W W W. H I G H E RT H I N G S . O R G
/ SUMMER / 2003
from
the
editor-in-chief Who you gonna call? As a pastor
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, I am sometimes involved with teenagers and their families who are going through “difficult times.” This may be everything from trouble at school, grades, relationship problems, running away from home, even drugs and alcohol or worse. Humanly speaking, some of the solutions are simple, while others are incredibly painful. Sometimes it seems like there is no solution at all. It just keeps getting worse. These can be terribly hard times for both the teenager and their parents. Frustration can lead to resentment which leads to anger and hatred. How does one get out of these messes of life? This, of course, isn’t just true for young people. We adults sometimes like to box the problems and challenges of youth into a separate category that require special answers. But when we do so, oftentimes what is lost is the basic reality of sin and forgiveness. Sin is what causes all of the problems in life, whether you’re thirteen, thirty-three or ninety-three. It destroys relationships, breaks down communication, and causes anger and hatred to well up toward the people we love the most. It should never surprise us that life stinks, or that terrible things happen. That’s what sin does. But what Christ does is forgive sins and bring life and salvation to us. That is always His work. He longs to see you come into His presence, cast your cares upon Him, raise you from the dead, and bring you up out of the depths to continue in your life. There is no problem too great that He can’t solve. Now that doesn’t mean that the problems will go away. Some problems are only solved in eternity. But they will be brought to an end. That is what Christ does for you. When I work with the members of my parish, no matter what their age, I share with them this message of sin and forgiveness, Law and Gospel. If you are faced with messes you can’t fix and problems you can’t solve, talk to your pastor. If he is anything like this pastor, he wants to give you Jesus. And that is who you need the most. Yours in Christ, Pr.Todd Peperkorn Editor-in-Chief Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran
FEATURES 4
The World of Cults and the Occult
T A B L E
O F
CONTENTS
By Rev. Larry Nichols
What are the marks of a cult? What are different types of occult practices? Rev. Larry Nichols defines the basics, while focusing on God’s Word for direction.
7 What I Thought I Knew By Rev. Dr. Kent Heimbigner
An ex-Mormon describes the lure of the cults and the saving grace of Jesus Christ for those who stray.
12 Role-Playing in the Heavenlies: How Giving Up Dungeons and Dragons Turned Me into a Nerd By Rev. Daniel Woodring
Are demons lurking behind role-playing games? Rev. Daniel Woodring reflects on spiritual warfare and the victory of the conquering Christ.
14 God Armeth the Patriot By Kathryn Ann Hill
Does God give special blessings to war heroes? A Scottish hero’s story helps us ponder faith and patriotism.
17 Choosing a College: What Are Your Priorities? By Joanna Veith
Which college to attend can be a life-changing decision. Instead of relying on glossy flyers from the admissions office, search for a great congregation where your faith can be nourished during college years.
18 War Is Hell By Rev. Scott E. Stiegemeyer
The common phrase “war is hell” describes the horror of the battlefield. But is war as bad as hell gets?
20 Living in Christ on Campus By Prof. John T. Pless
College years are not a time to put your Christian life in storage but instead can be time for growth in the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
22 Never a Dull Moment By Rick Baue
What is college life really like? Rick Baue does undercover work to find the skinny on what college students do in their free time.
24 Anchors Aweigh! By Rev. Marcus Zill
Sailing on uncharted waters to college this fall? Prepare for the journey with some advice from a campus pastor.
COLUMNS 11 News and Notes 26 PULSE: TV Shows By Rev. Eric R. Andrae
29 Ex Cathedra: From Advice to Absurdity 30 The Catechism: The Person of the Devil By Rev. David Petersen
HigherThings Volume 3/Number 2 Summer 2003 Editor-in-Chief REV. TODD PEPERKORN Assistant Editor JULIE STIEGEMEYER
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HIGHER THINGS, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS President REV. KLEMET
PREUS
Vice President REV. MARCUS
ZILL
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REV. BRUCE KESEMAN SANDRA OSTAPOWICH REV. TODD PEPERKORN 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 2003. Printed in the United States. Postage paid at Fort Wayne, Indiana. For subscription information, write to: Higher Things Magazine, P.O. Box 8098, Fort Wayne IN 46898 or e-mail to Subscriptions@higherthings.org. For general information about Higher Things, Inc., please e-mail info@higherthings.org.
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Cults and Scene 1. “Pastor, my friend Joe is into Wicca. I tried telling him about Jesus. He tells me that Jesus was just a man. He says that Jesus is fine for me, but that he has his own religion.” “Oh,” I replied.“What else did your friend say?” “He said that there is no such thing as sin. God is really a goddess! We Wiccans celebrate the life of the planet and believe in the power of magic and the power of ‘whatever.’”
Scene 2. A message on an answering machine one morning:“Hi Pastor. I won’t be coming to church anymore. I am no longer a Lutheran. I’m a true believer now. I’ve joined Campus Advance.”
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Scene 3. “Pastor, could you help my son Steven? He is in a Dungeons and Dragons cult. He got arrested while role-playing a shoplifter. He wants to get out of it, but his friends threatened to kill him.What can we do?”
the Occult By Rev. Larry Nichols
Welcome to the world of the cults and the occult.These three scenarios among many more were the beginnings of actual encounters I have had with people over the years. Many young people reading this no doubt have friends who have gotten interested and involved in some cult or occult group. Cults Cults are groups that exercise dominance and control over the mind. Many times they have a leader who claims to communicate directly with God.They are not accountable.You cannot ask questions. The fastest growing cult on college campuses today is Campus Advance. It was originally called the Boston Church of Christ. It then became known as the International Church of Christ. Members are assigned a “discipler” who checks up on them every day, making sure they are praying, planning to come to church etc. When the new member confesses a lapse to the discipler, this information could be used against them later for further discipline or control. The Occult The word occult, on the other hand, means “things hidden.”This involves the practice of magic. And under the subject of magic comes Satanism and witchcraft. Satanism Satanism is quite different from witchcraft, at least in modern times. 700 years ago, during the middle Ages, some people were accused of being witches by church officials who believed that witches practiced the same craft as Satanists. In today’s world, however, witches are quite different from Satanists.Yet it is important to point out at the same time that all false teaching is inspired by Satan. Jesus said that the devil is a liar and the “father of all lies” (John 8:44). And his biggest lie is his success in convincing many people
today that he does not even exist. There are at least five different types of Satanism.They are called 1.Traditional Satanism; 2.Non-traditional Satanism; 3. Public Satanism; 4.Youth-gang Satanism; and 5.Individual Satanism.Each of these are defined in the accompanying glossary. Most young people who say that they are “into Satanism,” are usually into the fourth type, or “Youth-gang Satanism.”They grow interested in the symbols and words of satanic bands. They really do not understand real Satanism. Power and rebellion are the important themes, and they usually wear black clothes, experiment with drugs and engage in sexual activity. Wicca, Paganism, and Witchcraft Still other young people are involved in Wicca, paganism, and Witchcraft.While Satanism is about being into some form of devil worship,Witches and neo pagans worship “mother-earth.”The life-cycle of the planet is celebrated. The year is divided into “sabbats,” and witches covens gather to celebrate the life and death of the earth with various ritual ceremonies. Power is the key interest in magic and the occult. For witchcraft, the power sought is the ritual magic to control and manipulate the environment.The great contradiction here is that witches and neo-pagans end up worshipping what they are trying to control. Paul writes that the great sin of the human race is worshipping the creation rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). For Satanists, it is the power of the devil that is sought. But Jesus Christ has it
all over on the devil. Jesus said,“All power is given unto me…”(Matthew 28:18) and St. Paul wrote that the Gospel is “the great power”of God (Romans 1:18). In the Bible, demons “tremble”at the very sound of Jesus’ name (James 2:19). Jesus Christ was crucified and raised from the dead.This is a love and a power far greater than that of the false teachings of cults, the evil of Satan and the idolatry of witchcraft. How to Help Interest in the occult is on the rise. How can you help when someone you know is dabbling in a cult or the occult? First, one must earnestly pray for them. Second, learn more about what the Bible has to say about the occult. Show genuine love and concern, and do not be afraid to spend time with and challenge them in the Word. Parents should realize that the less involved they are in the lives of their teens, the more likely they are to “dabble” in the occult. Above all, remember that the powers of darkness were utterly defeated at the cross. Martin Luther understood this when he wrote the third verse of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God: Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us, We tremble not, we fear no ill, they shall not overpow’r us. This world’s prince may still, scowl fierce as he will, He can harm us none, He’s judged; the deed is done; One little word can fell him.
