L U T H E R A N B E T O D A R E
W W W. H I G H E RT H I N G S . O R G
/ SPRING / 2002
from
the
editor-in-chief Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Tim. 3:16 (ESV) reat, indeed, is this mystery we confess. Those are great and precious words to every Lutheran. For in those words we are saying what God has given us to say by His Holy Word. Every Christian is called upon to make a ready defense for the hope that is within them (I Peter 3:15). This is an honor and a gift, which only God can bestow upon His children.
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In this issue of Higher Things, there are articles that deal with this confession, this very truth of the Gospel. Christians are called upon to confess this hope under suffering, death, and identity even in the face of pride and mockery. Now I know these are heavy words, but they are good words for the Christian. It is in the face of trials and tribulations that God’s gifts to His children become clearer. Along with thought-provoking articles, this issue also includes the winners of our First Annual Writing Contest and the premiere of a new column. In regard to the contest, we had numerous entries. The judges had a difficult, but wonderful time determining the winners. The contest showed us that Lutheran youth are perfectly capable of articulating the Christian faith to the world. There is no need or desire to “dumb down” the faith, or to make it simply about relevant “how-to” Law questions. This is good news for all of us. The new column is entitled Pulse. An ongoing commentary on contemporary culture. In this issue, the column focuses on the Grammy Awards. It includes reflections on songs and albums by Grammy winners. Why should a good Lutheran care about these things? Good question. We live in the world. Like it or not, agree with it or not, the culture of the day does shape and define us to one degree or another. It behooves us as Christians to consider seriously how the culture of the day affects us. What is good and what is bad? What may a Christian participate in and even enjoy, and what is beyond the pale of Christianity entirely? These are questions that youth and adults alike struggle with (consciously or unconsciously) every day. It is our hope at Higher Things to provide a framework and a way of thinking about these things that will be helpful to all. So whether you’re struggling with big or little questions in your life, this issue will certainly provide some answers for you! H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 2
In Christ, Pastor Todd Peperkorn Editor-in-Chief Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran
T A B L E
O F
CONTENTS
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Baptism and the Great Tribulation
Volume 2/Number 2 Spring 2002
Holy Baptism does not take away the Great Tribulation. It unites us with Christ so we will never suffer hardships alone.
Editor-in-Chief REV. TODD PEPERKORN
A Life Beyond Yourself: The Story of Polycarp by the Rev. Todd A. Peperkorn, Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church, Kenosha, WI
In the 2nd Century St. Polycarp died a martyr's death. As Christians today, we can learn from Polycarp's death and know that Christ will never abandon us.
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HigherThings
by the Rev. Daniel Woodring, Pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, New Buffalo, MI
More than a Makeover: A Christian View of Death by the Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer, Pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church, Brentwood, PA
Jesus has broken the power that death has over each one of us. When we each stop breathing one day, death won't be a defeat, but a means for God to glorify us as He glorified His eternal Son, Jesus Christ.
10 Lutheranism and Real Life Results of Higher Things First Annual Writing Contest
14 The Other Side by Sandra Ostapowich, member at St. John's Ev. Luth. Church, Maple Grove, MN
The Cross stands between us and God. When He looks at us through it, He sees the new us clothed in Christ and without a body marked by sin.
17 Pulse by the Rev. Eric Robert Andrae, Pastor at the LCMS Campus Ministry, Intl. Ministry and Academy Rectory at First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA
This new Higher Things column focuses on the people and products that make up our popular culture, but from a Lutheran perspective.
19 Good Grief: How Depression is a Blessing in Disguise by the Rev. James Winsor, Pastor at Risen Christ Lutheran Church, Arvada, CO
In the darkness of depression, the love of Christ is all you have. And as it turns out, you don't have Christ at all until all you have is Christ.
21 Doughnuts in the Kingdom of God by Kathy Luder
Is there more to Sunday School than just eating doughnuts?
22 Pride—A Virtue or Sin?
Managing Editor PAM KNEPPER
Assistant Editor JULIE STIEGEMEYER
Editorial Associates REV. DAVID PETERSEN REV. JAMES WINSOR DR. GENE EDWARD VEITH Art Director STEVE BLAKEY
Business Manager LYNN FREDERICKSEN
HIGHER THINGS, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS President REV. KLEMET
PREUS
Executive Director REV. DANIEL WOODRING Vice President REV. TODD
Secretary REV. SCOTT
PEPERKORN
STIEGEMEYER
Treasurer LYNN FREDERICKSEN
SANDRA OSTAPOWICH REV. KLEMET PREUS DR. GENE EDWARD VEITH REV. JAMES WINSOR MOLLIE ZIEGLER REV. MARCUS ZILL Higher Things Magazine is published quarterly by Higher Things Inc., 2026 22nd Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the editorin-chief of Higher Things Magazine. Copyright 2002. Printed in the United States. Postage paid at Fort Wayne, Indiana. For subscription information, write to: Higher Things Magazine, P.O. Box 580111, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158-8011 or e-mail to Subscriptions@higherthings.org. For general information about Higher Things, Inc., please e-mail info@higherthings.org.
In this world it is sorely tempting to place our hope in our feelings or attitude or willpower. Our Lord reminds us in Psalm 39 that we place our hope in Him and not in ourselves.
by the Rev. David Petersen, Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN
Pride may seem right, but it really is selfish, self-centered, and, yes, sin.
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Feedback
letters to the
editor
I appreciate your magazine so much. We go through it cover to cover in our Senior High ministry. I appreciate the Bible Studies for the depth. So many present-day Bible studies are dumbed down.Thank you and God bless! Deb Hoffmeyer I REALLY wish you hadn’t written what you did in your recent article about Harry Potter.The thing that troubles me most is the notion that there could be something called secular magic. But that it has nothing to do with God or Satan, and that it can be neutral. Do you really believe this? Surely you know enough theology to see this is not a Biblical position. Please give this matter some thought, and if nothing else, consider that this might be a very good example of what meat offered to idols may look like in our age. Evil often does not make a direct assault, but creeps in little by little. This particular evil has been creeping in for a long time and the church has become comfortable with it. This is distressing. Richard Jordan
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My son recently received his first copy of Higher Things and we both loved it! Keep up the great work! Right now our copy is going through the hands of the elders for consideration as a confirmation gift from the elders this year. Mike Bryant Good things are beginning to happen in our youth group and your Higher Things magazine is playing a very helpful role for the catechesis I have been doing. It is extremely helpful for these children to hear such things as I preach and teach. It also comes from a very fresh perspective. Rev. Frederick E. Davison
YIPEEE!!! We got our newest issue of Higher Things! I read it cover to cover. It is really good. I think each issue is better then the last! DoRena Stuchwich We have been enjoying Higher Things magazine. I like the idea of helping our youth be Lutheran.That is very much needed today. Even at our local Lutheran high school, which should be very much Lutheran, offers a generic Christianity at best. Currently, all our youth receive a copy of Higher Things and we receive additional copies in bulk for others at the church who may be interested. Regarding the latest issue, I haven’t had a chance to read most of it, however, I was disappointed with the article about Harry Potter. I realize our synod hasn’t taken a very firm stand, however, I was hoping that you would. As Missouri Synod Lutherans, I think it’s important that we take a clear stand with God’s Word.Therefore, what does the Bible say about sorcery? The following are some references I found on the topic: God’s Miracles Are Greater than the Forces of Evil Exodus 7:8 God Commanded Capital Punishment for Those Who Practice Sorcery Exodus 22:18 Do Not Practice It Leviticus 19:26 2 Chronicles 33:6 Sorcerers are Deceived Isaiah 47:8 Notice with Whom Sorcerers Are Grouped Isaiah 57:3
Sorcerers are Liars Jeremiah 27:8 I imagine the books and movie could spur some good discussion. However, they can also lead people away from Christ. Please keep being a blessing to our youth! Rev. Robert L. Green This is a really cool issue! The article Hope in Christ in a World of Problems is very moving. In fact, it made me think that maybe I should be a missionary in the Sudan instead of Germany. I think it is so awesome that these people can trust Jesus the way they do. One bad thing about the magazine is that it is not attractive. If you could put a picture on the cover from one of the main articles, I think it would help. Since Harry Potter was mentioned, put him on the cover. Karen Lininger
I picked up a copy of Higher Things at the symposium in Fort Wayne. What an excellent magazine! I was so excited to read it. I cannot wait to have my teenage kids read it!!! Thanks for your faithfulness.You can be sure that a subscription or two will be ordered soon! Rev. Larry Matro Just wanted to say how much I liked the article on Harry Potter. I, too, have read the books and am now reading them to my oldest son.We also talk about the books’ content and how it relates to Jesus and His love for us. Keep up the good work. Rev. Ed Blonski
Life Changing Studies
Fun Activities
Christ Academy, like Concordia Theological Seminary, is about Christ crucified who is present in the Word and Sacraments to forgive and dwell in His Church. Students of Christ Academy will study Exegetical, Systematic, Historical and Pastoral Theology.
Christ Academy applies a dynamic approach to learning that fits you where you are. Activities are designed to engage you in the whole of Christian life.
• “I enjoyed studying God’s Word, learning Greek, and getting into the Scripture in-depth.” • “I learned a lot of things I never would have learned otherwise, and it all made so much sense, because the scripture interpreted scripture.”
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hrist Academy is a two-week residential academy for high-schoolaged young men of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It is a place where they can study about Christ crucified who is present in Word and Sacrament and who died that your sins would be forgiven. The last two weeks of June each year are set aside for this unique, intensive two-week academy.
Worship, the Center of the Experience
• “I liked Cedar Point Amusement Park. I didn’t ride many roller coasters, but it was alright.” • “I liked cards and movies in the Commons because there were so many choices and you could just hang out if you wanted to.” • “I liked the baseball game. We had a great time with everyone enjoying themselves and getting baseballs.”
Daily prayer life envelopes you while at the Academy. Attendees will join both professors and students of CTS in daily worship services. • “I really enjoyed it, especially once I realized the true significance of the liturgy.” • “Great! Services kept me focused throughout the day.”
Clarity of Direction A focus that’s uniquely Lutheran, Christ Academy explores the many facets of pastoral ministry and its application in the real world.
For more information about Christ Academy, please call us at:
1-800-481-2155 You can also find information in the Events section of the seminary’s web site, www.ctsfw.edu or e-mail ChristAcademy@mail.ctsfw.edu
• “I have been to other camps, but you won’t find this quality of character from any other one. I made a lot of friends, I had a fantastic time, and I am going to try to go next year. Even if you don’t know if you want to become a pastor for sure, this will help you define what you want to do.”
