth deal with real life. "

- You take Christ out of the principles and morals we have how long is it before we dont regard them as anything. They have no authority without God.

" "I can't tell you in all the words in the world how what you said made, and makes me a better person." Tara – Dublin, OH"

-Hm... I'm a pretty terrible person. Maybe I need to hear him speak again so I can be a better person. Yay Bob Lenz is a savior!

"It was like I needed something to keep me going on the right track because I had felt myself slipping with thoughts of drugs and alcohol again. It was truly touching and inspirational…" Reagan – Hilliard, OH

- Haha what use is Christ when you can have Bob Lenz?

"Although speaking is a great privilege for Bob, his first commitment is to his family."

-God's not needed as long as I have my family. This sounds like exactly the person we should have speaking to youth the future of our church. Maybe they'll start their own Bob Lenz church. I can not uphold the law. But apparently people who hear him speak can be better somehow. The bible talks about wolves in sheeps clothing. This kind of thing makes me wonder. Almost everyone likes him. He has a influence in a lot of peoples lives, but no Christ in his messages. He makes fun of "Old Style's" of worship which, wait.. come from the bible? (For those of you who dont get that look through the the Liturgy sometime, and see how much comes from the bible.) Yeah... so Yay Bob Lenz you can play with teens emotions and you can make up reasons why we shouldnt do this and this and this and do this and this. Hm.. Without Christ I can do nothing except sin. Well ya its getting late and Im sleepy. So im done for now

Awesome Post I saw.

I saw this post about contemperary worship on the Higher Things Forums.

Posted by "AiJahya" Today at 5:54

I think some youth *do* want a more contemporary service. It just depends on the churches they go to... I have friends that love contemporary worship. Some of them are Baptist, some are Pentecostal, and some are Assemblies of God. They think that worship without that "buzz" is useless. I find that most people who appreciate church for reasons other than the Gospel have a different understanding of what worship is (it's purpose) than Lutherans do. I'd say that contemporary worship isn't attractive to me as a youth because God never promised that He'd come to us through our families, or our friends, or music, or emotions, etc. He promised to come through His Word and Sacraments.Contemporary worship may give some people an emotional high, but what do you leave with? What do you leave with when you use the Liturgy? When you look at contemporary worship, and then look at the Liturgy, contemporary worship forms seem a little void of the Gospel. Since the Gospel is what I go to church to hear and receive, I can't appreciate contemporary worship. With the Liturgy, no matter how depressed I get, or how happy I am, the Word is still there. If I relied on my emotions for the worship service, I'd be in pretty sad shape. Again, if I went to church because of my friends or family, and then my friends/family left, what would I be left with? Not the Gospel. I will say that my family has had an influence- First, by taking me to the Baptismal font as an infant, and secondly, by reading and teaching me Scripture... But then, is it them reading it to me, or God working through the Word being read?

Yay Reformation.

How about a good reformation hymn. It was also just awesome to play on handbells! Two bad we couldnt sing reformation hymns at the association Reformation festival.

"Built on the Rock the Church doth Stand"
by Nicolai F.S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872
Translated by Carl Doving, 1867-1937
1. Built on the Rock the Church doth stand,
Even when steeples are falling;
Crumbled have spires in every land,
Bells still are chiming and calling,
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the soul distrest,
Longing for rest everlasting.

2. Surely in temples made with hands,
God, the Most High, is not dwelling;
High above earth His temple stands,
All earthly temples excelling.
Yet He whom heavens cannot contain
Chose to abide on earth with men,
Built in our bodies His temple.

3. We are God's house of living stones,
Builded for His habitation;
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation.
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell,
With all His grace and His favor.

4. Now we may gather with our King
E'en in the lowliest dwelling;
Praises to Him we there may bring,
His wondrous mercy forthtelling.
Jesus His grace to us accords;
Spirit and life are all His words;
His truth doth hallow the temple.

5. Still we our earthly temples rear
That we may herald His praises;
They are the homes where He draws near
And little children embraces.
Beautiful things in them are said;
God there with us His covenant made,
Making us heirs of His kingdom.

6. Here stands the font before our eyes
Telling how God did receive us;
The altar recalls Christ's sacrifice
And what His table doth give us;
Here sounds the Word that doth proclaim
Christ yesterday, today, the same,
Yea, and for aye our Redeemer.

7. Grant then, O God, where'er men roam,
That, when the church-bells are ringing,
Many in saving faith may come
Where Christ His message is bringing:
"I know Mine own, Mine own know Me;
Ye, not the world, My face shall see.
My peace I leave with you." Amen.

Hymn #467
The Lutheran Hymnal

YAY LUTHER!

Ya I think we need a Luther Hymn.

Our Father, who from heav'n above
Has told us here to live in love
And with our fellow Christians share
Our mutual burdens and our prayer,
Teach us no thoughtless word to say
But from our inmost heart to pray.

Your name be hallowed. Help us, Lord,
In purity to keep your Word
That to the glory of your name
We walk before you free from blame.
Let no false teaching us pervert;
All poor deluded souls convert.