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Glossary Terms to be familiar with in Satanism:
Above all, remember that the powers of darkness were utterly defeated at the cross.
1. Traditional Satanism – The oldest form of Satanism, dating back to the Middle Ages. Traditional Satanists practiced what is known as a “Black Mass.”Because Jesus’ body and blood are present in the Lord’s Supper, traditional Satanists would try to make a mockery of Jesus by offering blood to the devil and uttering curses towards God and Christ. For traditionalists, Satan is real and prayers and service are offered to him. 2. Non-traditional Satanism – A form of Satanism that practices the Black Mass, not so much in order to curse Christ but to shed blood to receive mana or “power.” 3. Public Satanism – A popular form of Satanism started by Anton LaVey. In 1966 LaVey wrote The Satanic Bible. He did not believe in a real devil. Satan was merely a “form” or “symbol” for evil. No black mass is celebrated. Christianity is seen as a religion filled with hypocrites. 4. Youth-gang Satanism – A popular form of Satanism engaged in by most young people who say that they are “into Satanism,” but have no real understanding of traditional Satanism. They are also called “dabblers,” because they are experimenting with the Satanic themes of power and rebellion. 5. Individual Satanism – This form of Satanism is manifested in psychotic and neurotic individuals who claim that the voice of Satan is inspiring their actions.The movie Silence of the Lambs is an example of this form of Satanism.
Terms to be familiar with in Witchcraft and the occult in general: 1. Book of Shadows – A witch’s personal magick text. Also called Grimoires (see below). 2. Coven – The name for the group of witches who gather in a ceremony. Covens are also called groves, nests, or circles. 3. Craft or magical name – The name assigned an initiate to a coven. 4. Divination – Using magick to gain knowledge regarding the past, present or future.There are many forms of divination.The use of Tarot cards, palmreading, horoscopes etc. 5. Goddess worship – just as the name says, the various practices engaged in in worshipping the mother-goddess (in most instances – the earth itself). 6. Grimoires – Magical texts used by witches.The Egyptian Book of the Dead is an example. 7. Magick – the gaining of power to manipulate the environment.The “k” in the spelling was introduced by occultist Aleister Crowley in the early twentieth century to distinguish real magick from slight of hand. 8. Neo-paganism – newer term to describe those who worship nature. 9. Skyclad – performing the occult ritual in the nude. 10. Spiritism – the belief in the power of a medium to contact the dead. 11. Summerland – The place where the soul goes after death. For some it is believed to be a resting place before the soul makes its journey back into another reincarnated life. 12. Wiccans – Another word for witches. 13. Witch – Practitioners of witchcraft. Witches are both male and female. 1. See George Mather and Larry Nichols, Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1993).
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Rev. Larry Nichols is pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Smithfield, Rhode Island and author of several books about cults and the occult, including Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult, which he co-authored with George Mather.
“burning in the bosom”
“godhood”
MORMON “seminary”
What I
the book of Mormon
Thought I Knew “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel”
By Rev. Dr. Kent Heimbigner
It was the morning of July 8, 1978. I was 16. My parents were on vacation, but I had stayed at our home in Anaheim, California so that I could continue working at my job.The previous night, my prayers had been different than
ever before. Mormon missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, had been visiting my home, giving me their polished presentation of “missionary lessons.”They had urged me to read the Book of Mormon, and to pray asking God to reveal to me that it was true.They had told me that I would know its truth by a “burning in the bosom” which I would receive. So I asked God to reveal to me the truthfulness of it. Sure enough, the next morning, I awoke not only convinced in my mind that Mormonism was true, but excited enough about it to have what might reasonably pass for a “burning in the bosom” as well. Thus began a two-year episode of my life that has in some ways marked me ever since.There were repercussions, both positive and negative, almost immediately. First came the negative. I asked my parents to sign a permission slip allowing me to be baptized in the Mormon religion. My father, himself a devout Lutheran, with the support of my non-Lutheran but
You see, if you pray to the wrong god or have a false Jesus (false belief), or if you give up on God ever forgiving you (despair), then you are cut off from the forgiveness of sins and salvation. However, if you know the true God, and trust that He will forgive all of your sins, by grace, because of what Jesus did for you on the cross, then there is still a way out.
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Christian mother refused to sign.Thus, my senior year of high school, I was Mormon by conviction, but never baptized. A positive change was that I found a whole new circle of friends. For the most part, these young people took their religion quite seriously.They didn’t drink or smoke.They kept dating “clean.”The church had a fabulous social organization. I could go to a dance for high-school aged youth every weekend! Mormons are similarly well-organized for religious instruction. Not only was there church and Sunday School every Sunday, but they also had what they called “seminary.” Attendance at these classes was expected of all high-school aged Mormons.They met every weekday morning before school started. One year was devoted to Old Testament, one to the New Testament, one to the Book of Mormon, and one to the other books the Mormons consider Scriptural.These people took their faith seriously! After graduating from high school, I went to live with a family in what was then West Germany. While I continued to live an outwardly Mormon life, inside my confidence in Mormonism was beginning to be shaken. What looked like a perfectly sensible religion in California now looked alien, strangely more American than universal in nature.The Book of Mormon claims that, after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus came to America and started the Church on this continent.This had previously failed to raise my American eyebrow, but the Germans to whom I tried to explain it found it patently ridiculous that the God of heaven and earth was somehow so uniquely pro-American. I continued questioning Mormonism because of a very special uncle who was himself an exMormon. He openly admitted that he became a Mormon in an attempt to win the affections of some girls in Jackson Hole, Wyoming when he was young. Nevertheless, he knew something about the Mormon religion and, as a devout Baptist, he sought to open my eyes to the errors of Mormonism. With the help of a book called The Mormon Illusion by Floyd C. McElveen, I was shown convincing proof that Mormonism simply could not be true. Regrettably, it was not at all clear to me that Christianity was true since Mormonism was not. I spent several more years searching, trying to figure out what I should believe, if anything. In the end, by the grace of God, I returned to the faith of my youth, the Christian faith of the Bible alone as it is correctly taught by the Lutheran Church. I have often reflected upon my several-year detour from the Lutheran Church. What was that “burning in the bosom”? How could I have been so sure that Mormonism was true, only to have it made so plain that it could not possibly be? The answer is simple. It is contained in our Small Catechism, right along with many other plain and faith-preserving teachings from which I had simply walked away:
gra f
salva
by through alone for t of (the
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Jes
alon
ace race faith the sake
ation vation
Lead us not into temptation. What does this mean? God tempts no one.We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory. Mormon teaching is not Christian. Mormons do not believe in the Holy Trinity as Christians do.They believe Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate gods,“one”only in will and purpose, but not “of one substance.”The Father became a god by living a good “Mormon”life as a man on some other world, and as a result, when his god resurrected him, he became a god. Jesus became a god by living a good “Mormon” life in this world, including apparently by being married to three women. (According to Mormonism, marriage is necessary to achieve godhood!) The Holy Spirit isn’t even a “god” yet. Mormons believe his development toward godhood will be completed during the millennium, when he receives a body and presumably gets married. The Mormons believe in different gods than our one true God.They believe in a different Jesus than the one Scripture reveals. And they believe in a different way of salvation, by “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel,” not by grace through faith alone for the sake of (the true) Jesus alone. Now, why does the explanation to “lead us not into temptation” focus first on “false belief and despair,” and only then on “other great shame and vice”? Aren’t there bigger sins than false belief and despair? Well, no, not really.You see, if you pray to the wrong god or have a false Jesus (false belief), or if you give up on God ever forgiving you (despair), then you are cut off from the forgiveness of sins and salvation. However, if you know the true God, and trust that He will forgive all of your sins, by grace, because of what Jesus did for you on the cross, then there is still a way out. Repent, ask God’s forgiveness for the sake of Jesus, and receive the forgiveness that His Word promises you (1 Jn. 1:7-9). I am not proud of my wanderings; I am ashamed that I ever turned away from my Savior, who so graciously saved me by the shedding of His holy, precious blood.Thanks be to God, that blood was still there, the Holy Spirit still pursued me, and by His grace, I was returned to the Faith. God grant you rather to remain faithful to Him all the days of your life, and at the last to receive the life of the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
sus
e true) he
one
Rev. Dr. Kent Heimbigner is pastor of Charity Lutheran Church in Burleson,Texas.