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eath, guilt, depression, heartache—this issue of Higher Things touches on these issues. It’s hard enough to make it through each day without such issues weighing you down, but the fact is that they make up the reality that surrounds us in this world.“In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33).There’s no avoiding it. Unfortunately, this is no less true for teenagers than for it is for adults.You’ve got problems. Whether it’s living with the death of a friend or relative, treating an eating disorder, overcoming an addiction, coping with stress, getting over a brutal break-up, or simply getting along with your parents or siblings, in this world you will have tribulation. But what is really hard to take is that Christians don’t have a “get out of tribulation free” card. Being a Christian doesn’t mean that our lives will be free from worry, sorrow, or pain. Our Lord Jesus doesn’t save us from our misery, but saves us in our misery. He doesn’t magically lift us out of this world’s tribulation, but leads us safely to the life of the world to come. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we will never face death, but rather that death becomes for us the gate of eternal life.
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Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him,“Sir, you know.” So he said to me,“These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.Therefore, they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
makes the great tribulation a blessing for your faith—you trust and rely on Him more. This is the way of the baptismal life. And yet, in man’s constant rebellion to the ways of God, a different way is desired—a religion that helps us forget the pain we face in our daily life. Instead of hymns that recognize our weaknesses and point us to Christ, choruses are chosen to pump us up emotionally with talk of personal victory and success. Instead of God’s Sacraments, we are given a mountain-top experience that makes us feel good about who we are and relieves the pain and tears of this great tribulation. I have to admit that when I was a teenager, this was exactly the kind of religion that I wanted.Those years certainly were a great tribulation, and I sought relief in Youth for Christ, Christian rock, and playing in the praise band at church. But relief was always temporary, and I soon would find myself crashing and needing another fix. Up and down. Up and down.There had to be a better way of life. What I didn’t realize is what I really needed was the life that had been already given to me in Holy Baptism— a life in which Christ was present and active even when it didn’t feel like it. As hard as man may try to create a spirituality that lets us ignore this great tribulation, the reality is that these efforts will always end in failure. Nonetheless, we will one day come out of the great tribulation, and every tear will be wiped away. God Himself will dry them. The Rev. Daniel Woodring is pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in New Buffalo, Michigan. He is the executive director of Higher Things.
While Holy Baptism does not take away the great tribulation, it does unite you with Christ, so you will never suffer hardships alone. He is there to be your shoulder to cry on and support to lean on. In fact, He
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Baptism and
the Great
Tribulation
By the Rev. Daniel Woodring
The Story of Polycarp
…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews12:2). s human beings, we have a tendency to make comparisons. We look at other people and we judge. I am smarter than him. I look better than her. I have more friends than they do. But, as Christians, maybe we should compare ourselves to the saints who have gone before us? And ask,“what struggles do we face as Christians that connect us to the departed saints?” In many ways, the struggles Christians face today are similar to those the Christian church faced during the two hundred years following Jesus’ resurrection.We live in a culture that is increasingly hostile toward Christianity. In America, Christians are not pressured to worship other gods, but to look at the Christian faith as one path among many.This Christian path is our truth, but others find truth in Buddha, the god of Islam, and others. During the second century, these false truths were very popular. Polycarp, a pastor and disciple of St. John the Evangelist (author of the Gospel of John, Revelation and the three epistles of John) lived during the second century. He was known throughout the Roman World for his bold faith in Jesus Christ as the only way for salvation. Around 155 A.D., Polycarp was murdered for being a Christian. What was the charge? Atheism. In the second century, Christians were often accused of atheism because they denied the Greek and Roman gods and believed there is only one God, the Holy Trinity. Furthermore, Polycarp and the Christian church denied that the Roman Emperor, Caesar, was a god. Every citizen was required to swear an oath to Caesar, and to burn incense to him as a sign of worship. Not surprisingly, the Romans didn’t like Christianity.They went to search for atheists, and found Polycarp. The proconsul demanded that Polycarp renounce Christ, saying,“Swear the oath,
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St. Polycarp, 2nd Century — The Bishop of Smyrna was condemned to death by burning. The flames refused to do their task, billowing about like sails, exposing the Bishop’s figure in a radiant light. A soldier used his spear to end the spectacle. Flames atop a log pyre have historically depicted this martyr’s death.
and I will release you; revile Christ!” Polycarp responded,“Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?” No amount of pressure would deter Polycarp from his Christian faith. Eventually, the Romans tied him up to be burned at the stake. As Polycarp prayed, witnesses experienced the following:
By the Rev.Todd A. Peperkorn
A Life Beyond Yourself:
And, a mighty flame flashing forth, we to whom it was given to see, saw a marvel, yea and we were preserved that we might relate to the rest what happened. The fire, making the appearance of a vault, like the sail of a vessel filled by the wind, made a wall round about the body of the martyr; and it was there in the midst, not like flesh burning, but like gold and silver refined in a furnace. For we perceived such a fragrant smell, as if it were the wafted odor of frankincense or some other precious spice.1 Polycarp died a martyr’s (a person who chooses to die rather than renounce religious principles) death, and is remembered to this day as one of the great examples of the faith of the early Christians. So what does this teach us about who we are today? It teaches us that Christians have suffered for the faith from the very beginning. Being a Christian is not easy. It isn’t simply one path among many that makes us who we are. Jesus Christ defines who we are by Baptism. He shapes us and makes us His own. But He doesn’t simply give us this gift and leave us alone. He continues to be present in His church even today. We all suffer for the Christian faith, whether it be something relatively harmless like peer pressure, or more serious like imprisonment or death. But whether the suffering is big or little, it all links us to the One who suffered for us. He was abandoned when He suffered on the cross, but He will never abandon us. Our Lord was with Polycarp, and He is with us today. Look to the Christians of many years ago. They may be your parents or grandparents.They may even be someone like Polycarp. But all of them help us to understand who we are, and make us realize the wonderful things God has given us in His Son Jesus Christ. The Rev.Todd Peperkorn is pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Kenosha,Wisconsin. 1 On the Martyrdom of S. Polycarp, from The Apostolic Fathers (ed by J.B. Lightfoot. Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1956), p. 114.
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More Than a Makeover: A H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 8
hen I was 16, I was a bus boy at a local restaurant. I bussed a lot of tables in those days. Now most of it’s just a big blur of dealing with half-eaten dinners, dirty spoons, and washing the sneeze-guard over the salad bar. But I remember one night like it happened yesterday.
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Going about my routine, I suddenly noticed a waitress walking from room to room asking for a doctor. I was wiping tables in dining room number four, but I could see that there was some kind of commotion down the hall.
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I walked a few steps closer and heard the startled voices. Was that someone lying on the floor? What was the waiter doing? “Oh God!” someone said. It looked like a fistfight had taken place.There was a long table with all the chairs pushed back. Scraps on the plates. And a big, yellow birthday cake. A woman died in the restaurant that night. Someone’s grandmother.The whole family was there to celebrate her birthday, but she died at the table. As I was throwing the ruins of her birthday cake into the trash, I realized that while she was celebrating her life, death came and took her away. The waiter doing CPR couldn’t save her. Her family’s distress couldn’t save her. Even the trained professionals with medicine, tubes and equipment couldn’t save her. In spite of many efforts, she still died. Afterward, a Bible verse came to mind. “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Growing up in the Midwest, I know what cold weather feels like. And this verse reminds me of how you can see your breath when it’s sub-zero outside.Your breath appears, but only for a moment, and then it’s gone. Is that what life is? Just a breath, a vapor, a momentary mist? That was the day I seriously started thinking about becoming a pastor. It occurred to me that my greatest problem was not that I had a job I didn’t like or that school was stressing me out. Not even that my parents didn’t understand me or that our home life was less than perfect. Death.That was the biggest problem I had to face, the biggest fear I had to overcome. And though I wasn’t exactly sure how, I knew that preaching the gospel and administering the sacraments could really help me. Oh, I’d seen dead people before. A couple of my grandparents and other relatives had died by then. But it’s different in
not there. Right? So we get face-lifts to hide the fact that we age. We live recklessly. We put fingernail polish on corpses. All because we can’t or won’t look at the scary reality that everyone is going to die. Sometimes we even make up strange and ridiculous theories about ghosts, communicating with the dead, or reincarnation. But those are nothing but fantasy.The reality is that all of us die - and it’s final. Why do we die? The world answers that question one way.The Bible another.The world says that we die because death is just natural.You’re born, you mature, you die.The Bible says that God created Adam in His image and likeness, and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. Life comes from God. So where does death come from? St. Paul tells us, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they brought a death sentence upon themselves, and all people. “The many died by the trespass of the one man” (Romans 5:15). The woman in the restaurant didn’t die in the middle of her birthday party because she was a nastier person than you or me. She didn’t collapse, stop breathing, and suffer cardiac arrest because that’s just the way things are. She died because she inherited Adam’s death sentence. And the same is true for all of us. Being a pastor can’t keep people from dying. Or can it? Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Maybe the ministry of preaching and administering the sacraments can cure death. Jesus came to rescue us from the grim reaper. He came to do battle with death and kill it. And that is exactly what He does on Good Friday and Easter, with the cross and the empty tomb. St. Paul says, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26). By dying, Jesus breaks the power that death has over us. Everything that Jesus touched became something different. Water turned into wine. Broken bodies became whole. By touching the grave, Jesus changed death
CHRISTIAN View of Death by the Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer
the funeral parlor.They are dressed up and have makeup on that makes them look a lot rosier than they did in the hospital the week before. In the funeral parlor, you have flowers and pink lights next to the coffin and soft soothing music. But lying on the floor in dining room number five, next to the salad bar, is something entirely different.That’s death without its makeup on, and it wasn’t pretty. The world knows that death is wrong, but doesn’t know what to do about it. One way the world faces the grim reaper is with denial. If you just put your head in the sand, it’s
too. And by our baptism into Jesus, we become conquerors with Him. What can be said of Him, can also be said of us. His Easter victory is given to us. When we stop breathing one day, death won’t be a defeat, but a means for God to glorify us as He glorified His eternal Son, Jesus Christ. The Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer is pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Brentwood, Pennsylvania. He is the secretary of Higher Things.
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Lutheranism and
Real Life First Annual Writing Contest Results First Prize: $100 Second Prize: $50 Third Prize: $25 Honorable Mentions:
Winner: Ryan Umbenhaur Dare to Be Lutheran, Dare to be Different!
