“After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:1-17

The Bible tells us that God created the heavens and the earth in six days. The Bible, after telling of the six days of creation, says in Genesis 2:1-3: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.”

Though God rested from His creative work on the seventh day, He did not quit preserving all that He had made. Again the Bible tells us that He — God the Son — is “upholding all things by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:1-4). The Bible says in Nehemiah 9:6: “Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.” In Psalm 36:6, we read: “O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.”

God does not stop caring for His creation and preserving it on the Sabbath or any other day. He continues His work. Nor does God cease being merciful on the Sabbath. The Bible tells us that “the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5). He remains “good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon” Him (Psalm 86:5).

Therefore, should we be surprised that Messiah Jesus, God the Son in human flesh, would show compassion and mercy on the Sabbath? When He came by the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, on the Sabbath, and saw there a man who had suffered from an infirmity for 38 years, He asked this man if he wanted to be made well. The man, not knowing Jesus, said he had no one to help him into the pool when an angel came and stirred the water.

The Bible tells us that many crippled and sick people were lying there waiting for the moving of the water because an angel would come at certain times and stir the waters. The first person to enter the water after it was stirred was healed. (It is sad that many modern translations, following the faulty reading of a few manuscripts, omit this part of the sacred text.)

Even though this man did not know Jesus or yet trust in Him, Jesus had compassion on him and told him to rise, take up his bed and walk. When Jesus said those words, the man was immediately made whole and did so.

Who is it who forgives all our iniquities, heals all our diseases, redeems our life from destruction, crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, and satisfies our mouth with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle’s? (Cf. Psalm 103.) It is the LORD God! Even when healed through medicines and treatments of physicians, who is it who makes these things work to grant relief and healing to our bodies? Though physicians may collect the fees, it’s God who heals the disease!

But the troubles of the poor man who had suffered so for 38 years were not over. As soon as he had been miraculously healed by the almighty words of our Lord Jesus, he was accused of sin — of breaking the Sabbath for carrying his bed.

“The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”

How often this happens to us! We lie helpless under the great burden of our sin and guilt. We are unable to remove it and we face certain death and everlasting punishment. But Jesus comes to us in His Word and tells us that He was lifted up on the cross and bore the punishment for our sins — that our salvation is complete and finished. He tells us, “Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” (Matthew 9:2). And so we are raised up in faith and begin to walk in the confidence that we are forgiven and accepted of God for Jesus sake, that we are God’s dear children. But what happens? The old evil foe — together with those who still seek to be righteous in God’s eyes by their own keeping of the law — accuse us of sin and seek to drag us back down into faithlessness and despair. They tell us we are guilty and condemned because we have broken the Sabbath or not observed and kept some other rule or regulation they deem necessary for salvation.

This poor man answered his accusers and said, “He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.”

When those Jews who sought to be righteous by their keeping of the law found out it was Jesus who had healed this man with an infirmity for 38 years, they also accused Jesus. Not only had he told a man to break the Sabbath by carrying his bed, Jesus had healed on the Sabbath! Scripture tells us: “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.”

And is it not true of those today who would be righteous by their own works and accuse those who simply trust in Christ Jesus that they are enemies of Christ? They say or imply that it is not enough to trust in Christ Jesus and His sacrifice for sin, that one must do more and keep certain commandments and regulations to be saved. Not only do they trouble true believers, they persecute Christ Jesus Himself and reject His Gospel.

Jesus told those who accused Him of sin, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”

Jesus — God the Son in human flesh — simply told them the truth. God the Father — Jesus’ Father — works on the Sabbath and everyday caring for His people and showing mercy to them. So also Jesus worked, showing the mercy and loving kindness of God to people.

And how thankful we can be that He does! He continues to forgive our sins, heal our diseases, redeem our lives from destruction, crown us with His lovingkindness and tender mercies and satisfy our mouths with good things (cf. Psalm 103:1ff.). Jesus works — even on the Sabbath — that we might find rest for our souls and be confident in Him.

Thank you, dearest Jesus, for having mercy upon us, for going to the cross to bear the punishment for our sins, for rising again in victory, for assuring us in Your Word that our sins are forgiven, for raising us up from the infirmity of our sin which has clung to us throughout our lives, for laying no more burden upon us but promising us life everlasting through faith in Your name. Amen.

[Scripture Quotations from the King James Version of the Bible]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE CORN OF WHEAT

“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:23-25

When a kernel of wheat is safely kept and preserved, it remains only one kernel of wheat. If, however, it is planted in the ground, it will produce many more kernels of wheat.

Jesus used this illustration from nature to point out that He, should He preserve His life and be unwilling to die for the sins of the world, would remain alone and save no one. But by dying on the cross for the sins of mankind and being buried in the tomb, He would produce much fruit. He would provide salvation for all mankind, and all who believe on Him would be saved.

Jesus did not try to preserve his earthly life and avoid suffering the just punishment for our sins. He obeyed God’s Law perfectly in our stead and then willingly laid down His life for us sinners. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…He was buried…He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3,4). Like the grain of wheat that must sacrifice itself in order to produce more wheat, so Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself to save mankind from sin and its eternal punishment. He died that sinful men like you and me might receive forgiveness for all their sins and become children of God through faith in Him. His resurrection on the third day is proof that His holy sacrifice was acceptable to God as full payment for the sins of the world (Rom. 4:25).

This little illustration of the kernel of wheat can also be applied to our lives. We cannot save ourselves or anyone else from sin and hell by our death; but since Christ has redeemed us by His innocent sufferings and death, we are to live our lives for Him (2 Cor. 5:15). If in this life we try to live for ourselves and are unwilling to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him by living in accord with His Word, if we are not willing to deny ourselves, take up the cross of suffering which we must bear as faithful Christians and follow Jesus Christ, then we will end up losing our lives forever!

But if we truly trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior and set our hope upon eternal life with Him in heaven, we will then lay down the worldly goals and pleasures of this life and live our lives for the Lord Jesus, who has redeemed us from sin and eternal damnation and has given to us everlasting life with Him in heaven. If we let the Lord Jesus use our life for His purposes, He can produce fruit in our lives and through us save others.

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

Grant that I only Thee may love and seek those things which are above till I behold Thee face to face, 0 Light eternal, through Thy grace. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #398, Verse 4)

Pastor Randy Moll

Appreciating our church membership:

Its blessing and its responsibilities

Dr. C.F.W. Walther

The glory of a congregation depends not on the size of its membership but consists in this, that its members are members of that body of which Christ is the Head, namely, that they are truly converted, believing Christians.

When Christians unite with a Christian congregation, they do so, not because they think that this outward act will make them Christians or in order to earn some kind of reward either here or hereafter. But being already sanctified and blessed children of God, they want to join also in outward fellowship those who belong to the Communion of Saints.

When a person becomes a member of a Christian congregation, many in our day ridicule him, asserting that he has taken a foolish step and will only heap shame upon his head.

Alas! Also many members of a Lutheran congregation do not prize their membership properly. They regret that so great a sacrifice of time and money is required. Theirs is a privilege to attend worship and to partake of the Lord’s Supper, but they rarely make use of it. Theirs is the privilege to take part in the meetings of the congregation, to join in the discussions, and to cast their vote; but hardly do they ever make use of it. They look upon their membership as a burden rather than an honor. Such people betray their spiritual blindness!

It is considered a great honor even today when a city which enjoys rare privileges extends honorary citizenship to some famous person. And yet, dear brethren, such citizenship cannot be compared with the privileges which membership in a Christian congregation carries with it.

A citizen is assured human protection; a member of a congregation, divine protection. A citizen enjoys earthy privileges; a member of a congregation, heavenly privileges. A citizen is part of a temporal kingdom; a member of a congregation, of an eternal kingdom. A citizen deals with temporal issues; a member of a congregation, with eternal issues. A citizen must acknowledge profane persons as fellow citizens; a member of a congregation is a fellow citizen with the saints, and a member of the household of God. A citizen, at best elects earthly rulers; a member of a congregation, stewards of the mysteries of God. The greatest benefit accruing to a citizen is that under good government he may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty; church membership, however, offers something far greater – forgiveness of sins, peace of conscience, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and finally eternal life. A citizen is the subject of a government composed of mortal men like himself; a member of a congregation is subject to the Son of God, but at the same time a King, a Priest and a Prophet. A citizen may gain honor before men; a member of a congregation is privileged to look forward to eternal glory, to a state of everlasting bliss in the presence of God.

Woe unto those who despise the privileges of church membership! Some day they will regret it. Blessed are you who have sought and found those privileges. God grant that both you and we make proper use of those privileges!

Some people cling to the opinion that a person must continue in that church body into which he was born, and in which he received his early religious training, and was confirmed. Such people are greatly in error.

If a person, who has received his religious instruction in a church whose doctrine disagrees with the Bible, later comes to recognize the errors of his church, it is his sacred duty to sever his connections with it. For it is written: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 10, 11). “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself” (Titus 3:10, 11). “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

If everyone were compelled to adhere through life to that religious system under which he was born, the heathen would have to remain heathen, the Jew a Jew, the papist a papist. Then Luther would have sinned by leaving the church of Rome. Then he should not have undertaken the great work of reforming the church. Then it would not have been necessary even for the Son of God to come into the world and found the New Testament Church.

It is an indisputable fact that we must leave a church whose doctrines are contrary to the Bible, even though on the day of confirmation we have sworn loyalty to it. On the other hand, it is equally certain that whoever was born, reared and confirmed in the church of the pure Word must remain in it and rather suffer death even, than fall away from it. Whoever does not take sides with those who stand for Christ and His pure Word, neither takes sides with Christ.

Oh, do remain true to your pledge! Join us in standing for the pure doctrine of the divine Word, and permit neither your reason nor your heart, nor earthly advantages, nor obstinacy, nor ill will or a grudge against someone to come between you and our flock and cause you to depart from us. But join us also in separating yourselves from the world, in renouncing the service of sin, and in fighting the gallant fight against the world, your sinful flesh and the devil.

You will never regret such loyalty; rather, you will rejoice when on your deathbed you will be able to say with Paul: “ I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8). May Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of Mary, grant this unto you and all of us!

Many think that, if they do what a Christian is supposed to do, they are good Christians. Such people are greatly mistaken. Many things, though expected of us as Christians, do not in themselves make us Christians. Let me cite some instances:

To be a Christian, it is essential to pray diligently. He who does not pray is not a Christian. And yet, if a person prays diligently, that in itself does not make him a Christian.

To be a Christian, we must hear the Word of God diligently. We must be honest in business, truthful in our talk, liberal toward the needy; we must obey our parents, serve them and give back to them as much as possible for what they have done for us. We must be industrious in our calling; we must forsake the world and its vanity. We must pay our debts.

But even if we live up to all these requirements, this alone does not make us Christians! What, then, does? St. Paul answers this question in his Epistle to the Galatians: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature” (Galatians 6: 15 ). What he means by that he makes clear in another place of the same Epistle: “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love” (Galatians 5: 6).

Wherein does true faith consist … that faith which makes us Christians? It is a confidence produced by the Holy Spirit in the hearts of contrite sinners, the assurance that his sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake, that God is gracious to him, that He (God) has accepted him into His grace and favor, and that he is a child of God and an heir of everlasting life.

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about the Sanctity of Life? Please consider the statement below and look up the Bible passages.

SANCTITY OF LIFE

We believe that every human life is a creation of God and that every human life is precious to God, for God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:7,21-22; 9:5-6; Psalm 139:13-16). We also believe that, except in the cases of punishing evildoers and waging just wars to protect life and property, God has reserved for Himself the right to end or destroy a human life (Genesis 9:5-6; Romans 13:1-4; 1 Peter 2:14; Exodus 20:13; Psalm 31:15; 39:4-5; 90:1-3; Job 14:1-12; Acts 17:24-28). Therefore, we must condemn as murder and sin the practice of euthanasia, self inflicted death (suicide), and all other unjustified taking of human life.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 4:1-26. Why did Jesus leave Judea? Which route did He take back to Galilee? At what city did Jesus stop? Why? What is significant about the location? Who met Jesus there? What did Jesus ask of her? How did she respond? Why do the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans? What did Jesus tell the woman in verse 10? How is this a fitting response yet today? How did the woman respond? What did Jesus tell her? What is the living water which Jesus offered (cf. Isaiah 12; John 7:37-39)? How does Jesus offer and give this water even yet today? Did the woman understand Jesus? What did she say? What did Jesus tell her to do? What did He say to her when she said she had no husband? Is there anything about us He does not know? Read Psalm 90:8. What did the woman then say of Jesus? What question did she ask Him? What is the significance of her question? How did Jesus answer? What does Jesus answer mean? How does that apply to our worship yet today? What did the woman say the Messiah would do when He came? Why? Cf. Deuteronomy 18:15-19. Who did Jesus claim to be?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Readings are Psalm 99; Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Hebrews 3:1-6; and Luke 9:28-36. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. The sermon text will be the Gospel Lesson. Who did Jesus take with Him on the mountain? Why? What did they see there? Who spoke with Jesus? Why is this significant? About what did they speak? What was the response of Jesus’ disciples? Who spoke from the cloud? What did He say? What does this mean for us yet today?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Sarah Hardigan who is having trouble in the early stages of pregnancy, for Ron Wellander who underwent surgery and is recovering, and for Bonnie Hawes who underwent tests – for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, for our extended families and friends, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Haiti, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship begins Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Worship will be at 7 p.m. A Soup and Sandwich Supper will precede the service at 6:20 p.m.

