2002 Winter - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies) by Higher Things: Dare to be Lutheran!

W W W. H I G H E RT H I N G S . O R G

/ WINTER / 2002

from

the

editor-in-chief

I admit it. I’m a techno-nerd.

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Anyone who knows me will tell you the same. Laptops, cell phones, handhelds, you name it, I have it. I think we have 4-5 remote controls in our living room.There are more screens open on my computer than a sane person should have. It’s ridiculous. It’s probably even pathetic. But it’s who I am. I’ve been that way most of my life. I think I got my first computer when I was about 11, and by the time I was 15, my room was crammed with junk, computer parts, floppy disks, junk galore. I even worked at a computer store when I was in high school. How much more nerdy can you get? I think part of the reason I got into computers was because it was a way for me to rebel and separate from my parents in a way that wasn’t self-destructive. I could sink into my own little

world of games and wires and didn’t need to let anyone else in if I didn’t want to. I could rebel without ever leaving my piles of stuff. It was pretty handy. But one of the hardest lessons for me to learn is the reality that human beings are meant to be in community. "Let US make man in our image," as the Lord said in Genesis 1. Because we are in God’s image, we are in community. We have a relationship with each other that goes deeper than wires and little blips on a screen. Even though that image of God has been marred and tainted by sin, in Christ we bear it every day.This changes how we look at Him and at each other. In this issue of Higher Things, we discuss Tattoos, The Image of God, Piercings, Homosexuality, Pop Christianity, and even zits! In some ways, the thread that holds these issues together is the question of how our life in this world reflects the image of God and how it is reflected by the image we received from Christ in our baptism. It is this image that we remember as we prepare for the coming of Christ in the manger and the tomb and the font. That image of God is a gift, given to you freely for His sake. I try to come out of my little compushell for air every once in awhile. And even though we mar God's image in us with selfishness and pride, rebellion and fear, somehow He still manages to do great things through lumps of clay like you and me.

Yours in Christ, Pr.Todd Peperkorn Editor-in-Chief Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran

T A B L E

O F

CONTENTS

The Image of God

HigherThings

by the Rev. Chad Bird, Professor of Old Testament at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN

Volume 2/Number 4 Winter 2002

Adam and Eve were created in the image of God. Sin shattered that image, but Jesus fixed everything. In Him you see God Himself and God sees you as He wishes you to be. You’re back in the image of God for you’re in the Image Himself.

Editor-in-Chief REV. TODD PEPERKORN

To Do or Not Tattoo

Assistant Editor JULIE STIEGEMEYER

by Rick Baue

Tattoos and piercings are becoming more and more popular with young people today. What are some things to consider before deciding whether or not to go under the needle?

10 In His Face Lutheran Youth Conference 15 Pulse by the Rev. Eric Andrae, Pastor of Campus Ministry, International Ministry and Academy Rector, First Trinity Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh, PA

What magazines are you reading? Pastor Andrae takes a look at some popular magazines read by teens.

18 A Day in the Life of the Luther Parsonage by Julie Stiegemeyer

Katie Luther, wife of the Reformer Martin Luther, died 450 years ago this month. Read about a fictional day in her life as she assisted her famous husband during the Reformation years.

21 Don’t Drink the Water by the Rev.Tim Pauls, Associate Pastor/Acting School Administrator at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Boise, ID

Don’t drink ocean water.That stuff could kill you. Instead, remember you’re in the boat, and the One who drowned to get you there is alive and with you. He’ll get you home.

22 Light in the Auditorium by Lori Lewis

Searching for the Gospel in all the wrong places. Lori Lewis shares her experience in visiting a wide variety of denominations and what she discovers about her Lutheran roots.

24 What’s the World Coming To? by the Rev. Kevin Karner, Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Muncie, IN

What’s the world coming to? The acceptance of homosexuality, as an alternative lifestyle, is gaining momentum.Will Christians be willing to hold out a lifeline to those who would otherwise be swept away?

25 Zits in the Tent by Kathy Luder

See how something as gross as zits restored a friendship between two long-time friends.

Managing Editor PAM KNEPPER

Editorial Associates REV. TIM PAULS REV. DAVID PETERSEN REV. SCOTT STIEGEMEYER DR. GENE EDWARD VEITH Art Director STEVE BLAKEY

Business Manager LYNN FREDERICKSEN

Bible Studies Editor REV. ERIK ROTTMANN

HIGHER THINGS, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS President REV. KLEMET

PREUS

Vice President REV. MARCUS

ZILL

Executive Director REV. DANIEL WOODRING

Secretary SANDRA

OSTAPOWICH

Treasurer LYNN FREDERICKSEN

SANDRA OSTAPOWICH REV. KLEMET PREUS JEFF SCHWARZ DR. GENE EDWARD VEITH MOLLIE ZIEGLER REV. MARCUS ZILL Higher Things Magazine ISSN 1539-8455 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 editor-in-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.

28 Sacraments or Substitutes by the Rev. Daniel Woodring, Pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, New Buffalo, MI

Writing our sins on index cards and burning the cards, doesn’t take sins away. Instead, forgiveness of sins is found in Christ— in His absolving Word, and in the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord‚s Supper.

30 Beauty on the Inside by the Rev. David Petersen, Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

We are reminded that beauty which is skin deep won’t last, but beauty in our souls will.

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T H E

I M A G E O F

G O D By the Rev. Chad Bird

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 4

When

God starts something, it almost always seems as if nothing will come of it.Take, for example, His creation of Adam and Eve. Masterpieces are not crafted from brown dirt and a white rib, no matter how resourceful the artist.Yet there stands God, dirt in hand, then rib in hand, ready to make a man and woman in His own image. That, however, is the way God works. He deliberately chooses what we think is silly, foolish, or downright worthless to pull off His most important acts. He is the God who makes everything out of nothing. So from the "nothingness" of dirt and a rib we have a very good man and a very good woman. They are made in the image of God, according to His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). That means, simply put, that who they are reflects who God is. So, for example, that as God is righteous and holy, so they are righteous and holy; God loves so they too love; God rules over creation as they also rule. They are what God wants them to be – like He is.They are creatures that mirror the Creator. Divine fingerprints cover every inch of their bodies and souls as proof-positive of whose they are.

Well, not quite. Make that, instead, whose they were. In no time at all, the Snake had coiled himself around the neck of their souls and strangled spiritual life from them.They broke God’s word, and when they did, they also shattered themselves as the mirror of God. They stood, naked and ashamed, around the broken shards of the image they had been. Later, when fallen Adam fathered a fallen son, Seth, we are told he became "the father of a son in his own likeness, according to his own image" (Genesis 5:3). Like father, like son, but no longer like God. It really did seem as if nothing would come of what God had done. Nothing, that is, except chaos and bloodshed – funeral after funeral after funeral. God’s solution to the problem was not, however, to crumple up the whole ruined mess and toss it into a cosmic trash can. If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself. So God did. The Virgin’s womb became the new Garden of Eden. From the "dust" of Mary’s flesh, a New Adam was made.And not only a New Adam, but a Better Adam, an

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Adam who is not only dust but divinity. He, the Creator, Jesus the Son, became what He had created. This Divine Son is the Image of God (2 Cor 3:18; Col 1:15). Adam and Eve were created IN the image of God but Jesus IS the image. "He who has seen Me has seen the Father," Jesus tells us (John 14:9). In Him the broken image is restored and improved. And in Him you see not only one who mirrors God; you see God Himself, wrapped in flesh and blood, your flesh and your blood, just like you and just like God. H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 6

So do you finally get back what Adam and Eve lost? No, you do not. You get something better. You get God and Adam in one person. You get the Godman. In Him you see God and in Him God sees you as He wishes you to be. You’re back in the image of God for you’re in the Image Himself. Just as He became what you are – a human being – so you become what He is – sons of God. He’s holy so you’re holy; He’s alive so you’re alive; His God is your God; His Father is your Father.

To be in the image of God, then, is to be in Jesus. You are brought to Him as nothing and you leave as everything. Sins are banished. Death is killed. You come to Him naked and He dresses you with Himself at the baptismal Font. You slip into His skin. You sink into His Body. You assume His identity. God calls you, "My son," and you pray, "Our Father." You are given all, and then some. In the beginning, there was brown dirt and a white rib. What God made from that was very good. But in the end, there was the Babe in the manger, the Sacrifice on the tree, the Man on God’s throne. And what God has made from that is not only very good – it is perfection, and it is all for you. The Rev. Chad Bird is professor of Old Testament at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He will be the main speaker for the IN HIS FACE Lutheran Youth Conference in 2003.

to do

or not tattoo i

t’s on all of our minds.Today’s society is becoming much more comfortable with the once-despised practice of body decals. Factually grounded rumors that so-and-so just got you-knowwhat pierced or tattooed on his you-know-what are becoming less shocking. A close friend shows off his freshly skewed nipples in the locker room. Should we respond methodically with, "Cool dude…I got a pair a’ those too," playing it off like nothing’s different, or should we respond by raising our WWJD bracelets high and proclaiming, "Would Jesus be walking around with rings in his nibblies?"

by rick baue

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to do or n

The Bible does not directly address these issues by tossing out an extra "Thou shalt not pierce nor tattoo thy armpit, nor thy naval, nor buttocks, nor anything that is thy neighbor's, etc." Therefore, the best way for Christians to address any issue in life is not through trying to read God's mind (WWJD), but through God’s Word. Picture America today: a time of self-expression and freedom coupled with self-gratification creating a potpourri of confused chaos. Piercing and tattoos are accepted as simple expressions of one’s individuality. Christians and non-Christians alike all seem to be poking, puncturing, and perforating their bodies to look like glossy magazine covers.

It is certainly clear in the Old Testament that piercings and body tattoos were forbidden: "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:28). Remember, though, if you read the text this way that you also have to argue that any tattoos or piercings or any kind should be forbidden today. Tattoos, piercings, even earrings would be forbidden. Now I suppose that it would be easy to play "my bible verse beats your bible verse" and look at something like Galatians 5:4-6, and argue that tattoos and piercings were Old Testament ceremonial or civil law and therefore don’t apply today. Just because

MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS OF TATTOOS Could I get infected with the HIV virus by getting a tattoo? The placement of a tattoo requires the injection of pigment into the skin using needles, and needle exposure in the developing AIDS crisis is well known. Sharing contaminated needles can spread HIV or Hepatitis C. Regulatory law governs the medical use of needles, but such oversight is not necessarily present in tattoo parlors, and regulations vary state by state. Do you trust the person placing the tattoo to be using needles properly?

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But can't I just get my tattoo removed? The second medical problem with tattoos is how to get them out. Tattoo parlors will tell you that removal of tattoos is no problem. Actually, removal of an amateur single color tattoo, such as L-O-V-E written across the knuckles, is relatively easy.This might only cost a couple of hundred dollars. To remove a professionally applied multi-color tattoo requires multiple treatments with several lasers, one for each color of the tattoo. This involves many sessions and can run into the thousands of dollars. Furthermore, it is difficult with lasers to restore skin to its original state, even with this technology. Ross Betts, M.D. is a nephrologist who works in Pittsburgh, PA. He is a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.

something might be allowed doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Let’s ask the question a different way. God commands us to live in this world but not of this world. This is no easy task, as Jesus says: "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own, but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the

not tattoo world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:19). Why do Christians or nonChristians get tattooed or pierced? "Guys dig my tongue ring…it’s erotic." "My tiger [tattoo] symbolizes ferocity…aiding me on the court." "This simple butterfly has gotten me more attention than ever."