Randy Maschman How the Catechism Helps Us Overcome Our Temptations
Nathan Fischer The Joy of Tribulations
Daniel Miller • Handling Trials Today—God’s Way Rachael J. Soyk • Living Like a Lutheran
Lutheranism and Real Life How does the Christian faith play itself out in the real world? H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 10
he winners are in! Kudos to all of you who participated in Higher Things first annual writing contest! This was not an easy topic, but many of you came up with terrific responses. Some responses were serious, dealing with difficult issues like being teased for having unpopular views on premarital sex, drinking or drugs. Other responses were funny. Sam Lavrenz wrote,“I think it’s very hard to be a Lutheran, in that your parents won’t let you date outside of the Lutheran faith.That stinks! My dad just proofread this and I buried myself. Looks like many more years of catechism for me, but then this is the life of a Lutheran.” Enjoy reading the top three winners, and look for more contests to come!
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First Prize
Dare to Be Lutheran, Dare to be Different! By Ryan Umbenhaur
t’s a challenge being a teen today. There’s tremendous peer pressure. Especially when it means not being cool, it’s often difficult to do the right thing. Satan double dog dares you to go along with the crowd. As a Christian, God commands you to be different. Friends want to embarrass people who are different.The taunting or mocking from a sibling can seem unbearable.The world tells you— don’t take it, get revenge! But God says,“Revenge is mine.” So, while the slap on your face is still stinging, walk away. But God commands you to do more than that. He says,”Forgive.” Materialism surrounds us. It’s not enough to have shoes. It’s got to be Adidas or Nike. It’s not enough to have food on your plate. It’s got to be Domino’s. God supplies us with all we need. So shouldn’t it be easy to give to those less fortunate than us? Yes, it should. But let’s be honest, it’s often not. Still God commands you to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Be selfless. Now you’re forgiving.You’re sharing.You’re a number one Christian. But did you forgive enough? Can you ever share enough? So why try? Satan reminds you,“It’s impossible.” As a Lutheran you know
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you can NEVER do enough good deeds, you can NEVER be perfect enough. But you know you’re assured a place in heaven because Jesus died and rose again to take the punishment for your sins. Still, as a Christian, you’re not immune to earthly troubles. Life can be depressing. The fear of war, worldwide disasters, and other things can make you wonder what will there be to look forward to in the future. However, you have the strength to face these trials through God. “Though war should rise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will lift me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:3b-5 (ESV) With these words you have no need to worry. Knowing this, life’s trials and tribulations are now easier to face.You now can dare to live differently in your life through Christ. Ryan (14) is an eighth grader in El Segundo, California. He loves to play soccer.
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Second Prize
How the Catechism Helps Us Overcome Our Temptations By Randy Maschman t is a normal day at school.You go to your classes, talk with friends, and head home. At home your mother asks you,“How was your day?”You probably respond with “Okay,” or “It was alright.” But was it really alright? For me, no. Every day I am tempted to curse, swear, lie, cheat, or hurt someone. Satan is tempting me day after day, night after night, to break the Ten Commandments or fall away from God; or as my pastor told me in confirmation, fall out of my baptismal boat. Satan does this through people such as Bin Laden or even our friends. By just being around them, we pick up their bad habits. And for me, it is a real struggle to fight against these things when they want us to sin. But I have something he does not that gives me strength—the words of God in my catechism. Luther’s Small Catechism’s six chief parts (especially the first three) help me to overcome Satan.They reassure me that God is with me at all times and is eagerly ready and willing to forgive my sins. Sometimes I feel sorry for the Baptists, Methodists, and other Protestant denominations that do not have the catechism.That is why I try to thank God every night for making me a Lutheran, because if I was not, I would not know where to turn if I was in trouble. Being a Lutheran not only helps me understand God’s Word clearly, but it also gives me the knowledge and strength to overcome the temptations I face everyday. The Ten Commandments show us our sins and, therefore, we confess them to God who forgives us our sins.The commandments also tell us what we should and should not do. For example, the fourth commandment, Honor your father and your mother, tells us that “we should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.” Some people think it just means our parents, and not our teachers and law enforcement.They do not realize though that the command-
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ments do mean more than what they say. Since the fifth commandment tells us we should not murder, does that mean that we can hurt the person, even if we don’t kill him or her? No, of course not.That’s why Luther put meanings to all the commandments, the articles of the Creed and the Petitions of the Lord’s Prayer, and the rest of the catechism. We are sinful, or full of sin. So we need someone to take away our sin, right? Yes, and that person is Jesus. If you are to be a Lutheran, you must know about what they teach. Nothing better sums up the Christian faith better than the Apostle’s Creed. When I am tempted by Satan to do wrong, I think of the Creed. It tells us what Jesus did for us on earth. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born, led a perfect life, suffered, died, and was buried, then rose on the third day to life. All this He did for you and for me and for everyone. The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray. In it is an introduction, seven petitions, and a conclusion. Sometimes people will tempt me to doubt that God really gives me the gifts He won on the cross. When they do that I think of the Lord’s Prayer and all its parts.They help me to overcome sin, death, and the devil. Lutherans are tempted every day by Satan to lie, curse, cheat, or hurt someone. Satan also tries to get us to forget what Jesus did for us and to doubt that God will help us in our troubles. Having memorized the catechism, learning God’s Word, and believing it, I am fully prepared to battle against the evil foe who wishes to wreak havoc among us. So be prepared. Learn God’s Word, memorize the catechism, and believe it to be true so that we have the strength to overcome Satan through the Word of God found in the catechism. Randy (16) is a freshman at Wellston High School in Oklahoma. He enjoys playing in the band, building models, and plans to become a pastor someday.
Third Prize
The Joy of Tribulations By Nathan Fischer
n a world filled with trials and tribulations, it seems that Christians are at the front of enemy lines. Many people find Christians intolerant because we will not compromise what we know is right. Many people think Christians are too loud-mouthed because we actively spread the truth (the Bible) to those who do not know it. Many people think we are just plain wrong in our faith, and believe that they hold the only way to heaven or to the perfect utopia. Because of this, we, as Christians, face conflicts from every side. Peer pressure, drugs, lying, cheating, stealing—these are just a few trials that we face in our casual, everyday lives. How are we to view a world that is constantly bombarding us with criticism and thoughts that are contrary to God’s Holy Word? What are we supposed to do in these situations? The world, and everyone in it, is sinful and in need of God’s gracious and loving forgiveness.That should be our view of the world in its simplest form. Of course, that is quite easy for a Christian to say.The hard part is convincing the rest of the world that it is sinful.This is something we simply cannot accomplish by our own means. Only God has the power to open someone’s eyes to the truth. But, if God does it all for us, then what is there left for us to do? God can use us as His instruments to witness to others by our thoughts, words, and deeds. He can use us to show people a better life; one free from the sinful, human depravities that this world has to offer. Now, God does not force us to do these things. We have the power to turn away from His will, and, unfortunately, it is all too easy for us to turn away. Why? Because we believe that if we do what is good and right, we might possibly reap ridicule and persecution for our actions and words. Of course, those aren’t very good reasons, but it happens time and time again. What does the Bible say about the trials that come our way? “Count it all joy, my
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brothers, whenever you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3). God wants what is good for us, and He knows what is good for us, even when we cannot see it for ourselves.Through persecution, He strengthens our faith, and enables us to undergo even more strenuous tribulations, all for the glory of His name, and to the good of His perfect will. Martin Luther states in the seventh petition to the Lord’s Prayer,“We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in Heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.” As Lutherans, we know for certain that this is what we have to look forward to! God will deliver us from evil, and only allows us to endure that which we can bear.Those who believe can be rest assured that even with their last breath, the Father in heaven is surely carrying us to the place where we will be with Him for all eternity. The world is sinful! It is drowning in its own sinful desires! That is why God sent His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus has already taken care of the hard part. In fact, He hasn’t just taken care of the hard part—He has taken care of EVERYTHING! Everything that is accomplished by us is done through the Holy Spirit, who enables us to do these things. We should stand firm in the face of persecution, because we know that God is the One holding us high. He is the cornerstone of our foundation. We will face trials and tribulations in this sinful world, but we find relief in Jesus Christ. Wouldn’t it be nice if those who do not know Jesus could say the same? Through God, who empowers us to go out into all the nations and spread His word, they can. Nathan ( 17) is a junior in high school. He lives in Weatherford,Texas and loves to read and write.
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In confirmation class, I learned what baptism was and what it accomplishes. My eyes were opened to the other side of the Cross when I heard how, because of sin, we are all born spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God—not to mention with physical defects, illnesses, and other maladies.
killed my grandma when I was seven years old—or at least that’s what I thought. My mom and I stopped over at my grandma’s house on the way home from the hospital. I had just had some reconstructive surgery to help my appearance.You see, I was born with a cleft lip. Only this time, things hadn’t gone so smoothly with the surgery. A couple of weeks before the surgery, I had the chicken pox and had taken aspirin for a fever.The aspirin thinned my blood. When the doctor performed my operation, I had an unusual amount of bleeding and swelling. So what was supposed to be a simple procedure, ended up being a two-week hospital stay. I looked horrible. My upper lip was so swollen I couldn’t even stick my tongue out. I was a mess. So when we stopped at my grandparents house on the way home from the hospital, I was very self-conscious about my appearance. I remember opening the door and stepping into the kitchen with my mom behind me. Grandma was getting lunch ready. When she saw me, she stopped, looked at me, and started to cry. I knew I looked bad, but didn’t realize I was ugly enough to make my grandma cry! I ran off and watched TV in the den until it was time to go home. Mom tried to explain that grandma was crying because she was so happy I was alright, but I didn’t believe her. People don’t cry when they’re happy. A week later, I turned seven. I remember mom talking about grandma going to the hospital for some hearing tests. Next thing I knew, everything was crazy. I found out grandma had a stroke during the hearing test. I thought it was my fault because I had made her cry. I couldn’t go visit her at the hospital because I was too young.Then a week later, I was attending her funeral. Of course, now that I am an adult, I know better. I do not have Medusa-like powers to kill anyone who gazes upon my face. But it took a long time for me to grasp that concept. And I had plenty more operations to remind me that my outside appearance doesn’t matter to people who sincerely care about me. Most often, we scheduled my operations during the summer, so I didn’t have to see many people until school started in the fall. But just to keep me humble, God arranged it so that a few operations took place during the school year. I have to wonder what people thought when I showed up at school with stitches and bandages in weird places.The usual upturned-nose, sideways eye-rolling
The Othe Oth
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glances from the popular girls became quick glances and embarrassed expressions. Some of the guys thought it was cool.They seemed more willing to talk to me in passing, as though I was somehow tougher for having the guts to walk around looking strange. Of course, everything was back to normal after a few weeks. But it got me thinking that there may be more to this whole cleft-lip surgery thing than just God throwing punches at me. Maybe there was more to it than just having to suffer through discomfort and embarrassment? There had to be another perspective I hadn’t yet found. All my life, I had never paid much attention to the baptisms I witnessed in church. I knew that babies were baptized at my church, and other churches didn’t baptize babies. But I didn’t understand why or think much of it. Growing up in Minnesota, most of the people I knew were either Lutheran or Catholic, and had been baptized as babies too.Those people who weren’t baptized yet, I saw as unusual. In confirmation class, I learned what baptism was and what it accomplishes. My eyes were opened to the other side of the Cross when I heard how, because of sin, we are all born spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God—not to mention with physical defects, illnesses, and other maladies. All of that is washed away in Jesus’ blood that He shed for us on the Cross.The stuff I have had to suffer through wasn’t the end of the story! As far as God is concerned, I have been perfect since the moment I was baptized and made His child. I may still get a bit depressed now and then about having a bad hair day, gaining weight, having a zit on my face, or having a scar that will never go By Sandra Ostapowich away. And I may get self-conscious about how I look to others. But I can remember my baptism and that God doesn’t see those things when He looks at me.The Cross stands between me and God. So when He looks at me through it, He sees the new me clothed in Christ and without a body marked by sin. It doesn’t matter that I bought my jeans at K-Mart, my shirt off the clearance rack, I have a crooked nose and that my face is scarred.That’s only one view of me and not the one that ultimately counts. Sandra Ostapowich is a member at St. John's Ev. Luth. Church in Maple Grove, MN.
er Side her All of that is washed away in Jesus’ blood that He shed for us on the Cross. The stuff I have had to suffer through wasn’t the end of the story! As far as God is concerned, I have been perfect since the moment I was baptized and made His child.