Your kingdom come. Guard your domain
And your eternal righteous reign.
The Holy Ghost enrich our day
With gifts attendant on our way.
Break Satan's pow'r, defeat his rage;
Preserve your Church from age to age.

Your gracious will on earth be done
As it is done before your throne,
That patiently we may obey
In good or bad times all you say.
Curb flesh and blood and ev'ry ill
That sets itself against your will.

Gve us this day our daily bread
And let us all be clothed and fed.
From warfare, rioting, and strife,
Disease, and famine save our life
That we in honest peace may live,
To care and greed no entrance give.

Forgive our sins, let grace outpour
That they may trouble us no more;
We too will gladly those forgive
Who harm us by the way they live.
Help us in each community
To serve with love and unity.

Lead not into temptation, Lord,
Where our grim foe and all his horde
Would vex our souls on ev'ry hand.
Help us resist, help us to stand
Firm in the faith, armed with your might;
Your Spirit give your children light.

Deliver us from evil days,
From every dark and trying maze;
Redeem us from eternal death,
Console us when we yield our breath.
Give us at last a blessed end;
Receive our souls, O faithful friend.

Amen, that is, it shall be so.
Make our faith strong that we may know
We need not doubt but shall receive
All that we ask, as we believe.
On your great promise we lay claim.
Our faith says amen in your name.

Shall I Rant?

Well this post will be about two things that bug me. The First being (i guess ill only choose one of the songs) a song we sang in chapel today. The second will be Mellondorf Theology (or lack there of) class.

First, Chapel today. His message was titled who is Jesus to You? Ya I'm pretty sure he was Savior for all. We sang two songs today. (Yes they actually called them songs not hymns!) The First was Lord I Lift Your Name on High. We wont touch that one. The second was You Are My All in All. The reason I'm going to talk about this one is because some of the little kids choirs have sang it in church at EGL. The Chorus is actually good. "Jesus Lamb of God Worthy is Your name." Although it doesnt say what his name is worthy for/of its not tying us into it trying to say we make His name worthy as far as I can tell. Now the first verse is were my major problem with the song is. "You are my strength when I am weak" Yes he is. "You are the Treasure That I seek you are my All in All" Now why are we comparing Jesus to a worldly treasure that we have to go find. To find treasure I go out and look for some 'X' on the ground right? But Jesus He comes to us, in the Word and Sacraments. I dont have to go looking for him. He comes looking for us. "Seeking you as a precious jewel Lord to give up I'd be a fool...." This goes along with the last part. We dont look for Jesus like he is some precious possesion. In fact we turn away from him again and again. Jesus is the one who comes looking for us and when we are found we are carried back to His flock on His shoulders. Each of us are special enough to Him that he died for each of us. C. S. Lewis in "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" parallels Christs death. In the book, Aslan, the Christ-like Lion dies for the sins of Edmond. He doesnt say that he dies for all the children because Lewis wanted to get across that Jesus died for me! Another good quote that comes to mind, though I forget who said it, is "The Gospel is not Christ Crucified, the Gospel is Christ Crucified for me."**** Each and everyone one of us is special enough in the eyes of Christ for him to die for all the sins we commit. We do not seek Jesus. We wander away from Him. He is the one who comes for us. Thanks be to God that we are not the ones responsible for finding Jesus.

Next, Theology. Today we had someone come in and talk to us about our careers. So we really had no Theology today. Why is it that these type of things always take place of the most important class we have throughout the day. Now Mr. Mellondorf has a different thing we do everyday before class. It usually eats up 10-20 mins of time. Mondays we talk about what we did over the weekend. Wow that sounds like it has a lot of place in a theology class doesnt it? What are before and after school for? Tuesday is a Student led devotion. Now this isnt all that bad as long as the people dont pick something out of "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" or something like that. But i dont have a major problem with that. Wednesday is Bible reading day. Most people just sit there and write notes or sleep. I'm not sure that there should be a specific time we just open up and read our bibles. I mean we should be doing that on our own time. Theology though the whole class should be about teaching us what the bible means and studying scripture, not just random topics that dont even go together. Thursday is prayer day. We write down prayers for ourselves and then other people. So I guess God just hearing our prayers isnt good enough he must read them now too. Friday is question day. Why there should be a seperate day for questions? If the questions apply to what we are learning they should be asked in class. If not and you want an answer ask him after class or after school. Having a question day is just and excuse to take up class time in most peoples minds. Now after we get through the first nonsence and Mellondorf actually stats teaching. He goes off on a topic that we didnt even read about. Why doesnt he at least go through what we just read? But no he goes on about some topic like sex, or drunkeness, and mentions God a total of twice on a good day. Finally, He always explanes things in a way that wont get in trouble. You can see what he thinks and you know its wrong, but he words it in a way were you cant call him on it.

Well thats all for now if i think of more I will add more later. This is already a long post so I guess i wont put in hymn lyrics like I was going to but there will be some by Sunday or Monday.

***** haha it was Luther. I should have remembered that it was the title of one of my previous posts

Trust?