These answers are like big neon signs proclaiming, "I am of this world. Love me." A cross, tattooed on one’s arm, may be an active reminder of your faith, glorify God, and even identify yourself among others as a Christian. Somehow, though, I don’t think that’s what a cross is supposed to symbolize when worn by Madonna or Marilyn Manson. Okay, so what’s your final answer? Is the physical act of piercing an ear or getting a tattoo a sin? No. But it is sinful to disobey your parents or mark your body as one who loves this world.The millions of questions racing through your conscience are between you and God. These questions are simply answered by this: your identity as

a Christian isn’t found in whether you have a tattoo or not.You are a Christian because you are in Christ. Walking the walk of a Christian is the greatest permanent, rebellious, and shocking mark we can make on this society. We are saved by grace through faith, and no tattoo or piercing can ever take that away. Rick Baue is a sophomore at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. He is a Music and Business double major and plays piano in Jazz Band, and is the president of House Council. Rick is from St. Louis, MO.

HISTORY OF TATTOOS 2000 BC Earliest records from Egypt. Civilizations such as Crete, Greece, Persia, Arabia, and China adapted this art soon after. 787 Pope Hadrian outlaws tattooing 1066 Norman Invasion halts tattoos in England 1691 William Dampler made tattoos among sailors popular 1891 Sam Ortley perfects tattoo machine. Cultural view became poor. Surge of popularity during World Wars. Bikers, Brando, and Hepatitis caused shocking drop in popularity. 1969 Lyle Tuttle made it glamorous by tattooing celebrities Present Popular and seen as form of self-expression and freedom CULTURAL PURPOSES OF TATTOOS Borneo Labeled womens different skills. Used as a symbol of life long membership Navajo Wearer of image calls upon spirit of image Greece Communication and trade of slaves Ainu Social status Asia Criminals would get three strikes (marks) before being killed Japan Ceremonial/Religious purposes CULTURAL PURPOSES OF PIERCING Egypt Navel Right of Passage for kings Rome Nipples Symbol of manhood and virility among soldiers Mayans Tongue Spiritual channeling England Ears Wealthy India Nose Submission America All Self-Expression

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SPECIAL SECTION

The Place to be is In His Face If you have never attended a youth conference sponsored by Higher Things, this is your opportunity to do so. But you may be asking yourself, "Why should I take several days out of my summer vacation to go to this conference?" The answer: Excellent teaching from the Word of God, outstanding Christ-centered worship, and "savage" fun and opportunities to meet and make friends from all over the country!

End Times, Dating, Satanism, Missions, College, Vocations, and Culture.

Outstanding Worship Past conference participants have told us repeatedly the one thing they liked the best was our worship services. At "In His Face" we will gather together three times a day to pray and worship using the best of our Lutheran liturgical tradition.We don’t try to be trendy, but to offer the timeless truths of our faith that are still meaningful today.

Excellent Teaching

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 10

We don’t hide the fact that the main purpose of our conferences is about teaching God’s Word. We don’t need to. We have heard again and again from teenagers that they liked our conferences because they learned so much. The theme for our "In His Face" youth conference this summer is your relationship with God, being close to Him, and worshipping Him. Our conference speaker is Pastor Chad Bird, a native Texan, who currently teaches future pastors at Concordia Theology Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Pastor Bird is a gifted and energetic speaker and was a very popular presenter at our "Dying to Live" youth conference two years ago. In addition to Pastor Bird, we will have six sectionals on topics like the

"Savage" Fun and Fellowship "In His Face" will be held at the Arlington Convention Center, located in the middle of Arlington’s entertainment district. It’s just across the street from the Texas Ranger Baseball Stadium, and a couple of blocks from Six Flags Over Texas (the original Six Flags Amusement Park). We will be spending almost an entire day at Six Flags. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the United States during group games and after-hour parties at conference hotels. You can strap yourself into a flight simulator at the Air Combat School, visit the Palace of Wax, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Dyno-Rock Indoor Climbing Gym, or go to several great shopping malls and museums.

In His Face Registration Information

In His Face S

Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Dates: July 29-August 1, 2003 Location: Arlington Convention Center, Arlington, Texas Who may register? While the conference specifically targets 15-18 year olds, any confirmed youth may register. Non-LCMS youth may attend with a group upon approval of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastor. Each group must designate one adult (over 21 years of age) to be the congregational group leader.There is no limitation on the number of additional adults (age 18 and over). However, we recommend at least one adult leader per nine registered youth. Registration forms must be submitted by the congregational group leader.

Cost: $139 per participant. ($149 after February 3, 2003) Payment includes all program costs, T-shirt, three meals (see schedule), a ticket for Six Flags (a $39 value), hotel parties, and bus/trolley service to and from our designated conference hotels. Additional costs include travel, accommodations, and two meals. (Conference hotels offer free breakfast). A non-refundable $60 deposit per person must accompany each registration. Each group is required to submit ONLY ONE CHECK, drawn from a congregational or youth group bank account. Payment must be made in US funds.The balance remaining for each group is due by June 15, 2003.

Conference Housing Conference hotels range from $69-$79 per night, offer a complimentary hot

breakfast, free airport shuttle, bus parking, pool, and more. More detailed information on hotels will be available soon.

Registration Forms One "Participant Registration Form" must be completed for every adult and youth participant. In addition, one "Group Registration Form" must be completed for each group, regardless of size. All forms must be mailed together with a single deposit check.

When to Register Registration opened on December 1, 2002 and closes on May 30, 2003. Please note the discounted price for registrations received before February 3, 2002. Registration capacity is 1000, so please register as early as possible.

Cancellations, Substitutions, and Additions Cancellations must be made in writing before May 30, 2003.The $60 deposit is non-refundable, however, you may substitute at no charge. Groups must pay full registration for any cancellations after May 30, 2003. Substitutions may be made anytime prior to the conference. Additions may be made, as space permits, until May 30, 2003. Additions after February 3, 2003 will be charged $149 per participant.

3:00-3:30pm 3:45-4:00 4:00-5:00 5:00-6:00 6:15-7:15 7:30-8:15 8:30-9:15 9:30-10:00 10:15-12:00

Opening Service Welcome/Announcements Main Session (Pastor Bird) Fiesta Dinner Games Sectionals Sectionals Evening Prayer Parties in Hotels

Wednesday, July 30, 2003 8:30-9:00am Matins 9:15-10:00 Main Session (Pr. Bird) 10:00-10:15 Announcements 10:30-11:15 Sectionals 11:30-12:15 Sectionals 12:30-1:30 Lunch at Ball Park 1:30-6:00 Free time (Dinner on your own) 6:00-6:30 Vespers 6:30-7:15 Main Session (Pr. Bird) 7:30-8:15 Sectionals 8:30-9:15 Sectionals 9:30-10:00 Evening Prayer 10:30-12:00 Parties in Hotels

Thursday, July 31, 2003 8:00-8:30am 8:30-9:00 9:15-10:00 10:00-10:15 10:30am-10pm

Choir Matins Main Session (Pr. Bird) Announcements Six Flags: Lunch on your own Vespers at Six Flags All you can eat Dinner Evening Prayer at Six Flags

Friday, August 1, 2003 8:30-9:00am 9:15-10:00 10:00-10:15 10:15-11:00 11:00-12:30

Service of Confession Main Session (Pr. Bird) Announcements Evaluations/Break Divine Service W I N T E R 2 0 0 2 __ 11

SPECIAL SECTION photocopy as needed Participant Registration Form Print legibly or type

Name _______________________________________________________________ n Male Last

First

n Female

Middle Initial

Home Address_________________________________________________________ Day Phone________________________ City_______________________________________ State_____ Zip_____________ Birth Date_____/_____/_____ Email address__________________________________________________________ n Youth Participant

n Adult Participant

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_______________________________________________________________ Participant signature

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Individual SUBSCRIPTIONS

Parent/Guardian’s Signature (Youth Participant’s only) I give permission for the above named minor child to participate in the In His Face Lutheran Youth Conference in Arlington, TX (July 29-August 1, 2003). I further authorize the designated congregational group leader to consent to any emergency medical treatment necessary for said minor while attending or traveling to and from the In His Face conference. I declare that said minor is covered by primary accident and medical insurance and assume all responsibility and liability for injury to said minor. I further give Higher Things, Inc. permission to use any still or video images of said minor in conference publicity and news releases.

n I would like to subscribe to Higher Things Magazine.

n I have enclosed an additional $13.00 for my 1 year subscription.

n I have enclosed an additional $23.00 for my 2 year subscription. n You may bill me at the address listed above.

_________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian signature

Date

Pastor’s Signature I have reviewed this form and approve this individual’s participation at In His Face. This individual is a communicant member of an LCMS congregation, and may rightfully receive Holy Communion. H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 12

Yes n No n Yes n No n

__________________________________________________________________ Pastor’s signature

Date

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Yes n No n

___________________________________________________________________ Congregational Group Leader’s Signature

Date.

THIS FORM MUST BE SENT IN BY YOUR CONGREGATION GROUP LEADER

photocopy as needed

In His Face Registration Information

Group Registration Form Complete one Group Registration Form per Congregation. Print legibly or type.

Group

Congregational Information

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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n Subscribe this group to Higher Things magazine

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n Please mail all copies of the magazine to the church (number of copies _______)

City________________________________________ State_____ Zip____________ Phone____________________ Name of Pastor______________________________ Number of participants:

______ Youth

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n Please mail magazine to each address listed on the individual registration form

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Amount of Deposit: $______________

n Bill us separately for the magazine subscription amount

$60 per participant

Congregational Group Leader

n Included in our registration check is _________ ($10.00 x number of 1 year subscriptions)

Each group must designate one participating adult as Congregational Group Leader. Registration confirmation will be sent directly to this individual.

Name of Congregational Group Leader_____________________________________

n Included in our registration check is _________ ($18.00 x number of 2 year subscriptions)

Leader’s Address_______________________________________________________ City________________________________________ State_____ Zip____________ Day phone________________ E-mail Address_______________________________

Group Participants List all youth and adult members of your congregational group. Attach Participant Registration Forms for each participant.

1________________________ 2________________________ 3________________________ 4________________________ 5________________________ 6________________________ 7________________________ 8________________________ 9________________________ 10________________________ 11________________________ 12________________________ 13________________________ 14________________________ 15________________________ 16________________________ 17________________________ 18________________________ 19________________________ 20________________________

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W I N T E R 2 0 0 2 __

For more than 60 participants, attach second page.

Submit this form, all Participant Registrations Forms, and Congregational Check to: In His Face Registrations • c/o Prince of Peace Lutheran Church • 1615 E. Buffalo St. • New Buffalo, MI 49117

HIGHER THINGS

News & Notes @ Texas to host In His Face Lutheran Youth Conference, July 29-August 1, 2003 In His Face Lutheran Youth Conference will be held at the Arlington Conference Center in Arlington, Texas, July 29-August 1, 2003. The conference will focus on spirituality and what it means to be Lutheran in a “hyper-spiritual” world. Registration information will be included in the Winter 2002 issue of Higher Things. For the most up-todate information, please go to www.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? Higher Things exists and grows on the basis of donations and free-will offerings from congregations and individuals. All donations are tax-deductible. 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.