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The
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hrist Academy is a twoweek residential program for high-school-aged men, founded by Concordia Theological Seminary. It is a place where students can study about Christ who is present in His Word and Sacraments and who died that their 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 someday becoming a pastor. @ @ @ @ @
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Friends, students, countrymen: The time of commencement is near. But [this next part goes in nearly every commencement speech we’ve ever heard] commencement is not the End; it’s the Beginning.That’s what “commencement” means. It’s a time of Beginnings, of Challenges, of New Roads to the Future [etc. blah blah blah]. But we’d rather say that what you really need is something more than a pep talk [now this part is new, so listen up].What you really need is something to help you grow in wisdom as you grow in years. Something a lot like Higher Things. You’ll find it in Gottesdienst.This journal contains the best in Christian sermons, articles,
and aids for worship, written by some of the writers you already enjoy in Higher Things.And you know what? It’s for grownups, but it’s not too long.We like to keep it tight, and focused on Christ Crucified. So there’s no fluff. It’s thoughtful, even witty at times, but never technical or scholarly.A must-read for pre-sem students, seminarians, and ladies aspiring to wed them. Regular folks like it too! Graduate to Gottesdienst. Have a look: log on at www.gottesdienst.org, write us for a free copy at Gottesdienst, 109 S. Elm St., Kewanee, IL 61443, or email beckardt@cin.net
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dmitting that I was into Dungeons and Dragons as a teenager will undoubtedly make obvious the nerdy tendencies of my youth. Still, I must admit it. It was fun, and I had a fascination with dwarfs, elves, and warriors since I’d read The Lord of the Rings. We knew that it was make-believe, and it seemed quite harmless. It was just a game. When my friend Erik told me that D & D was satanic, I could hardly believe it.But after hearing stories about players who became murderers and Satan worshippers, I was convinced. Suddenly, being a nerd was the least of my worries; I could go to hell! Erik had gotten rid of his D & D books a couple of years earlier, and convinced me to do the same. But simply tossing my Advanced D & D Dungeon Master Guide and other materials into the trash couldn’t possibly counteract the evil they contained. Into the burning fire they went, and I was surprised not to hear blood-curdling screams as my D & D stuff burned to ash. Thus ended my days as an elvish warrior. However, I found myself a “warrior” of another sort that was just as exciting. No longer was I wandering through make-believe caves and castles looking for treasure and orcs. Rather, I entered into a “spiritual” world where demonic forces were lurking behind every corner and controlling cities, territories and even buildings. No longer armed with swords and wizardry, I could combat these forces by prayer, claiming authority over them, and rebuking them “in the name of Jesus.” Encouraged by the novels of Frank Peretti, I stepped upon the battlefield of spiritual warfare, where modern-day believers like me could help the good angels fight against demons. Twenty years later,“spiritual warfare” is still the rage among many “evangelical” Christians, a system of belief about good and evil in which God struggles in a cosmic battle against Satan and enlists our help to defeat him. Don’t misunderstand me: I am not denying the existence of the devil or the power of evil in our world. However, Scripture never talks about Christians going to war against the armies of hell. Even in Ephesians 6:13-17, the prominent “spiritual warfare” passage, the armor of God is not given to us so that we can fight, but to enable us to “stand.” In this passage, St. Paul is using the language of Isaiah about Christ:“He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on His head” (Isaiah 59:17), and “truth will be the sash around His waist” (Isaiah 11:5). The armor of God is God’s armor, worn by Christ.We also wear it, but only because we, through Baptism, are in Christ Who wears it. Being far from a manual for “spiritual warfare,” Ephesians 6 simply teaches that because we are baptized into Christ, we have His protection from the devil because we are clothed in Christ’s truth, righteousness, salvation, faith, and Word which enable us to stand. In The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis writes,“There are two equal
and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve their existence.The other is to believe and feel and excessive and unhealthy interest in them.They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist and a magician with the same delight.” Ironically, I became more interested and focused on the devil and demonic forces after giving up D & D. In the same way, many Christians give the devil undue credit and attention when they see satanic conspiracies behind Halloween, Harry Potter, D & D, the card game Magic: the Gathering, the television series Sabrina, the Teenaged Witch, and even The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Certainly, Holy Scripture admonishes God’s people to avoid witchcraft and satanic arts, just as it also forbids murder, greed, and selfishness. Does this mean playing monopoly is sinful because the object is to drive your opponent to bankruptcy while you take possession of his property? Would we really suggest that reading Snow White and the Seven Dwarves or The Wizard of Oz to children is seducing them into the occult because some of the characters are witches? As Christians who live in the world, we are surrounded by books, movies, games television shows, and music shaped by a way of thinking that runs counter to what the Word of God teaches. Watching a movie characterized by vengeance and killing is one thing, but it is sinful when, in real life, you fail to love your enemy and do good to those who persecute you. In the same way, reading stories or playing games in which sorcery plays a part is not necessarily evil unless you engage in blasphemy and witchcraft in real life. Many Christians fail to make a distinction between things which are part of the occult in the real world, and things that are harmless and innocent because they are make-believe. Often, as it was in my experience, this leads to even more dangerous errors.The first is to believe that there is a cosmic struggle between God and the forces of hell. In reality,“even the devil is God’s devil” (Luther), and is powerless to counter God and His will.The second error is to believe that evil is the result of these battles in the spiritual realm, rather than the hereditary sin which infects all children of Adam, and results in mankind’s rebellion against God. It turns out, that my journey from fighting dragons in makebelieve dungeons to spiritual warfare was a step in the wrong direction—a step away from Christ and the all-availing victory He has already won. I substituted one fantasy that I knew was makebelieve, for that I was totally convinced was real. If that isn’t being a nerd, I don’t know what is. Rev. Daniel Woodring is the executive director of Higher Things.
The armor of God is God’s armor, worn by Christ. We also wear it, but only because we, through Baptism, are in Christ Who wears it.
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Frans Floris, The Fall of the Rebellious Angels (detail), 1554, Oil on panel, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp
By Rev. Daniel Woodring
God Armet fter the terrorist attacks of September 11, men who risked their lives to rescue others were lauded as heroes. Tales of their self-sacrifice brought tears to our eyes. Why do hero stories move us like no others?
A
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For people raised in the Church, the answer must be, at least in part, because they remind us of our first and best Hero, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To rescue us from sin and death, He willingly laid down His life and then took it up again, that He might continue to serve us. The Scottish Chiefs by Jane Porter is a hero story if ever there was one.The novel brings to life the brave deeds of Sir William Wallace, a Scottish knight who lived and died to free his homeland from English invaders between A.D.1296 and 1305.You may know the story of Wallace from the 1995 film Braveheart. There are important differences between the book and the movie, but both show us a young man who sets aside any hope for private happiness in this life in order to free his countrymen from murdering, plundering usurpers. “God armeth the patriot”is the unabashed theme of The Scottish Chiefs.These brave words were first spoken by Wallace as encouragement to the loyal Scots he would muster to the cause of freedom.His message was that, though small in numbers and bereft of wealth and fortress by their enemies, yet they could trust God to supply them with strength for their just cause. “God armeth the patriot” sounds very much like
Psalm 18:32,“It is God who arms me with strength.” Remember the Psalmist David, who in his youth slew Goliath, the Philistine giant who defied the army of Israel? David could not bear the heavy armor King Saul lent him for his battle with Goliath; instead he trusted God to give him victory through his sling and a stone. While the situations of patriots David and Wallace are similar, there is an important difference. Out of His unfathomable wisdom and ineffable love, God chose the Israelites, from all the peoples on earth, to be His own. God promised these descendents of Abraham that from their seed the Savior of the world would be born. Because God had thus chosen Israel, when Goliath defied Israel’s army, he was actually defying the living God (1 Samuel 17:25, 36, 45-47). God was bound to defend His people, and He graciously chose to do so through David. Wallace’s Scotland was not God’s chosen nation. The same is true for 21st-century Scotland, and England, and America, and Germany, and France, and
the modern-day state called Israel—none may rightly claim to be God’s chosen nation. In our day, God calls and gathers into His Holy Catholic Church believers from all nations. He does not identify Himself exclusively with any one nation. While it is a mistake to claim that America is a Christian nation, we Christians who are Americans have much for which to thank God. We live in a democracy that protects religious freedom. In America, the preaching of the Gospel, which plants and nurtures saving faith, is not restricted. Our government protects our liberties through armed forces and other agencies who thwart terrorist plots in order to keep our homeland safe. God uses heroes, in the uniform of soldier or policeman or fireman, to protect citizens. It is a part of their vocation that they may lay down their lives to protect us. At such times, these uniformed heroes remind us of our Christ.Their Christlike behavior does not guarantee these brave persons eternal life, however.That gift of God comes only to those who trust in the forgiveness of sins won for them by the perfect sacrifice of our Lord upon the cross. How shall we understand the claim that “God armeth the patriot”? Those Christians in uniform who live to serve their countrymen may indeed trust God to arm them for their daily tasks, even as He strengthens all Christians in their various callings in this life. Hero stories like The Scottish Chiefs take on new interest for us when America engages in armed conflict. As you reflect on the recent war in Iraq,use this story of William Wallace to help you ponder the relationship between faith and patriotism. Kathryn Ann Hill, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is wife of the Reverend Michael James Hill and copyeditor of Gottesdienst: A Quarterly Journal of the Evangelical-Lutheran Liturgy.