The Church Council will hold its February meeting following the Feb. 17 Lenten service.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”

Numbers 6:22-27

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

“And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.” John 4:27-42

One of the greatest proofs of the truthfulness of the Bible is how accurately it describes you and me and the lost and sinful world in which we live. The Bible says of me, and of you as well: “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5); “The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Genesis 8:21); “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9); “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20); “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19).

Listen to the description in Romans 3:9-20: “What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

We may not like this description of ourselves and might like to paint a more favorable portrait. But, if we are honest about it, we must admit that the description of the Bible is accurate and true. Every one of us is, by nature, selfish and inclined to evil. Not one of us is righteous. The sins we haven’t committed in deed we probably have committed in our thoughts and desires.

Even though we may not like the Bible’s revelation of our utter sinfulness, it proves the Bible true. What other book or religious writing so accurately describes the human heart or the results of sin in the world? Other religious writings would make us look at least a little bit good. They would direct us to reform and change as if we were capable of such reform and change. They would make it look as through we can make things right in this world. Only the Bible reveals our utter depravity and sinfulness. And the Bible reveals the coming fiery judgment of God upon this world so that He can create – or recreate – a new heavens and a new earth unravaged by sin and evil and death.

At the well in Samaria, Jesus revealed to a woman there her utter sinfulness. She didn’t have to tell him she had had five husbands and was now living together with a man who was not her husband; Jesus told her. As a result, she realized that Jesus was more than just a man.

When Jesus told her He was the promised Messiah – the Christ – she went and told the men of her city: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” And they came to see Jesus. Note that this woman did not present an elaborate theological argument to convince her town’s people that Jesus was the promised Messiah. All she had to do was say, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”

When Jesus’ disciples came and urged Him to eat some of the food they had bought, Jesus said to them, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of … My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”

The fields were indeed ripe for harvest. The people of the city came to see Jesus because of the witness of the woman at the well. Jesus stayed there at Sychar and taught the people for two days before resuming His journey.

And the Word of God tells us that “many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

Through the witness of this sinful woman to her Messiah and Savior, the people came to see and hear Jesus. Through her testimony and the Word of the Lord Jesus, many of them also came to trust in Jesus as their Messiah and Savior from sin and death. And the same is true today. We may not have knowledge of every theological argument for Jesus being the Messiah and Savior of the world. But we can say: “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” And if people will but come and listen to Jesus – if they will hear His Word – many will, by the gracious working of God’s Spirit, come to believe in Christ Jesus as their Savior.

Why? Jesus does not mince words about sin. He tells it like it is and reveals our utter sinfulness. But He also went to the cross and suffered and died for our sins – for the sins of the whole world – and rose again. In Jesus there is forgiveness and life eternal, and He reaches out to lost sinners everywhere with His word of pardon and forgiveness. He offers and gives life everlasting in His heavenly kingdom.

Again, the Bible tells us that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures … He was buried … He rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).

Yes, we “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” but we are “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23,24). “In [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

And if we but direct people to Jesus and His revelation of Himself in the Holy Scriptures, many will come to know and trust in Him. By the gracious working of God’s Spirit through the Word, they will come to faith in their Messiah and Savior.

Then, we too may hear people say what the Samaritans said to this woman who directed them to Jesus: “Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

God grant that we hear the Word of God and so know and trust in Jesus as the Messiah and our Savior from sin, and that we would also direct others to Jesus that they might hear Him, know Him and trust in Him for eternal salvation. Amen.

[Scripture Quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible]

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:1-5:

Message for the day -

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Dear fellow-redeemed sinners, ransomed by the shed blood of Christ Jesus, God’s Son and our Savior.

Who is this Jesus of Nazareth, that Babe born in Bethlehem but raised in Nazareth? We look to the Word of God, to the inspired testimony of the apostles who suffered all to faithfully follow Christ Jesus.

Today, we begin with the inspired testimony of the Apostle John, in his Gospel: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

The Word, spoken of here in the inspired Scriptures is Jesus, for John later writes, in verse 14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

In his first epistle, John writes (1 John 5:7): “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

This already tells us that Jesus is the only-begotten Son of God come into this world as a true man, that He had divine glory, and that He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit (a Person of the Triune God).

The opening verses of John’s Gospel tell us that “in the beginning” – the same “in the beginning” when “God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) – the pre-incarnate Jesus, the Son of God, already was. He was with God and He, in fact, was and is God.

While some cult religions of our day (such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons) would try to reduce Jesus to being only “a son of God,” the Greek text leaves no doubt: “The Word was with the God, and God was the Word” (the Greek definite article and the placement of God at the beginning of the second part of the sentence emphasizing that Jesus, the Word, was not only with God; He is God Himself – a Person in the Triune Godhead).

Some so-called “Christian churches” would make Jesus, the Son of God, less than and inferior to God the Father. This too is a rejection of the truth God has revealed to us in His inspired Word.

Not only was the pre-incarnate Christ there with God in the beginning before anything was created or made, He is the Creator God who made all things and gave all living things life and breath.

This is why the Christian Church has, for centuries confessed to believe “in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by Whom all things were made….” (Nicene Creed)

God tells us: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

Can it get any clearer than that? Jesus, before He took on human flesh and blood and became true man and was born of the virgin Mary, created all things. Nothing made or created was made or created without Him.

Read Genesis one in that light. Creation was not just the work of God the Father; all was created by God the Son and nothing was made without Him (cf. Colossians 1:15ff.; Hebrews 1:1-3). The Holy Spirit was also actively engaged in this divine work, for the Scriptures tell us that “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be….” (Genesis 1:2ff.).

In Jesus was life. When “the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7), it was Jesus, the eternal Word, who gave him life and made him a “living soul.”

And, lest we forget that life was more than physical life but included spiritual life and the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), Jesus is the One who gave to Adam and Eve a knowledge of God and a life in harmony and fellowship with their Maker. This life which Jesus gave was “the light of men.” They were spiritually alive, they knew God and His holy will, and they loved and honored Him and trusted in Him.

This was the life which mankind lost in the fall of Genesis three. Instead of loving God, trusting Him and seeking His honor, Adam and Eve rebelled against His commandment and then hid from His presence. And, even yet today, when this light shines into the darkness, the darkness does not comprehend it – it does not understand it or receive it.

People today – all of us as we are by nature – walk in darkness. We do not wish to accept the truth that Jesus is God the Son in human flesh, our Maker and our final Judge. Though the evidence is all around us, we do not wish to face up to the truth that we are sinners and guilty before God. We do not wish to hear of our sins and shortcoming and of the hell fires we so deserve. We would rather continue on in darkness, thinking that we are basically good and that God will not condemn us if only we do our best to be loving and caring people.

The light shines in the darkness, and we would continue on in darkness! We don’t want to give up our own selfish and sinful ways. We don’t want to return to fellowship with God because that would cramp our lifestyle! Instead, we would attempt to change God into a god who smiles at sin and disobedience and would punish no one. Of course, to form our own opinions of God instead of accepting what God tells us of Himself in the Bible is no different than making a graven image and inventing our own ways to serve it. It is idolatry!

What does God say? “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 1:5-2:2

In God – in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word – is light and life! If we claim to have fellowship with God but continue to hide and cover up our sins, pretending that all is well, we are lying and deceiving ourselves. God’s truth tells us that we are sinners, that we have failed to love God with all our heart, soul and strength or love our neighbor as God requires. God’s light reveals His holy will but also our failures to live in accord with His holy commandments.

But God’s light also reveals the way of salvation He has provided for lost mankind: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Jesus, God the Son in human flesh, lived a righteous and holy life in our stead and He suffered and died for our sins and rose again. He satisfied God’s wrath against our sins and the sins of the whole world. That is why: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Jesus is still the life and light of men. He redeemed sinful mankind by His innocent sufferings and death in our stead. He offers to all people forgiveness of sins and life eternal in fellowship with Him. His light shines into this dark and sinful world, revealing God’s holy will and man’s sinfulness but also offering forgiveness and life with Him in His eternal kingdom. When He, by the gracious operation of the Holy Spirit through His Word, convinces us of sin and assures us of forgiveness – when He breathes into our nostrils the breath of life – we become living souls!

God graciously grant to each of you light and life in Christ Jesus, the eternal Word! Amen.

Psalm and Confession of Sins -

Psalm 32: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (A Psalm of David, Maschil.)

O Thou crucified Lord Jesus Christ, who, as the truly patient Lamb of God, didst suffer for me the most shameful death on the cross and with Thy precious blood didst redeem me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, I pray Thee, give me the assurance of this redemption through Thy Word, govern my heart with Thy Holy Spirit, preserve me with Thy divine love, and hide me this day, both soul and body, in Thy holy wounds. Wash me clean from all my sins, teach me to live a life of good works, and finally lead me from this world of sorrows to Thine eternal joy and glory, Thou most faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, mine only Comfort, Hope, and Life. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, page 118)

The Apostles Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into Hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayers: O Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, the everlasting Son of God, shine upon my heart the light of Your truth, reveal my sinfulness and disobedience to Your holy will, but also comfort me with the knowledge of Your holy life and innocent sufferings and death for my sins that I may take courage, rejoice in Your forgiveness, and walk in the light of Your truth until You come again and take me to live with You forever in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Blessing: “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Amen. (Numbers 6:24-27)

[Scripture quotations from the King James Version of the Bible]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE SEED AND ITS GROWTH

Read Mark 4:26-29

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”

This parable of Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a man who sows his seed and waits until the seed of itself springs up and grows, maturing until the harvest. Then the farmer puts in the sickle for the harvest. The farmer can only sow good seed, cultivate the crops and wait for the fruit to mature. He himself cannot make the seed grow and produce fruit.

The kingdom of God is like this in that all we as Christians can do is sow the pure Word of God. We cannot make it grow or produce fruit. The power to create spiritual life and produce fruit lies in God’s Word and not in us as the sowers. It is our task to sow the Word of God; but the results must be left up to the Holy Ghost, who works through the Word to bring people to saving faith in Jesus Christ, build them up and preserve them in the faith.

We cannot see how faith is created in the heart, nor should we expect to harvest immediately after the seed is sown. Our Lord Jesus has given us the simple task of sowing the good seed of God’s Word. The rest is up to Him!

Let us then diligently sow the Word! By means of God’s Law, the Holy Ghost will convict men of their sins and show them their guilt before the Almighty God. By means of the Gospel, He will comfort them with the assurance that their sins are forgiven for the sake of Jesus Christ’s holy life and innocent sufferings and death in their stead. If we only sow the Word, we need not worry about the results. They remain in God’s hands, and He has promised that His Word will not return unto Him void.

It is as the Scripture says in Isaiah 55:10-11: “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Let us then sow the pure Word and await the harvest!

On what has now been sown Thy blessing, Lord, bestow; the pow’r is Thine alone to make it spring and grow. Do Thou in grace the harvest raise, and Thou alone shalt have the praise. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn 46, Verse 1)

Pastor Randy Moll

What Kind of Heart Do You Have?

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9

About whose heart is Jeremiah the prophet speaking in this passage? It must describe the murderer, the thief, the adulterer. It even sounds like the heart of some people I know. It could be that fellow employee, my ex-spouse, the neighbor that is always complaining and causing me trouble. But whose heart is Jeremiah describing? The truth is he is describing your heart and mine.

Our hearts deceive us into thinking that we are pretty good; and, when we sin, our heart comes up with a thousand excuses to justify what we have done. If you don’t think your heart is deceitful and wicked, just think back over the thoughts that have gone through your mind, the things you have desired, the words and actions which almost spilled out. I’m afraid that the thoughts and desires of my heart would shock the people I know. In fact, I am often appalled at what goes on in my heart and what sometimes comes out of it in the form of words and actions!

Jesus says the same thing of our hearts in Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” And how could Jesus know what’s in our hearts? Jeremiah writes further: “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:10).