HIGHER THINGS

E-Mail Lists @ Higher Things News E-Mail List 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 @ Didache: Q&A for Youth “Didache” is the greek word for “teaching.”This group is a forum focused specifically on questions of a theological or religious nature. All youth are welcomed to ask questions or comment on other questions. In addition, several pastors have been enlisted to help when needed. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: Didache-on@lists.higherthings.org

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@ The Mouth House The Mouth House is a group created for Lutheran and nonLutheran Christian youth. Join conversations to learn more about God, His Word, and one another. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: MouthHouse-on@lists. higherthings.org @ The Lutheran Student Union 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

pulse

pulsep u l s e By the Rev. Eric R. Andrae

Let’s take a look at some of the popular reading targeted at and consumed by you…today’s youth. Magazine: Rolling Stone, Issue 904 Theme: (Pop) Culture review/preview, with an emphasis on the popular music scene’s many genres. Critique/Summary: Actress Asia Argento, of Vin Diesel’s flick “XXX,” sets the tone by gracing the cover in low-cut jeans and lacy bra.The contents of the mag are generally slick and visually appealing, and RS is thorough. The language often leaves something to be desired. Some “adult themes” are addressed, and obviously from a non-Christian perspective. World-View: 1) Materialism—“He who dies with the most toys wins.” 2) Tolerance—“you’re ok, I’m ok, everything is ok.” 3) Simple, straightforward entertainment. Recommendation: A Christian who wishes to use RS as a means of entertainment news will be offended at a lot of the content. Read with much discretion, or better, not at all. Magazine: Teen People, September 2002 Theme: Pop Culture review/preview/gossip. Critique/Summary: Again, the tone is set on the cover, as TP highlights surface appeal. Along with MTV, it seems that TP is intent on being one of the main promoters of the sodomite/homosexual agenda, along with other unbiblical sexual morals.This is balanced a small bit by Mandy Moore’s feelings on modesty in dress, sexuality, lifestyle.There is also some helpful info on eating disorders. The review of movies, music, and video games offer no ratings or guidelines as to suitability of content. World-View: 1) Fluff rules! 2) Narcissism. 3) See #2. Keep in mind,“tolerance” used to mean that I wouldn’t punch you in the nose if we disagreed; now it has come to mean that I must accept, and even celebrate and promote, your beliefs/lifestyle/choices! It is a false and unloving god. Thus says the Lord: Our focus is so often misplaced: we look at others, judging them in their sin; or we look at others, wishing we could be like them and thus seek to escape the place and even the self that God has given to us; or we look inwardly, either in pride or despair. But the merciful Father corrects our vision: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a). Recommendation: TP is too long. But, more importantly, it is truly scary that the immoral agenda is promoted cutely, intentionally, and clearly so early to a young audience.You got better things to do with your time, don’t you?! Read a book instead!

W I N T E R 2 0 0 2 __ 15

In His Face is

July 29-August 1, 2003 Arlington Convention Center Arlington, Texas

Lutheran

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF T fter midnight into the dark German countryside, in the back of a merchant's wagon, Katharina Von Bora and a dozen other nuns escape from their convent on Easter morning 1523. The young women huddle between barrels usually full of herring as the wagon carries them away from their cloistered life to the city of Wittenberg. Martin Luther had arranged for their transport, little knowing that Katharina would later become his wife. So begins the story of two remarkable people who—by God's grace—impact history. The following is a peek into the early years of the Luthers’ marriage, when Katharina juggles two babies, a three-story household, large gardens, boarders, and her husband, Martin Luther.

5:00a.m.

4:00a.m. 4:30a.m.

Found Elizabeth pale and burning up! Make haste to help her, O Lord! Aunt Lena is cooling Elizabeth, so I can finish breakfast. Wolfgang will run for Dr. Schurf.

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 18

Praise to the Lord whose mercies are new every morning. It is cooler this morning; fall days are blowing in across the Elbe as I watch the river from my window. Today I must cut the last of the lettuce and radishes. Must hurry to start the bread to rise. But before that, a fire!

Praise the Lord for small things. Found that after I went to bed last night, Aunt Lena had measured out the ingredients for the bread and Wolfgang—for once—had carried in the wood. Wolfgang, ah Wolfgang, when will you ever do your work properly? The walls of the kitchen need to be whitewashed. And a laundry room needs to be added to the first floor—so much to do!

Just gathered the eggs and found the speckled white hen huddled in the corner of the stall. She may not last through the winter.The sausage is crackling in the pan, will start the eggs soon. Already I hear Elizabeth crying from her cradle. Must tend to her before she wakes Doctor. He's been looking so tired lately.

"Kate understands the Psalter better than the Papists." – Martin Luther _____________

5:10a.m. 6:30a.m.

Dr. Schurf said there have been rumors of a plague. Could this be little Elizabeth's illness? Can't bear the thought of more sickness in our home. Doctor was near death just last year.

"Wedlock grounded on God's Word and a house in which God's Word comes upon the table like the daily bread, that is a blessed house." – Kate Luther

By Julie Stiegemeyer

LUTHER PARSONAGE

7:30a.m. 1:00p.m. 8:45p.m. During breakfast, as I held Elizabeth, Hans climbed onto my lap. Doctor said,“Look how Katie handles the little ones, in a graceful dance. I'd look like a camel if I tried that!” He jokes, but I see the worry in his eyes, as he looks so lovingly at Elizabeth.

Aunt Lena is trying to console Elizabeth. She alternates between short restless naps and crying spells.The poor child. Dr. Schurf said we'd just have to wait and see. What herbs might help, I wonder?

Doctor and I put little Elizabeth in her cradle, and my dear husband leans over to me and says,“I love you, Kate, more than I love myself.That is literally true. I would rather die than that harm should come to you or the children.”

9:30a.m. 7:00p.m. 9:30p.m. Just found two more of Doctor's nephews at our front door. We have already taken in three others, plus our own two children. Doctor's sister cannot care for them anymore. She is too ill. Our money is running out, but God will provide, somehow. Must keep working in the kitchen. Doctor and the students will take a break from lectures for dinner in just a half hour. Pork and apples today.

Into the living room for chess and tonight “The Tortoise and the Hare”. How Doctor loves Aesop's Fables.Tonight he read the ten commandments as Hans listened, enraptured on his lap. Doctor said he'd like to write a book explaining the teachings of the Bible in a simple way for children. How will he write another book when there is so much other work? Thank the Lord, Elizabeth's fever has broken, though she is still pale and sleepy. Hans and the dog are wrestling as my dear Doctor looks on and laughs his hearty laugh.

Just as I put out the light, we heard a knock at the front door. I wonder which wedding gift he'll give away this time to the poor beggar visiting us, even at such an hour. But as Doctor always says, “Our Father in heaven is rich. God will provide!” Ah, that my dear husband would be just a little less generous! But that is tomorrow's trouble.Tonight we rest in the peace of Christ. Julie Stiegemeyer is a pastor's wife, mother, and writer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a member of Concordia Lutheran Church.

"My Lord Kate drives a team, farms, buys cattle, herds, brews beer, and between times reads the Bible, after I promised her fifty gulden if she finished it by Easter. Great earnestness in it; already she is beginning the fifth book of Moses." – Martin Luther

W I N T E R 2 0 0 2 __ 19

ArtContest for Higher Things Magazine

H I G H E R T H I N G S

We’re looking for a piece of original artwork centered on the theme of BAPTISM. Your assignment is to design a poster that communicates what baptism is.Two main elements that must be used in the piece are water and the word. Conventional media (drawing, painting, photography) or electronic media (computer illustration, Photoshop® and/or typography) may be used. Research the subject via scripture, catechism, or a conversation with your pastor to learn what baptism is in light of our Lutheran confessions. Although seemingly complex, the message is simple— salvation for us! How will you communicate that message?

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19).

Use these Bible verses for ideas: “Go therefore and make disciples of all

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

“‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself’” (Acts 2:38-39). “‘…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit’” (John 3:5-6).

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Submit an application (download from higherthings.com or e-mail Julie Stiegemeyer at juliestieg@att.net) along with a good-quality photo of your original artwork to: Higher Things Magazine

Art Contest P.O. Box 580111 Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 PRIZES: First Place: $50, Second Place: $30, Third Place: $20. Artwork of the top three winners will appear in upcoming issues of Higher Things magazine. Hurry, the deadline for submissions is January 15, 2003! This contest is open to youth, ages 13-18.

Ever drink a bucket of saltwater? Don’t do it. If you’re in a lifeboat adrift at sea, it’s your worst nightmare. All that water, and none of it good to drink.You see, if you drink saltwater, you’re drinking salt. If you drink salt, you get thirsty and you want to drink more. The more salt you drink, the more your body overloads. Pretty soon, it all comes back up and out: a.k.a.“The feeding of the fish”,“The Technicolor yawn”. And then you’re thirstier, sicker and deader than you were before.That stuff will kill you. In the meantime, it’s enough to drive you mad; sometimes, a thirsty man will jump out of the boat and swim for a shore that isn’t there. That’s why, when you’re in the lifeboat, you take good care of the water tank onboard.You make sure it stays pure, and that’s what you drink.You take care of the food locker, too.That stuff will keep you alive until you get home. Ever lust? Ever get to feeling really proud about something? Ever get selfish? Sure. Show me someone who says no, and we’ll add “Ever lie?” to the list. They’re common sins, and they’re all a bucket of saltwater.The more you lust, the more you want to lust.The prouder you get, the less you want to be humble. The more selfish you become, the easier it gets—and the tougher it becomes to serve others. The temptations go in and make you thirsty for more. But eventually what goes in must come out…maybe in Technicolor, definitely not pretty. Lust comes back out as an addiction to porn, an attraction to premarital sex, or as treating others as objects for your own sinful amusement.The prouder you get, the more you are driven to feel superior

to everybody else. Selfishness comes back out as greed, suspicion and an unwillingness to help others. All of these can hurt your dreams. Some can destroy your body. All will eventually kill your faith.They start small, but they keep demanding more. Each one leaves you thirstier, sicker and deader than you were before.

Don’t drink out of these buckets. This stuff will kill you. The problem is that you still want to drink. And it doesn’t help that you live in a world that says all these sins are virtues, not evils. It’s like you really are on a lifeboat, with saltwater sin in all directions, as far as the eye can see. Sometimes, that saltwater looks mighty tasty; you might even get angry with God that there are so many temptations out there that you stumble into. That sin comes back out too, and resenting God is a good way to destroy your faith. Makes you want to jump in and swim for a shore that isn’t there. So instead of getting mad at God, consider this:You’re in the boat.You didn’t start that way:You were born dead in the water. Jesus died on the cross to get you out of the deep, to get you alive and into the boat. He dove in and hoisted you out of the water, and He had to drown with all the sin to do it. Sometimes you’ll get mad because the boat seems small and stifling, but it’s keeping you out of the water that drowned you before. Not only that, but check out the supplies.There’s pure, living water there.There’s a locker full of bread and wine (and more!) to strengthen and preserve you unto live everlasting.There’s also a guy on the boat who

By the Rev.Tim Pauls

Water

don’t drink the

keeps speaking, reminding you not to jump back in the water, telling you of the One who saved your life. And if you start to dip a cup over the side, or trail a hand in the wake, he or others are there to warn you; they irritate at times, keeping you in the boat like that, but the “in the boat” means “alive.” Even better, the One who drowned to save you is alive again; and even though you can’t see Him, He’s there, too. He’s present in those supplies and words to keep you alive and well. You’ve figured out that I’m trying to make some analogy between the Church and a boat. Maybe it’s worth a look. After all, the part of the church building with the pews is called the nave, as in “navy”; when God brings you into His Church, He brings you into the boat. In fact, St. Peter tells us that Baptism brings us into the ark and saves us from the destructive flood (I Peter 3:18-22). So stay out of the ocean, and don’t drink its water; that stuff will kill you. You’re in the boat, and the One who drowned to get you there is alive and well and with you. He won’t run out of stores—His supply of life is eternal, and He’s going to get you home. The Rev.Tim Pauls is Associate Pastor/Acting School Administrator at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, Idaho.