By Kathryn Ann Hill
Copyright by Charles Scribner’s Sons.
eth the Patriot How to Raise a Genius: A Note to Parents Jane Porter, author of The Scottish Chiefs, was a carefully sheltered English spinster. She wrote vividly of bloody battles, thrilling escapes, secret passageways, treachery and disguise. How did a quiet-living lady conceive this compelling tale? Through early nurture. She heard lullabies of “Wallace Wight” in her Edinburgh nursery, and wondrous battle tales from family servants and neighbors. Their early, lasting impressions fueled her later study of the history that informed her 500-page novel. Likewise Howard Pyle, writer and illustrator of volumes of knightly adventure, was inspired by early nurture. As a lad he lay upon the family hearth rug, poring over his mother’s copy of Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur. Pyle grew up to author books that have in turn become classics. Here is a variation on the theme of Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”: Surround a child from infancy with the best of art, literature, and music, then see if he does not grow up, sooner or later, to produce some fine art himself. Better still, bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, surround them with the finest sacred art, and then give glory to God when they produce Christian art which has eternal value. For more about The Scottish Chiefs, send a message to kahill74@cheerful.com
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HIGHER THINGS
News & Notes In His Face coming to Texas IN HIS FACE is the theme of the Annual Higher Things Youth Conference to be held in Arlington, TX (July 29 - Aug 1, 2003). Registration for In His Face is now closed.
Plans Being Made for 2004 Higher Things Conference We are pleased to announce that the 2004 Higher Things Conference, “City of God” will be held August 3-6, 2004 in Seattle,Washington on the campus of Seattle Pacific University.The main speaker will be Rev. Matthew Harrison, the Executive Director of the LCMS Board for Human Care. More details will be forthcoming in the next issue of Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran, and will be made available on this list and on the web page as soon as they are available. “City of God” August 3-6, 2004 in Seattle, Washington Theme: “Identity. Everybody has one. What’s Yours?” As a Lutheran Christian, your identity is shaped by where you belong.You are a citizen in the Church, the City of God. Registration: $129 per person. Housing and Meals: $120 per person. Registration materials will be in the Fall issue of HT.
Support Higher Things
(see enclosed env.) You will find in this issue of the magazine a response envelope. We are asking for your support of Higher Things. We exist solely on the good will and generosity of our readers and supporters. Each issue of the magazine costs over $12,000 to produce, and is not covered entirely by our subscriptions. All donations to Higher Things are tax deductible. Thanks for your support!
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In the near future Higher Things will be unveiling various activities and programs consistent with the objectives of Higher Things at the campus ministry level. Over the next several months you will be hearing much more about Higher Things Campus Ministry. But keep your eyes peeled for the unveiling of the HT Campus Ministry website later in the summer. The newly formed Higher Things Standing Committee for Campus Ministry is made up of Rev. Marcus Zill, chair (University of Wyoming), Rev. Peter Cage (Ball State University), Rev. David Kind (U of MN-Minneapolis) and Rev. Prof. John Pless (CTS Fort Wayne, former campus pastor of 17 years).
New Member of Higher Things Board of Directors We are pleased to announce that Rev.Bruce Keseman of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Freeburg,Illinois has recently been added as a member of the Higher Things Board of Directors. Welcome Pastor Keseman!
Welcome New Faces to the Magazine Group We welcome to new faces to our editorial group for Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran. Cynthia Hall joins us as the subscriptions manager. She resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and may be contacted by emailing Hall@higherthings.org. Pam Knepper joins us as the Director Marketing and Grants for the magazine. She may be contacted by emailing pamknepper@higherthings.org. Welcome aboard!
Christ on Campus Conference It’s getting close to round-up time for those interested in attending the “Christ on Campus” Conference on Campus Ministry to be held July 17-19, 2003, on the campus of the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Dr. Gene Edward Veith of Concordia University Wisconsin (and the Higher Things Board of Directors), and Professor John Pless of Concordia Theological Seminary (and formerly Campus Pastor at University Lutheran Chapel in Minneapolis, Minnesota) are the keynote speakers for this conference. For more information, go to http://www.higherthings.org/news.asp?id=47 or contact Pastor Marcus Zill, Vice President of Higher Things, and Campus Pastor in Laramie, Wyoming (pastor@standrewslcms.org).
Higher Things in Africa (From our friends from the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. –ed)
I took a couple of copies Higher Things with me to Ghana - they found their way into the makeshift dental clinic set up by my dentist - I left the issues in the head office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church - Ghana and within two days they had found their way across the city of Accra and into the “waiting room” where they were read by more than 150 people in the course of 10 days! Rev. John Fehrmann
Choosing a College: What are Your Priorities? By Joanna Veith
W
hen I was a senior in high school, college represented everything that I wanted in life: new faces, limitless opportunities and unexpected adventures. There was nothing more exciting, and yet,
there was no decision more daunting.Test scores, application essays and financial aid worries were stressful enough. Add to that the never-ending stream of college mailings, each brochure boasting of small class sizes and state-of-the-art facilities, promising me happiness and success as long as I picked that school.The choices seemed endless, but how would I find the best school for me? When I finally chose a college, my decision had little to do with the glossy brochures the admissions office sent me. I wanted a fun school with a rigorous academic program, but I also wanted to continue to nourish my faith. I chose my school because it had a confessional Lutheran church nearby which sponsored an active Lutheran Student Fellowship program. I knew that although my life would drastically change in college, my need for God’s Word and Sacrament would not. I realized that my church was a tremendous gift from God the moment classes began. Many of my professors attempted to turn my thinking away from God, presenting ideas that weren’t just unscriptural but also mocking and belittling to the Christian faith. Even after spending eleven quality years in the Lutheran school system, I was not always prepared to counter my professors. At these times, God used my pastor and church to keep me grounded in my faith. My pastor fed me God’s Word as we reasoned together for the truth. Weekly Bible studies supplemented my academic education so that I was able to grow in my knowledge of the Lord while also learning to practice discernment against false teachings. Non-Christian professors were not the only threat on campus. Alcohol, drug abuse and premarital sex were acceptable parts of campus culture, and every type of religious belief ranging from Buddhism to Wicca was available to fill the spiritual voids of my peers. My Lutheran church kept me from wondering in doubt like many of my lost friends. I saw first hand that a college campus is an important mission field, and I witnessed many students come to faith after hearing the life saving words of the Gospel.
In addition to these great spiritual gifts from God, becoming involved in a Lutheran church which properly administers God’s Word and Sacrament has social benefits as well. An active Lutheran Student Fellowship provides an instant circle of friends who understand the challenges of being a Christian on campus. Families in the congregation are often hospitable and generous, sharing home-cooked meals and Christian fellowship with those who simply cannot face another meat loaf night in the dining hall. Looking back, I know I chose the best school for me. I enjoyed lots of adventures, gained a world-class education, and, thanks to my confessional Lutheran church, grew in my faith, battle-hardened and prepared for whatever God has in store for me next. Joanna Veith works for the state department in Annapolis, Maryland.
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War is hell!