Our hearts – yours and mine – are “desperately wicked,” and they deceive us into thinking that we’re not all that bad. Yet the imagination of our hearts is evil from our youth (cf. Genesis 8:21). That is why we need a Savior! That is why God Himself took on human flesh and kept the holy law of God for us and then suffered and died upon the cross to bear the full punishment for our sins! That is why the risen Christ poured out His Holy Spirit upon us and regenerated us, giving us faith in Him as our Savior and a new heart which loves the LORD God and desires to please Him!

This is why David, in the Old Testament, prayed: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin … Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:1-2, 10).

Yes, our hearts are wicked, and they would deceive us into thinking they are good. God’s Word describes our hearts as they really are. But God, in His Word, also tells us of His mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus and of His gracious working to recreate our hearts in His image.

“Create in me a new heart, Lord, that gladly I obey Thy Word and naught but what Thou wilt, desire; with such new life my soul inspire” (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn 398, v. 3).

Pastor Randy Moll

“Be not afraid,only believe.”

Mark 5:36 (Read Mark 5:21-43)

Sometimes things seem hopeless. People say such things as: “My sins are too great,” “My disease has no cure,” “Time has run out,” or “There’s nothing anyone can do.”

Jairus, no doubt, was desperate for help when he came to Jesus and begged Him to come and heal his sick and dying daughter. Jairus still had hope. If only Jesus could get there in time, He could lay his hands on her and she would live; but Jesus was delayed.

While on His way to the home of Jairus, with crowds pressing around Him, another sought the healing touch of Jesus, a woman with an issue of blood for 12 years. Physicians couldn’t help her, and it was only getting worse.

“If I can just touch His clothes,” she thought. “I’ll be made well.”

She, unknown to the crowds, reached out and touched but the garment of Jesus and was healed; but Jesus knew and turned to ask who had touched Him. The question seemed foolish to His disciples because of the crowds pressing in on Jesus from every side, but Jesus knew what had happened and took the time to speak words of assurance to the woman.

But then the bad news came. It was too late. The young daughter of Jairus had died.

Just imagine the hopeless pain that must have come over Jairus when he heard the words: “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Master any further?”

It was just then, when all hope was gone for Jairus, that Jesus spoke the words: “Be not afraid, only believe.”

Humanly speaking, there was no hope. It was too late. His daughter had died while Jesus delayed to minister to another. But Jesus spoke words of hope to Jairus – it wasn’t too late, Jesus could and would still help.

Of course, we know what happened. Jesus went, put out the mourners, and spoke the words: “Talitha cumi.” These words, translated, mean, “Damsel, I say to you arise.” And what happened? Against all doubts and fears, Jairus’ daughter rose from the dead and got up from her bed.

How often our sinful hearts tell us there is no hope. But Jesus tells us, “Be not afraid, only believe.”

Our hearts tell us our sins are too great – God will never forgive us or accept us into His eternal kingdom. What does Jesus say? “Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2).

We worry about having enough food to eat, clothes to wear and money to pay the bills. All seems hopeless to us. What does Jesus say? “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

We face sickness and finally the hour of our death, all looks hopeless. But again, what does Jesus say? “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. 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” (John 14:1-3). Jesus says, as He said to the dying thief on the cross who had no reason for hope, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise” (Luke 22:43).

When our faith grows weak and all appears hopeless, Jesus speaks words of hope to comfort us, assure us and build up our faith in Him. And since He has suffered and died for our sins and is risen again and ascended to the right hand of God the Father, we have every reason to hope and take comfort in Him!

Pastor Randy Moll

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about the Sabbath Day? Please consider the statement below and look up the Bible passages.

SABBATH DAY

We believe that the Old Testament observance of the Sabbath and other holy days has been abrogated by God and is not required of the Church under the New Testament (Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:5-6; cf. Acts 15:). The Commandment regarding the Sabbath Day does still require us to regularly take time to hear and learn God’s Word and to worship Him (Exodus 20:8; Isaiah 58:13-14; Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:16; Psalm 119:15-16; 26:8; 111:1; 95:1-6; 96:1-2). For this reason, we have set aside Sundays and other feast days for the hearing of God’s Word and for our gathering together to worship the LORD our God (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42). However, the observance of these certain days is a church ordinance made in Christian liberty rather than a divine command binding upon the conscience (Romans 14:5-6).

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 3:30-36; 4:1-26. What does John say of Jesus in verse 30? How should this also be true of us and our church? To what did Jesus testify? Did people receive Jesus’ testimony? Do they today? When people receive Jesus’ testimony, what do they come to know about God? Whose words did Jesus speak? Why did John say this was so? Was the Holy Spirit restricted or limited in the life and ministry of Jesus? What does John say of the Son? What does verse 36 mean? How does this apply to us and all people yet today? Why did Jesus leave Judea? Which route did He take back to Galilee? At what city did Jesus stop? Why? What is significant about the location? Who met Jesus there? What did Jesus ask of her? How did she respond? Why do the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans? What did Jesus tell the woman in verse 10? How is this a fitting response yet today? How did the woman respond? What did Jesus tell her? How is this true for people yet today?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Readings are Psalm 71:1-6; Jeremiah 1:4-10; 1 Corinthians 13; and Luke 4:33-44. Please take the time to read them and their context in preparation for Sunday. Marty Jackson will be preaching on Sunday.

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Ron Wellander who underwent surgery and is recovering and for Bonnie Hawes who underwent tests – for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, for our extended families and friends, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines, for Christians in Haiti, and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Events and Announcements

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Monthly Wednesday night Bible studies will continue on the second Wednesday of February and be held at the church at 7 p.m. Next month’s study will continue to look at what the Bible says of the Scriptures. We will also look at the formation of the canon – the 66 books of the Bible.

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Worship will be at 7 p.m. A Soup and Sandwich Supper will precede the service at 6:20 p.m.

The Church Council will hold its February meeting following the Feb. 17 Lenten service.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”

Proverbs 3:21-26

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE WHEAT AND THE TARES

Read Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn….

“…Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

Jesus explains this parable for us. He sows the good seed. The field is the world. The good seed are the children of the kingdom of God; but the tares are the children of the devil, the evil one. Jesus, through His faithful servants, sows the pure seed of the Gospel in this world and thus produces true believers who trust in Christ for salvation and are members of His eternal kingdom. These are the good seed, or the wheat.

But in the same field where the Gospel is proclaimed and produces Christians, the devil and his false prophets sow error and false doctrine which produce false Christians. These may appear to be genuine believers; but they do not have saving faith in Jesus Christ, and their fruits, or works, are unacceptable to the Lord God.

In this world the true believers and false believers continue to dwell side by side until the day of Judgment. Then God’s holy angels will separate the true believers from the false. Those whose faith did not spring up from the good seed of the Gospel will be cast into hell! But those whose faith comes from the pure Gospel – who trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of their sins and for eternal salvation, who as a fruit of that faith also produce fruit acceptable in God’s sight for Jesus’ sake – will be taken to heaven where they will live with Christ in righteousness and purity forever!

This is a warning to us that wherever the Gospel is sown and true believers are, the devil will also sow his lies and false doctrine to lead people into a false confidence and hope based on their own works and righteousness or upon some other lie or deception of the evil one. Even though such people may outwardly appear to be true Christians, they are not. We may not be able to tell who they are, but ultimately – on the Last Day – they will be cast into hell because their faith and confidence was not in the Lord Jesus Christ and His blood shed upon the cross for the sins of the world.

Let us hold fast to Jesus Christ and His saving Word lest we also be misled by the working of the evil one!

Defend Thy truth, O God, and stay this evil generation; and from the error of its way keep Thine own congregation. The wicked everywhere abound and would Thy little flock confound; but Thou art our Salvation. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #260, Verse 6)

Pastor Randy Moll

Why Baptize Infants?

GOD’S WORD SAYS: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). Even though this passage of Scripture commands “every one” to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and says the promise is also “to your children,” there are many who believe and teach that infants and small children should not be brought to Christ through Holy Baptism. We look at their arguments against infant baptism and the answer of God’s Word. And, we look at the reasons why, according to the Word of God, infants and small children indeed should be baptized. Please take the time to look up and study the Bible references below.

I. Arguments against infant baptism answered by God’s Word.

A. False Argument: Babies are not sinful or are not accountable for their sins.

Romans 3:23 says: “All have sinned.” This includes infants and children.

Romans 5:12 says that sin and death is passed on to all because of Adam’s sin.

Ephesians 2:1-3 teaches that we were all dead in sin by our natural birth.

Psalm 51:5 teaches that we were sinful (without true fear, love, and trust in God) from the time of our conception and formation in the womb. As a result, acts of sin soon followed.

Genesis 8:21 says: “The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.”

Nowhere does Scripture teach that a person is not accountable for his sins until he reaches a certain age. Rather, the Scriptures do say: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20).

B. False Argument: Infants and small children cannot believe on Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Matthew 18:6 – Jesus says: “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me….”

Luke 18:15-17 says that when “infants” were brought to Jesus, He said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.”

Jesus wants infants and children brought to Him. Through faith in Jesus, they too become a part of God’s kingdom. If one will not, like a little child, humbly trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation from sin and eternal death, he will not enter God’s kingdom or be saved.

John 1:12-13 teaches that no one – not even an adult – can come to faith in Christ of his own will or decision. One must be born of God.

John 3:5-6 teaches that one must be born again of water and the Spirit (Holy Baptism) to enter the kingdom of God. Natural birth leaves one dead in sin (Eph. 2:1-3). Being born of the Holy Spirit through “the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5), which is Holy Baptism, makes one alive to God. Children too need this spiritual rebirth to enter God’s kingdom.

C. False Argument: Baptism is only an outward profession of what has already taken place inwardly and is simply done in obedience to Matthew 28:19.

Acts 2:38-39 teaches that baptism is for “the remission of sins,” and that the Holy Ghost is given in Christian Baptism.

Acts 22:16 teaches that one’s sins are washed away in baptism. The Scriptures say, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Titus 3:5 teaches that regeneration (new spiritual life) and salvation are given in Baptism (Cf. 1 Peter 3:21).

Matthew 28:19 teaches that God works through Baptism, for it is done in His name. “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost….”

Baptism is a means whereby God offers and gives the forgiveness of sins and eternal life which Christ won on the cross to people. Baptism is God’s work, not man’s.

D. False Argument: Jesus doesn’t want infants and small children brought to Him in Baptism.

Luke 18:15-17 teaches that Jesus wants infants and small children brought to Him and into His kingdom.

John 3:5 teaches that being born of water and the Spirit in Baptism is God’s means to bring a person into His kingdom.

E. False Argument: Scripture never says that infants and small children are to be baptized or that they were baptized.

Acts 2:38-39 commands “every one” to be baptized and says the promise is also to your children.

Matthew 28:19 says “all nations” are to be baptized.

Infants and Small Children are nowhere excluded from these commands.

Colossians 2:11-12 says that Baptism is the circumcision made without hands, and, according to Genesis 17:9-14, circumcision was performed at eight days old.

Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Corinthians 1:16 tell of whole households (very likely including infants and young children) being baptized.

F. False Argument: Matthew 28:19-20 says to “teach” first and then “baptize.”

The Word translated “teach” in verse 19 literally means “to disciple,” and is different from the word “teach” in verse 20. The Greek indicates that we are to teach (or disciple) all nations by going out, baptizing and teaching. Baptizing is mentioned before the teaching and thorough indoctrination.

G. False Argument: Infant Baptism was not practiced in the days of the apostles, but was later introduced into the church.

This too is false. Tertullian (b. 150 A.D.) opposed infant baptism but acknowledged its universal practice; Origen (b. 185 A.D.) says that infant baptism was an “apostolic tradition”; and Augustine (b. 354 A.D.) wrote books against heretics who disapproved of the Baptism of children. History makes it clear that infant baptism was practiced from the apostles onward (cf. Eph. 2:20).

The following is intended not as irrefutable evidence, nor as the first line of an apologetic for infant baptism. It is certainly neither. The Scriptures themselves, especially the Scriptural teaching of sin, grace and faith, as well as the command to baptize all nations and every one, form the clear basis for the practice. However these passages do present the clear practice of infant baptism in the ancient church of the second through the fourth centuries.

Polycarp (about 69-155 A.D.), a disciple of the Apostle John, was baptized as an infant. This enabled him to say at his martyrdom. “Eighty and six years have I served the Lord Christ” (Martyrdom of Polycarp 9: 3). Justin Martyr (100 – 166) of the next generation states about the year 150, “Many, both men and women, who have been Christ’s disciples since childhood, remain pure at the age of sixty or seventy years” (Apology 1: 15). Further, in his Dialog with Trypho the Jew, Justin Martyr states that Baptism is the circumcision of the New Testament.