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HIGHER THINGS
News & Notes Preus elected President of Higher Things, Inc.
Swedish exchange program being developed
The Rev. Klemet Preus, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Minnesota has been elected President of Higher Things, Inc. He began his duties in February.
Higher Things Inc. is working with the Rev. Fredrik Sidenvall of Sweden and the Rev. Eric Andrae of the United States to begin a youth exchange program with Lutheran families in Sweden. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact the Rev. Andrae at ericandrae@hotmail.com.
Would you like to sponsor a country? Interest has been expressed to get Higher Things magazine into the hands of people in the foreign mission field. If you are interested in helping to sponsor Higher Things so that it can be mailed to Sweden, Norway, Finland, England or elsewhere, please contact the Rev.Todd Peperkorn at Peperkorn@higherthings.org.
Bible Studies available There are Bible studies available to coincide with every article in Higher Things magazine. Just go to www.higherthings.org and click on HT Magazine.You will find Bible studies and leader’s guides to accompany each article. Check it out!
How do I support Higher Things?
Making Waves Conference Update The registration deadline for the upcoming Making Waves conference has passed. However, we are making every effort to accommodate additional groups. In order to be included, any additional registrations needs to be sent in immediately.To date, over 800 people have registered to attend the Making Waves conference.This is a 13% increase over the Dying to Live youth conference that was held last year in Laramie, Wyoming. This year 40 different sectionals will be offered on real life issues, focusing on missions, evangelism, and a Christian’s calling in this world. Additional conference events include a cruise on Lake Superior, a dance, a pizza party, and a show by Comedy Renegade Theater. For additional information or to register, please contact the Rev.Todd Peperkorn at Peperkorn@higherthings.org.
Higher Things exists and grows on the basis of donations and free-will offerings from congregations and individuals. All donations are taxdeductible. If you wish to contribute to the work of Higher Things, please send your donation to: Higher Things, Inc., PO Box 580111, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158-8011.
E-Mail Lists For Youth H I G H E R T H I N G S
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Higher Things News E-Mail List
The Mouth House
Receive information via e-mail from Higher Things, Inc. about conferences, retreats, publications, web sites, e-mail lists, and leadership training opportunities for youth. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: HigherThings-News-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Didache: Q&A for Youth
The Lutheran Student Union
Didache: Q & A for Youth seeks to answer questions and provide scriptural and confessional counsel to young men and women (ages 12-21). The list is moderated and e-mail addresses are deleted from posts for the protection of its participants. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: Didache-on@lists.higherthings.org
The Lutheran Student Union is an e-mail discussion list for college students. It is a gathering place of activity where college students can interconnect, discuss Lutheran theology, and talk about issues they face on campus. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: LSU-on@lists.higherthings.org
By the Rev. Eric R. Andrae
pulse “If there is anything praiseworthy....”
Pink and Love. Wait! Isn’t it a bit late to be writing about Valentine’s Day?! Actually, I’m not talking about the colors and emotions of February 14, but rather throwing out some names of stars that you might recognize, but perhaps your parents and pastor do not. Pink and Courtney Love, not to mention, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Aniston, Nelly Furtado, Eminem, P.O.D., Destiny’s Child, Josh Harnett, Ben Affleck, Ben Stiller—and the list could go on and on and on. Whether they are stars of MTV, your favorite radio station, the Cineplex theatre, or Blockbuster Video, these people and many others affect our lives with their music, looks, and talent (and sometimes lack thereof ). But why a column in Higher Things about the people and products of popular culture? Why not leave this to the experts at Entertainment Weekly, Teen People, or Seventeen? What, if anything, does a Lutheran perspective and world-view have to say about these artists and their products? “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—take account of these things” (Philippians 4:8).“God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). What God creates is good, because He is good and creation comes from Him. Even in this fallen world, we may use and enjoy the gifts of the Creator for ourselves and others, as long as we do not abuse them for selfish pleasure. (Ask your parents or pastor about the first article of the Creed and the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer.) This column will “take account of these things”. It will take a look at some of the popular albums, songs, videos, movies, TV shows, magazines, and movie rentals of today. My hope is that you will check this out together with your parents, always honoring, obeying, loving, and cherishing them as gifts from God.You can even share the column with your pastor—maybe he’ll learn something: for example, that Pink is not just a pretty color for his wife’s roses! The Rev. Eric R. Andrae is campus pastor at First Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
pulse
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In honor of the recent Grammy Awards, the Pulse column of Higher Things is reviewing and focusing on music, song/band nominees or winners, as well as an album that’s burning up the charts.
Song reviewed: Artist: Style: Critique/Summary:
“In the End” from [Hybrid Theory] (3:36) Linkin Park Hard Rock, with heavy Hip-Hop presence. Music–Piano opening with distortion is somber, moving. Rhythm and vocals are foot-tappingly catchy.The attempt at haunting background vocals in first half is a bit silly/cheesy.The ending is sad, though piano always seems hopeful. Lyrics–Though acknowledging the gift of time (“Time is a valuable thing...”), the singer (Chester Bennington, who thanks God in the liner notes) evidences obvious disappointment at the loss of a relationship. He initially takes the blame, he also dishes it out. In the end,“it doesn’t even matter.” Is “it” referring to the loss, the trying hard, or perhaps even the end of the relationship? World-View: Honestly intense & searching/yearning cynicism with thinly-veiled anger; seems to question the sincerity of others and maybe even the value of relationships. Thus says the Lord: Ecclesiastes 1:2. All of life and relationships, including wisdom, pleasures, work, advancement, money, etc., is indeed meaningless, useless, hollow, futile, and vain IF it is not rightly related to God.That right relationship is found only in Christ, as He comes to us in Scripture and Sacraments, who gives all things true meaning. Recommendation: Good stuff musically, but I’d like to ask Chester exactly what (or who) he’s talking about.
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pulse Song reviewed: Artist: Stats: ` Style: Critique/Summary:
“Fallin’” from songs in A minor (3:30) Alicia Keys Grammys for Best Song, Best Rhythm & Blues [R&B] Song, Best Female R&B vocal performance. Soul/R&B, with some Gospel-music influence. Music–Soulful a capella intro grabs you. Foot-tappingly and fingersnappingly catchy. Keys, fittingly, plays the piano herself, while showing good vocal range with an aching voice.The violin is a nice touch, as is the gospel-choir-sounding background vocals. So cool, you feel cooler just by listening. Lyrics–Unlike our friend Chester, who has only fallen out of love, poor confused Alicia keeps “fallin’ in and out of love” with the same guy (probably not Chester).Teens may identify with confused feelings for boy/girlfriend, though no blame is placed or resolution offered. It seems that Keys needs to balance emotional love with honest and truly loving communication with her confusing boyfriend in order to solve the problem. On what is her (their) love based? Is it truly love, and, if so, what kind? World-View: Self-expression: let your feelings be known. Description of heart-ache, but no prescription. Thus says the Lord: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a.The love of God in the crucified Christ (1 John 4:10-11) is the pattern and source of our clear love for one another. Recommendation: Powerful. Song of the year for a reason.
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Album reviewed: Fever (14 tracks; 54:07) Artist: Kylie Minouge Stats: Album includes Top 10 hit and MTV favorite “Can’t Get You of My Head”. Style: Dance Pop Critique/Summary: Music–Snappy, at times. Nice voice. Nothing offensive. Nothing to dislike–after all, no one dislikes white bread–and no ones really likes it too much, either; it’s just...white bread. BUT mostly this album is a whole lotta...nothing.... Only track that catches attention is catchy (I like that word) “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” which, for better or worse, I can’t get out of my head; and maybe “Give it to Me.” All others sound the same–like bubble gum popping.Think of a poor man’s Britney in her 30s (yes, she too will age!) with Australian accent. In all fairness, it’s not easy for Minogue’s market-driven drivel to match up with Linkin Park’s angst or Keys’ soul. Lyrics–The recent Saturday Night Live guest sings of everything from fluffy love (“Love at First Sight”) to lots of very obvious & offensive sexual innuendo (“More, More, More,”“Love Affair,” etc.) to jilted love’s revenge via dancing (“Dancefloor”) to...nothing (‘la la la’ of aforementioned “Can’t Get You...”) to one interesting song (“Fragile”), all complemented by a sultry CD jacket pictorial. World-View: Soft-core hedonism.The pleasure principle of worldly (not “divine” [as she sings in “More, More, More”]) love rules here. Thus says the Lord: Romans 12:1-2. Our bodies are wonderful gifts from our Creator; they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). As with our words and deeds, we use our bodies to glorify our God and to serve our neighbor, not to indulge in selfish pleasure and sinful lust. Recommendation: Unlike Elvis’ 1960 hit single namesake, this “Fever” is not hot. I would only buy this if I were going to review it.