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That has often been stated in view of the terror and suffering that takes place during armed conflicts between hostile nations. I think all of us have been upset and angered and frightened by the recent events in our world dealing with terrorist threats. It was very disturbing to me to hear that a Muslim American in the U.S. army tossed hand grenades into the tents of other sleeping American soldiers because he disapproved of the war. And then to hear the stories of American POWs possibly being tortured and executed. War is hell! Of course, we know that it’s not true. Not really.There is something so much worse than even modern warfare. Jesus once said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). This is not intended to minimize the tremendous pain and sacrifices that have recently been made in the Persian Gulf. Not at all. It is only meant to emphasize the
even greater sorrow of being eternally alienated from God. A point that Jesus felt it was important to make. There is deep anguish over the loss of life associated with our conflict with Iraq.The bombs.The fires.The blood that is spilled. Who can take it in? But truthfully, the most horrifying sufferings on earth are really only a sip of what it means to be eternally separated from our Creator in hell. It is a fact. It’s also a fact that the most dizzying and blissful happiness of this world is only a sip of the joys of heaven. One of the good things that can come from our hellish experiences here and now is that they can remind us not to expect too much from life in this world.This world can never be made into a paradise. Our hope is firmly set on the world to come. Not long ago, I saw a re-run of an old interview with a famous Hollywood actress in which she explained her view of the meaning of life. She said that she genuinely wants to make this world a better place so that when she lies on her deathbed, she can look back at her life and know that it all meant something.
Christians, we will definitely be motivated by God’s Spirit to serve our neighbors, doing whatever we can to help one another. But the greatest service we can perform is not to fill empty stomachs or clothe naked backs, as important as those tasks may be. It is to introduce the lost to their Savior, Jesus Christ, who has paid the penalty for their sins and is now preparing a place for us all – in heaven. A much better place than this. War is not hell. Hell is hell. War is perhaps a glimpse of what life without God will always lead to. Life with God, life in Jesus Christ on the other hand, will always lead past the bombs and firefights, through the valley of the shadow of death to neverending paradise. Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer is pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Brentwood, Pennsylvania.
* This point is made by John G. West in Celebrating MiddleEarth: The Lord of the Rings as a Defense of Western Civilization, p.19.
By Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer
It’s commendable to dedicate your lives to helping others, to combat injustice and toward alleviating the misery of your fellow human beings. But in truth, we can never truly make this world a “better place.” It is what it is. People are sinful and will always lie, murder, steal and abuse one another. Jesus said that there will always be poverty and war. And he said that one of the signs of the end of the world will be that men’s hearts will grow cold. J.R.R.Tolkien’s beautiful epic, The Lord of the Rings, presents a view of the world that though fictional is still filled with moral truth. One cannot read his books without noticing the violence.They are all about war, a great war, the “war of the ring,” the war of good vs. evil. In The Lord of the Rings, Sauron is the enemy, the Necromancer. But even he was not always evil. He became corrupt. In a way, the heresy of Sauron was in trying to create heaven on earth, thus bypassing the true heaven.* Our problem is always that we reject God’s way and seek to find our own. Because of man’s fall into sin, we can never create a heaven on earth. As
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Living in Chri ome of you who are reading this article will be heading off to a university or college campus in the next few weeks.This move might be accompanied by a sense of excitement or apprehension. Most likely, it is a combination of both.There is the expectation of a life of greater freedom and new opportunities for learning.There are also the unsettling thoughts of uncertain challenges on unfamiliar terrain.
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As a Christian you can make the move to campus with the confidence that Jesus Christ goes with you for He has put His name on you in Baptism and with His name the promise that He will never leave you. Given the spiritual climate of the university campus, it might be tempting to believe that you are alone, an isolated Christian in an academic wilderness that has long sense consigned Christianity to junk pile of outmoded belief systems that have no integrity in today’s world. Unfortunately, too many young Christians are seduced into believing this lie of the evil one. Far more, however, experience a withering of the faith as God’s own means for creating and sustaining faith, His Word and Sacrament, are pushed aside by other the hectic pace of student life. Your student years are not a time to put your Christian life in storage but instead these years can be time for growth in the knowledge of Christ Jesus. Christ’s gifts that enliven you now in your home congregation will be there for you on campus, too.The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod has campus ministries or “contact congregations” at nearly all of the major universities in the United States. Your pastor has a listing of these campus chapels and congregations. He would be happy to put you in touch with the campus pastor or an LCMS congregation near your school. Countless students have found a spiritual home in these campus chapels or congregations.They are
places for support and encouragement in the midst of struggles that often come with being a student. In many instances, they are places where you can meet other students and form deep friendships. Often these campus ministries provide activities such as movie nights, pizza parties, and Spring break trips.This is well and good but there is something that is even more
ist on Campus By Prof. John T. Pless essential. Most important they provide students with a place to hear the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ truthfully proclaimed and an altar from which to receive the Lord’s body and blood. Contrary to popular belief, the campus is not a spiritual vacuum.The university is not a “godless” place; religions abound here. Many of these
religions promote tolerance and claim to champion an inclusive approach to faith. However, you will quickly learn that they are not very tolerant of anyone who confesses that Jesus Christ alone is the Savior. Other groups, particularly, those that label themselves as “non-denominational” ignore the clear words of Jesus when it comes to Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and how it is that
God saves us through faith in Christ alone and not by human decision. All this means that a Lutheran student needs to know the teachings of God’s Word and be ready to evaluate other claims to truth using the Scriptures.That is why Bible study and catechesis (yes, you will continue to learn and pray the Small Catechism) is a major component of faithful LCMS campus ministry.Your campus pastor will want to make sure that you are able to give reason for the hope in Christ that you have (I Peter 3:15-16) so that you are not tossed around by every religious fad that blows through the dorm or student union.Take advantage of his knowledge of the Scriptures and his commitment to take care of your soul. One of the prayers that I would often use with students at the beginning and ending of the academic year goes like this: “Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord” (Lutheran Worship, 262).Your vocation as a student is a venture to be sure. It will take you down some paths as yet untrodden and you will, no doubt, encounter unknown perils. But go to with the good courage that is born of faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ. His hand will lead you and His love will support you as you live in Him on campus. Prof. John T. Pless, formerly campus pastor at University Lutheran Chapel (University of Minnesota-Minneapolis) now assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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A spring break smeared with images of tanned skin, lotioned and bouncing drunkenly to pagan rhythm and saturated by the flash of cameras and the whip of sand. A frat
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party of plastic cups, giggling girls and in the background couches and sirens burn. An ancient Ivy League stone rising from autumn leaves as a sweater-vested student crunches through the quad. Is this what college life is really like? All through high school this is how I envisioned college until I was graciously accepted by the “Harvard of the Midwest” itself, Valparaiso University. So what are the typical extra-curricular activities at a turtleneck-wearing Lutheran University besides cow tipping and hayrides? After doing some Tracer-Bullet-like undercover work and interviewing thousands, I got the skinny on what my contemporaries really do when classes are over. (I would tell you which stories I was directly involved in, however, my parents are regular readers of this magazine and I have to uphold the façade of the “good pastor’s kid.”) I found out that Valpo students do the same things as students across the country; from Harvey Mudd in the west to Susquehanna University in the East: we follow the unwritten law of spontaneity—this God-given gift of creativity and imagination, cultivated by Lego’s and solidified by solving the backs of countless cereal boxes. So, without further ado, here is what college students really do when night falls and the only thing to watch is Michael Essany on E! Students generally like to get off campus to exert their independence and primal instinct to travel and explore this land of the free. Here at Valpo, students generally go to the local combination of landmark, mall, and city that the general public refers to as Wal-Mart. One night at Wal-Mart, me and some pals…or let’s call him Howie and some pals, took some of the bikes near the toy aisles for a spin.This friendly and innocent child’s play quickly escalated into a grizzly and dangerous highspeed 3:00 a.m. race around the store.The grind of the gears, ferocious pounding of our competitive hearts and blurred flash of thousands of marked-down products quickly drowned out the yelping pleas of tired employees for us to stop. One by one, a friend would lose traction and skid to a halt by either furniture, electronics, or if lucky, the pillow and blanket section. Howie was not so lucky. Staggering to his feet, rug-burned and out of breath, Howie was quickly pelted with a large bouncy ball from a flabbergasted employee, after which Howie was forcefully asked to leave…a fulfilled and better human being. On my dear friend Alisha’s birthday, she managed to turn off the “Thursday night line-up” of sitcoms to play on the nearby playground instead. With a torrential downpour well in session, the innocent spontaneous
frolicking quickly digressed into a bloody mud-wrestling tournament (similar to how our university’s administration settles disputes). Although clothes were stained and colds were caught, fond memories of that night will surely outlast the recent Bio homework. The spontaneous adventurer has been known to regularly climb trees, buildings, and jump off things. Hungry students often make frantic 3:00 a.m. dashes to Seven Eleven for Slurpees or to the resident Mexican food supplier, El Amigo, ensuring late night heartburn and artery-clogging sustenance for a reasonable price. Finally, for the competitive, there are endless tales of deadly games of 20-on-20 Red Rover, Capture the Flag, Saltine/Cheezit eating contests, and painful bouts of “hall ball.”“Hall ball,” which is generally played in the hallways of freshman dorms, can be anything from innocently kicking a soccer ball back and forth to screaming red-faced at each other with bee bee guns in hand, eventually leading to an extremely painful shootout, bruising, and finally laughter and new friends. A particular personal favorite is an invented game known as “Wuss!” It consists of a player rocketing a Frisbee at an unfortunate brave “receiver” who stands with hands and feet against the walls in the style of Samson and loses if he or she (generally he) moves. These bouts normally lead to chipped teeth, bruised shins, and iced unmentionables. Of course, from these spontaneous distractions from homework come lifetime memories, camaraderie, and permanent injury. Spontaneity is a common trait that I have observed not only in all sane college students, but also in many adults whom I admire as examples of success in mind, body, and spirit. I am inspired by the Psalm,“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). I believe this partially summarizes the college spirit of the Christian. A student prioritizes his life not only academically and spiritually, but is also thankful for every moment of every day God has blessed us with, harnessing each moment fully to glorify Him. As my dear friend Gloria summarizes it, “embrace the inspiration.” Rick Baue is a Sophomore Marketing Major at Valparaiso University. He recently founded a new organization on campus called Students in Free Enterprise. He lives in St. Louis and needs a date for this Saturday. If you are interested, feel free to email him at Rick.Baue@valpo.edu.