Irenaeus (About 125-202 A.D. – student of Polycarp who was a student of the Apostle John): “For he came to save all by means of himself – all, I say, who by him are born again to God – infants, children, adolescents, young men, and old men.” (Against Heresies II.22.4)

Hippolytus (about 170-236 A.D.): “And they shall baptize the little children first. And if they can answer for themselves, let them answer. But if they cannot, let their parents answer or someone from their family. And next they shall baptize the grown men; and last the women.” (Apostolic Tradition 21.3-5)

Origen (about 185–254 A.D.): “I take this occasion to discuss something which our brothers often inquire about. Infants are baptized for the remission of sins. Of what kinds? Or when did they sin? But since ‘No one is exempt from stain,’ one removes the stain by the mystery of baptism. For this reason infants are baptized. For ‘Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (Homily on Luke 14:5).

[After quoting Psalm 51:5 and Job 14:4] “These verses may be adduced when it is asked why, since the baptism of the church is given for the remission of sins, baptism according to the practice of the church is given even to infants; since indeed if there is in infants nothing which ought to pertain to forgiveness and mercy, the grace of baptism would be superfluous.” (Homily on Leviticus 8:3).

[After quoting Leviticus 12:8 and Psalm 51:5] “For this also the church had a tradition from the apostles, to give baptism even to infants. For they to whom the secrets of the divine mysteries were given knew that there is in all persons the natural stains of sin which must be washed away by the water and the Spirit. On account of these stains the body itself is called the body of sin.” (Commentary on Romans 5:9)

Cyprian (died 258 A.D. in Carthage, North Africa): “In respect of the case of infants, which you say ought not to be baptized within the second or third day after birth, and that the law of ancient circumcision should be regarded, so that you think that one who is just born should not be baptized and sanctified within the eighth day, we all thought very differently in our council. For in this course which you thought was to be taken, no one agreed; but we all rather judge that the mercy and grace of God is not to be refused to any one born of man… Spiritual circumcision ought not to be hindered by carnal circumcision… we ought to shrink from hindering an infant, who, being lately born, has not sinned, except in that, being born after the flesh according to Adam, he has contracted the contagion of the ancient death at its earliest birth, who approaches the more easily on this very account to the reception of the forgiveness of sins – that to him are remitted, not his own sins, but the sins of another” (Letter 58 to Fidus).

Augustine (354-430 A.D.): For from the infant newly born to the old man bent with age, as there is none shut out from baptism, so there is none who in baptism does not die to sin. (Enchiridion; ch. 43)

H. False Argument: The rejection of infant baptism is not a serious matter.

While one cannot be saved – even if baptized – apart from faith in Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16), to reject infant baptism is serious. Luke 7:30 tells us that the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God’s counsel when they rejected John’s Baptism.

John 3:5 teaches that one who rejects Baptism cannot enter God’s kingdom.

Matthew 18:6 says: “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”

It is no small matter if one brings about the eternal ruin of a child by preventing him from being baptized. Only in Christ is there forgiveness! (1 John 1:9; 2:1-2).

II. Why, according to God’s Word, Infants and Small Children should be Baptized.

A. They are sinners in need of forgiveness and salvation (Romans 3:23; Psalm 51:5).

B. Scripture commands that they too be baptized (Acts 2:38-39; Matthew 28:19; Luke 18:15-17).

C. Fathers are commanded to bring up their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), and this includes bringing them to Christ in Baptism.

D. In Holy Baptism, the Holy Ghost works to create saving faith in Jesus Christ and to regenerate (Acts 2:38-39; Titus 3:5; John 3:5-6). Baptism is the means which God has appointed to do this saving work in infants and small children.

E. In Holy Baptism, they are offered and given forgiveness of sins for the sake of Jesus’ innocent sufferings and death on the cross (Acts 2:38-39; 22:16; Colossians 2:11-14).

F. In Holy Baptism, they are given new life and are empowered to live for Jesus Christ, their Savior (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12-14; 3:1).

G. In Holy Baptism, eternal salvation is given to all who believe (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26-29).

Conclusion

This then is why we baptize infants and small children as is commanded in Acts 2:38-39 and Matthew 28:18-20. This is also why our baptism is valid and we are blessed through it today – even if we were baptized many years ago as infants or small children. For Christ’s sake – because of His innocent sufferings and death for the sins of all people – God, in our baptism, has given us forgiveness for all our sins, His Holy Spirit, and eternal salvation. God grant that we treasure our Baptism and what God has worked in us through it. Amen.

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about the Antichrist? Please consider the statement below and look up the Bible passages.

ANTICHRIST

We believe that though there have been and are many antichrists who oppose Christ and the true Word of God with their lies and false teaching, there is also one Antichrist, the son of perdition, whose coming was foretold in the Scriptures (1 John 2:18; 2 Thessalonians 2:3). We also believe that this Antichrist is none other than the Roman Papacy (including all who hold the office of pope), for all the marks of this Antichrist have been fulfilled in the papacy of Rome (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 13 & 17; cf. Galatians 1:6-9).

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 3:18-36. Will those who trust in Jesus for forgiveness and life be condemned on the Day of Judgment? What about those who do not look to Jesus in faith? When are they already condemned? Why are believers saved? Why are unbelievers condemned? Why do many people not come to Jesus and trust in Him? What is meant by verse 21? What is it to do the truth? Who works all that is good in believers? Cf. Ephesians 2:8-10. Did Jesus and His disciples also baptize? Where was John baptizing? What question or dispute arose between disciples of John and the Jews? What did John’s disciples tell him? What was John’s response? What does John say of Jesus in verse 30? How should this also be true of us and our church? To what did Jesus testify? Did people receive Jesus’ testimony? Do they today? When people receive Jesus’ testimony, what do they come to know about God? Whose words did Jesus speak? Why did John say this was so? Was the Holy Spirit restricted or limited in the life and ministry of Jesus? What does John say of the Son? What does verse 36 mean? How does this apply to us and all people yet today?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Sermon will be based on Psalm 19. In preparation, read this portion of Scripture and consider the following questions: What do the heavens and the sky reveal about the LORD God? Cf. Romans 1:18ff. Is there any place on earth where one could claim he didn’t know there was a wise, powerful and glorious God? What does the sun reveal about God? To whom does it testify? Can one come to faith in Christ through the witness of God’s creation? What reveals more about God than His creation? Where can we learn of God’s will and of His mercy and grace in Jesus Christ? Cf. 2 Timothy 3:14-17. What does this psalm say of the Law of the LORD? What is included in the law here described? What does the psalmist David pray? What does this mean for you and for me?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Ron Wellander who underwent surgery and is recovering – for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, for our extended families and friends, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering. Pray for the believers in Haiti who are suffering as a result of the earthquakes.

Upcoming Events

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Monthly Wednesday night Bible studies will continue on the second Wednesday of February and be held at the church at 7 p.m. Next month’s study will continue to look at what the Bible says of the Scriptures. We will also look at the formation of the canon – the 66 books of the Bible.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.”

Proverbs 3:13-20

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

Meditations in the Parables of Jesus

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

Read Matthew 13:1-23 (cf. Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15)

1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

What Kind of Hearer Are You?

What kind of hearer are you? As we read the parable of the sower and its explanation, we are quick to identify people we know with the poor kinds of soil and ourselves with the good ground. But when we do this, we miss the warning and comfort of this parable for ourselves.

We may think of ourselves as the good soil, but how often do we not also fit the descriptions of the poor ground? Many times we are like the hard ground. The Word of God is sown upon us, but it doesn’t sink in and produce fruit in our lives because we have been uninterested or inattentive and have not understood the Word. Then, as the birds eat up the seed which falls on the hard ground by the way side, so the Word is snatched away from us by the devil.

Often we are also like the rocky soil or the thorny ground. In times of affliction or persecution, we shrink back from a bold and faithful confession of the truths of God’s Word because we have not let that Word sink its roots deep into our lives. When times of persecution or suffering come, we turn away and doubt God’s love and mercy toward us in Christ Jesus.

And how often we let the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things in this life keep us from faithfully hearing and learning God’s Word! We are too busy to attend church services and Bible classes. We neglect to read and study our Bibles each day. And the focus of our lives is on earthly things and the concerns of this life.

When we are good soil, we can take no credit. We must say with Jesus that it is a blessing of the Lord God when the Word sinks in, grows and produces fruit in our lives (Matt. 13:16). It is the Lord who cultivates the soil of our hearts, breaking up the hard ground, removing the rocks and pulling the weeds and thorns from our lives, that the Gospel of forgiveness of sins and life eternal for the sake of Jesus Christ and His innocent sufferings and death might be heard and believed by us and produce fruit in our lives.

Why did Jesus speak of God’s kingdom with parables? He answered that very question: “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.”

It is a gift of God to truly hear and understand the Scriptures. Without the gracious operation of the Holy Ghost, one may hear the words and relate to the earthly story, but the true message remains hidden. The Bible is a closed book unless God opens our ears and hearts to hear and understand and believe.

As Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God … Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:3,5-6).

For most, the Word is sown but not received and understood and is quickly snatched away by the devil to keep one from coming to trust in Christ Jesus. And when it is received, so often people’s faith is shallow and they quickly turn away in time of adversity or trouble. And how often the Word is choked out and prevented from bearing fruit in one’s life by the cares and concerns of this world.

When the Word of God is received and one believes and lives by faith in the Son of God as his Savior, it is indeed a gracious blessing of God worked by the Holy Spirit of God. May He so bless you that you both hear and believe unto life everlasting.

Almighty God, Thy Word is cast like seed into the ground; now let the dew of heaven descend and righteous fruits abound. Amen. (The Lutheran Hymnal, Hymn #49, Verse 1)

Pastor Randy Moll

Why Do We Preach Repentance?

(A Synopsis of Biblical Preaching)

From the fall of mankind onward, God has been calling upon people to repent and turn unto Him for forgiveness and life. The Old Testament prophets continually called upon God’s people to repent of their sinful ways and return unto the LORD for mercy. In words like those of Joel, they said, “Therefore also now, saith the LORD, Turn ye even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil” (Joel 2:12-13).

We read of John the Baptist: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:1-2). The Gospel of Mark tells us that he preached “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (1:4).

What did Jesus preach? The Gospels tell us: “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel” (Mark 1:14-15; cf. Matthew 4:17). And, before He ascended into heaven, what did He tell His disciples? He commanded them to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins through faith in His name. The Gospel of Luke tells us: “And He said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (24:46-47).

What did the apostles preach? Peter, in his Pentecost sermon, said, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). On another occasion he preached: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19). Jesus, through the Apostle John, called upon the erring churches in Asia Minor to repent and return unto Him (cf. Revelation 2-3). The Apostle Paul summarizes his own ministry and teaching, saying that he testified “both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

Therefore, the preaching of repentance should also be central to us; and a right understanding of repentance is key to understanding the Holy Scriptures and rightly applying God’s truth to ourselves and others.

What is repentance?

Repentance, in the narrow sense of its use in the Word of God, is worked by God’s Law, which reveals to man the holy and perfect will of God and also man’s failures, shortcomings and rebellion against his Maker. It reveals man’s sin and the consequences of that disobedience and sin; namely, spiritual death and God’s wrath and punishment. Thus Jesus preached “Repent ye, and believe the Gospel” and commanded that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name” (Mark 1:15; Luke 24:47).

In the broader sense, repentance, as used in Scripture, refers not only to the awareness of sins and failures and the fear of God’s judgment worked by the Law (contrition), but also to faith in the Gospel – the confidence that God accepts the sinner and mercifully forgives him for the sake of the holy life and innocent sufferings and death of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, in man’s stead. In the broader sense, repentance can also include the fruits (result) of true contrition and faith, an amended life empowered by God’s gracious working through the Gospel but guided by the revelation of God’s perfect will in His Law. John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, but also warned against those who feigned repentance but did not bring forth the fruits of true repentance (Luke 3:3-18).

Essentially, preaching “repentance and remission of sins in Jesus’ name” is done by rightly preaching Law and Gospel, the two chief doctrines of the Holy Scripture.

Our catechism defines the difference between the Law and the Gospel in this way: “The Law is that doctrine of the Bible in which God tells us how we are to be and what we are to do and not to do. The Gospel is that doctrine of the Bible in which God tells us the good news of our salvation in Jesus Christ … The Law teaches what we are to do and not to do; the Gospel teaches what God has done, and still does, for our salvation. The Law shows our sin and the wrath of God; the Gospel shows our Savior and the grace of God. The Law must be preached to all men, but especially to impenitent sinners; the Gospel must be preached to sinners who are troubled in their minds because of their sins.” (A Short Explanation of Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism: A Handbook of Christian Doctrine, Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, Mo. 1943.)

Does this mean the Law and the Gospel are contradictory? Not at all. The Law teaches us what is good and right – God’s perfect and good will for us, His creatures. It also reveals the consequences of disobedience, sin and rebellion against our Maker – death, both spiritual and eternal.

The Gospel teaches what God has done and still does to save us lost and condemned sinners from sin and sin’s consequences. Thus the Gospel offers and gives forgiveness of sins, spiritual life and eternal salvation for Jesus’ sake.