Ha I found somethings that made me lose my trust in eveyone. WHY CANT WHAT A PERSON SAYS IN A CONVERSATION STAY BETWEEN THOSE TWO PEOPLE? GAH! this has been a bad week im going to bed hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Yay Theology Class!

Good old Mellondorf at it again. Yes Jon spoke again in his class. Dont ask me why. He doesnt like my answers. So Thursday, He asked if there should be divisions in the church. He then answered his own question with no. Then he asked why there shouldnt be divisions. Everyone was answering with things like well we shouldnt care about minor differences and things like that. I raise my hand. He calls on about 6 people before me. I just keep sitting there with my hand up he looked me in the eye. Called on one more person, then finally called on me. I answered, because there is only one truth and if everyone believed the truth there wouldnt be divisions. Apparently he didnt like that answer. He asked who has the Truth? I said Jesus. He didnt really like that answer either because then he asked who on earth has the Truth. I dont remember what I said but later I realized I should have said those who have Jesus. So he debated with me on that for a while. Later he asked why there are divisions in the church. I said because of sin. Then he asked if all divisions were because of sin. Using an argument cant some bible verses be interpreted different ways or have different meanings. I was ready for that and there is only one true meaning. Then he asked cant verses have two meanings. I thought and asked like a verse with a earthly and heavenly meaning? He said yes, What if two people see only one and have a division over that. Again, ready for that thanks to my absolute truth post. I said God sees things as a whole. He agreed. If it werent for sin we would see things as a whole as well not two seperate parts. I dont remember what was said after this so Susan any help is appriciated. He later came back and agreed that yes most divisions are because of sin.

After school that day I went into Piersons room and told him all that and he pointed out something that was very interesting that I was going to bring up during question day. I Corinthians 11:19 "No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval." Thats interesting. Considering Mellondorf was so quick to say there shouldnt be divisions. I didnt bring it up because i couldnt figure out a good way to do it. After all, that could have a different meaning too! Or at least thats the point I got from Mellondorf. Some bible verses mean whatever we want them to mean right? Ha! Well here ends the rant about another time when Mellondorf doesnt like when I talk in class.

Why Does God let things happen?

Well, I had to write this for theology. I really dont like my teacher. Paper is ok i guess probably could have done better on it. But anyway here it is:


“Why God Lets Things Happen”

Why does God let things happen? God lets both good things and bad things happen to us. So really “Why does God let things happen?” can be summed up with two question. Why do bad things happen? Also, Why do good things happen to bad people?

The first question: Why do bad things happen? That question is rather easy to answer. We are sinners! We turned away from God. Therefore bad things happen to the earth and made things harder for us.“It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”(Gen 3:18-19). We go against the commandments God gave to Moses for us. We lie, we cheat, we steal, we commit adultery, we covet, we put ourselves before our neighbor, we put our neighbor before God, and we put God in our closet just in case we need him for some bad day. (Ex 20). Is it really any shock that bad things happen to us because of this? We act like we hate our Creator, because of our sinful nature, we do hate our Creator! Is it really that big of a surprise that bad things happen?
Bad things have been happening since the Fall. Cain killed his brother Able because he was jealous.(Gen 4) God also destroyed the whole world with a flood because people had moved so far away from him.(Gen 6) “On the same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn – both men and animals – and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord.” (Ex 12:12) God brought this plague on Egypt because Pharaoh did not listen and let the Israelites go. David's Son died because of his sin in the killing of Uriah and adultery with Bathsheba. (2 Sam 11 & 12). Those who remain faithful to God were attempted to be punished by earthly kings. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a fire because they would not bow down to an idol.(Dan 3).

Now, Why do good things happen to bad people? We have stated that we are all bad people. Yet, good things still happen to us. We have loving parents, food on our table, and a roof over our head. Why do we have these and clothes on our backs, girlfriends, boyfriends, or even any friends at all? We're awful people – do we not have too much good stuff going for us when you think about how awful we are? Jesus, because of Jesus we have good things. Jesus is the reason we aren't tempted unbearably. “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provided a way out so that you can stand up under it.”(1 Cor 10:13) Jesus took all that bad stuff that happens and became it for us. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor 5:21) Christ blood flowed down from the cross. It washed the filth of the earth with the righteousness of Christ. In Baptism we are cleansed of the evil in us. Each week when we receive the body and blood of our Lord we are forgiven for the bad things that we do. Though bad things happen to us none of it will last. It has already been defeated with Christ's death on the Cross. Our sin condemns us but God's gracious gift of his Son, Jesus Christ gives us eternal life. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is Eternal Life.”(Rom 6:23)

Why do bad things happen to me? Because of me and my sin. Why do good things happen to bad people? Because of Jesus death and resurrection. Many people say “I don't want to hear the same old, boring theology. Don't preach to me. Instead tell me how the bible applies to my life.” Every good thing you have is a gift from God, a gift because Jesus died for you. That alone is enough to spend the rest of our lives meditating on and thanking God for.

IL

Ok Im going to illinois tonight ill be back tomorrow night so this is pretty much for me to remind myself to write a post complaining about mellondorf blowing off my valid question thing. YAY MORE NEGATIVITY!!!!!!!!!