F A L L 2 0 0 2 __ 21

The lights in the auditorium were dimmed.The Kansas City School of Prophets took the stage.These “prophets” claimed God had given them a special ability to prophesy future events in people’s lives.The audience had been instructed to write their names on a piece of paper, and then each paper was placed in a large wheel onstage, much like a lottery wheel on TV. The host then began randomly pulling names out of the wheel and calling on a prophet to prophesy over that name. I knew I should not be there. I knew this was kooky.Yet, I was so desperate that I remained open to the possibility that I could find some message from God there. You might be wondering how a girl from a Lutheran school background could find herself in such a situation. Believe me, I was wondering myself! Surprisingly enough, I was a good Bible student.When I was in grade school, I followed the vicars around, asking them questions. I made plans to become a deaconess, but I left college before finishing the degree. Instead, I ended up on Christian radio. Once there, people began to question my faith. Was I “Born Again”? Did I really “Know Jesus”? I was told that my faith was

Light H I G H E R T H I N G S

only “head knowledge”, and that I needed to “ask Jesus into my heart”. One of the women I worked with was the wife of a pastor who had a very large non-denominational church in town. She invited me to visit their church. I found the music there so compelling. I had been raised in a LCMS church that had introduced me to contemporary Christian music (CCM). In fact, even as early as 6th grade, I was helping to lead the congregation in this type of music. But I found this church’s music to be much better! There was a great band, songs that moved me, and to top it all off, everyone, including the pastor, wore jeans! This church was all about “altar calls”. While music played, you walked to the front of the church and made the decision “to follow Jesus”.They told you to “stop playing church” and “give your heart to Jesus”. The problem was the emphasis was not on the cross. In fact, I don’t remember ever hearing that you should come to the front because Jesus died and saved you from your sins. Instead, the promise was that God would make your life full and happy. Long speeches focused on modern man and how lonely and empty he is. Loneliness could be eliminated if you come down

in the

Audi

front and did your part by confessing Jesus. Then they took you in the back room and gave you a book on how to walk with God. The emphasis was on serving God, living a holy life and leaving the world behind. Ironically, Jesus dying for your sins was considered elementary knowledge, and therefore hardly mentioned at this church. You were supposed to get past that message and become a mature Christian, digging into the meat of the Word.The truth is they meant that you needed to live by the Law! I tried to live by the law, but I thought there was something wrong with me since I was still sinning. So I tried other churches. I went from one church to another trying to find the congregation that had the answer to my questions. Home churches were supposed to be more spiritual, but here I heard horrible teachings and witnessed some really strange stuff. I went to a church that had all heavy metal heads in it, even the pastor. Word of Faith churches said the charismatic church I had come from was weak. I kept deciding that the present church I was attending was not spiritual enough. I needed a stronger experience to keep me going. Through it all, no one ever pointed me

to the cross! In fact, the cross seemed to be offensive to many people. I was pointed towards everything else as an answer and it always left me feeling emptier than ever! Funny thing, it turned out the LCMS was where I ended up finding the assurance from God I’d been searching for. It did not depend on how cool the music was, how well I obeyed God, or how current with the culture the church was. In the LCMS, I found rest—rest in Christ. The things I had been prompted to think were elementary—the cross, forgiveness—were the very things that finally brought me home. I had so much pop culture stuffed down my throat that I no longer wanted to hear it in church. Today, I revel in the Lutheran liturgy that transcends my culture. I am joyful that Christ comes to me in the Lord’s Supper, rather than me trying to come to Him in an altar call. How can the Gospel be considered elementary? Where else in time and history did God come to earth to die in our place? It’s so amazing that we will still be pondering that in heaven. Lori (Campbell) Lewis is a former DJ in Orange, California. Currently, she is a homemaker in San Diego, CA.

orium

By Lori Lewis W I N T E R 2 0 0 2 __ 23

World Coming To?

H I G H E R T H I N G S

“It was one of “those” days. A long day. A stressful day. A “thought full” day. By the time I ate dinner all I wanted to do was put my brain on cruise control. I shouldn’t have looked at the newspaper. But there it was – page one in the Living section:“Newspaper Editors Decide to Print Gay Wedding Announcements.” I skimmed the article and moved on. I didn’t fare any better in the Business section – page three: “Major Corporation Offers Benefits to SameSex Partners.” Reading was giving me a headache, so I put the paper down, grabbed the TV remote, and turned on the tube. It wasn’t sixty seconds later that I watched a commercial for one of the new Thursday night comedies: something about the “fun hitting the fan when Mark finds out Julie has been cheating on him – with another woman!” I thought,“What’s the world coming to?” That’s a good question. What IS the world coming to when it comes to the question of homosexuality? The culture we live in is shouting words like “tolerance,”“homophobic,” and “equal rights.”Well, who wants to be intolerant – it’s so selfish and rude. And to be “phobic” about anything sounds like a psychological problem. Equality is one of the building blocks of democracy, so I’m all for it! And if you think differently about any of this, you’re a narrow-minded, un-American bigot! Thank God that the only opinion that really matters is God’s! And the Bible is totally clear: in both the Old and New Testaments homosexuality is said to be “wicked,”“contrary to nature,” a “dishonoring of the body,” and “an abomination.” Homosexual behavior is a sin. Period. End of discussion, right? Not so fast. I’m a sinner. And I’m forgiven. I may not be a homosexual, but does that necessarily mean that gays and lesbians are worse sinners than me? I mean, Jesus died for everybody, right? Yes, we are all sinners.Yes, Jesus died to take away the sins of the world. No, homosexuals aren’t worse than all the rest. We’re all dead in our sins. But God comes looking for us.The Holy Spirit, working through the Word, convicts us of our sin and our need for forgiveness in Christ. He leads us to repent of our sins and to trust in Christ for full and free forgiveness.That’s what is missing

in the life of someone who has been “entangled” by the homosexual lifestyle: repentance.There’s no evidence of sorrow (contrition); no turning back to God. O.K. Now the Lutheran question:“What does this mean?” It means that Christians can’t remain silent when souls are being lost in the name of tolerance! It means that when we speak we need to bring both the Law and the Gospel. Where an individual has embraced the homosexual lifestyle with little or no regard for God’s will, the Christian must lovingly use the Law to accuse the individual of his or her sin and to point toward the need for a Savior. But when an individual is struggling with his or her sexual orientation in light of God’s will, the Christian must be a messenger of the forgiving and healing power of the Gospel. But wait a minute! Healing means change. Does that mean a homosexual can be changed? Yes.The Gospel of St. Luke reminds us that “[w]hat is impossible with men is possible with God.” And St. Paul writes in Philippians:“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Change is possible, but never easy. It’s similar to alcoholism or drug addiction. Some people believe it’s just a simple matter of choosing what to do or not to do. Unfortunately, things aren’t always that simple.Too many times Christians have said,“We want nothing to do with your sin,” instead of reaching out with the Gospel and providing the care and support and understanding that would go a long way in helping someone in their sexual struggle. What’s the world coming to? The acceptance of homosexuality, as an alternative lifestyle, is gaining momentum. Will Christians be willing to hold out a lifeline to those who would otherwise be swept away? I pray we will. The Rev. Kevin Karner is pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Muncie Indiana.

n Lifestyle #2b?

n Lifestyle #2a?

by the Rev. Kevin Karner

n Lifestyle #1

What’s the

This summerour pastor and his wife, Janet, took eight of us camping. I don't know what he was thinking, but this was real camping: tents, campfires, and no showers. We â&#x20AC;&#x153;sponge bathedâ&#x20AC;? as best we could and washed our hair in a river. We ate beans, franks, burnt toast and heard over and over again how pastor used to be in the Marine Corps. On top of all that, the only entertainment between Matins, Bible Study, prayer time, and Vespers, was paddling around in a canoe and swatting at mosquitoes. To make matters even worse, I showed up with a pimple under my nose bigger than Hitler's moustache. I wasn't happy to be there and this pimple seemed to know it. It was a throbbing red monster pulsing with my discontentment and anger. It looked like I was balancing a cherry tomato on my upper lip. I could barely open my mouth because of the pain. I just wanted to go home and hide in my room until the disfigurement either killed me or went away. The final straw was Lisa. She and I were the only girls. At home, she lives just down the street from me on the next block.We used to be good friends. But then she got pretty and I stayed dumpy. She is a cheerleader with immaculate clothing and hair. She looks like she stepped right out of a Britney Spears' video and into the drooling hearts of all the boys in our school. Normally, even though she is the prettiest girl around and we are no longer the chums we once were, I can tolerate her because I am smarter and I figure that is what matters. But my zit wasn't really up for it.The only good thing, I thought, was that she is exactly the kind of girl who hates camping. Her casual good looks couldn't possibly hold up without make-up and running water. I was wrong. She loved it. She looked better than ever. And I felt worse. But something happened. Lisa and I and my zit bonded. Janet is a nurse and she went with Mike to the hospital after he got stung by a bee.That left the pastor and the boys in the big tent and Lisa and me alone in the other tent. I resisted at first, but before I knew it we were giggling and carrying on about Janet's maniacal reaction to the bee sting emergency and the whole camping fiasco.There in the dark tent it was like we were back in the 5th grade, when neither one of us was either pretty or dumpy. We laughed so loud that the pastor scolded us. It was fun. But when we finally calmed down, it got strangely serious. Staring blankly at the canvas, late into the night, we whispered back and forth about

Zits in the Tent by Kathy Luder

W I N T E R 2 0 0 2 __ 21

H I G H E R T H I N G S

life, God, and the future. And then, quite unexpectedly, something came welling up from inside of me. I couldn't stop it. I blurted out how ugly I felt and how mad I was about this zit and about the fact that Lisa was immune to them and had perfect skin. After a bit of silence, I heard Lisa sigh and roll over onto her side to face me. She said she was sorry. She always liked me and wanted to be my friend, but at some point I had stopped being nice to her. I made her feel stupid, like she was a traitor for dressing nice and going out on dates. She didn't think she was pretty. And she didn't think I was dumpy. She thought we were still the same as in 5th grade, except that I had changed. I said I was sorry, too.We just kind of faded out after that, both lost in our thoughts. Neither one of us said a word in the morning, but I tried to be nicer. As we washed up in the river, I noticed that my pimple had receded enough to be almost mistaken for a freckle! It wasn't nearly so angry.Then Janet offered Lisa some ointment for the mosquito bite on her chin, which she declined. And I knew why.That was no mosquito bite. But strangely enough the reality of a zit on Lisa's chin gave me no joy, just sympathy. Now, truth be told, I actually liked those worship services near the campfire.They were kind of quiet, unlike the trumpets and pipe organ stuff we get on Sunday mornings. I like that too, but this was a nice change. And for all of his awkwardness with kids, Pastor has a nice voice for chanting. I did feel a closeness to God in those services and was surprised at how relevant and interesting the Bible readings were.Time and again, it seemed like God had planned the whole thing just for me. Here is part of what Pastor read on the morning after the bee sting incident:“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). I guess Lisa, and maybe even Janet, and I aren't so different after all. We are all sinners, all struggling through life, all tempted in similar ways. But we are also baptized into Christ and forgiven through His death and resurrection. God is faithful. I never before realized how much better that is, or how much closer that makes us, than just being friends. Thanks to that trip, Lisa and I have renewed our friendship. I still don’t hang out with her on Friday nights, but I do sit with her during Sunday School. I pray for her, too. I don’t pray for her just because she is nice and is my friend, but because I can see that for all her good looks she needs it as bad as I do. I have to admit that the camping trip wasn’t so bad in the end. Except for the beans and the boys, which were bad at all points, but particularly in the end. Kathy Luder attends Midwest Lutheran Church in Middleville, Indiana. She imagines herself quite stunning and extraordinarily clever but, alas, no photo is available. In fact, no photo exists.