There is nothing bad or faulty with God’s Law. It is good and right and holy. It condemns mankind because all of us, since Adam’s fall, are sinful and disobedient to God’s perfect will. In this way, God’s good Law is an instrument of death to us because we do not obey it.

St. Paul wrote to the Romans: “And the commandment which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the Law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful” (Romans 7:10-13).

While we may not always like it, a safe speed limit on the highway is good. When drivers follow it, it helps to make their trip safe. If, on the other hand, a driver exceeds the speed limit, there very well could be consequences. He may receive a speeding ticket or, worse yet, have an accident because he drove faster than the safe posted speed. The fact that the driver is cited for speed or has an accident does not make the speed law bad. He suffered the ill consequences because he disobeyed the law and drove in an unsafe manner.

The same is true of God’s commandments. They are good and right, commanding what is best for us and warning of the consequences of disobedience. Whether it be the command to have no other gods, to honor our parents or not to covet, steal, commit adultery or kill, the commandments require what is good for us and forbid those things which bring spiritual death, ruined lives and eternal damnation.

The problem is with mankind – with you and me – instead of loving God, believing that His Word is good and right and seeking to honor Him with our lives, we love ourselves, think we know better than God what is good for us and seek our own honor and glory and praise. Thus, the good Law of God condemns us because we have rebelled against it and gone our own way.

That is why each and every one of us needs to repent – to agree with God that His Law is right and we are wrong, and to trust in the Gospel which tells us of His mercy and forgiveness for the sake of the innocent sufferings and death of His only-begotten Son in our stead. And, as a result of true and genuine repentance, there will also be fruit – a sincere desire to amend our sinful ways and conform to God’s holy commandments.

The Scriptures tell us that God’s Law is indeed good and right. In Psalm 137, we read: “Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful … Thy word is true from the very beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (v. 137-138, 160). That is why the psalmist could also say: “I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me” (v. 73). Indeed, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (v. 105). “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (v. 130).

Jesus Himself did not abrogate God’s Law or throw it out, but amplified and explained its full implication in His sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). He said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-19).

The writings of the apostles do not throw out the Law of God. Those ceremonies and practices which served only to point to the coming of the Messiah and Savior are not demanded in the New Testament writings, but the moral Law of God – His commandments – are repeated and explained throughout.

Why is this so? Why does God’s Law need to be taught even yet today? Simply, because it is God’s good and holy will for His creatures and our knowledge of it has become clouded by our own sinfulness. As the God’s Word says, man’s “foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). An honest look at the decline in moral values in our own society – people thinking nothing of sins which were clearly recognized as such less than 50 years ago – will reveal the effect of sin on our understanding of God’s Law which was written upon our hearts and proclaimed in our ears.

Thus preachers who set aside the Law of God and wink at disobedience to His commandments do great harm to the souls of men, for they do not hold forth God’s good and perfect will for our lives or the sad and devastating consequences of disobedience on our part. Their hearers do not see their utter sinfulness before God and are not troubled in their consciences over their disobedience and the impending judgment of the Almighty. And, not being troubled over sin and the judgment of God, the Gospel of forgiveness and life in Christ Jesus means nothing to them. They are left to go on in their sinful ways to a Christless eternity – to an eternity where they are judged and condemned for their sins because they have rejected Jesus, their only hope!

Indeed, without a right knowledge of God’s Law – His holy commandments – there can be no true repentance!

Of course, true repentance cannot be worked by the preaching of God’s Law alone; for if one is rightly shown what it is that God requires of him and sees his own sins and failures, he is left with nothing but despair and hopelessness. It is through the right preaching of the Gospel that the despairing sinner is comforted and assured of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting in Jesus Christ. The Law holds forth God’s good and perfect will but tells us that “the soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20) and that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The Gospel, on the other hand, tells lost and condemned sinners that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures … that He was buried … and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). It tells us that “we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:1, 2). It tells us that in Jesus “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). It tells us that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Thus, the right preaching of the Gospel assures sinners, troubled in their consciences over their sins, that in Jesus Christ and for the sake of His holy life and innocent sufferings and death in their stead they have full and complete forgiveness for all sins and the certainty of everlasting life in heaven!

Where the Law is preached in all truth and severity and where the Gospel is preached in all its truth and sweetness, there the Holy Spirit will be at work convicting consciences of their sins and failures and comforting lost and condemned sinners with the good news of forgiveness of sins and life everlasting in Jesus Christ!

Where the Spirit of God works true repentance – convicting hearts of sin and disobedience to God’s perfect will and comforting troubled hearts with the good news of pardon and peace in Christ Jesus – fruits of repentance will also follow. In fact, this is so certain that one can say, “Where there is no fruit, there is no repentance.” Yet, we must here remember that it is God who looks upon the heart and sees the fruits of true repentance. We, while we may in many instances see the results of one’s repentance, may misjudge. We may not see the sincere desire in a person’s heart to amend a sinful way of life, and we may not recognize in another feigned fruit of repentance which is for outward show only but not from a sincere heart.

God, of course, looks upon the heart. He sees and knows the heart that acknowledges and confesses utter sinfulness, and He knows and sees the heart which trusts in His grace and mercy for Jesus’ sake. God sees and knows when one is truly repentant, and He sees – and in fact, creates in the believer’s heart – the sincere desire and will to amend one’s life and live for Him. Jesus “searcheth the reins and hearts” (Revelation 2:23). “The LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

Where one agrees with the LORD God about his own sinfulness and trusts in Christ Jesus for forgiveness and life eternal, there God will also work the fruit of repentance – a new will and desire to live for God in accord with His will. This new and regenerated life is worked in man through the Gospel, but is guided by God’s Law.

The Holy Ghost graciously calls us to faith in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. Paul writes to the believers at Thessalonica: “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).

Indeed, we are saved entirely by God’s grace. “By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10). God the Spirit created faith in our hearts, and He has also recreated us – giving us new life – to do those works which God “before ordained that we should walk in them.”

That is why David, in the Psalms acknowledged and confessed his sins, trusting in God’s mercy, and implored God to create in him “a clean heart … and renew a right spirit” within him (Psalm 51).

It is also why John the Baptist could say to those coming to him for baptism, “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children of Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Luke 3:8-9).

What We Preach

Thus, with the prophets and apostles, and with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, we preach repentance and remission of sins in Jesus’ name. We preach the Law of God as revealed to us by God Himself in the pages of Scripture. We don’t mince words. We call sin sin, and we teach that the wages of sin is death and eternal damnation.

But we also preach the Gospel to penitent sinners. We tell them what God Himself says to us in His Word; namely, that Jesus Christ suffered and died upon the cross in our stead and paid in full the just penalty for the sins of the world. We preach that God, for the sake of the crucified and risen Christ has pardoned mankind and reaches out to us in mercy and grace, forgiving all our sins for Jesus’ sake and giving us everlasting life in fellowship with Him. We add no conditions, for Christ has done it all. It is finished. Our salvation is sure!

We preach that where this is true repentance, there will also follow fruits of repentance. Those who have turned from their sins to Christ for forgiveness will also, as a fruit of their faith in the Gospel, seek to live for Christ in accord with God’s perfect will revealed to us in His Word – there is no true repentance where one has no desire and makes no attempt to live in accord with God’s will. But such works, wrought in us by the Holy Spirit, do not merit God’s grace or earn for us salvation; they are in response to God’s gracious gift of salvation to us in His Son. In accord with God’s Word, we also know and teach that such works in this life which result from faith in Christ are yet imperfect – we still fall short – but are accepted of God for the sake of the sacrifice of His Son. We are not justified and saved by our works, but a man justified and saved by the grace of God works.

Pastor Randy Moll

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about the Final Judgment? Please consider the statement below and look up the Bible passages.

FINAL JUDGMENT

We believe that, at death, the souls of believers are taken to be with their Lord and Savior in heaven, and the souls of unbelievers begin suffering the eternal torments of hell (Luke 16:19-31; 23:43; Philippians 1:23; Revelation 14:13; 1 Peter 3:19; 2 Peter 2:4-9). On the Last Day, Jesus Christ will return to judge the living and the dead; and on that Day, all the dead will be raised up (John 5:28-29; Job 19:25-27; Revelation 20:11-15; Acts 10:42; 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The wicked and unbelieving will be cast, both body and soul, into the everlasting torments of hell; but those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation will, according to both body and soul, dwell with Christ forever, enjoying the blessings of heaven (John 5:29; Matthew 10:28; Luke 16:23-24; Isaiah 66:24; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Hebrews 9:27-28; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 John 3:2; John 3:36; 17:24; 14:1-3; Psalm 16:11). We believe that the Day of Christ’s return is known only to God and not to man (Matthew 24:29-42; Mark 13:32; 2 Peter 3:10). Therefore, we also reject as false all contrary doctrines, such as purgatory or limbo, an earthly millennial kingdom and attempts to predict the time of Christ’s return.

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 3:7-21. Did Nicodemus understand what Jesus meant by being born again of water and the Spirit? Did He understand the working of God’s Spirit? Can we see the wind or know from where it came and to where it will go? How is that like being born of God’s Spirit? Can we see the Spirit of God? Can we see His working in us and in others? Did Nicodemus understand? What did Jesus say to him when he asked how these things could be? What did Jesus mean? Who came down from heaven and then ascended back into heaven? How could Jesus be in heaven while He was here on earth talking with Nicodemus? What did Jesus, in His conversation with Nicodemus, say must happen to Him? To what historical event did Jesus compare His coming crucifixion? Cf. Numbers 21. What are the similarities between these two events? How does the Old testament event point to Jesus and His crucifixion? From what does Jesus save us when we look to Him and His cross in faith? What will happen if we do not look to Him in faith? How does Jesus further explain the reason and purpose of His coming into the world? Did Jesus, at His first coming, come to judge and condemn the world? Why did He come? Will those who trust in Jesus for forgiveness and life be condemned on the Day of Judgment? What about those who do not look to Jesus in faith? When are they already condemned? Why are believers saved? Why are unbelievers condemned? Why do many people not come to Jesus and trust in Him? What is meant by verse 21? What is it to do the truth? Who works all that is good in believers? Cf. Ephesians 2:8-10.

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Sermon will be based on Isaiah 62. In preparation, read this chapter of Scripture and consider the following questions: What does God say of Zion and Jerusalem? Why will God not hold His peace or rest? What will He accomplish? What names will be given to Jerusalem and the land of Israel? What do these names mean? Who will be a delight in Zion? To whom will Zion be married? How will God rejoice over Zion? What were Jerusalem’s watchmen to do? What has the LORD proclaimed, and what is to be said to the daughter of Zion? What will Zion and her people be called? What does this mean for us as believers today?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Ron Wellander who underwent surgery and is recovering at home – for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, for our extended families and friends, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines and for believers around the world who are persecuted or suffering.

Upcoming Events

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Wednesday night Bible studies will begin tonight at 7 p.m. and be held on the second Wednesday of each month. A soup and sandwich supper is planned for tonight at 6:20. All are invited. The monthly studies will be topical but 100 percent Biblical, so bring your Bibles.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Proverbs 3:11-12

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

Christmas Eve Worship

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12

Come and join us at 7 p.m. Thursday as we gather to worship and hear again the good news of the gift of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Should the weather be bad – snowing or icy – and the roads more dangerous, the service will be postponed – possibly to New Year’s Eve.

Paul’s Letter to the Believers at Colosse (continued)

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:5-6

How should we, as Christians, conduct ourselves in our dealings with those outside Christ’s church? This the Apostle answers in the closing words of his instruction to the believers at the church in Colosse: “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

We, as believers ought to live our lives wisely in regard to those outside Christ’s church, redeeming the time and making use of every opportunity God gives to make known to them the truth revealed to us by God in His Word.

We may not realize it, but how we live and conduct our business here in this world can either make one want to know more of our faith or make them want nothing to do with it. Sometimes an uncharitable word is all it takes to close the door to further witness. Thus, how important it is to be charitable and honest in all our dealings with those, not only inside, but also outside the church!

We ought to buy back the time commonly given to evil or frivolity and make use of every moment God gives us to share the good news of God’s mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus.

Our speech should be “always with grace,” reflecting the grace of God toward us in Christ Jesus. When we remember how much the Lord has forgiven us and to what lengths He went to bring about our salvation – even going to the cross and suffering and dying for our sins – should it be any trouble for us to speak kindly even to our enemies and to those who have mistreated us?

Being “seasoned with salt” means our conversations with those outside the church should neither be continual preaching against them nor only kind words devoid of any rebuke of the law and comfort of the Gospel. The Christian must wisely and consistently share the truth at every opportunity but use care not to drive away the unbeliever by too much preaching. It involves interspersing God’s truth in our conversations so as to raise awareness of the truth and draw interest in it, making it possible to continue to share the admonitions of the law and the good news of forgiveness and life in Christ Jesus.