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darkness creeps into the soul and smothers it. Who knows why, how long it will last, or what will make it go away. You feel like you have nothing left to give to anyone else. You don’t want anyone around, except that one person who knows how to lift the darkness. You can’t and don’t want to explain how you feel. You don’t know why you’re
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sad, and you feel embarrassed by it because you have a pretty nice life. You can see why hungry, sick or poor people would be sad, but not you. If you’re up to it, you try to process thoughts about God or words to or from God.This feels impossible. At best, God is distant. He couldn’t care about these stupid, unjustifiable feelings.There are people with real problems; God should be much more concerned about them. At worst, God becomes a very active enemy. He judges you for feeling this way. He wants you to just drop this selfish, selfcentered, self pity trip. Doesn’t the Bible command, “Rejoice in the Lord always?”You’re a long way from doing that. Every word of good cheer seems to condemn you more for not being cheery. As you deal with these feelings, you start to see what’s at the bottom. For the most part, it’s self-loathing.You just can’t stand being around you! Sometimes you can’t see the causes for the self-loathing. It’s just there and it won’t go away. I hate being me, and anyone who really knew me would hate me.The people who love me only do because they don’t know me. Sometimes the self-loathing turns outward. It explodes into a kind of rage against the world. Now the darkness has covered not only your heart, but your eyes. You can’t see outside of yourself.You have trouble remembering there is an outside world. When you wake up to that fact, you again see the self-centeredness and hate it all the more. It doesn’t seem possible to break out or for anyone to break into it. Even God doesn’t seem to know how to break inside the darkness. Some of the most spiritually-rich Christians I know experience depression. Some of them medicate it. Some don’t. But it doesn’t make that much difference when it comes to the soul.You can’t medicate the soul. God is up to something in your depression.There are things God can do for you better when you’re depressed. Someone once said that God empties in order to fill, and kills in order to raise up. God could have made a world where depression is impossible. He could have made a world where sin, death
and Satan are not on the scene. But God decided ahead of time that it was better to do things His way.There was something important that He could do with a broken world that He couldn’t do with a perfect world. In paradise, Adam and Eve did not know God as well as you do. They walked and talked with Him,
How Depression is a Blessing in Disguise
By the Rev. James Winsor
Grief
but were ignorant of what God was really about. God is self-sacrificing, self-giving love. Adam and Eve didn’t have a clue about Good Friday.They didn’t need Good Friday. Do you realize what that means? They didn’t need God’s self-sacrificial love. All they needed was a creator and provider.They didn’t need a Savior. But that’s what’s best about Him. He saves sinners by dying for them. When Jesus was on the cross, you were loathed enough. God took out all of His holy loathing, and it was over. There is nothing more important in your life than God’s saving love for sinners. Depression is a cold, gray wind that blows you off the cliff.You can’t find anything inside yourself to cling to, to hope in, to claim as a basis for God’s acceptance. All you have is Jesus and His love for sinners. His resurrection of sinners in Himself. His baptizing of this sinner, you.That’s all you have.You fall into the water and lose yourself. But once you fall in, you can only see the love of God in Christ. A purple robe for mocking. A brown cross. Silver nails. Red blood. A white robe shining forth from the darkness of the tomb. Have you ever noticed that you can see the farthest at night? In the daytime the most distant object you can see is the sun—a mere 93 million miles away. But at night your eye takes in countless stars and galaxies that are many light years away.Your vision is greatly improved in the darkness. So it is with depression. When you are having bright days of happy sunshine, you can’t see too much further than your studies, sports, work, friends, family or possessions. A very small world. But in the darkness of depression you begin to see the glistening vast expanse of God’s love in Christ. And when you are full of self-loathing and darkness, the love of Christ is all you have. And as it turns out, you don’t have Christ at all until all you have is Christ. The Rev. James Winsor is pastor at Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Arvada, Colorado.
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DEPRESSION L Deceptions
By the Rev. James Winsor
ots of people these days suffer from depression. Many of them are Christians. If you suffer from depression, I hope the following information helps you. If you don’t suffer from depression, then maybe this will assist you in understanding and helping those who do. Here is a list of three Depression Deceptions to avoid.
If you’re depressed, you’re not a strong Christian.
DECEPTION # 1: On August 2, 1527, Martin Luther wrote these words in a letter to a close friend:“I have been thrown more than a whole week into death and tossed back and forth in hell…I have lost Christ totally and have been shaken by the floods and storms of desperation and of blasphemy against God.” Even strong, mature Christians like Martin Luther can suffer from depression. Depression is not a sign of unbelief or weak faith. It’s a sign of spiritual battle, and battles are for healthy soldiers. This is a sin-sick world.You’d be crazy not to be depressed sometimes!
No one would understand.
DECEPTION # 2: Holy Scripture tells Christians to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). We’re told to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). God doesn’t want you to carry your depression alone. God makes sure there are Christians around who understand. You don’t have to be alone in your depression. Not all Christians will understand it, but some will.You just have to take a few risks until you find the ones who have experienced depression themselves and will understand what you’re going through.Your fellowship with those Christians will be tight.You may even end up being glad the depression brought the two of you together.
Depression is a Useless Detour in the Christian Life.
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DECEPTION # 3: God has a purpose for the depression that falls on His children. In an Old Testament passage we’re told that “an evil spirit from the Lord tormented King Saul”(1 Samuel 16:14). God had anointed David to be Saul’s replacement as king. God wanted to save Saul’s eternal soul, but He also wanted to replace him as king. So God sent David as a music therapist for Saul.“Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play.Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (1 Samuel 16:23). God gave Saul a problem and sent David as the solution. Saul might have done the obvious thing—thank God for David and support him! But instead Saul tried to kill David because he was jealous of him. Saul missed the opportunity his depression offered him. He rejected both his depression and David as gifts from God. St. Paul, on the other hand, had a similar experience of evil sent from God for a good purpose. He responded the right way and received the suffering as a gift from God. Paul wrote,“There was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me,‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) God presented Paul with a problem.Then He presented him with the solution, grace in Christ. Paul learned to be thankful for his weaknesses because his weaknesses made him need Christ. Depression does that to and for you. It leaves you with nothing to hang onto, but Jesus. When you’re depressed, you can’t find anything inside to place hope in. All that exists is darkness and emptiness.You come to find your hope in something outside of you: Christ and His cross and pardon. That’s not a detour from the Christian life.That is the Christian life. God has you right where He wants you. I was really depressed one day. I told a pastor friend of mine,“Sometimes I don’t know whether I’m saved. All I know is that I have a Savior.” God had me right where He wanted me. I could actually rejoice in my weakness. Suddenly all I had was Christ. And, in a way, you don’t have Christ until Christ is all you have. NOTE: If you can’t seem to shake your feelings of sadness and depression after a few weeks, seek out help right away. Talk to your parents, a counselor, or your doctor to help you deal with these overwhelming emotions.
Doughnuts in the Kingdom of God By Kathy Luder
ur Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Zaftig, is a high school English teacher with a penchant for pastries. Sunday School is boring like regular school, but Mrs. Zaftig brings doughnuts. So in my world, Sunday School is as good as it gets. One of the lunch ladies from school goes to our church, too. It is sad to say, but I can’t seem to keep myself from this bizarre fantasy where Mrs. Zaftig has decided to forgo the doughnuts and brings us a leftover ham surprise supplied by our very own lunch lady! Where exactly is Captain Underpants when you need him?!? Anyway, back to the story. One Sunday, Mrs.Zaftig starts lecturing to us on John 3:16. Now don’t get me wrong, I love that verse. But we’ve heard this thing about a million times. So I start to daydream. In my dream the lunch lady has taken over the Altar Guild and has implemented cafeteria standards of cleanliness and thrift in the sacristy. Eventually, our whole church is wiped out by the Bubonic Plague, caused by the lunch lady reusing the wine left in the bottom of the individual cups for Communion Surprise. Startled out of my daydream, I hear Mrs. Zaftig talking about Nicodemus, Baptism, and Jesus.Then suddenly I hear Mrs. Zaftig tell Adam,“No.” (Adam is our Bible trivia star and acts like he is the real pastor of this church.) Mrs. Zaftig had asked the class,“Do you know what ‘For God so loved the world’ means?” Adam piped up with what sounded like a pretty standard answer.“It means that God loves us so, so very much that He . . .”That is when Mrs. Zaftig interrupted with a firm,“No.” She went on to explain.“In modern English, the way we speak everyday, it sounds like what Adam said, like ‘God loved the world so much’. We don’t usually use the word so the way the King James Bible does here. We most often use it to mean to great extent, such as ‘It is so obvious, or so wonder-
O
ful, or so true’. But think of the question,‘Do you really think so?’There the word so has a different meaning. It doesn’t mean ‘a whole bunch’ or ‘a lot’. In the question,‘Do you really think so?’, so means thus or in this way.That is the way the word is used in John 3:16. Listen to the verse another way.‘This is exactly how God loved the world: He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’ or ‘The way in which God loved the world was to give His only begotten Son.’”“Sometimes,” she went on to say,“we have to listen carefully to the words. Because even though we’ve heard these words our whole lives, they are still God’s words and He is speaking to us.” Well, what can I say? It was good, but not in the way that I thought it would be. In fact, Adam didn’t mind a bit. He was as caught up as the rest of us. Silence ensued, no shuffling, no gum smacking, just plump Mrs. Zaftig blushing and all of us staring. We all knew that in that moment God had spoken to us in His Word. He had fed us by revealing something of His love for us. And we had heard it.Then Jimmy grabbed the last doughnut and things were back to normal. He grinned with chocolate frosting on his teeth as he wiped his hands on his pants. Adam beamed at the teacher. And I faded back into my daydreams. But all this has got me to thinking that maybe there is more to Mrs. Zaftig’s Sunday School class than just doughnuts.
S P R I N G 2 0 0 2 __ 21
Pride—A Virtue or Sin? T By the Rev. David Petersen
THE SIXTH PETITION And lead us not into temptation.
What does this mean? God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.