I showed up with a pimple under my nose bigger than Hitler's moustache. I wasn't happy to be there and this pimple seemed to know it. I just wanted to go home and hide in my room until the disfigurement either killed me or went away.

The final straw was Lisa. We used to be good friends. But then she got pretty and I stayed dumpy. She is a cheerleader with immaculate clothing and hair. She looks like she stepped right out of a Britney Spears' video and into the drooling hearts of all the boys in our school.

There in the dark tent it was like we were back in the 5th grade, when neither one of us was either pretty or dumpy. We laughed so loud that the pastor scolded us. It was fun. But when we finally calmed down, it got strangely serious.

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It was the second night of our senior high youth retreat, and we were gathered together for songs and Bible study. Our youth director handed each of us a 3x5 index card. We were instructed to think about our sins, and then write them on the card. I finished in a couple of minutes. After all, if we could get done early we would have more time for Mountain Dew, Cool Ranch Doritos, and getting even with the girls who put toilet paper all over our dorm. We had an arsenal of water balloons, Tabasco sauce and shaving cream. After a Bible reading, we were given a hammer and nail, and one by one, we each nailed our “sins” on a handmade cross. Later, another scripture and devotion was read, and our youth director removed the cards from the cross, placed them in the fireplace. They were quickly reduced to a smoldering pile of ash. It was pretty good,I thought.In fact,I even wished that I had taken it a bit more seriously. We still had plenty of time for “revenge,” and as I watched the smoke and flames, I felt like my sins were really being taken away. It was certainly the high point of the retreat, even better than the communion service we had the next morning. Nailing our sins to the cross and then watching them vanish in smoke was pretty moving.

H I G H E R T H I N G S

But in the end, it was just a performance, and the cross was little more than a prop. And worse than that, I had found assurance in a manmade experience, more so than even the real thing, the forgiveness that is truly and concretely given in the Divinely instituted Sacrament of the Altar.

Self-chosen forms of religious devotion and man-made devises may seem to do the trick. We may come away with a mountaintop experience or feeling emotionally uplifted. But feelings can be deceived. Just because you felt something doesn’t mean that anything happened. The opposite is also true. You may not always feel strengthened and forgiven after hearing the Gospel or eating Christ’s Body and Blood. But that doesn’t mean that God isn’t working in you. Whether you noticed it or not, God was and is at work in you. Filling you with His life, refreshing you with His strength, cleansing you with His forgiveness, establishing you in His grace and kingdom and salvation. While events like our “sin burning”ceremony may do a good job in describing the forgiveness of sins, our Lord gives us the real thing in His absolving Word, and in the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Rev. Daniel Woodring is pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Michigan. He is the executive director of Higher Things.

Sacraments or Substitutes? by the Rev. Daniel Woodring

Life Changing Studies Christ Academy, like Concordia Theological Seminary, is centered on Christ crucified, who is present in His Word and Sacraments to forgive and dwell in His Church. Students of Christ Academy will study Exegetical, Systematic, Historical, and Pastoral Theology. Seminary professors, Concordia University professors, and pastors teach the classes. • “Christ Academy helped me to be more articulate about the Faith.” • “Being able to talk with the Profs at lunch and during free time was awesome.”

Worship, the Center of the Experience Students are engaged in the daily prayer life of the seminary. Attendees will join both professors and seminarians in daily worship services, which take place four times a day.

hrist Academy is a two-week residential program sponsored by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for high-school-aged young men of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. It is a place where students can study about Christ who is present in His Word and Sacraments and who died that our sins would be forgiven. It is a place where students can experience seminary life. It is a place where students can explore the possibility of some day becoming a pastor.

• “I really enjoyed it, especially once I realized the true significance of the liturgy.” • “Great! Services kept me focused throughout the day.” • “I think it’s a very beneficial characteristic of Christ Academy to be able to live here on campus and see what the atmosphere is like.”

Clarity of Direction Having a focus that’s uniquely Lutheran, Christ Academy explores the many facets of pastoral ministry and its application in the real world. • “I definitely want to become a pastor.” • “I know much more about the vocation of pastor. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of the Faith in our lives and reality of the effect of Word and Sacrament.” • “Christ Academy has helped me to look at life in a different perspective: that it is lived for Christ and our neighbor, in serving Him and our neighbor through love which Christ showed us in His life, death, and resurrection.”

Fun Activities

For more information about Christ Academy, please call the seminary 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

Life long friendships are made at the Academy. These friendships are strengthened through activities such as the trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the tour of churches, flag football, soccer, capture the flag, etc. Activities are designed to engage students in the whole of Christian life. • “He [God] has allowed me to make many friends, friends that have helped guide me through my life and friends I may one day share in the joy of being a pastor.” The next Christ Academy will take place from June 22–July 4, 2003.

Beauty on the Inside

By the Rev. David Petersen

FOR HUSBANDS AND WIVES From Luther's Table of Duties appended to the Small Catechism For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. 1 Peter 3:5-8 NKJ H I G H E R T H I N G S

braham's wife Sarah was very beautiful, and because of this Abraham was afraid that someone would kill him to take her.The ancient world was a violent place. Abraham hatched a plan. In order to avoid risking his life, he told King Abimelech that Sarah was his sister. He abandoned her, presented her to the king as a single woman so that he could have her without Abraham dying, and have no reason to be jealous of Abraham. Abimelech believed the lie. He found her desirable. On the basis of the lie he was planning on taking her for his wife. But God intervened and by His grace spared all three of them. Now here is something you may not have realized: Sarah was at least 75 years old at the time. The king could have had any woman he wanted, but he wanted Sarah. A wrinkly, gray-haired, hunchbacked old woman with sagging breasts and few teeth. Now, I don't really know what she looked like at 75. I know that she was older than 75 when she finally conceived and gave birth to Isaac. I suspect that at 75 she was actually quite fit and healthy. She probably was not hunchbacked or missing any teeth. I just said that to drive home the point that she was most certainly past what we consider desirable. For no matter how good she looked for her age, her age was still 75. Yet Abimelech and others found her desirable. It wasn't her figure. It wasn't her hair or her face. What attracted them was her strength and loyalty. She was the kind of person you wanted to be around. She was reliable, a hard worker, a good listener, and supportive. Think for a minute about your grandmother, who may not yet even be 75. What is she like? She probably isn't as svelte as she was at 25. She probably doesn't star in movies or model underwear for Calvin Klein. But is she the kind of person you could live with? Is she someone you can trust? Does she do little things for you like making blueberry pancakes, taking you out for ice cream or sewing a button back onto your shirt? My grandmother does those things.They are worth far more to me than a button or a blueberry. I know why, but I lack the words to express why. But I don't think I need to. I think you know what I mean. Now think back to Sarah and the beauty that Abimelech saw in her.That kind beauty doesn't fade with age or weight. It increases. Abimelech was wise to desire her. He saw through the wrinkles to a personality and character that were truly breathtaking. When you are sizing up your classmates for a date to the prom, I suggest you think about wrinkly old Sarah.Take a friend.Take someone you trust and enjoy being around. Look for beauty in the soul and you will never be disappointed.You may, in fact, find a gem. Maybe you are not in Abimelech's sandals. Maybe you are in Sarah's, for doesn't St. Peter say that you are Sarah's daughter? Maybe you are a gem, but shallow-thinking people don't notice. You are everyone's friend, but no one's date.There is consolation here for you, too. Beauty that is skin deep won't last. But beauty in your soul will. And there is someone who always notices. God. To Him you are precious, adorable, and special. He loved you enough to send His beloved onlybegotten son to rescue you from loneliness, despair, death and Hell, all at the cost of His own life. For Him who made and owns everything, you were worth more, worth the price of His son.You may not have a date to the prom, and I am sorry about that. I wish I could make them see how gorgeous and wonderful you really are. But proms fade.There are no proms in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;real worldâ&#x20AC;?. What you have is infinitely better.You have a bridegroom, a lover who dotes on you, cares for you, never lies, uses, or abuses you, who loves you just the way you are, that is, just the way He has made you: righteous, holy, immaculate, and pure.They can't take that away. The Rev. David Petersen is pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Scott A. Zeckzer Rev. Petersen said, “Beauty that is skin deep won’t last. But beauty in your soul will. And there is someone who always notices. God. To Him you are precious, adorable, and special. He loved you enough to send His beloved only-begotten Son to rescue you from loneliness, despair, death and Hell, all at the cost of His own life. For Him who made and owns everything, you were worth more, worth the price of His Son.” Often we try to buy beauty whether it is with clothes, shoes, make-up or whatever else is the latest fad. Take a look at the beginning of the Baptismal Liturgy: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Our Lord commanded Baptism, saying to his disciples in the last chapter of Matthew: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make Disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” The holy apostles of the Lord have written: “The promise is for you and your children,” and: “Baptism now saves you.” We also learn from the Word of God that we all are conceived and born sinful and are in need of forgiveness. We would be lost forever unless delivered from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. But the Father of all mercy and grace has sent his Son Jesus Christ, who atoned for the sin of the whole world that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The pastor turns to the candidate/candidates to be baptized: Receive the sign of the holy cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. 1.

What sign did the pastor place upon you? What does this say in how we are to look ourselves? What does this say in how we are to look at each other? The sign of the cross is placed upon the person to be baptized in order to show that God has placed His sign/mark upon that person. We are to look at ourselves as God’s child, holy, precious and special. We are to look at fellow baptized children of God as holy, precious and redeemed.

As baptized children of God we look at things of this world in a different way. As you think of “proms” and “dances” and “going out on dates” what does St. Paul say in Ephesians 4:17-24? What are we to “put off” and what are we to “put on”? Ephesians 4:17-24: “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!! - assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Point out the putting off the old self and putting on the new self created in the likeness of God and how daily remembering our baptism helps us to do that.

Read 1 Peter 3:5-12. How are Sarah’s daughters to view themselves? How are men to treat women? How are we to treat everyone? 1 Peter 3:5-12: “For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, Since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Sarah’s daughters view themselves as “gems” because they follow the Lord. Men are to treat women with respect and understanding. We are to treat everyone with sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind. The rest of the verses explain how we are treat one another.

Bible Study Rev. Scott A. Zeckzer Rev. Petersen said, “Beauty that is skin deep won’t last. But beauty in your soul will. And there is someone who always notices. God. To Him you are precious, adorable, and special. He loved you enough to send His beloved only-begotten Son to rescue you from loneliness, despair, death and Hell, all at the cost of His own life. For Him who made and owns everything, you were worth more, worth the price of His Son.” Often we try to buy beauty whether it is with clothes, shoes, make-up or whatever else is the latest fad. Take a look at the beginning of the Baptismal Liturgy: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Our Lord commanded Baptism, saying to his disciples in the last chapter of Matthew: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make Disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” The holy apostles of the Lord have written: “The promise is for you and your children,” and: “Baptism now saves you.” We also learn from the Word of God that we all are conceived and born sinful and are in need of forgiveness. We would be lost forever unless delivered from sin, death, and everlasting condemnation. But the Father of all mercy and grace has sent his Son Jesus Christ, who atoned for the sin of the whole world that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The pastor turns to the candidate/candidates to be baptized: Receive the sign of the holy cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.

What sign did the pastor place upon you? What does this say in how we are to look ourselves? What does this say in how we are to look at each other?

Read 1 Peter 3:5-12. How are Sarah’s daughters to view themselves? How are men to treat women? How are we to treat everyone?