The way in which we converse with those outside Christ’s church may be different with each person, making it so important that our speech be always with grace and properly seasoned with salt so that we, in the right way, give answer to every person. For this, we most certainly need the wisdom and direction of God’s Spirit in our daily lives and conversations.

But what if we have been less than honest and charitable in our dealings with those outside the church? What if, instead of being motivated by God’s grace toward us, we have dealt with someone from the selfishness and wickedness of our old sinful nature? What can we do?

There is no better way than to honestly admit our sins and misdeeds to the Lord Jesus and to those – even outside of Christ’s church – whom we have offended. We know from God’s Word that God graciously forgives us for the sake of Christ’s blood shed for us upon the cross. And, when we admit our sins and failures and forgive the sins and failures of others, what better witness to our belief in the righteousness of God and in our total dependence upon His grace and mercy toward us for Jesus’ sake!

We do not proclaim ourselves righteous and holy and the world sinful. We share and proclaim that we all have sinned and come short of God’s righteousness but that with God there is mercy and forgiveness for Jesus’ sake! Cf. Romans 3:23ff. The Gospel we share is the good news that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom we are chief (cf. 1 Timothy 1:15-16). If God shows mercy to me because of Jesus, He also can and will show mercy to you!

O Holy Spirit, grant me wisdom in my dealings with those who do not yet know and trust in Christ Jesus, that my speech may reflect Your grace and that I might wisely use the time and opportunities given me to share the good news of God’s mercy toward sinners for Jesus’ sake. In His name I pray. Amen.

Pastor Randy Moll

We All Believe in One True God:

A Summary of Biblical Doctrine

By Wallace H. McLaughlin

(The entire book is posted under Pages on the Church Web log)

XVI. The Ministry

The nature of the public ministry may be defined as follows: Under the office of the public ministry we understand the proclamation of the Word of God together with the administration of the Sacraments by commission of a Christian congregation. The establishment of the public ministry always presupposes the commission of a congregation; and the very word “public,” as used in this connection, has reference to the Christian public, or congregation, which stands behind the public minister, and through whose agency God has made him a minister by means of the divine call extended to him. He is a public servant, or minister, because of that definite Christian public, or congregation, on whose behalf, by whose commission, and as whose representative, he exercises all the functions of his ministry, both in house to house visitations and in the pulpit. The minister can no more divest himself of his public character, as representative of his congregation, when admonishing a sinner in private or comforting an individual Christian in distress, or administering Communion at the bedside of a sick person, or officiating at a burial, than he can when he stands in the pulpit or ministers at the altar. Always and everywhere, when performing the functions of his office, the minister acts as the representative of Christ and of the Christian congregation which has called him to function in its behalf in accordance with the revealed Word and will of God, and hence is at all times responsible to Christ and the congregation for every act which he performs in such capacity.

The commission of the congregation is expressed by the word rendered in our King James Version of Acts 14:23 as “ordained,” a word which has no connection with the act of “ordination” spoken of elsewhere in the New Testament. The difference between the word used in Acts 14:23, and which refers to the conducting of an election by a show of hands (in its only other occurrence in the Greek New Testament, 2 Cor. 8:19, it is correctly rendered “chosen” in our KJV), and the New Testament word for ordination (as used, for instance, in 1 Tim. 4:14 and 2 Tim. 1:6) is that the former means, literally, “stretching out of hands” (to vote in an election), while the latter means “laying on of hands.” Thus the office of the public ministry is conveyed by the call of a Christian congregation which results from the choice, or election, of a certain individual to exercise the official functions of the ministry by commission of the congregation.

Besides the public ministry which is committed or delegated to an individual by the call of a congregation we must hold fast to the divine institution also of that ministry which is enjoined upon all Christians in 1 Peter 2:9; 3:15; and Col. 3:16 (not in a public capacity, but as a personal spiritual endowment or spiritual priesthood, which is inseparable from personal faith in Christ), which neither should nor can be superseded by the public ministry.

Also missionaries in the field of foreign or home missions are in the public ministry, even when congregations have not yet been formed in the field of their labors; for behind the missionary stand Christian congregations which by God’s command send out missionaries, Matt. 28:19, 20.

As to the relation of the public ministry to the spiritual priesthood of all Christians, as taught, for instance, in 1 Peter 2:9, we must hold that the public ministry is distinct from the spiritual priesthood for the following reasons: a), because the public ministry requires a special call from a congregation for its legitimate exercise; b). because a special aptitude to teach is requisite in order to serve an entire congregation with the Word of God: 1 Tim. 3:2; 1 Cor 12:29 (“Are all teachers?”); and a special holiness of conversation is needed in order to be an example of life to the congregation, 1 Peter 5:3. The catalogue of qualities which should be found in a pastor is given (with very slight variations) in two passages in St. Paul’s “Pastoral Epistles,” which are so important both to pastors (that they may always be conscious of what God requires of them) and to their flock (that they may know what they may rightly expect of their pastor, and the qualifications which are requisite in one to be called to this holy office) that we shall here devote the space to print them out in full.

1 Timothy 3:2–7: “A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well in his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God?) not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”

Titus 1:7–9: “A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

The public ministry is not a human, but a divine institution. What do we mean by calling the ministry a divine institution? Under the divine institution of the public ministry we understand the fact that it is not left to the option of the Christians who live in a certain place whether they wish to establish the office of the ministry among them or not, but they have a divine command to do so. This command is found in Titus 1:5, where we read, with reference to the purpose of leaving Titus in Crete: “that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain” (the word used in the original means “establish,” and has nothing to do with the laying on of hands) “elders” (here in the sense of “preaching elders,” or pastors, “elder” being the usual New Testament name for the local pastor) “in every city” (city by city, wherever congregations had come into existence), “as I had appointed thee.” The word “appoint” is used in the sense of “command, charge, give order,” a common usage of the word in King James English and in full accord with the Greek original. Since Paul was not accustomed to issue orders on his own authority (compare 2 Cor. 8:8: “I speak not by commandment,” and v. 10: “herein I give my advice, for this is expedient for you”), we must regard this command of Paul to Titus as being given by divine authority, and hence as proof for the divine institution of the ministry. Also the expression “the things that are wanting” indicates that a congregation in which the office of the ministry was not yet established lacked something which was essential to its divinely ordained form. That it was also apostolic practice to establish the office of the parish pastorate in each individual congregation we see from Acts 14:23, cited above, which may be plainly translated from the original: “When they had conducted elections for pastors (elders) in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.” This is also the teaching of our Lutheran Church in accordance with Holy Scripture. In the Smalcald Articles we read (Triglotta, p. 523, par. 67): “Wherever the Church is, there is the authority (command) to administer the Gospel. Therefore it is necessary for the Church to retain the authority to call, elect, and ordain ministers.” See also Smalcald Articles, page 507, par. 10 (in translation from the German text): “The office of the ministry proceeds from the general call of the apostles.” Therefore if any one were to ask us where the words of institution for the office of the ministry are to be found, we should reply, with our Church, that they are to be found in Matt. 28:19, 20. To put it in the words of Dr. Walther (Walther and the Church, p. 72): “The divine institution of the ministry of the New Testament appears from the call of the holy apostles to the ministry of teaching by the Son of God, as recorded Matt. 10; 28:18–20; Luke 9:1–10; Mark 16:15; John 20:21–23; 21:15–17 (‘Feed My sheep’), and of the seventy disciples, as recorded Luke 10:1–22.”

As to the necessity of the public ministry, we must regard this necessity, like the necessity of receiving the Sacraments, as not absolute but relative. The public ministry is not absolutely necessary for salvation, because faith in Christ can be created and preserved also through the reading of Scripture and the functioning of the spiritual priesthood. However, an abuse of this truth occurs when Christians do not diligently hear God’s Word in the public preaching, when the pastors do not diligently prepare their sermons, and when congregations and pastors do not diligently make provision for the education of preachers and teachers. As not the deprivation but the contempt of the Sacraments damns, so we may say also of the public ministry, in accordance with Luke 10:16: “He that heareth you” (preachers of God’s pure Word) “heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me.”

The incumbents of the office of the public ministry form no special spiritual order superior to that of the Christians, like the priests of the Old Testament, but are officers (public servants) among the Christians. Therefore we call the incumbents of the public ministry not “spiritual” or “priests,” because these titles, according to the Scriptures of the New Testament, belong to all Christians (see 1 Peter 2:5, 9; 1 Cor. 2:15). Scriptural names of the incumbents of the office of the public ministry have reference either to their relation to God or to their relation to the Christian congregation, a). With relation to God: “ministers of Christ” (1 Cor. 4:1); “servant of the Lord” (2 Tim. 2:24); “steward of God” (Titus 1:7). b). With relation to the Christian congregation: “your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). An incumbent of the office of the public ministry therefore occupies a twofold position of service; he is the servant of Christ and of the congregation. However, he is not fifty percent Christ’s servant and fifty percent the congregation’s servant, but one hundred percent Christ’s servant and therefore also one hundred percent the congregation’s servant. This does not mean serving two masters. For in serving the congregation, which in its call requires him to perform his office in complete accord with the Word of God, he is not serving men, but Christ Himself, as Paul writes, Gal. 1:10: “If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Only if the congregation should demand, contrary to the provisions of the divine call, that their pastor serve them otherwise than God’s Word teaches, would the pastor be confronted with a situation in which, in order to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), he would have to leave the service of such a congregation. Since the congregation is the original possessor of the power of the keys, and hence the means of grace (Matt. 18:17–20), and by divine command delegates the public administration of the means of grace to competent persons (Acts 14:23), therefore the administration of these delegated powers remains under the supervision of the congregation, Col. 4:17. In this respect it is stated in the Smalcald Articles (Triglotta, p. 507, par. 11): “The Church is above the ministers.”

Since the Christian Church is an absolute monarchy, in which Christ through His Word has sole dominion, Matt. 23: 8–10, there results there from a double truth: a). With regard to the authority of the servants of the Church, obedience is due them when they teach God’s Word, Heb. 13:17; Luke 10:16; but obedience is to be refused when they depart from God’s Word, Rom. 16:17. b). With regard to the relation of the servants of the Church to one another, all superiority and subordination is not of divine but only of human right, for by divine right all are equal. In Luke 22:24–26, when the disciples of Christ strive about rank, Christ answers them: “Ye shall not be so,” adding the instruction that there are superiors and subordinates only in worldly kingdoms.

At this point we quote with great satisfaction, in accordance with our aim of demonstrating the agreement of Lutheran doctrine with universal Christian Biblical doctrine, the testimony of a great Bible scholar who belonged to the Anglican or English Episcopal Church, where it is commonly taught that there are three distinct and divinely ordained orders or ranks of the clergy, namely bishops, priests (or presbyters), and deacons. Henry Alford remarks on 1 Tim. 3:1 (“If a man desire the office of a bishop,” etc.): “The ‘bishops’ of the New Testament have officially nothing in common with our bishops. The identity of the ‘bishop’ and ‘presbyter’ (or ‘elder’) in apostolic times is evident from Titus 1:5–7.” In connection with Acts 20:17 (“called the elders of the church”) and verse 28 of the same chapter, and referring to the same persons (“take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops”), Alford points out the unfairness of translating the Greek word for “bishops” in the latter verse as “overseers,” whereas in every other passage of the New Testament where it occurs it is translated “bishops.” If it had been uniformly rendered, as it ought to be, in Acts 20:28, then, says Alford, “the fact of elders and bishops having been originally and apostolically synonymous might be apparent to the ordinary English reader, which now it is not.”

The public ministry is the highest office in the Christian Church. As the local congregation is the only divinely instituted society in the Christian Church (societies outside the congregation, such as synods, and societies within the congregation, such as young men’s, young ladies’, ladies guilds, men’s clubs, etc., are only human ordinances), so also the office of the public ministry is the only divinely instituted public office in the Christian Church. Auxiliary offices within the congregation can according to need be branched off from the office of the ministry (elders, teachers, almoners, etc., Acts 6), but these remain under the supervision and responsibility of the pastor according to Acts 20:28: “Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops.” In this sense Luther calls the office of the public ministry “the highest office in Christendom.”