The Tower of Babel Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c.1525-1569)
22
here is a lot of talk these days that makes pride seem like a virtue. It isn’t. It is a sin. Pride is the selfish emotion that takes credit for God’s gifts.There are some instances in which pride seems almost right, where it almost fits. Pride in one’s country or school, for instance, sounds about right. It seems like we should be proud of who we are. But that is a dirty view of reality. It is selfish and self-centered. For pride is based on the idea that we are better than others, that they owe us allegiance and service, that we have earned or deserve something, and that everyone should want to be exactly who we are. A proud man won’t back down and turn the other cheek. He’ll stand up and demand others honor him.The terrorists who went down in flames on September 11th were proud of who they were, what they were doing, what they believed, and they demanded that we take notice. They wanted to show us that they were strong and we were weak.They wanted to prove their superiority by violence. In short, they were proud. And it was ugly. It always is. Now, surely God has blessed our country, our families, and our churches.These things are good and we receive good from them, but the devil tempts us to take credit for these things. He wants to deceive us into thinking that these good things had something to do with us. He tries to twist our focus away from God—to the gifts. He wants us to rejoice in the good things of this creation, instead of the Giving Creator. In that way, love is twisted into lust, contentment to greed and covetousness, and gratitude to pride. We, as Americans, are prone to this temptation. We are tempted to be proud of being American and wanting others to honor us for it. But what have we done to be Americans? We didn’t think of it. We certainly didn’t earn or deserve it. For the most part, we were simply born here. We could have been born somewhere else. Instead of pride, the proper Christian response is gratitude. We are immensely thankful that God has blessed us in this way. He has made us Americans, giving us freedoms and opportunities that we did not earn. Gratitude is the constant posture of faith—the whole attitude of the believer receiving grace. It is the same for all God-given blessings, wherever they come from, whether that be through family, school, church, or country.Think of the difference between the tax collector and the Pharisee praying in the Temple (Luke 18:11-14). Who is proud, and who is the model of faith? Pride stands tall and lords over others. Faith kneels in submission to God and gratefully receives His gifts. Consider our Lord, Jesus Christ. He was not proud. He was humble. He washed the disciples’ feet. He served them. He not only turned the other cheek, but allowed nails to be driven through His hands and feet. He did not stand up and demand honor or prestige, but lovingly gave His life as a ransom for many. We deserve to be Christians, to be the benefactors of that perfect life and death, even less than we deserve to be Americans. For we have received it not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy. And, thus, we are even more thankful. God has delivered unto us His Word, His Body and Blood, the pure doctrine of His steadfast mercy and grace. Let us say, first,“Thank God, I am a Christian!” and secondly,“Thank God, I am an American!” The Rev. David Petersen is pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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Pastor Timothy Schellenbach Bible Study Leaders’ Guide 1. The death of this woman, even though he had never met her while she was alive, taught Pastor Stiegemeyer a valuable lesson about the nature of life in this world. A. Read James 4:13-15. Who is really in charge of whether we live or die? It is only if the Lord wills that we will continue to live and carry out our plans. Discuss with the students that this applies not only to the question of whether we will live or die, but also to the fact that many other things could happen which change our lives and do away with our own plans and ideas. B. Read Psalm 90. You may also want to look at LW #180 (TLH #123), which is based on this Psalm. From God’s perspective, what do our lifetimes look like? What does our entire recorded history look like? Not only the “seventy or eighty years” that we live but even a thousand years are compared by Moses in the Psalm to “yesterday when it is past” and “a watch in the night.” th
C. Many people in our nation learned a lesson on September 11 somewhat like the lesson Pastor Stiegemeyer learned. Death is not only something that happens to all of us; it could happen to anyone at any time. Most people who have been interviewed say that they learned that they need to make the most of their lives while they still have them. As Christians, though, we know that lesson, though true, is incomplete. What would you say to these people (or, what have you said to people you’ve met that say things like this)? While it’s certainly true that we should make the most of the time we have, it’s also true that this life, so often full of sorrow and death and violence, is not all we have. We look forward to eternal life where none of these things will ever touch us again. For us, even death itself, even sudden and seemingly meaningless death, is the gate of everlasting life. 2. As Pastor Stiegemeyer points out, the world and the Church disagree on why people die. A. Why is death in the world according to Romans 5:12? Death is in the world because sin is in the world. All inherited sin from their ancestors Adam and Eve, and so all inherited the punishment, death, from that same source. B. Since death is the result of sin, is death a “natural part of life” the way many people, especially many so-called “grief counselors,” speak of it today? No! Death is profoundly unnatural and contrary to God’s original design for His creatures. While we should keep in mind that our loved ones who die in the faith are with Christ in heaven, it’s natural and proper that we mourn for them. After all, what has happened to them is something that, as Pastor Stiegemeyer points out, “isn’t pretty,” nor is it something God originally intended to be part of life in His creation. C. Read John 9:1-5. Is death or other suffering in this world always a direct result or punishment of specific sins that the person has committed? No. The fact that some die younger than others, that some have a more difficult life than others, etc., is not necessarily due to specific sins. God uses the things that happen to us in this world for His own purposes. We will all die. Whether that happens sooner or later is not necessarily the result of anything we do, but rather it fits into God’s plan. In the case of the woman who died at her birthday party, God used that situation to lead a young man to study for the Holy Ministry. Of course, there are sins that have direct consequences within the laws of nature. Certain diseases are usually (but not always) contracted in the context of committing sins against the Sixth Commandment, for example. But for the most part, how and when a person dies has nothing to do with any specific actual sin. We all live far longer than we deserve to in this world because of our sinfulness and rebellion against God.
Higher Things – “More than a Makeover: A Christian View of Death” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 3. Pastor Stiegemeyer says, “Being a pastor can’t keep people from dying. Or can it?” A. In what way do Pastors do a greater work than any doctor? After listening to and discussing the responses, read the students the following quotation from CFW Walther’s Law and Gospel, pp. 36-37, in which Walther, a Seminary professor, speaks to his students: Stop and consider: If you could learn at this place how to prolong the life of those who will be entrusted to your care by fifty years or even to raise the dead to a new lease of life here in time, how great and glorious your calling would appear, not only to you, but to all men! In what great demand you would be! How you would be esteemed as extraordinary men! What a treasure men would think they had obtained if they had obtained you! And yet, all this would be as nothing compared with the sublimeness and glory of the calling for which you are to be trained here. You are not to prolong this poor, temporal life of those who will be entrusted to your care, but you are to bring to them the life that is the sum of all bliss, the life that is eternal, without end. You are not to raise those entrusted to your care from temporal death to live once more this poor temporal life, but you are to pluck them out of their spiritual and eternal death and usher them into heaven. B. Jesus’ death was not the end of the story for Him, so it is not the end of the story for those who are His, who are members of His body. What does Romans 6:3-11 tell you about what happened to you in Holy Baptism? You died with Christ and rose with him. This is not mere poetic language, it is literal truth. You were nailed to the cross in and with Christ, and have risen and ascended with Him to the fellowship of the Father. Your own death, whenever it happens, will simply be the manifestation of something that already happened to you when you were Baptized, when you, in and with Christ, were nailed to the cross. And so not only do we live a new life in this world, we have eternal life already now, which will be revealed in us when Christ raises us up from death at the last day. C. Read John 9:1-5 again. The man’s blindness was an opportunity for God to show His glory by giving the man his sight. How does our death become an opportunity, in Christ, for God to show His glory in us? Death is now the gate of everlasting life. God gives us that eternal life as a free gift, but he does so by taking us out of this old sinful world by death. As Pastor Stiegemeyer says at the end of the article, death is “. . . a means for God to glorify us as He glorified His eternal Son, Jesus Christ.”
Pastor Timothy Schellenbach Bible Study 1. The death of this woman, even though he had never met her while she was alive, taught Pastor Stiegemeyer a valuable lesson about the nature of life in this world. A. Read James 4:13-15. Who is really in charge of whether we live or die? B. Read Psalm 90. You may also want to look at LW #180 (TLH #123), which is based on this Psalm. From God’s perspective, what do our lifetimes look like? What does our entire recorded history look like? th
C. Many people in our nation learned a lesson on September 11 somewhat like the lesson Pastor Stiegemeyer learned. Death is not only something that happens to all of us; it could happen to anyone at any time. Most people who have been interviewed say that they learned that they need to make the most of their lives while they still have them. As Christians, though, we know that lesson, though true, is incomplete. What would you say to these people (or, what have you said to people you’ve met that say things like this)?
2. As Pastor Stiegemeyer points out, the world and the Church disagree on why people die. A. Why is death in the world according to Romans 5:12? B. Since death is the result of sin, is death a “natural part of life” the way many people, especially many so-called “grief counselors,” speak of it today? C. Read John 9:1-5. Is death or other suffering in this world always a direct result or punishment of specific sins that the person has committed?
3. Pastor Stiegemeyer says, “Being a pastor can’t keep people from dying. Or can it?” A. In what way do Pastors do a greater work than any doctor?
B. Jesus’ death was not the end of the story for Him, so it is not the end of the story for those who are His, who are members of His body. What does Romans 6:3-11 tell you about what happened to you in Holy Baptism? C. Read John 9:1-5 again. The man’s blindness was an opportunity for God to show His glory by giving the man his sight. How does our death become an opportunity, in Christ, for God to show His glory in us?
Pastor Darrin Kohrt Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Begin your study of God’s word by singing or praying, “Lord Jesus Christ, Will You Not Stay.” (Lutheran Worship, #344) I.
The Origin of God’s Word. In her article, Kathy Luder says, “even though we’ve heard these words our whole lives, they are still God’s words and He is speaking to us.” Study the following passages and note what the Bible says about its own origins. A. 2 Peter 1:21- note the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit directed the chosen writers in a way that they recorded only the words of God Himself. Sometimes this is called verbal inspiration. See Luther’s Small Catechism p. 48. B. 2 Timothy 3:16-17- note the source of Scripture. Scripture is literally God-breathed. It issues right from the mouth and ultimately the heart of God. C. 1 Thessalonians 2:13- note why St. Paul is thankful. Paul is thankful because the Christians at Thessalonica received his words not as human words, but as they really were; God’s words. Not also: The Word is at work in believers.
II. The Power of God’s Word. The Word of God has inherent power. Kathy Luder suggests that we become “deaf” to Scriptures we know well because we are not really hearing what they say. The fault always lies with the hearer. Study the following passages and note what they say about the power of God’s word. A. Hebrews 4:12- note the adjectives that describe God’s Word. The author of Hebrews describes the Word of God with following adjectives: living, active, sharper; and also these verbs: penetrates, dividing and judges. B. Isaiah 55:10-11- note the assurance that is given. The assurance is given that when the Word goes forth, it will not return void. It has the power to accomplish what God wills. C. Luke 24:44-47- note who is the power behind the Word. Jesus Christ Himself opens the minds of His followers to understand the Holy Scriptures. III. The Purpose of God’s Word. The Bible has a singular purpose. It seeks only the end that people would be rescued from death and eternal condemnation and find eternal life in Jesus Christ. Study the following passages and note what they say about the purpose of God’s Word. A. John 5:39- to whom do the Scriptures direct us? (see also Luke 24:44-47). The singular purpose of the Bible is direct people to find forgiveness, life and salvation in Jesus Christ. “The Scriptures testify about Me,” says Jesus. B. Romans 1:16- note the power and purpose of the gospel. The word used for “power” is the same word from which we get the word “dynamite.” The power is from God, the purpose is salvation. C. 1 Corinthians 1:18- note the place of the cross in the purpose of the Word. The cross, or crucifixion is central to the gospel message and thus to the entire Bible. The Scriptures have no saving purpose or power apart from the reality of the death of Jesus Christ. D. John 20:30-31- note the purpose of John’s account of the gospel. The goal of John’s writing is that people might believe Jesus is the Christ, and thus have life, eternal life.