Pastor Leonard Poppe Bible Study Leadersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide 1. What does Rev. Bird state are the aspects of "the image of God" that man was created in? They were righteous and holy, capable of perfect love, ruled over creation. 2. So, in many ways Adam and Eve were like God. How did God teach Adam that he was not God, that he was to obey and worship his Creator? See Genesis 2:15-17. God drew a line of distinction between Creator (Himself) and creature (man) at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, commanding them to not eat of it. Here they were required to obey God by not doing something simply because He said to not do it. As they stood before that tree and obeyed, they worshipped their Creator. 3. Then, Satan came along and tempted Adam and Eve. What desirable temptation did Satan dangle before their eyes? See Genesis 3:5. If they ate the forbidden fruit, they would "be like God." 4. What happened next -- did life get better for Adam and Eve? See Genesis 3:7, 8, 12, 16-19, 22-24. Not only did life get worse, the expected result of "being like God" did not occur. In fact, the image of God they were created in was shattered. They were less than what God created them to be. In a certain sense, sin makes man "less than human." 5. Briefly look at the genealogical list in Genesis 5. Check out the long lifespans! Did they all have the same lifespan? What is the common commentary for all these long-living men? How old was the oldest? How does his age compare with how long God intended man to live? They were not all the same age -- in fact, some lived far fewer years than others! The common trait listed in these verses that is shared by all these long-lived men (except Enoch) is "then he died." Methuselah is the oldest, living to the age of 969 years, but what is 969 years compared to God's desire for man to live forever? 969 years is way too short. 6. What does Rev. Bird mean when he uses the saying, "If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself"? He is applying this saying to God and what had to be done to save man and creation. God loves us so much that He could not "crumple up the whole ruined mess and toss it into a cosmic trash can." God's love compelled Him to do something to save us. Only one thing could be done -- He had to shed His own blood and give His life to save us. To do this, God had to become a man. 7. Rev. Bird says, "[God] deliberately chooses what we think is silly, foolish, or downright worthless to pull off His most important acts." Give examples that seemed to indicate nothing would come of Jesus. (Luke 2:12;2:24 and Lev. 12:8; Isaiah 53:2; Matthew 2:13; John 6:42; Matthew 27:42) Jesus was born in a stable, of all places; his family was dirt poor, unable to afford larger sacrifices; Jesus didn't look like He would amount to anything; a powerful king wanted to kill him!; Jesus was derided as the son of a carpenter -not Messiah material; Jesus' ministry was brought to an end (so it seemed) when He was executed, unable (actually, unwilling) to come down from the cross. 8. With such an impossibly humble life, what did God accomplish in Jesus? God accomplished our salvation through the un-glorious and humble life of Jesus.

Higher Things – “The Image of God” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 9. Rev. Bird emphasizes that there is a great distinction between man being created "IN" the image of God, and that Jesus "IS" the image of God. As it relates to the image of God, what is the difference between "IN" and "IS"? How much of Jesus is God? See 2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:15, 2:9. "In" indicates that the divine image was only reflected or shared in Adam; but Jesus "IS" the real deal, not merely "like" God, but "IS" God. Jesus is fully, 100% God. 10. Theologians say that Adam was "able to not sin," and that Jesus was "not able to sin." When it comes to the "image of God" being restored in you, which of those two would be most desirable? Being restored in Christ (rather than merely in the image of Adam), what will physical death mean for your sinful nature? It would be most desirable to finally be "not able to sin"! When the baptized in Christ die, the sinful nature is finally gone... but we will live. 11. Rev. Bird states, "Just as He became what you are, a human being, so you become what He is, sons of God.... etc." How can this be? See Galatians3:26-27, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16. In Baptism a wonderful transformation is begun. You are clothed in Christ; therefore the "image of God" doesn't hang on you -- it is the Lord's, Whom you are brought into. Some denominations place so much emphasis upon "Asking Jesus to come into your heart" -- but in Baptism you are brought into Jesus' clean and pure heart. Also, baptism brings you into Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. Therefore, you owe no sacrifice, and you will live even though you die. Baptism washes you clean -- as clean and holy and righteous as Jesus.

Pastor Leonard Poppe Bible Study 1. What does Rev. Bird state are the aspects of "the image of God" that man was created in? 2. So, in many ways Adam and Eve were like God. How did God teach Adam that he was not God, that he was to obey and worship his Creator? See Genesis 2:15-17. 3. Then, Satan came along and tempted Adam and Eve. What desirable temptation did Satan dangle before their eyes? See Genesis 3:5. 4. What happened next -- did life get better for Adam and Eve? See Genesis 3:7, 8, 12, 16-19, 22-24. 5. Briefly look at the genealogical list in Genesis 5. Check out the long lifespans! Did they all have the same lifespan? What is the common commentary for all these long-living men? How old was the oldest? How does his age compare with how long God intended man to live? 6. What does Rev. Bird mean when he uses the saying, "If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself"? 7. Rev. Bird says, "[God] deliberately chooses what we think is silly, foolish, or downright worthless to pull off His most important acts." Give examples that seemed to indicate nothing would come of Jesus. (Luke 2:12;2:24 and Lev. 12:8; Isaiah 53:2; Matthew 2:13; John 6:42; Matthew 27:42) 8. With such an impossibly humble life, what did God accomplish in Jesus? 9. Rev. Bird emphasizes that there is a great distinction between man being created "IN" the image of God, and that Jesus "IS" the image of God. As it relates to the image of God, what is the difference between "IN" and "IS"? How much of Jesus is God? See 2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:15, 2:9. 10. Theologians say that Adam was "able to not sin," and that Jesus was "not able to sin." When it comes to the "image of God" being restored in you, which of those two would be most desirable? Being restored in Christ (rather than merely in the image of Adam), what will physical death mean for your sinful nature? 11. Rev. Bird states, "Just as He became what you are, a human being, so you become what He is, sons of God.... etc." How can this be? See Galatians3:26-27, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16.

Pastor Rick Anderegg Bible Study Leaders’ Guide I.

Have you ever felt the way Mrs. Lewis did, desperately wanting God to do something dramatic in your life? A. What role are we playing if/when we think God must show us His power in the way we want to see it, with the type of “voice” we want to hear? Although the question is somewhat ambiguous, the leader is encouraged to help the youth begin to realize that we are creating our “own image” of God when we expect Him to act according to our desires. We are therefore taking over God’s role. B. It’s normal for Christians to want God to show himself in personal and powerful ways. But it can also be sinful. What commandment do we break if we try to create God in our image? We are breaking the first commandment, because we are putting ourselves above God. By expecting Him to do things the way we think He should we, in effect, “play God.” The Lord is in charge of when, where, and how He acts in this world.

II. How does God show Himself to His Creation? Does He always act in the type of dramatic ways we would like, or is He often subtle? A. Read Psalm 104:10-18. Discuss the different things that keep us from seeing the “splendor and majesty” the Psalmist describes in Psalm 104:1. God is acting in our world by sustaining His creation, causing things to grow, creating and maintaining the “water cycle,” and much more. We may not see these things because they seem “normal.” Worse yet, some people use scientific explanations to understand these things. But they too are powerful and “dramatic.” Invest some time in having the participants discuss how and why we are always looking for more from God. B. If time permits, read 1 Kings 19:9b-18. Do you think Elijah was surprised that God spoke in a “gentle whisper?” It is likely the author of the text deliberately points out that God was in the “gentle whisper,” because it was surprising. Most would expect Him to be “in” the earthquake, or the fire. These are dramatic things. But God often chooses a subtle form of communicating with His creation. C. Elijah was blessed to actually hear God. Moses too heard the voice of the Almighty. And there were others. How does God promise to “speak” to people today? Read Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Because God has spoken to us through His Son, the apostles wrote words that pointed to Christ, and all Scripture is God-breathed we can and should (must?!) rely on God’s Word. Here is where we find God working and acting in our lives. The leader may also point out that God also acts in such “subtle” ways as water and bread and wine. They are His ways of delivering salvation and the very own body and blood of Jesus to us. III. Many Christians struggle with questions of whether or not their faith is strong enough. Ultimately, Who is responsible for every aspect of our faith? A. Read Mark 9:14-27. How does it help to know that even the disciples were unable to heal the man’s son? How might the father’s prayer serve as a model for us today, especially during times we feel our faith isn’t strong enough? Upon whom should we rely if/when that happens? Perhaps the participants will be comforted to know that even Jesus’ very own disciples found themselves lacking faith. This is not the only time it happened, either. Thus, it seems clear that all men and women will have times of “little faith.” We can find comfort in asking God to help us with our unbelief also. We can rely on Him and His Word. We should go back to His Word or talk with a pastor when we have questions or doubts about our faith. We should also remember our baptism and, when we have confirmed our faith, receive the Lord’s Supper. These are all ways God works to strengthen us. B. What did Mrs. Lewis need to hear, during her search? In “Lutheran terms,” what do doubting Christians need to hear: Law or Gospel? Gospel! Only the Gospel nourishes faith. The Law shows us our need for nourishment, but the Gospel gives us what we need. Again, point to God’s Word, Sacraments, pastors, and fellow Christians who will speak a word of comfort and help participants when they doubt.

Higher Things – “Light in the Auditorium” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 IV. Have you ever known someone who intimidated you with his or her faith? A. Suppose one Christian’s faith is stronger than another’s. How should that Christian treat his brother or sister? Should such a Christian speak Law or Gospel? Read 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 and Romans 14:1. The question may be slightly misleading, at first. While a Christian may need to speak Law to another Christian, when that Christian is sinning, it is only to prepare for the Gospel. Part of our responsibility to each other is to encourage. When Christians act as though another Christian’s doubt is some type of “character flaw,” they do not build up the church. B. Have you ever known anyone who “faked” strong faith? Mrs. Lewis found many Christians who had convinced themselves their faith was stronger than hers. What phrases did they use to describe their churches? Read 1 Corinthians 10:12. What should such a person remember? Have participants locate the phrases the author used and examine them. Are those phrases expressing Law or Gospel? Help participants understand that a Christian may not be deliberately “faking” strong faith, because we all want to have a strong faith. But they may be fooling themselves into thinking that “positive thinking” is the same as faith. Every Christian should be careful that they do not become too prideful or arrogant. For when we think we are standing we are perhaps most prone to fall. C. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Who helps us when we are faced with temptation? What could happen when Christians think they can handle things on their own? God helps us when we are tempted, even if we are tempted to think our faith is stronger than it really is. Point the participants to the Gospel and help them understand that God is always with us. We should never try to “go it alone” with our faith. We need to attend church (the Divine Service), read God’s Word, receive the Sacrament, and more NOT because we want to earn our salvation, etc. but because these are the ways that God helps us overcome our doubt and become stronger in our faith.

Pastor Rick Anderegg Bible Study I.

Have you ever felt the way Mrs. Lewis did, desperately wanting God to do something dramatic in your life? A. What role are we playing if/when we think God must show us His power in the way we want to see it, with the type of “voice” we want to hear? B. It’s normal for Christians to want God to show himself in personal and powerful ways. But it can also be sinful. What commandment do we break if we try to create God in our image?

B. What did Mrs. Lewis need to hear, during her search? In “Lutheran terms,” what do doubting Christians need to hear: Law or Gospel? IV. Have you ever known someone who intimidated you with his or her faith? A. Suppose one Christian’s faith is stronger than another’s. How should that Christian treat his brother or sister? Should such a Christian speak Law or Gospel? Read 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 and Romans 14:1. B. Have you ever known anyone who “faked” strong faith? Mrs. Lewis found many Christians who had convinced themselves their faith was stronger than hers. What phrases did they use to describe their churches? Read 1 Corinthians 10:12. What should such a person remember? C. Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Who helps us when we are faced with temptation? What could happen when Christians think they can handle things on their own?