by Rick Baue
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Anchors Aweigh! Keeping afloat on the college sea of confusion By Rev. Marcus Zill
Setting sail on the college journey can be quite exhilarating, as is any maiden voyage. It can also be quite scary. One of the things that you will find when you go to college is that most everything you have known to be an anchor in your life will be challenged.You will quickly realize that you really have left the calm waters of safe harbor.
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College? Bring it on!
You will also face temptations when you go to college, none of which is any greater than Satan’s attempt to dislodge the anchor of your faith in Christ, and to lead you into doubt or despair. In describing this temptation, James (1:6) paints a picture of those who doubt as being “like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” Many college students feel just like that! This sea of confusion can be very choppy. Before you realize it, the undercurrents beneath the surface of these uncharted collegiate waters can pull you in any number of directions. In addition to being confronted with “new ways of thinking” about such things as evolution, sexuality, religion, tolerance and truth in general, you will other basic questions to answer at the time you set sail: • You mean I have to do my own laundry? Yes,there is a high price for independence! • How do I choose what “groups”to join? Go slow.Don’t rush in to anything. Choose your friends wisely. • Should I join a sorority or fraternity? Be careful.Don’t join until you have seen exactly what you will be asked to vow. Many Greek organizations are quite religious in nature. Even if they don’t take using God’s Name seriously – God does! If you feel pressured,that’s all the more reason not to do it. • Why am I so lonely even though I’m living with 20,000 people my age? Because it’s not about numbers.It’s about relationships. No matter how lonely you may feel,remember that you’re in Christ! • Doesn’t anyone want to do anything for fun besides for getting drunk? There are many wonderful choices that you can make to have fun. Life is good. Enjoy it. But be careful. Just because everyone does it doesn’t make it right or necessary.
• But who will my friends be? Don’t forget – there are a lot of other Lutheran students waiting to be your friends at a local campus ministry. You’d be amazed how much fun Lutherans can have together! • Why didn’t someone wake me up to go to Church? Because the dog that woke you up every day in high school by licking your face is still at home,and dogs aren’t allowed in the dorms. • Yikes.What am I going to do with my life? You don’t have to declare a major right away.Explore. Cultivate a love for learning for learning’s sake,and take opportunities to develop a healthy view of Christian vocation,regardless of what you do for a living someday. • Who will I marry? Only God knows.But where better to meet a future spouse than at a local Lutheran church or campus ministry? • Why does everyone seem to think that being a Lutheran means being outdated and weird? There is a reason you always see the words “Dare to be Lutheran!”on the front cover of this magazine. • Who can I turn to when my parents aren’t around and I really need someone to talk to? You know,those pastors might just come in handy every now and then. Getting a little scared to take this journey? Don’t be. Yes, it is easy to feel like you are being tossed to and fro, and the whitecaps can seem rather large. But rest assured, Jesus will be there to settle down the waves and calm you, too! Here’s a few sailing tips:
Here’s a few sailing tips: • Enjoy your college years. Savor your opportunity to travel toward the distant horizon.Take your time. It’s a long voyage. But beware of the temptations. • Realize that the lifeline on your college voyage is the same as it was before you boarded, namely Christ and His Gifts. Stay connected to a local congregation. Get involved in the local LCMS campus ministry. Take very opportunity to learn more about God and grow in the faith. • Relish that which is yours in Christ! You are a baptized child of God.The raging world around you cannot drown you for you have been drowned already and given new life in Christ through your Baptism. He has not left you rudderless. When Noah and his family set sail, they didn’t know where they’d end up. But one thing was sure – “the Lord shut them in.”(Gen. 7:16b) You are not at the mercy of the waves either, no matter how rough the water gets. God has shut you in and He will keep you safe and secure in the Holy Ark of the Christian Church. College is an exciting time. Have a safe and blessed trip! “Anchors aweigh!” Rev. Marcus T. Zill is Pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church and Campus Center, Laramie, Wyoming. He is the VicePresident of Higher Things, Inc. and is the chair of the newly formed Higher Things Campus Ministry Committee.
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Various occult themes are being used more and more in prime-time TV shows, especially in those aimed at youth. In this issue’s “Pulse” we take a look at some of the most popular, as well as a classic from the past and a talk-show. As Christians and Lutherans, we must be always vigilant and aware in fighting the forces of darkness (Eph. 6:10-18).
Show: Starring: Genre: Airs:
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” Sarah Michelle Geller Action Superhero Drama Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m., UPN (last season)
Critique/Summary: “My mission is to save the world,” says Buffy, equipped with super strength, an incredible gift of timing, and captivating looks, along with her bevy of beautiful and able-bodied battlers (the “Potentials”). Obviously, there’s a “spiritual” dimension here, as the web-site proclaims:“Into each generation a Slayer is born. One born with the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and monsters, to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers.” Sunnydale itself, Buffy’s home, sits on top of Hellmouth: a two-way street to an evil world that all the bad guys would very much like to unleash on earth in order to bring about its end. World-View: Clear distinction of good vs. evil. Justice vs. injustice. Beauty vs. ugliness/grossness. Simple enough: just beat up and kill the enemies. Objectionable Material: A few profanities. Flippant reference to extra-marital sex. Fighting and bloody violence. Recommendation: Because of age and desired power, teen girls will identify; because of looks and dress, boys will ogle–neither option is necessarily good.“Buffy” is interesting, even mesmerizing, but not always edifying. Show: “Angel” Starring: David Boreanaz Genre: Action Superhero Drama Airs: Wednesdays, 9:00 p.m., WB
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Critique/Summary: Angel, an apparently immortal vampire with a conscience, similarly to Buffy, wants “to save the world and a few lost souls,” including his own, all from his home-base of Los Angeles and elsewhere, including alternate dimensions. With assistance from his group, including his son Connor, he battles an assortment of weirdos and demonic creatures. World-View: Again, good vs. evil. Also, claims Angel,“We’ve all done horrible things. All we can do is try to make up for it.”Though struggling with his own fate, Angel is clearly a “good guy,” but this statement, and others of his, denies God’s power and God’s grace, as he tries (fruitlessly of course) to work out his own redemption, rather than relying on Christ alone. Objectionable Material: Nudity (bare back, non-frontal). Fighting/killing violence. Gross-looking characters. Some profanity. Recommendation: The characters are interesting: alternately funny, struggling, and strong.The special effects are cool. But the confusing plot(s) and the confusing world-view make this at least a non-must-see and maybe even a must-miss.