Pastor Darrin Kohrt Bible Study Begin your study of God’s word by singing or praying, “Lord Jesus Christ, Will You Not Stay.” (Lutheran Worship, #344) I.
The Origin of God’s Word. In her article, Kathy Luder says, “even though we’ve heard these words our whole lives, they are still God’s words and He is speaking to us.” Study the following passages and note what the Bible says about its own origins. A. 2 Peter 1:21- note the role of the Holy Spirit. B. 2 Timothy 3:16-17- note the source of Scripture. C. 1 Thessalonians 2:13- note why St. Paul is thankful.
II. The Power of God’s Word. The Word of God has inherent power. Kathy Luder suggests that we become “deaf” to Scriptures we know well because we are not really hearing what they say. The fault always lies with the hearer. Study the following passages and note what they say about the power of God’s word. A. Hebrews 4:12- note the adjectives that describe God’s Word. B. Isaiah 55:10-11- note the assurance that is given. C. Luke 24:44-47- note who is the power behind the Word.
III. The Purpose of God’s Word. The Bible has a singular purpose. It seeks only the end that people would be rescued from death and eternal condemnation and find eternal life in Jesus Christ. Study the following passages and note what they say about the purpose of God’s Word. A. John 5:39- to whom do the Scriptures direct us? (see also Luke 24:44-47). B. Romans 1:16- note the power and purpose of the gospel. C. 1 Corinthians 1:18- note the place of the cross in the purpose of the Word. . D. John 20:30-31- note the purpose of John’s account of the gospel.
Pastor Mark Selby Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Depression is very evident in our world. Just listen to the radio or watch TV commercials and you know it is around. Drugs like Paxil and Zoloft are advertized daily on the TV. Pastor Winsor gives good solid advice, highlighting three Depression Deceptions that can trap Christians. I.
Deception # 1: “If I am depressed, then I am not a strong Christian.” Pastor Winsor points out: Depression is not a sign of unbelief or weak faith. Rather, it is a sign of spiritual battle. Consider some of these people from the Scriptures: A. Read Jeremiah 8:18-22. What sort of emotions does the prophet express here? Does he feel confident or strong? According to verse 22, does his future seem bright? Jeremiah has labored being faithful in proclaiming God's Word to the people of God. However, it seemed as if his labor was in vain. The people abandoned God and His Word. They have taken up false gods and have not heeded Jeremiah's warnings. Jeremiah knew judgment was come upon the people, and this fuels his lament. He ahs lost his confidence, and the future seems filled only with dread. B. Look up Psalm 42:9-11. What is this writer' s situation? In a similar way, why might our own souls disturb us at times? Read also 1 Peter 5:6-8. According to this passage, who is on the prowl? What is his aim? Might depression be one of Satan’s tools? Now read vs. 9-10. What does St. Peter counsel us to do? The psalmist’s enemies oppress him; his adversaries constantly him. Similar troubles—or others—may even weight heavily upon members of the study group. Satan desires to make the most of such troubles, looking to use them in a way that will destroy faith. Yet if we resist him—standing firm and steadfast—Christ will strengthen and restore us. C. Return to Psalm 42:9-11. To Whom does the writer turn for help? To Whom may you likewise turn when feeling depressed? Where is God present for you? In what way can you use God’s gifts to battle depression? The psalmist turns to the only one powerful enough to help: To God, his deliverer. Through His Word and Sacraments God likewise provides help and strength in every need—using these gifts! Additionally, when you are down and out, pull out God's comforting words in the Psalms or other places of the Bible, or read some of the comforting words in the hymns under the Trust or Cross and Comfort sections of the hymnal.
II. Deception #2: No One Would Understand A. Read 1 Peter 5:9. Are we the only ones who suffer the things we do? No. Christians throughout the world suffer the things we do. In fact, there maybe someone closer to you than you realize. B. Pastor Winsor listed a few Bible passages which show that we are not in it alone --Galatians 6:2 and Romans 12:15. Discuss some comforting aspects in belonging to a community of believers. C. According to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Who comforts us? When does He comfort us? Through whom does God bring comfort to us? God our Father comforts us through Jesus Christ. He is indeed the God of all comfort, offering solace for all our afflictions. He even uses our fellow Christians, who have already come to know the comfort that comes only from Him.
Higher Things – “Depression Deceptions” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 III. Deception #3: Useless Detours in the Christian Life. A. Pastor Winsor mentioned that Saul' s depression was a gift from God. How could depression (or any affliction) be a gift from God? See James 1:2-4, 12. James says that we ought to consider it pure joy when we face various trials—including depression—because these are designed to strengthen the faith in Christ that we have been given. B. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, St. Paul speaks about his own sufferings. What was God' s solution for Paul? How can weakness benefit you and me, as it did for Paul? The Lord said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfect in weakness." Weakness benefits us because it forces us to rely on Christ’s strength. C. What does Pastor Winsor say depression can do for the Christian (you)? “It leaves you with nothing to hang onto, but Jesus. When you¹re depressed, you can¹t find anything inside to place hope in. All that exists is darkness and emptiness. You come to find your hope in something outside of you: Christ and His cross and pardon.” Suggested Closing Prayer: Sung or read, "I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus" (LW #408 or TLH #428)
Pastor Mark Selby Bible Study Depression is very evident in our world. Just listen to the radio or watch TV commercials and you know it is around. Drugs like Paxil and Zoloft are advertized daily on the TV. Pastor Winsor gives good solid advice, highlighting three Depression Deceptions that can trap Christians. I.
Deception # 1: “If I am depressed, then I am not a strong Christian.” Pastor Winsor points out: Depression is not a sign of unbelief or weak faith. Rather, it is a sign of spiritual battle. Consider some of these people from the Scriptures: A. Read Jeremiah 8:18-22. What sort of emotions does the prophet express here? Does he feel confident or strong? According to verse 22, does his future seem bright? B. Look up Psalm 42:9-11. What is this writer's situation? In a similar way, why might our own souls disturb us at times? Read also 1 Peter 5:6-8. According to this passage, who is on the prowl? What is his aim? Might depression be one of Satan’s tools? Now read vs. 9-10. What does St. Peter counsel us to do? C. Return to Psalm 42:9-11. To Whom does the writer turn for help? To Whom may you likewise turn when feeling depressed? Where is God present for you? In what way can you use God’s gifts to battle depression?
II. Deception #2: No One Would Understand A. Read 1 Peter 5:9. Are we the only ones who suffer the things we do? B. Pastor Winsor listed a few Bible passages which show that we are not in it alone --Galatians 6:2 and Romans 12:15. Discuss some comforting aspects in belonging to a community of believers. C. According to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Who comforts us? When does He comfort us? Through whom does God bring comfort to us?
III. Deception #3: Useless Detours in the Christian Life. A. Pastor Winsor mentioned that Saul's depression was a gift from God. How could depression (or any affliction) be a gift from God? See James 1:2-4, 12. B. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, St. Paul speaks about his own sufferings. What was God's solution for Paul? How can weakness benefit you and me, as it did for Paul? C. What does Pastor Winsor say depression can do for the Christian (you)?
Pastor Leonard Poppe Bible Study Leaders’ Guide 1. The Other Side of...Sin The Ten Commandments clearly identify sin. When you take what is not yours, it is a sin. Actions and nurtured thoughts that damage or disdain God' s gift of marriage are sins. Words and deeds that hurt or kill are sins. But is a person sinful when he is eating breakfast, when he is sleeping, when he is a baby? When does sin begin in the sinner? See Psalm 51:5. By nature, what is your spiritual condition? See 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:10 Because we are conceived in the condition of sin (Psalm 51:5), a person is sinful at all times: even when sleeping, even when he is a baby. Apart from Christ, we are spiritually blinded (2 Corinthians 4:4), dead (Ephesians 2:1) and enemies of God (Romans 5:10). However, we are not only guilty sinners; we are also victims of sin. In what ways was Sandra Ostapowich victimized by sin? In what ways can people be victimized by sin? See Genesis 3:16-19; Mark 2:1-12; John 9; Luke 13:1-5. Jesus was "pierced for our iniquities"...and what else? See Isaiah 53:4 Sandra had a cleft lip, and the subsequent surgery, pain and scarring to correct it; she had a plagued conscience concerning her physical appearance and her grandmother's death; the popular girls treated her badly, etc. People are victims of sin by way of toil (Genesis 3:16-19), personal conflict (Mark 2:1-12, John 9), disasters and death (Luke 13:15), etc. Jesus took up our infirmities (illnesses) and carried our sorrows when He was crucified. 2. The Other Side of...Baptism Something else rather wonderful happens in Baptism. It is not seen, but the image it plants in our minds is comforting. See Galatians 3:26-27. What does baptism wrap you in? What does God see and smell as you wear your baptism? (For an interesting parallel, see Genesis 27:15, 26-27). In Baptism we are clothed in Christ. Just as Isaac smelled Esau when Jacob was wrapped in Esau's clothes, God smells His beloved Son, Jesus, as we live in His baptism. Unlike Isaac, however, God's eyes (and mind) are perfectly good; therefore, what God sees and smells of us is real. What He smells is delightful, what He sees is holy. According to scripture, why do Lutherans baptize their babies? Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; see also the Small Catechism, 1991 edition, question#246. Babies are fully human and thus included with "all people" or "all nations." "The promise is for you...and your children." They are also sinful, as we have seen from the Scriptures, and thus need the blessings and benefits that Baptism provides. 3. The Other Side of...the Cross Sandra Ostapowich stated, "My eyes were opened to the other side of the Cross when I heard how, because of sin, we are all born spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God -- not to mention with physical defects, illnesses, and other maladies." In John 9, we learn that everyone is blind apart from Christ. Other passages reveal that, apart from Christ, all are lame, leprous, mute, etc. Homosexuality, murder, greed, slander, and disrespect are all symptoms of the same Sin. But Sandra continues, "As far as God is concerned, I have been perfect since the moment I was baptized...." See Ephesians 2:4-7. According to these verses, what else does God the Father see in us through Christ Jesus? Since we are perfect in Christ's righteousness, God also sees us as already resurrected (verse 5), ascended (verse 6a), seated with His Son (verse 6b). Sandra stated, "The Cross stands between me and God." But rather than separating us from God, what does Romans 5:6-11 reveal? Unlike a umpire who might keep two baseball players from fighting, Jesus' crucifixion is reconciliation between God and all people. “…when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10).