Pastor Timothy Schellenbach Bible Study Leaders’ Guide I.

Pastor Woodring writes about the card-burning ceremony, “It was certainly the high point of the retreat, even better than the communion service we had the next morning. Nailing our sins to the cross and then watching them vanish in smoke was pretty moving.” A. Read Romans 7:23-25. Did Pastor Woodring have a reason to find the idea that his sins were taken away and destroyed “pretty moving”? Certainly. Realizing that one is a sinner and that our flesh constantly wars against what our Creator would have us do, is not a fun thing to realize. Especially when we think back on the many times and many ways we have given in to our sinful natures. The idea that those sins no longer exist as far as God is concerned is the most wonderful news imaginable. B. Was he right to find his assurance that those sins were taken away in the burning of those cards? No. God had not promised to work through that method. There is nothing in Scripture that tells us that if we write our sins on cards, nail them to a pretend cross, and then take them down and burn them, that means our sins are forgiven. C. Review what the Small Catechism says about Holy Communion, especially regarding its benefits. Evaluate the statement that the experience was “even better than the communion service.” While it may have seemed more meaningful at the time, the card burning did not rely on God’s promises and therefore nothing really happened. On the other hand, to eat Christ’s body and drink His blood “for the forgiveness of sins” is to receive nothing less than eternal life and salvation. This was the real solution to the problem in which Pastor Woodring found himself as a sinner, even though he didn’t recognize it at the time. For any Christian to look for and find assurances in something manmade instead of what God had given is to reject God’s gifts.

II. Later Pastor Woodring judged the experience as fake: “But in the end, it was just a performance, and the cross was little more than a prop.” A. Can God ever work through such “performances”? Is there a sense in which these sorts of “performances” can be rightly used? If clearly explained as a teaching tool and nothing more, it is possible that this sort of thing could serve as an illustration, a picture, of what God has done with our sins in Christ Jesus. Having said that, I would consider it unwise to use an illustration such as this one, which can be misunderstood far to easily as if the ceremony were actually accomplishing the destruction of our sins rather than simply providing us with a picture of what God did with our sins in Jesus Christ on the real cross. Especially since Pastor Woodring misunderstood it at the time in exactly that way, I suspect that no such explaining was done at the time and that the youth leader himself may even have seen this ceremony as more than just a teaching tool, unfortunately. But it is still true that “object lessons” of this sort can serve as teaching tools, illustrations, of some aspect of Christian doctrine, if explained very carefully. (The reason this question is asked is so the students don’t get the idea that all “object lessons” or “performances” are inherently wrong or sinful, even though they can be misunderstood and misused as this one seems to have been.) B. Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Compare what the Small Catechism answers to the question, “Who receives this Sacrament worthily?” Is what is said here of the Lord’s Supper true of these sorts of “performances”? No. There is no sense in which one participates in these kinds of “performances” in an unworthy manner, while St. Paul points out some serious consequences if one partakes of the Lord’s Supper in unbelief. C. What does this say about the difference between the Lord’s Supper and the card-nailing and -burning ceremony? The Lord’s Supper is an objective reality, that is, it’s something that is true and real and happening whether or not you believe it or appreciate it. Christ’s body and blood which were given and shed for our sins are really there, united with the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper even in the case of those who don’t believe or reject what Scripture says on the subject. This tells us that something real is happening that doesn’t depend on our feelings or ideas. This is not true of a mere “performance” that man invents to illustrate the forgiveness of sins.

Higher Things - Sacraments or Substitutes Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 III. Regarding the Lord’s Supper, Pastor Woodring writes, “You may not always feel strengthened and forgiven after hearing the Gospel or eating Christ’s Body and Blood. But that doesn’t mean that God isn’t working in you. Whether you notice it or not, God was and is at work in you, filling you with His life, refreshing you with His strength, cleansing you with His forgiveness, establishing you in His grace and kingdom and salvation.” A. Sometimes the impression is given that unless you “feel something” when you partake of the Supper, you have partaken unworthily. Is this true? No. If you partake in unbelief, in denial of what God gives you in the supper, that’s one thing. But your feelings aren’t part of that. As a sinner and saint at the same time, you feel all sorts of emotions that don’t correspond to what God says about you in His Word. In fact, if you had to “feel” a certain way in order to be sure that God had really forgiven your sins, you’d never be sure, since as saints and sinners at the same time our feelings are never perfectly in tune with God’s will. B. Does this mean we should be careless about how we receive the Lord’s Supper? Of course not. The warnings Paul gives us in 1 Corinthians are serious, and we should make every effort to examine ourselves to be sure that we are receiving our Lord’s body and blood in faith. C. If you do at times receive the Lord’s supper a bit more casually than you should, or you get distracted by other thoughts, how should you respond when you realize this? Certainly you should ask forgiveness that, even though your spirit is willing, your flesh is weak. But at the same time, thank God that He has still given you His Son’s body and blood for your salvation despite the weakness of your flesh. Partaking in weakness or distraction is not the same thing as partaking in unbelief. Since the Lord’s Supper is something that God gives you objectively, His blessings are yours even though you are sometimes too weak to fully appreciate what He has given you. This, also, is not true of “object lessons” or “performances.”

Pastor Timothy Schellenbach Bible Study I.

B. Review what the Small Catechism says about Holy Communion, especially regarding its benefits. Evaluate the statement that the experience was “even better than the communion service.” II. Later Pastor Woodring judged the experience as fake: “But in the end, it was just a performance, and the cross was little more than a prop.” A. Can God ever work through such “performances”? Is there a sense in which these sorts of “performances” can be rightly used? B. Read 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Compare what the Small Catechism answers to the question, “Who receives this Sacrament worthily?” Is what is said here of the Lord’s Supper true of these sorts of “performances”? C. What does this say about the difference between the Lord’s Supper and the card-nailing and -burning ceremony?

III. Regarding the Lord’s Supper, Pastor Woodring writes, “You may not always feel strengthened and forgiven after hearing the Gospel or eating Christ’s Body and Blood. But that doesn’t mean that God isn’t working in you. Whether you notice it or not, God was and is at work in you, filling you with His life, refreshing you with His strength, cleansing you with His forgiveness, establishing you in His grace and kingdom and salvation.” A. Sometimes the impression is given that unless you “feel something” when you partake of the Supper, you have partaken unworthily. Is this true? B. Does this mean we should be careless about how we receive the Lord’s Supper? C. If you do at times receive the Lord’s supper a bit more casually than you should, or you get distracted by other thoughts, how should you respond when you realize this?

Pastor Glenn Niemann Bible Study Leaders’ Guide H2O. Two parts Hydrogen to one part Oxygen: Though a simple formula, it is one which God created as the basis for all of life (II Peter 3:5). You’ve seen the statistics, how the human body alone is c. 90% water; the burgeoning “bottled water” market these days alone goes to demonstrate our yearning – our need - for pure, clean water. Yet add any other element – NaCl, sodium chloride, common salt, for example – to God’s recipe and this “simple,” life-giving formula quickly becomes life-risking … indeed, deadly! 2 Discuss how we were created in the image of God (perfect, holy, sinless, i.e. pure“H O”), but ever since the Fall to sin, we are now imperfect, unholy, and sinful (i,e, now “saltwater”) I.

Temptation – Rubbing salt into the wounds of sin. A. In the following verses, discuss how original sin is magnified when we fall to the stinging temptations of this world. Joshua 7:21- coveting money I Kings 11:4 – lust, false religion Mark 10:35ff – fame & higher position I Timothy 6:9ff – temptation of riches B. Who is constantly adding salt to the original “formula”? i.e., “the devil made me do it” Genesis 3:1ff Matthew 4:3 II Corinthians 11:3 C. Yet we can’t let him take all the blame, can we? Genesis 3:6 – temptations “look good” Proverbs 1:10 – we consent to sin Matthew 26:41 – the sinful flesh is weak James 1:13-14 – our own desire sins

II. The Lifeboat – Staying alive in a sea of temptation. Pr. Tim Pauls’ article in this issue of Higher Things makes the analogy between the Church and a lifeboat. In I Peter 3:18-22, we are reminded how the Baptismal Font is the Ark that carries us through the stormy, salt-water seas of this life all the way to the safe harbor of life everlasting. A. First off, Who has placed us into His life-giving boat? – Christ, our Lord and Savior Luke 8:22-25 B. How does having Him along in the boat help us? I Corinthians 10:13 – He helps us James 1:12 – He gives the crown of life Hebrews 2:18 – He endured temptation Revelation 3:10 – His Word helps endure

Higher Things Bible Study Issue #3.1 – The Lifeboat Pastor Glenn Niemann

Student Questions H2 O. Two parts Hydrogen to one part Oxygen Though a simple formula, it is one which God created as the basis for all of life (II Peter 3:5). You’ve seen the statistics, how the human body alone is c. 90% water; the burgeoning “bottled water” market these days alone goes to demonstrate our yearning – our need - for pure, clean water. Yet add any other element – NaCl, sodium chloride, common salt, for example – to God’s recipe and this “simple,” life- giving formula quickly becomes life-risking … indeed, deadly! I.

Temptation – rubbing salt in the wounds of sin

In the following verses, discuss how our original sin is magnified when we fall to the stinging temp tations of this world. Joshua 7:21 I Kings 11:4

Mark 10:35ff I Timothy 6:9

Who is constantly adding salt to the original “formula”? Genesis 3:1ff II Corinthians 11:3

Matthew 4:3

Yet we can’t let him take all the blame, can we? Genesis 3:6 Proverbs 1:10

II.

Matthew 26:41 James 1:13-14

The Lifeboat – staying alive in a sea of temptation

Pr. Tim Pauls’ article in this issue of Higher Things makes the analogy between the Church and a lifeboat. In I Peter 3:18-22, we are reminded how the Baptismal Font is the Ark that carries us through the stormy, salt-water seas of this life all the way to the safe harbor of life everlasting. First off, Who has placed us into His life-giving boat? Luke 8:22-25 How does having Him along in the boat help us? I Corinthians 10:13 Hebrews 2:18

James 1:12 Revelation 3:10

Pastor Mark Selby and Pastor Erik Rottman Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rick Baue stated, “The best way for Christians to address any issue in life is not through trying to read God’s mind (WWJD), but through God’s Word.” And while the Bible does not specifically prohibit body art for New Testament Christians, there are some specific passages that may be considered when debating whether or not to do it. I.

Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12). A. Rick noted, “It is sinful to disobey your parents.” Which commandment is he talking about? Discuss God might have given us this commandment. God does not give the commandments because He wants to make life difficult, or even because He wants us to make Him happy. He gives us the commandments for our good: our safety and preservation. Think of some analogies that you can use to explain this idea to the class. Here is one: A father forbids his child to touch a hot stove, because he wants to protect the child from harm. In the same way, a parent might forbid body art, not because they are grumpy old people, but because they want to guard and protect their child from danger. Maybe they fear transmittable diseases. Maybe they fear the cultural environment that embraces body art. Maybe they are trying to protect their child from a difficult future. The reasons for a parent to forbid body art – all of which are rooted in love – are countless. As an additional point, you might discuss with the class this idea that, if my parents forbid body art, I’ll just wait th until I’m 18. Then they can’t stop me. How does such thinking compare to the 4 commandment? B. When the Bible does not specifically address a certain issue, what role do parents and other authorities play in decision-making? From whom does all authority come? See Matthew 28:18, John 19:11 and Romans 13:1 When the Bible does not specifically address an issue, God-given authority can and will. For example, the Bible says nothing about how fast we ought to drive in our cars. But the government does. And since the government is established by God and all authority comes from Him, obedience to the government means obedience to God. Of course, this can only go so far as the Bible will allow. When the government commands or forbids something contrary to the Scriptures, we respond with Acts 5:29. This issue of authority applies directly to the question of body art: When those who are our God-given authorities forbid an action, it is as if God has forbidden it Himself. When they command an action, it is as if God commanded it Himself. Discuss how this applies not only to the government, but also to parents or guardians.