By Rev. Eric R. Andrae Show: Starring: Genre: Airs:
“Bewitched” Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York Sit-com Saturdays, 6:00 & 6:30 a.m., Hallmark
Critique/Summary: Bewitched is a classic hit from the 1960s. In this light-hearted comedy, Darren often finds himself in some sort of humorous predicament. His wife, Samantha, a good witch, can travel far and fast, while also taking different forms (cat, bird, etc.): as such, she can either help him out or make him nervous—perhaps she’s spying on him. World-View: Be faithful and honest and understanding and supportive. And make cute jokes. All problems solved in 30 minutes or less. Objectionable Material: None. Recommendation: The humor is at times thin and strained. Montgomery (Sam) shows how one can be attractive without looking slutty. If you’ve had a long day, you can turn your brain off and relax–no deep thoughts or dark demons in this one. Show: “Crossing Over with John Edward” Starring: John Edward (good thing he was available or they would’ve have to think of a new title) Genre: Psychic “reality” talk-show Airs: Monday-Thursday, 11:00 & 11:30 p.m., Sci-Fi Critique/Summary: John is kind (manipulative) enough to psychically “read” the “connection and energy” (communication) of the dead.They “come through” to him from “the other side” using “phone cards” (contact names), and he has to “acknowledge” their desires and permit/cause these “reunions.” His readings are rather general, but get more specific as the living urge him on while supplying greater detail. World-View: In one episode (5 May) an alive mother says,“It was the best day of my life when my [dead] daughter ‘came through’.” An alive son says,“I no longer feel grief, but only relief that [dead] Mom is still with us.” Pastor Andrae says,“This emotional manipulation is pure anti-Christian nonsense.The best day of our life is the eternal day of resurrected life with Christ. And grief is turned into joy, and mourning into dancing, NOT because Mom is still with us, but because (if) she died in Christ we know that she lives, singing his praises before his throne, waiting for our sure reunion in paradise.” The disclaimer in the closing credits (this is “not advice, instruction, suggestion, counsel, or factual...[it is] solely entertainment”) flies by so fast I had to watch it 6 times (my pause button didn’t work) and just proves what a sham this shameful show is. Recommendation: 1) Throw stuff at the screen (but clean it up before Mom and Dad see the mess, and make sure it can’t actually break the screen. I recommend popcorn). 2) Pray for John Edward and his guests. 3) Get a Psychic dictionary if you’re actually going to understand the show’s vocabulary. (I’m kidding about #3–don’t buy the dictionary—poor stewardship and all that). Thus says the Lord [for all shows]: @ “We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks” (see Exodus 20:7; 1 Sam. 15:22-23a, 2 Chron. 33:6-7, Rev. 18:22-24, Gal. 5:19-21). @ Man, sinful by corrupted human nature, has no free will in spiritual matters; salvation is all God’s doing (1 Cor. 2:14, Psalm 51:5, Rom. 10:17, Acts 16:14b, Rom. 9:16). @ We are not to lust after power; God reveals himself in and through “weakness” (Matt. 5:2-12, John 13:1-5, Gal. 6:14, Luke 1:46-55). @ Our relationships with others, whatever condition they may be in and wherever they may be, are only through Christ (Luke 16:19-31, John 14:6, Revelation 6:9-11, 1 Tim. 2:4-5). @ See also:“Lord of Our Life and God of Our Salvation” (Lutheran Worship #301 or Worship Supplement #786).
S U M M E R 2 0 0 3 __ 27
Identity. Everybody has one. What’s yours? As a Lutheran Christian, your identity is shaped by where you belong.You are a citizen in the Church, the City of God. Join us for four days of dynamic Lutheran teaching, worship, enjoyment and making friends on the campus of Seattle Pacific University. Registration opens this fall. Space will be limited. Start preparing now! City of God - 2004 Lutheran Youth Conference Seattle, WA - August 3-6, 2004 Registration: $129 per person Housing and Meals: $120 per person. Conference Speaker: Rev. Matthew Harrison, Executive Director, LCMS World Relief and Human Care.
Registration materials will be in the next issue of HT.
H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 28
Ex Cathedra From Advice to Absurdity Dear Ex Cathedra, Why do adults, especially at church, treat teenagers like children? Christy, (a very mature) 15 Dear Christy, You will get no argument from me that society in general tends to infantize teenagers —and even collegeaged young people, at times.Why this is so is even beyond my vast intellect. Biblical figures, such as the prophet Daniel and the Blessed Mother of our Lord were treated very maturely and given important responsibilities when they were teenagers.When teenagers are treated like children, we should not be surprised if they act immaturely. The solution: take your responsibilities seriously and fulfill them maturely. If you make mistakes (and you will), accept criticism graciously and with humility. You probably won’t change society, but you can perhaps change the way people look at you. EC Dear Ex Cathedra, Who is the identity of the author of the Kathy Luder articles? Names withheld
Dear Naomi and DoRena, Nice try, but we’re not telling you! EC Dear Ex Cathedra, My best friends are always teasing me.They say that they are just joking, but sometimes it hurts my feelings, and I lose my temper at them. What can I do to make them stop? Jeff, 16 Dear Jeff, Why are they making fun of you? Are you stupid or ugly? Oops! Wrong thing to say. Seriously, if these are really your best friends, and hang out with you, etc, they probably really do like you and are just joking.They probably only tease you because of how you react to them.Try ignoring it or even laughing with them. If that doesn’t work, talk to them individually. If that doesn’t work, your friends are dorks, and it’s time to find some new ones (friends, not dorks). And remember, a man’s dignity is not determined by how others look at him. EC
S U M M E R 2 0 0 3 __ 29
The Third Petition
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. What does this mean?
The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when he breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.This is His good and gracious will.
H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 30
od is in constant control of the universe. Nothing happens without His knowing about it. But don’t confuse God’s control and knowledge with His will. Forgetting your locker combination or having a zit could be God’s will, if it somehow breaks or hinders the evil plans and desires of the devil, the world, or your old sinful nature. But it could just be part of the chaotic reality of our fallen lives. Not everything that happens is God’s will. Sin isn’t. There are realms of this world where freedom means there are chances, such as a dice roll to determine who goes first in a Monopoly game. It is not sinful to roll dice for a family board game. And it is not necessarily God’s will that you win or lose a relatively meaningless game. Even though they can be abused, God wants us to enjoy ourselves in the things of this creation. He gave them to us. In Christ we are free. Not every step, every decision, every word we say has been predestined or mandated from on high so that we have to worry about goofing it up. God blesses us and the choices we make for Christ’s sake. So what is God’s will for your life? God’s will is revealed to us in God’s Word. It says that His will is that you believe and live in Him.That is it. All the choices outside of that are yours. Really. It is that simple. You can’t mess it up.The Bible doesn’t answer specific questions about life, like which boy you should go to the prom with or which part-time job you should take, because in Christ you have freedom. God promises to bless the choices you make. Even the most critical decisions of our lives (which college to attend, which girl to marry, which Supervalue menu item to order) are not that big of a deal from a cosmic perspective. It is like we are a bunch of kindergartners let loose on life’s playground.The playground is full of equipment and choices.You try to decide if
By Rev. David Petersen
Peering into the Future and Making the Right Choices G
you’ll go for the merry-go-round or the slide. There are things that influence your decision. The line at the slide might be long, you may not want to risk getting your pants dirty, or your friends might urge you to play tetherball instead.Those things help you make the choice. But whatever choice you make, unless you are trying to sin, God will bless it. When you look back on it, it will seem obvious, even, at times, like it was the only real choice.You’ll stand at the top of the slide and realize the wait was worth it. It was the right choice. Or you’ll revel in the joy of tetherball and the companionship of your friends. And that will have been the right choice. Either way it will not be because you could have made a wrong decision that displeased God. It will be because God blessed you in your freedom. He makes your choices the right ones. He also intervenes to keep you safe. He is control. He is interested in the choices you make. In fact, you fascinate Him. He is madly in love with you. He has counted the hairs on your head! Though the choices are yours, He is involved. Sometimes when we are debating the merits of the swings and the teeter-totter we find out the swings are broken. God guides us. It is not so much that He forces us into a decision. It is just that He keeps us from things that are harmful. Maybe you don’t get into the college you thought you wanted. Perhaps God sees something there that would be dangerous for you.You still have choices and He will bless the choice you make. But He has intervened to keep you from the swings because there was broken glass on the ground that you never even knew about. God’s desire for you can’t be overstated.You are as dear to Him as His own Son, as flawless and perfect, as holy and righteous, and beautiful and darling! All that to say, relax. Enjoy life.Your heavenly Father has given you His Son. He has forgiven all your sins. How will He not then also give you all things? He will.