At least a few lines must be added here with reference to the Scripture doctrine concerning the Antichrist; for it is here, and not in the treatment of “the last things,” that this doctrine belongs. Nothing in Scripture suggests that either the rise or the revelation of the Antichrist is to take place at the end of the world, though indeed his final destruction will be accomplished by “the brightness of Christ’s coming” (2 Thess. 2:8). The Scripture warnings against the Antichrist form an appendage to the doctrine of the ministry for the reason that the Antichrist described in 2 Thess. 2:3–12 represents the grossest perversion of the office of the public ministry. He “sitteth in the temple of God,” that is, in the Christian Church, and claims to be “the vicar of Christ,” and in that capacity to rule the church on earth as a visible monarchy, setting himself above all divine authority (“Object of worship”) and divinely ordained authority in the kingdoms of this world (civil rulers in this respect being rightly “called gods,” as in Psalm 82:6, cited John 10:34, as those who “are sent by God for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well,” 1 Peter 2:13, 14), as though Christ had abdicated the throne of His Church upon earth or absented Himself from His dominion in this world (2 Thess. 2:4). Yet the whole rule and authority of Antichrist is nothing but the supreme apostasy from the central article of Christian doctrine — justification by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith, without the deeds of the Law — which the papal sect curses in the Sixth Session of its Council of Trent, especially canons 11, 12, and 20. Compare 2 Thess. 2:3, where the Holy Spirit calls the rule of “that man of sin,” “the son of perdition,” by the name of “the apostasy” (“falling away”). If anyone should fail to recognize that all these marks or criteria of the Antichrist, including the “power and signs and lying wonders” of 2 Thess. 2:9, are completely fulfilled in the Roman papacy, and in it alone, or should imagine the possibility of a still greater apostasy than the cursing of the central doctrine of Christianity and substituting a human authority for that of Christ — then such a person would show such ignorance of the chief enemy of our holy faith as would be inexcusable in a teacher of Christians, or would expose his failure to appreciate the supreme importance of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Finally, the suggestion that the Antichrist is not assuredly identifiable would tend to make Scripture’s solemn warning not to let ourselves be seduced by Antichrist vain and unprofitable for Christ’s people.

As the blessings of the Gospel ministry are dear and precious to us, so vigilantly must we guard against the seductions of its counterpart, the Roman Antichrist.

N.B. For further information on the subject of the closing paragraphs see Smalcald Articles, Part II, Art. IV (Triglotta, pp. 471–477), and “Of the Power and Primacy of the Pope” (Triglotta, pp. 503–521); also “Brief Statement,” Art. 17 (par. 43); and finally, “Our Confessional Platform,” by Dr. P. E. Kretzmann, Art. 6, d.

[Next week's installment from We All Believe in One True God will cover the Election of Grace.]

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about the Public Ministry? Consider the following summary statement and look up the supporting Bible passages:

PUBLIC MINISTRY

We believe that, while God has given to all true believers the right and duty to preach His Word and administer the Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), He has also commanded Christians to gather together and call faithful men to publicly preach and teach God’s Word and administer the Sacraments among them and in their stead (1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21-23; Jeremiah 23:3-4,28; Hebrews 10:19-25; Acts 14:23; 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-12; Titus 1:5-9; 2 Timothy 4:2). Only men meeting the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9 are to be entrusted with this office. Though the public ministry of Word and Sacrament exists by the will and command of God, those holding this office have no authority and power but the Word of God (1 Peter 4:11; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Thus, obedience must be rendered to the public ministry only when the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed and applied (Hebrews 13:17; Luke 10:16). We reject as contrary to God’s will, and as sinful, the current practice of placing women into the public ministry or other positions or offices where they must teach or exercise authority over men (1 Timothy 2:11-15; 1 Corinthians 14:34-35).

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 3:1-8. Who was Nicodemus? Did the Pharisees accept John’s baptism of repentance? Cf. Luke 7:30. Why? When did Nicodemus come to Jesus? Why? What did he say to Jesus? What did he and the Pharisees acknowledge about Jesus? Was this enough? What did Jesus say to Nicodemus? Why? Can a person be a part of God’s kingdom – or even see it – without being born again? How can a person be born again? Cf. Titus 3:4-7. Of what must one be born to enter the kingdom of God? What does this mean? Can a person be born again of his own will or decision? Who works through the waters of Baptism to create and preserve faith in Christ Jesus? How is the working of the Holy Spirit like the wind?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Sermon will be based on Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15. In preparation, consider the following questions: What did God command the Children of Israel to do in these passages? Why? Cf. Exodus 12:1ff. How were the firstborn among the men of Israel redeemed? Cf. Numbers 3:44-51. How was Jesus redeemed? Cf. Luke 2:22-23. What sacrifice was offered for Mary’s purification? cf. Luke 2:22-24; Leviticus 12:1ff. When was this done? See Leviticus 12:1ff. for the number of days following Jesus’ birth and His circumcision. How are we passed over in God’s judgment? Cf. John 5:24. Whose blood protects us? Cf. 1 John 1:7. To whom do we belong? Cf. 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. How are we offered up to God? Cf. Romans 12:1-2.

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us – especially for Ron Wellander who underwent surgery on Monday, and for Sam Rusch who had been hospitalized – for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines.

Upcoming Events

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Christmas Eve Worship, with the congregation’s children participating, will be held at 7 p.m. On Dec. 24. New Year’s Eve Worship is also tentatively planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 31.

Monthly Wednesday night Bible studies will begin in the new year and be held at the church at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14

A Blessed Christmas To You In Christ Jesus, Your Savior!

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

Advent Worship

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Come and join us at 7 p.m. tonight as we gather to humbly consider our sinfulness and the grace and mercy of God extended to us in our Savior, Jesus Christ. A 6:20 p.m. soup and sandwich supper will precede the service.

Paul’s Letter to the Believers at Colosse (continued)

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2-4

The Apostle Paul, in prison for his testimony to the crucified and risen Christ, urges his fellow believers at Colosse to continue in prayer. And while they are praying to the Lord God, watching and giving thanks for God’s answers to their prayers, Paul urges them to remember him and his companions in their prayers as well.

Notice that Paul doesn’t request his release from prison, but rather the opportunity to speak of Christ and of the salvation Christ Jesus has accomplished for all mankind. Paul desires the opportunity to tell the mystery of Christ – that which had been veiled before and only in part revealed through the prophecies of the Old Testament but was now made known in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Paul was in bonds for telling the truth about Messiah Jesus, and he requested the prayers of his fellow believers that he would be given further opportunity to tell of Jesus and of the forgiveness and life which Jesus won for all mankind – both Jew and Gentile – by His holy life and His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross for the sins of the world. Paul asked for prayers on his behalf that he might make the mystery of Christ manifest and openly known to all. He asked for prayers that he might hold back nothing, even in the face of adversity, but speak the saving Gospel as he ought to speak it.

This should be the desire of all ministers of the Gospel – for open doors and opportunities to speak the truth and tell others about Messiah Jesus and His life, death and resurrection. And, this should be our prayer for all who are called to preach the Gospel – that they would hold back nothing of God’s Word, but preach the truth and proclaim Christ Jesus and His blood shed upon the cross as the only hope for sinful mankind.

No matter what our circumstances or what obstacles would prevent us from speaking of Jesus and making known the plan of God for the salvation of the world – that great mystery which has been revealed to us in the coming of Christ Jesus and made known to us through the Word of God – let us pray that God would give us opportunities to speak of Jesus and of the forgiveness and life He won for all, and that we hold nothing back, but speak as we ought to speak, that others, too, may know Him and trust in Him as their Savior!

O Spirit of God, we thank You for making known to us the mystery of the Gospel – for revealing to us that Jesus is God the Son in human flesh and that He has made full atonement for all our sins by His holy life and innocent sufferings and death upon the cross for the sins of the world. Open doors that we and all your called ministers may make known the mystery of the Gospel. Give us boldness to speak as we ought to speak, testifying against unrighteousness and sin but proclaiming divine mercy and forgiveness in the crucified and risen Savior, Christ Jesus. In His name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Randy Moll

We All Believe in One True God:

A Summary of Biblical Doctrine

By Wallace H. McLaughlin

(The entire book is posted under Pages on the Church Web log)

XV. The Church

It will be of advantage to treat our theme under two main headings, in accordance with the usage of Scripture, which employs the term “church” in two (and only two) significations: A. The Church Universal; B. Local Churches.

A. The Church Universal. The nature of the Christian Church, in the primary significance of the term, as referring to the one holy Christian Church (invisible) of our Creed, may be defined as follows: The Christian Church consists of men (people) who believe in Christ, that is, believe that God forgives them their sins for the sake of Christ’s vicarious satisfaction. This definition is clearly given us by Scripture in Acts 5:14 (cf. Acts 2:47): “Believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.” With this our Confession fully agrees, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession speaking of the Christian Church as: “men scattered throughout the whole world who agree concerning the Gospel.” All unbelievers, whether they are openly godless or hypocrites, are not a part of the Church, but are only mingled with the Church according to external association. The Scripture proves this by describing all unbelievers, whether heathen or Jews, as dwelling-places and workshops of the devil, “the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:1–3). The designations which Holy Scripture predicates of the Church do not fit unbelievers, for instance, “house of God” (1 Tim. 3:15), “temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you” (1 Cor. 6:19), “body of Christ, fulness of Christ” (Eph. 1:23). In short, there is no substitute for faith in Christ as a means of entrance into the Christian Church, also not the administration of offices. Pastors, elders, school teachers, students, professors, presidents, visitors, who do not in their hearts believe on Christ as their Savior, are outside the Church. To believe on Christ or the Gospel is to have faith in the article of justification by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith, without the deeds of the Law. Hence Luther says of this article that it alone brings forth, nourishes, builds, preserves, and defends the Church, and without it the Church of God cannot subsist for one hour.

The attributes of the Christian Church, according to Holy Scripture, are: invisibility, unity, holiness, universality, and apostolicity.

a). The Church is invisible, because faith in the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins, which faith makes a person a member of the Church, is known only to God, but is invisible to the eyes of man. 1 Kings 8:39: “For Thou, even Thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men.” Luke 17:20, 21: “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” See also Acts 1:24; 2 Tim. 2:19. The means of grace, which have been falsely called the visible side of the Church, are the means ordained by God for the production and preservation of faith, and hence marks of the Church, that is, they show where upon earth, according to God’s promise (Is. 55:10, 11), the Church is to be found; but they are not a part of the Church, since the Church consists only of believing people.

b). The Church is one, John 10:16: “one fold,” or better: “one flock,” since all members of the Church “agree concerning the Gospel,” and therefore “one faith” (Eph. 4:5; Gal. 3:28: “ye are all one”) is common to all.

c). The Church is holy, 1 Peter 2:9: “an holy nation;” in the first place, entirely and perfectly holy through the righteousness of Christ imputed to faith, Rom. 4:5: “his faith is counted for righteousness;” in the second place, incompletely holy through the inherent righteousness of life, Rom. 6:14: “sin shall not have dominion over you,” every member of the Church being under the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers (John 14:17: “He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you”).

d). The Church is universal, for it embraces the believers in the Lord of all times, among all peoples, and in all places. Acts 10:43; Gal. 3:6; Mark 16:15, 16. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Art. XII, par. 66) calls attention to the fact that Acts 10:43 gives expression to the real “consensus of the Church” when it declares: “To Him give all the prophets witness.” “I verily think that if all the holy prophets are unanimously agreed in a declaration (since God regards even a single prophet as an inestimable treasure), it would also be a decree, a declaration, and a unanimous strong conclusion of the universal, catholic, Christian, holy Church, and would be justly regarded as such.”

e). The Church is apostolic, in the sense of holding fast to the apostolic doctrine. Acts 2:42: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Eph. 2:20: “Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief Corner-stone.”

The dignity and glory of the Church is seen in the fact that her members, as such, are subject only to Christ, that they are the possessors of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and indeed of all things.

a). Her members, as such, are subject to no man, but only to Christ, Matt. 23:8; 1 Cor. 7:23: “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” With this the command to “obey them that have the rule over you” (or better: “guide you”), “and submit yourselves” is not in conflict. For the obedience of Christians to their teachers is limited to God’s Word which the teachers proclaim; and if they teach otherwise than God’s Word teaches, then God’s command to the hearers is: “Avoid them!” (Rom. 16:17).

b). The members of the Church, or the believers, are the original possessors of the means of grace, 1 Peter 2:9; Matt. 28:19, 20, and consequently of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, Matt. 18:18, which assertion is not refuted but confirmed by Matt. 16:18, 19, because according to the context the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are given to Peter, not in his character as an apostle, but inasmuch as he believes in Christ.

c). The members of the Church, or the believers, possess all things, 1 Cor. 3:21, 22: “all things are yours.” In their interest, and indeed by them, the whole world is ruled, Rom. 8:28. It is, moreover, a Scriptural axiom that the Christians, as the “body of Christ,” do with Christ all that He does. The Scripture proof for this assertion we have in Psalm 2:8, 9, compared with Rev. 2:26–28.