Higher Things Bible Study Issue #2.2, The Other Side Pastor Leonard Poppe
Student Questions The Other Side of...Sin: The Ten Commandments clearly identify sin. When you take what is not yours, it is a sin. Actions and nurtured thoughts that damage or disdain God's gift of marriage are sins. Words and deeds that hurt or kill are sins. But is a person sinful when he is eating breakfast, when he is sleeping, when he is a baby? When does sin begin in the sinner? See Psalm 51:5. By nature, what is your spiritual condition? See 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:10 However, we are not only guilty sinners; we are also victims of sin. In what ways was Sandra Ostapowich victimized by sin? In what ways can people be victimized by sin? See Genesis 3:16-19; Mark 2:1-12; John 9; Luke 13:1-5. Jesus was "pierced for our iniquities"...and what else? See Isaiah 53:4 The Other Side of...Baptism: Something else rather wonderful happens in Baptism. It is not seen, but the image it plants in our minds is comforting. See Galatians 3:26-27. What does baptism wrap you in? What does God see and smell as you wear your baptism? (For an interesting parallel, see Genesis 27:15, 26-27). According to scripture, why do Lutherans baptize their babies? Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; see also the Small Catechism, 1991 edition, question#246. The Other Side of...the Cross: Sandra Ostapowich stated, "My eyes were opened to the other side of the Cross when I heard how, because of sin, we are all born spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God -- not to mention with physical defects, illnesses, and other maladies." In John 9, we learn that everyone is blind apart from Christ. Other passages reveal that, apart from Christ, all are lame, leprous, mute, etc. Homosexuality, murder, greed, slander, and disrespect are all symptoms of the same Sin. But Sandra continues, "As far as God is concerned, I have been perfect since the moment I was baptized...." See Ephesians 2:4-7. According to these verses, what else does God the Father see in us through Christ Jesus? Sandra stated, "The Cross stands between me and God." But rather than separating us from God, what does Romans 5:6-11 reveal?
Pastor Robin Fish, Sr. Bible Study Leaders’ Guide It is a telling title to the story of the life of Polycarp, “A Life Beyond Yourself.” The Christian life is always a life beyond one’s self. It has dimensions that reach back in time and forward in time, and is a life that is never truly about the individual Christian alone. 1. How does 1 Corinthians 10:11 reflect part of this timeless nature of the Christian life? Those people in ancient times lived their lives for us, for our example. Our lives are connected to their lives by God’s intention. 2. Who were the people referred to as “them”? What instruction are we to take from this? The people of the Exodus sinned and died. In this case, we are to learn not to do as they did – but to trust God instead. 3. James suggests something similar in James 5:10. How is it similar? Old Testament people are our examples. What is the point here? Something about suffering and patience – enduring patiently, and remaining faithful. 4. Pastor Peperkorn used Hebrews 12:2 as his ‘theme verse’. Who does he set as our example? What does the example show us? The example of Jesus shows the example of suffering and humility. What does the phrase “author and finisher” mean? Jesus creates faith in us, and He will keep us in faith to the end. He also created the gospel that we believe by His own life and death, and He has won everything for us, finished when he cried out “It is finished!” 5. Read the context of Philippians 2:5. What is Paul writing about? What does he mean? This passage is about the attitude or mindset of Jesus. It is about humility and obedience. Paul means that we should be like Jesus in that we should not count ourselves as individually significant, but rather, focus our attention on the plan and will of God. We should look toward the goal, trust the promises and be faithful, enduring whatever God appoints for us to endure for His sake and for the sake of the witness He would have us give. How does this carry forward the same thought as the previous passages? The life beyond ourselves is the life of Christ, which He lives through us by creating in us the same attitude and producing willing and humble people who will bear all, even suffering, in faith. 6. Pastor Peperkorn rehearsed the account of the martyrdom of Polycarp to suggest what? We can learn from those who have gone before us. The suffering of the faith is nothing new, nor has anything gone “wrong”. How is the main thought of the lesson shared in Philippians 3:17? We can, and we must, learn from those who have gone before. Paul sets us the example of the life of a Child of God in Christ Jesus. How can you join in following the example of Paul? By following the example of the faithful who share the faith of Paul. What “pattern” is Paul speaking about? The pattern of faith and doctrine, which also charts the course for the pattern of life.
Higher Things – “A Life Beyond Yourself: The Story of Polycarp” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 7. Is Paul speaking about good works in 2 Thessalonians 3:7? Yes. He is speaking of the good works of godly conduct. How would one go about following the example mentioned in the verses to which this one applies? Sound doctrine; faithful living in the light of faith and of the Gospel; resisting the urge to compromise for the sake of temporary fleshly comfort. Name at least two things that you can clearly see that Paul is trying to give an example of, to which he points in verse 9. Confidence in the forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ, and sound doctrine, firmly held – for example, that there is nothing I can do to earn or deserve, but it is by grace and completely by the gift of God through faith. 8. The life beyond yourself extends back to Christ, our example and our Savior. It goes back to the saints before Christ, and the saints and teachers since. It is that way for what reason, according to Philippians 1:21? Because, “for me to live is Christ”. Whose life is it? Christ’s life, lived in me. What do we share besides simply “the life”? The glory, the resurrection, the everlasting life, the hope of salvation, everything that Christ has been given (Co-heirs with Christ – Rom. 8:17). Close this study by singing LW #351, or TLH #373.
Higher Things Bible Study Issue #2.2, A Life Beyond Yourself Pastor Robin Fish, Sr.
Student Questions It is a telling title to the story of the life of Polycarp, “A Life Beyond Yourself.” The Christian life is always a life beyond one’s self. It has dimensions that reach back in time and forward in time, and is a life that is never truly about the individual Christian alone. How does 1 Corinthians 10:11 reflect part of this timeless nature of the Christian life? Who were the people referred to as “them”? What instruction are we to take from this? James suggests something similar in chapter 5, verse 10. How is it similar? What is the point here? Pastor Peperkorn used Hebrews 12:2 as his ‘theme verse’. Who does he set as our example? What does the example show us? What does the phrase “author and finisher” mean? Read the context of Philippians 2:5. What is Paul writing about? What does he mean? How does this carry forward the same thought as the previous passages? Pastor Peperkorn rehearsed the account of the martyrdom of Polycarp to suggest what? How is the main thought of the lesson shared in Philippians 3:17? How can you join in following the example of Paul? What “pattern” is Paul speaking about? Is Paul speaking about good works in 2 Thessalonians 3:7? How would one go about following the example mentioned in the verses to which this one applies? Name at least two things that you can clearly see that Paul is trying to give an example of, to which he points in verse 9. The life beyond yourself extends back to Christ, our example and our Savior. It goes back to the saints before Christ, and the saints and teachers since. It is that way for what reason, according to Philippians 1:21? Whose life is it? What do we share besides simply “the life”? Close this study by singing Hymn #351 in Lutheran Worship, or #373 in The Lutheran Hymnal.
Pastor Scott Zeckzer Bible Study Leaders’ Guide 1. Rev. Petersen stated that pride is a sin. What do the following Bible passages say about pride? A. Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. B. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. C. Proverbs 13:10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. D. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. E. Proverbs 29:23 A man' s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. 2. Read Luke 18:9-14 A. Who is proud? The Pharisee, who in this passage is an example of all who trust in themselves and their own abilities B. What words and actions show his pride? The Pharisee stood and prayed with himself, ' God, I thank You that I am not like other men...'The Pharisee did not see the need for forgiveness or the fact that everything he had was a gift from God. C. Who is the model of faith? The tax collector, who realizes that he has nothing to give to God, but can only cry out to God for mercy. D. What words and actions show his humbleness? The tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ' God, be merciful to me a sinner!'The tax collector saw his real need was forgiveness. E. Who was justified and why? The tax collector: "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." 3. Rev. Petersen says, "Instead of pride, the proper Christian response is gratitude." A. What words in Luther' s Explanation of the 1st Article of the Apostle' s Creed explain that our response is one of gratitude? For all of this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. B. What words does the Small Catechism use to give thanks after a meal? (See page 32) Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. [He] gives food to every creature. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love. [Ps. 136:1, 25; 147:9-11] We thank You, Lord God, heavenly Father, for all Your benefits, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen. C. Read Luther' s Morning and Evening Prayer. How does Luther show the proper response of gratitude in these prayers? Luther starts each prayer with words of thanksgiving. I thank you, my heavenly Father‌
Pastor Scott Zeckzer Bible Study 1. Rev. Petersen stated that pride is a sin. What do the following Bible passages say about pride? A. Proverbs 8:13 B. Proverbs 11:2 C. Proverbs 13:10 D. Proverbs 16:18 E. Proverbs 29:23 2. Read Luke 18:9-14 A. Who is proud?
B. What words and actions show his pride?
C. Who is the model of faith?
D. What words and actions show his humbleness?
E. Who as justified and why?
3. Rev. Petersen says, "Instead of pride, the proper Christian response is gratitude." A. What words in Luther's Explanation of the 1st Article of the Apostle's Creed explain that our response is one of gratitude?
B. What words does the Small Catechism use to give thanks after a meal? (See page 32)
C. Read Luther's Morning and Evening Prayer. How does Luther show the proper response of gratitude in these prayers?
Bible Study Pastor Woodring’s article mentions the overall theme of this issue: “Death, guilt, depression, heartache …” Unfortunately, such concerns are not limited to adults alone – as you no doubt already realize! Even Christians, for that matter, find that they cannot escape the troubles of day-to-day life; we have no “get out of tribulation free card” issued to us. The Word of our Lord is certain: “In the world you will have tribulation…” Yet just as certain is His promise to us: “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) I.
The Great Tribulation: The “not yet” (at least, as of this writing!) To first put things in perspective: according to Jesus, what is the GREAT tribulation? Are you currently suffering under this? Take a look at Matthew 24:7-14, 21-22, 29-30.
II. The “Not-So-Great-But- Still-Difficult-to-Endure” Tribulation: The “now” You know the story of Job; in some ways, you may even live the story of Job. “Being a Christian doesn’t mean that our lives will be free from worry, sorrow or pain.” How do the following passages demonstrate the “not so great” tribulation(s) inherent in being a Christian? Acts 14:21-23 Acts 20:17-24 Hebrews 10:32-35 Revelation 1:9 Revelation 2:10 III. Tribulation Triage: Holy Baptism (The Doctor is in the house!) Using Revelation 7:13-17 as the basis for his article, Pastor Woodring demonstrates how “the ones that came out of the great tribulation” are “they who washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” – i.e., they are the Baptized in Christ! As a fellow member of the Body of Christ, how do the following verses remind you of the similar hope which you have in the “not-so-great” tribulation(s) of your daily life? Romans 5:1-5 Romans 8:35-39 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 1 Thessalonians 1:6 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 John 16:66