II. Identity Crisis A. Rick also pointed out the temptation to say to the world, “Love me.” Body art seeks personal attention. But what does St. Paul have to say about modest dress? See 1 Timothy 2:8-10. In what way might these verses be applied to the question of body art? Christian faith does not concern itself with personal attention, but it lives modestly and discretely in this world. Body art screams, “Look at me! I am different than everyone else!” This might be a good opportunity to open discussion up to the topic of “fitting in.” In what way is it a good thing to fit in? When might it become dangerous? B. Take a look at the way St. Paul describes the Church in Romans 12:4-5 and Colossians 1:18. Do the individual members of this body compete for attention, or do they operate together in a different way? According to St. Paul, the Church is a body comprised of many members, the head of which is Christ. As a body, the Church works together with one another. The members are not concerned with being noticed, but rather, with co-existing and working together as one unit.

Higher Things – “To Do or Not Tattoo?” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 C. See if Matthew 6:1-4 to the question of body art. As compared to the “look at me” attitude of body art, how does Christian faith conduct itself in this world? And when the world does not see you, who does? Of course, Matthew 6:1-4 speaks about giving to the poor. But the idea behind Jesus’ words here is our life together in the body of Christ, not seeking to draw individual attention to self. We do good deeds because of who we are, not because of who might notice us. Perhaps this is applicable to body art: we present our bodies in a certain way because of who we are in Christ, not because of who might notice us. And when the world does not notice, our gracious heavenly Father sees us in secret. Better by far to be noticed by Him! III. True Identity A. Our culture’s slogan could be, “It’s my body and I can do what I want to.” According to 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, to whom does your body belong? We belong to our God, not only because He created us, but also because His Son redeemed us with His suffering and death. B. Not only are we created by God, but also redeemed by Him. Look at the following passages and see what length the Lord has gone to give you your identity: Titus 3:5-8, Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 5:26. In Holy Baptism, we receive the mark of Christian identity. This mark is invisible to the eyes of the world, but clearly seen by our Father in heaven. The Christ is our clothing, our adornment, our identity, even our “body art,” if you will. Because of the mark He has given us, we are identified as the children of God. C. Finally, take a look at Revelation 14:1 and 22:4. Discuss what sort of “body art” these verses might be talking about. How long will this “art” last? These verses sound a lot like the mark of Holy Baptism, by which we are identified before God in heaven.

Pastor Mark Selby and Pastor Erik Rottman Bible Study Rick Baue stated, “The best way for Christians to address any issue in life is not through trying to read God’s mind (WWJD), but through God’s Word.” And while the Bible does not specifically prohibit body art for New Testament Christians, there are some specific passages that may be considered when debating whether or not to do it. I.

Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12). A. Rick noted, “It is sinful to disobey your parents.” Which commandment is he talking about? Discuss God might have given us this commandment.

B. When the Bible does not specifically address a certain issue, what role do parents and other authorities play in decision-making? From whom does all authority come? See Matthew 28:18, John 19:11 and Romans 13:1

B. Take a look at the way St. Paul describes the Church in Romans 12:4-5 and Colossians 1:18. Do the individual members of this body compete for attention, or do they operate together in a different way?

C. See if Matthew 6:1-4 to the question of body art. As compared to the “look at me” attitude of body art, how does Christian faith conduct itself in this world? And when the world does not see you, who does?

III. True Identity A. Our culture’s slogan could be, “It’s my body and I can do what I want to.” According to 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, to whom does your body belong?

B. Not only are we created by God, but also redeemed by Him. Look at the following passages and see what length the Lord has gone to give you your identity: Titus 3:5-8, Galatians 3:26-27, Ephesians 5:26.

C. Finally, take a look at Revelation 14:1 and 22:4. Discuss what sort of “body art” these verses might be talking about. How long will this “art” last?

Pastor David Kind Bible Study Leaders’ Guide 1. The temptation presented to Christians is to compromise with the world’s way of thinking. A. Should the Christian ever compromise on something that the Scriptures teach? See Deuteronomy 4:2; II Thessalonians 2:15; and Proverbs 7:1-3. (As an additional source for conversation, see Sirach 2:15 from the apocrypha, if you have it available). The Christian is commanded to keep and treasure God’s Word. He or she can never compromise or reject it, for to do so is to reject God Himself, who spoke it. Compromising God’s Word is in reality an act of idolatry, setting one’s self up as judge over what God has said. B. How does the world’s way of thinking measure up to God’s thoughts? See I Corinthians 3:18-19; Isaiah 55:8-9; and Colossians 2:4, 6-8. The thoughts and philosophies of our world are in opposition to God’s own thoughts. His ways are far higher, and yet seem foolish to our world. Nevertheless, they are wise beyond measure and always right. 2. Many argue that what the Scriptures teach concerning homosexuality is no longer applicable, that is, that it is something derived from culture, not from God Himself. A. God calls homosexuality “an abomination” in Leviticus 18:22 and “against nature” in Romans 1:22-28. For what purpose did God create human beings as sexual and relational creatures? See Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, and Psalm 127. God creates human sexuality for the re-joining of man and woman into one flesh, the result of which is ordinarily children, who personify the union. B. What is the greater significance behind human sexuality and marriage? Is homosexuality consistent with this? See Ephesians 5:22-33. The union of man and wife, both in terms of marriage and in terms of sexuality is intended by God to teach us about Christ and His Church. Homosexuality changes the image significantly and fails to reflect the foundational reality of love and marriage, which is the union of Christ with His Bride. This is the basis upon which all matters of sexuality must be considered. 3. The Church is being challenged by the world to change its position on homosexuality. Already in other denominations homosexual unions are being blessed, practicing homosexuals are being ordained into the ministry, and heterosexuals are being taught that they must be accepting of all this. A. Why can the Church never change its doctrine with regard to homosexuality? And what does it say about the Church if it were to do so? See John 14:24, Malachi 3:6 & Isaiah 30:9-11. The Church cannot change its position because the doctrine (which means “teaching”) is given by God. God does not change. To change our teaching would be deceptive and would bring harm to both ourselves and those whom we would be deceiving. Sin is nothing to fool around with. It is damnable. It separates us from the love of God. If the Church says a particular sin is now “OK” what hope does the sinner have of repenting and receiving forgiveness? B. What would the Church be doing if it said that homosexuality was good and acceptable before God? And what does the Lord warn concerning such teaching? See Mark 7:7; Isaiah 5:20; II Peter 2:1-2; Proverbs 17:15, & 24:24-25. We would be exchanging the truth of God for a convenient and popular lie. We would be calling evil good, and would thus become false prophets who actually teach against what God has commanded and said. Such a move would alienate us and our hearers from the Lord, and would bring His wrath. C. What are the pastors of the Church charged by Christ to do? See II Timothy 4:1-5. The church and her pastors are commanded to preach His Word and to rebuke, exhort, etc. against sin and toward repentance unto life. Individual Christians are to confess the truth of God’s Word before the world.

Higher Things – “What is the World Coming To?” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 4. God requires sinners to repent of their sins and to fight against sinning. A. What does repentance entail? II Corinthians 7:10 Repentance entails a godly sorrow over sin, a rejection of the sin, and a turning toward God for mercy, help, and strength. B. What promise does God give to the penitent sinner? Acts 26:18 & Proverbs 28:13 God promises to be gracious to the penitent and to forgive them. C. Where, finally, does the struggling Christian find his or her rest? See Matthew 11:28-30. What is the substance of this rest? Rest in the struggle against sin is found only in Christ, who forgives and gives peace of mind and conscience. The substance of the rest is Christ Himself, who alone is our hope before the judgment seat of God and who has given Himself for our salvation.

Pastor David Kind Bible Study 1. The temptation presented to Christians is to compromise with the world’s way of thinking. A. Should the Christian ever compromise on something that the Scriptures teach? See Deuteronomy 4:2; II Thessalonians 2:15; and Proverbs 7:1-3. (As an additional source for conversation, see Sirach 2:15 from the apocrypha, if you have it available). . B. How does the world’s way of thinking measure up to God’s thoughts? See I Corinthians 3:18-19; Isaiah 55:8-9; and Colossians 2:4, 6-8. 2. Many argue that what the Scriptures teach concerning homosexuality is no longer applicable, that is, that it is something derived from culture, not from God Himself. A. God calls homosexuality “an abomination” in Leviticus 18:22 and “against nature” in Romans 1:22-28. For what purpose did God create human beings as sexual and relational creatures? See Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6, and Psalm 127. B. What is the greater significance behind human sexuality and marriage? Is homosexuality consistent with this? See Ephesians 5:22-33. 3. The Church is being challenged by the world to change its position on homosexuality. Already in other denominations homosexual unions are being blessed, practicing homosexuals are being ordained into the ministry, and heterosexuals are being taught that they must be accepting of all this. A. Why can the Church never change its doctrine with regard to homosexuality? And what does it say about the Church if it were to do so? See John 14:24, Malachi 3:6 & Isaiah 30:9-11. B. What would the Church be doing if it said that homosexuality was good and acceptable before God? And what does the Lord warn concerning such teaching? See Mark 7:7; Isaiah 5:20; II Peter 2:1-2; Proverbs 17:15, & 24:24-25. C. What are the pastors of the Church charged by Christ to do? See II Timothy 4:1-5. 4. God requires sinners to repent of their sins and to fight against sinning. A. What does repentance entail? II Corinthians 7:10 B. What promise does God give to the penitent sinner? Acts 26:18 & Proverbs 28:13 C. Where, finally, does the struggling Christian find his or her rest? See Matthew 11:28-30. What is the substance of this rest?

Pastor Robin Fish, Sr. Bible Study 1. Kathy Luder describes a common situation: We often find ourselves facing troubles, problems, and irritations that make us feel particularly burdened. She also reminds us of God’s Word in 1 Corinthians 10:13. What does this verse say? How did Kathy apply it to her situation?

2. What other comfort does 1 Corinthians 10:13 offer?

3. She found comfort in the truth that we each have troubles. How does Galatians 6:5 remind us of the same thing? How do you square that with Galatians 6:2?

4. What was Kathy doing that Scripture warns us against? (See Galatians 6:4) If we let discontentment get a hold on us, how dangerous could it be? What does James 1:26 suggest that might apply in such a case? How was the condition of Kathy’s heart similar to what James writes about? How did she prove it was different?

5. In what way might 1 Corinthians 10:24 be helpful in a case like this one?

6. One passage that can be helpful in handling our feelings in such circumstances is 1 Timothy 6:6. How might you apply these words to this sort of situation? What do the next two verses add to our “tool-box” for dealing with frustrations like Kathy described? Other than comparing her blessings to someone else’s, what do these verses suggest was working on Kathy’s mind that she did not need?

7. Kathy struggled with two things – her zits, and her friend. How does her faith shape her perspective of these things? How does her response reflect the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35? What does that say about Kathy?

8. Some might say that this is not important, and it is just part of the pain of growing up, and not worth a Bible Study. How would you apply James 1:16 to such an attitude?

2002 Winter - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

Articles inside

Beauty on the Inside

Sacraments or Substitutes

Zits in the Tent

What’s the World Coming To?

Light in the Auditorium

Don’t Drink the Water

A Day in the Life of the Luther Parsonage

To Do or Not Tattoo

The Image of God