How is the Church founded and preserved?

a). God creates and preserves the Church according to His grace, Col. 1:12–14, and according to His omnipotence, Eph. 1:19–23. Those who teach that conversion and salvation are dependent not only upon God’s grace but also upon the different conduct of man or his lesser guilt in comparison with others, become guilty, by such teaching, of doing as much as in them lies to overthrow the foundation of the Christian Church, for the Church lives by grace alone.

b). God creates and preserves the Church not without means but by the means of grace. Hence Scripture also ascribes the working of faith to the men who administer the means of grace. Rom. 10:17: “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” 1 Cor. 4:15: “I have begotten you through the Gospel.” Hence it is said in Gal. 4:26 that the Christian Church, the Jerusalem which is above, is the mother of us all (that is, of all members of the Christian Church). Those who teach an operation of the Holy Ghost without means do as much as in them lies to destroy the foundation of the Christian Church, for the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (of the Word), Eph. 2:20.

c). The State, with its external power, is neither a means nor an auxiliary means for the building of the Christian Church. The reason that we must maintain this assertion is that faith in Christ comes not through external power, but only through the Gospel. Therefore all those who want to employ the power of the State as an auxiliary means for the building of the Christian Church are acting foolishly and contrary to Scripture.

B. Local Churches. Scripture speaks of the Church not only in the singular (Eph. 5:25: “Christ loved the Church;” John 10:16: “one flock”) but also in the plural with designation of the place where the churches are located, for example, 1 Cor. 16:19: “the churches of Asia.”

The nature of the local church or congregation may be defined as follows: The Christian local congregation is the congregation of believers or saints which is gathered about Word and Sacraments at a particular place. The address of the Corinthian congregation reads, 1 Cor. 1:2: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints.” Also the functions which are entrusted to the local congregations presuppose faith. Col. 3:16: “teaching and admonishing one another … singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Rom. 16:17: Judging doctrine and avoiding false teachers. Matt. 18:15: Admonishing and exercising church discipline.

The local church is a divine institution. That the formation of local congregations is a divine ordinance is established both by direct and indirect Scripture proof, a.) The direct proof is derived from the fact that God has commanded the Christians who live in one place not only to read God’s Word but also to establish among themselves the office of the public ministry and to hear the publicly preached Word, Titus 1:5: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.” (N.B. Paul did not give orders on his own authority, but only in accordance with a divine ordinance), b). The indirect proof is derived from the commission to the local congregation of certain functions which themselves are exercised by divine command, for instance, the exercise of church discipline on the part of the congregation (Matt. 18:17: “Tell it unto the church”), congregational celebration of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11: 17: “ye come together”), etc. The uniting of local congregations into synods, conferences, etc., is only an ecclesiastical ordinance, that is to say, it is left to Christian liberty, since there is no command of God to this effect in Scripture.

The distinction between orthodox and heterodox local congregations is Scriptural, because it is God’s ordinance that in all local congregations only God’s Word should be taught and heard, 1 Peter 4:11: “as the oracles of God.” Where there exists a deviation from the apostolic doctrine we are dealing with an organization which is disobedient to God, and here Romans 16:17 and Matthew 7:15 are to be applied in practice. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17). “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15). The much ridiculed terminology, “orthodox churches” and “heterodox churches,” is Scriptural. Erring communions originate and persist contrary to divine ordinance. In order to hinder the origination and perpetuation of such heterodox groups Paul commands Timothy, 1 Tim. 1:3, to “charge some that they teach no other doctrine” at Ephesus, and enjoins the Roman congregation to separate from such as deviate from the apostolic doctrine, Rom. 16:17. If doctrinal discipline is exercised against false teachers who arise in its midst (Acts 20:30, 31) the congregation or fellowship of congregations in which such discipline is maintained thereby retains its orthodox character, but if such discipline is neglected it forfeits its orthodoxy.

There are indeed children of God also in heterodox churches. There are members of the Christian Church also in heterodox communions if and because so much of the Word of God is still taught, heard, and read there, that men can thereby come to the knowledge that they deserve damnation (through the Law) and may come to faith in Christ as the Savior of sinners (through the Gospel). A Biblical example of this situation is the Samaritan church, which, according to John 4:22, was a heterodox communion, but in which, according to Luke 17:16, there could also be found believers. (N.B. The man’s gratitude was the fruit of faith in the Messiah, v. 19; but his knowledge of the Messiah had come to him from the Scriptures which he found fulfilled in Jesus). The truth of this matter is that every man who by the operation of the Holy Spirit believes on Christ the Savior of sinners is a child of God, regardless of the church body with which he is outwardly connected.

But God’s own recognition of His children also in heterodox communions does not permit orthodox Christians to practice fellowship with the heterodox. Church fellowship with the heterodox is strictly forbidden in Scripture, Rom. 16:17. Civil fellowship with errorists or unbelievers is not forbidden by God’s Word, 1 Cor. 5:10; but church fellowship or religious fraternization with the heterodox is strictly prohibited by God, Rom. 16:17; 2 John 10, 11: “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” The greeting here forbidden is not the civil greeting but that of brotherhood in the faith. Church fellowship with the heterodox (unionism, syncretism) is the cause of the wretched divisions in the Christian Church which offer such a serious offense to the world and to weak Christians.

By the word “schism” a division within the church is designated which should not occur, and is therefore sinful, for instance, a separation because of differences in church ceremonies, terminology, etc., in general, because of such things as are neither commanded nor forbidden in Scripture. The Lutheran Church repudiates such sinful divisions in the Seventh Article of the Augsburg Confession.

Christian congregations may in Christian liberty establish associations with sister congregations of the same faith, in which they are represented by delegates in accordance with stipulations agreed upon among the participants. But such a “representative church” does not exist by divine ordinance, and hence there are no individual persons (supreme head of the church, supreme head of the state) nor any college of persons either within a single congregation or among several congregations (board of elders, synodical delegates, council, board of directors, etc.) who can determine ecclesiastical matters in such a way that the consciences of the Christians should be bound thereby. For in the Christian Church God’s Word is the only authority which binds consciences. Matt. 23:8, 10: “One is your Master.” Therefore councils, synods, etc. have only advisory power, not any autonomous judicial power (“jurisdiction”) or legislative power.

The question may arise whether we may vote on any question at all in the Christian Church. The answer is that we may, but with this distinction: a). In matters of doctrine we vote not to establish doctrine, but to determine whether all have recognized the Christian doctrine in a point of controversy, b). In matters of indifference (matters not determined by the Word of God) we vote in order to determine what the majority holds to be fitting, while the minority then yields to the majority, or conversely, the majority yields to the minority for love’s sake.

[Next week's installment from We All Believe in One True God will cover the Ministry.]

What Do We Believe?

What do we believe about Church Fellowship? Consider the following summary statement and look up the supporting Bible passages:

CHURCH FELLOWSHIP

We believe that God commands all Christians to discriminate between churches which are faithful to Christ and that which is taught in His Word (orthodox churches) and those which are not faithful to Christ and His Word (false and heterodox churches), and to practice church fellowship (joining together in those things which one would do with fellow believers, such as, worship, prayer, reception of the Lord’s Supper, evangelism, mission work, etc.) only with those who are faithful to Christ and His holy Word (Matthew 28:18-20; 7:15-23; John 8:31-32; 1 John 4:1-6; Acts 2:42; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Ephesians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6,14-15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 John 7-11). We therefore condemn as sin the unionistic practices of our day, in which church fellowship is practiced and church union is sought without regard for full adherence to the Scriptural Doctrine.

A church’s faithfulness to Christ and His Word is to be judged, not only by its acceptance of and subscription to an orthodox creed or confession, but by what is actually taught and practiced in it. Errors in both doctrine and practice will continue to trouble churches in this world (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Corinthians 11:19); but those which are faithful to Christ and His Word will, through Scriptural admonition and discipline, continue to combat and remove such error from among themselves (Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Timothy 3:13-17; 4:1-5; Titus 3:10-11).

Bible Study in Preparation for Sunday

The Adult Bible Class continues its study of the Gospel of John. To prepare, read John 2:12-25. Where did Jesus live? Who was there with Him? What did Jesus do at the feast of the Passover? Why? What did Jesus say to those who bought and sold in the temple? Cf. Psalm 69:9. Does this have any application to churches today? Is it pleasing to God for churches to become places of business? What about fundraisers and church sales? What about fraternal organizations which sell insurance products and investments? How did God direct His people to support the work of the temple? Of the church? Why did the Jews ask a sign of Jesus? What sign did He give them? How did the Jews understand Jesus? What did Jesus really mean? Who remembered His words and later understood their fulfillment? What is meant by the last three verses of this chapter?

The Catechism Class continues studying the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed and learning of Jesus and what He has done to redeem all mankind.

The Sunday Sermon will be based on Micah 5:2-5: In preparation, consider the following questions: When did Micah prophesy? What did he, in the opening part of his prophecy, say would happen to Israel and Judah? Why? What does Micah say will happen in the last days? From what city or town would God’s appointed ruler come forth? What is significant about this? What other ruler did God raise up from this city? How long has this promised ruler been in existence? What would this ruler do? How does this relate to the prophecy of Jacob in Genesis 49:10? What kind of kingdom would this ruler establish? How was this prophecy fulfilled? What is meant by the statement: “And this man shall be the peace”? What is the significance of this for us yet today?

Remember to Pray

Remember to pray for our church and for all our members that none be lost to Christ’s kingdom, but that all continue in repentance and be strengthened and built up in the true and saving faith in Christ Jesus through the hearing and study of His Word. We continue to pray for all who have been sick or who are suffering among us, for those who have been absent from us, for our students who are away at school, and for our adopted soldiers. Pray for God’s help with our church’s financial needs. Continue to pray for the Lutheran Churches in the Philippines who have suffered much from repeated Typhoons.

Upcoming Events

The Choir is practicing for upcoming services. More voices are always welcome.

Christmas Eve Worship, with the congregation’s children participating, will be held at 7 p.m. On Dec. 24. New Year’s Eve Worship is also tentatively planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 31.

Monthly Wednesday night Bible studies will begin in the new year and be held at the church at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

Information for bulletins or newsletters may be sent to Pastor Moll by calling him at 479-233-0081 or by e-mail at mollfoto@yahoo.com.

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” Genesis 49:10

[Scripture in this Newsletter is taken from the King James Version of the Bible]

“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” John 4:1-10

Does ethnic background or race make a difference when it comes to Jesus? Certainly not! When Jesus returned to Galilee from Judea, He could have taken the route used by most Jews in His day, bypassing Samaria on the east side of the Jordan River; but Jesus passed through Samaria and came to the place of Jacob’s well, just outside of Sychar, at mid-day. Jesus sent His disciples into town to buy food; but He, being tired from the journey, sat and rested at the well.

While there, a Samaritan woman came out to the well to draw water; and Jesus asked her for a drink. Not only was it surprising that a Jewish Rabbi would speak to a woman, but she was a Samaritan and the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans.

(The Samaritans came to live in the land, once belonging to the northern tribes of Israel, under the Assyrians. When the Assyrian armies conquered Israel, they carried the people away and dispersed them in other lands and brought people of other lands and religious beliefs into the land of Israel to remove the possibility of nationalism and a revolt. The Samaritans accepted only a portion of the Old Testament Scriptures and changed part of that to establish worship there in Samaria rather than at Jerusalem. As a result of their mixed heritage and compromised religious beliefs, they were rejected by the Jews and regarded as unwanted aliens in the land promised to Israel.)

The woman of Samaria was surprised that Jesus, a Jew, would speak to her and ask her for a drink. She asked, “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?”

Jesus’ answer cut to the heart of the matter: “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” If this woman knew of the gift that God desired to give to her and who it was sitting there at the well, she would have asked for and He would give to her living waters – waters which would quench her spiritual thirst and spring up into life everlasting (cf. v.14).

Should race, heritage or ethnic background keep anyone from Jesus? Certainly not! Jesus is not only the Messiah of the Jews. He is not just the Savior of those with a Christian background and heritage. Jesus is God the Son in human flesh. He came into this world to redeem all people and give them eternal life!

“God so loved the world” – all people in the world – “that He gave His only begotten Son….” (John 3:16). “He is the propitiation” – the atoning sacrifice – “for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

Jesus came into this world for everybody! When He suffered and died upon the cross, it was to pay the just penalty for the sins of all people! He has commanded that His followers “go … into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature….” (Mark 16:15).

Don’t let race, heritage, or ethnic background keep you from Jesus. He is the only-begotten Son of God, and He came into this world to go to the cross for you and pay for your sins that He might bring you to God and give you life everlasting with Him in heaven! If you only knew the gift of God and who it is calling you to come to Him through the preaching of God’s Word, you would ask of Him and He would give to you living waters to satisfy your soul!

Dearest Jesus, Son of God and my Savior, wash away my sins in Your shed blood and grant me Your Holy Spirit that I might continue to trust in You unto life everlasting. Amen.

[Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.]