The Rev. David Petersen is pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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What I Thought I Knew Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Pastor Kevin S. Golden 1.
Pastor Heimbigner asks and answers an important question: “Aren’t there bigger sins than false belief and despair? Well, no, not really.” A. How would many in our culture react to such a statement? American culture will offer many false answers. Some would claim that only external sins are that bad. Others would claim only those sins which hurt someone else are bad. In either scenario, false belief is a “victimless crime.” Still others would say that referring to someone else’s belief system as “false” is a sin of intolerance. All these positions are false because they run counter to God’s Word which clearly states that there is only one true God, found in Jesus Christ (John 14:6) and apart from Him we are lost. B. It has been said that all sins are equal in God’s eyes because they all cause us to fall short of God’s perfection (see Romans 3:23). What does Pastor Heimbigner say about the sins of false belief and despair? The great trouble with false belief and despair is that they cause you to be “cut off from the forgiveness of sins and salvation.” Yes, we are all sinful, whether we’ve physically killed someone or killed them through hate (Matthew 5:21-22). Only the forgiveness won for us by Christ can solve our problem. When false belief and despair rob us of forgiveness, we are lost. C. Related to this truth is Jesus’ statement that “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” will not be forgiven. Read Matthew 12:22-32. What is “blas phemy against the Holy Spirit”? The context of this passage is all-important. Jesus was being accused of being in league with Satan who supposedly enabled Him to cast out demons. Jesus was in fact working in full accord with the Holy Spirit which came upon Him at His baptism. Jesus’ opponents were denying the Spirit’s work and therefore were blaspheming against the Spirit. The Spirit’s work is also denied when a person’s reception of salvation is said to come through any means other than those described by Scripture as the Spirit’s means of grace - Holy Scripture, Holy Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Holy Absolution. D. In Article IV, paragraph 154 of the Apology to the Augsburg Confession, seeking forgiveness of sins from Christ is said to be “the highest way to worship Christ.” Why is this so? Christ does not need anything from us, but we desperately need the benefits of His crucifixion, death and resurrection. When we turn to Him for forgiveness we are rightly recognizing why He was willing to suffer so m uch. Turning to Christ for forgiveness is a loud proclamation that Christ is our one and only Savior.
2.
Pastor Heimbigner reminds us of the very real presence of temptation in a Christian’s life. We should not be surprised when we are tempted since Christ Himself was tempted. Read Luke 4:1-13. A. What was the foundation for Christ’s rebuttal of Satan’s temptations? Christ emphatically proclaimed the words of Holy Scripture. B. Satan used Scripture when tempting Jesus (v. 11). Indeed, many passages of Scripture can be twisted to say many things that are actually contrary to the faith. According to Luke 24:27, what is the key to properly understanding Scripture? Christ made it clear that the entire Old Testament focuses upon Him. This is also the case for the New Testament (see John 20:31 and II Timothy 3:15). Ungodly manipulation of Scripture is evidenced by a redirection of our focus away from Christ crucified and resurrected to our own works or other false hopes. C. Read the hymn “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” (LW #334; TLH #261). What is it that the Word is to guard us against? How could this “bring to nought all [Christ] has done”? Notice how each of the three stanzas requests a different person to help the church. What does the unity of these three stanzas remind us of God’s true identity? God’s Word is our defense against those who would use deceit to wrest the kingdom from Christ. In reality, the kingdom will always belong to Christ for He alone is the true king. But the devil attempts to deceive us so that we do not turn to Christ in faith as our King who rules over us in grace and righteousness. Such deceit, when successful, robs us of the comfort of the Gospel and salvation through Christ by leading us to place our faith in something other than Christ. This hymn also proclaims the Trinity as the one true God as each of the three persons of the Trinity is appealed to in each successive stanza. D. Pastor Heimbigner focuses on the Small Catechism’s explanation of “lead us not into temptation.” The Large Catechism expands the explanation by saying that the devil seeks to deceive us so that we would scorn and despise the Word of God. Why would he desire to cause us to do so? As noted above, God’s Word is our defense against false belief and despair. If Satan is successful in leading us to despise God’s Word, our faith is imperiled. E. In its explanation of “lead us not into temptation”, the Large Catechism also states “if you attempt to help yourself by your own thoughts and resources, you will only make the matter worse and give the devil a wider opening.” Why is this? When we look to ourselves for spiritual wisdom and strength, we abandon the true location of God’s promises - His Word. God creates and strengthens faith not by some interior illumination within a human (such as a ‘burning in the bosom’) but through those things which He has promised to use as His means for creating and sustaining faith - Holy Scripture, Holy Baptism, the Lord’s Supper. We look to God and His means to be delivered from temptation, not to ourselves.
What I Thought I Knew Bible Study Pastor Kevin S. Golden
1.
Pastor Heimbigner asks and answers an important question: “Aren’t there bigger sins than false belief and despair? Well, no, not really.” A.
How would many in our culture react to such a statement?
B.
It has been said that all sins are equal in God’s eyes because they all cause us to fall short of God’s perfection (see Romans 3:23). What does Pastor Heimbigner say about the sins of false belief and despair?
C. Related to this truth is Jesus’ statement that “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” will not be forgiven. Read Matthew 12:22-32. What is “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit”?
D. In Article IV, paragraph 154 of the Apology to the Augsburg Confession, seeking forgiveness of sins from Christ is said to be “the highest way to worship Christ.” Why is this so?
2.
Pastor Heimbigner reminds us of the very real presence of temptation in a Christian’s life. We should not be surprised when we are tempted since Christ Himself was tempted. Read Luke 4:1-13. A.
What was the foundation for Christ’s rebuttal of Satan’s temptations?
B.
Satan used Scripture when tempting Jesus (v. 11). Indeed, many passages of Scripture can be twisted to say many things that are actually contrary to the faith. According to Luke 24:27, what is the key to properly understanding Scripture?
C. Read the hymn “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” (LW #334; TLH #261). What is it that the Word is to guard us against? How could this “bring to naught all [Christ] has done”? Notice how each of the three stanzas requests a different person to help the church. What does the unity of these three stanzas remind us of God’s true identity?
D. Pastor Heimbigner focuses on the Small Catechism’s explanation of “lead us not into temptation.” The Large Catechism expands the explanation by saying that the devil seeks to deceive us so that we would scorn and despise the Word of God. Why would he desire to cause us to do so?
E.
In its explanation of “lead us not into temptation”, the Large Catechism also states “if you attempt to help yourself by your own thoughts and resources, you will only make the matter worse and give the devil a wider opening.” Why is this?
God Armeth the Patriot Bible Study Leader’s Guide Pastor Darrin L. Kohrt
Begin your study of God’s word by singing or praying, “Lord, While for Humankind We Pray.” (Lutheran Worship, 502) 1.
2.
God’s Gift of Our Homeland. God, in His mercy and providence, gives to people all across the globe a place to call their home. This providence is an original expression of His love from the time He gave Adam and Eve dominion over all creation. A.
Study Genesis 1:28-2:14. What was Adam and Eve’s “country” like and what was their relationship to it? Adam and Eve had every thing provided for them and they were given authority over all creation. The “governance” of the country was completely in their hands.
B.
Read Acts 17:26-28 to see God’s hand in our “nationality.” Though not often evident to our eyes nations rise and fall according to the will of God.
God’s Governance of Our Homeland. The triune God is a God of order. He desires that human beings live together in an orderly fashion. He has provided means to see that this is possible to a reasonable extent. Individual citizens function on behalf of the government and in service to society within their God-given vocations. A.
Read Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. What is the purpose of government and the reason we are commanded to obey governmental authority? What is the source of the government’s authority? The government must maintain an acceptable level of peace within society so that people can live together in harmony. The government’s authority is divinely ordained and we must obey it in order to be faithful to God’s will and avoid being an obstruction to those carrying out that will.
B.
Read carefully again Romans 13:4. What reality in the world necessitates government’s existence and our obedience to it? The penetrating and inescapable reality of sin in the world makes governance necessary. People cannot for very long live in peace with each other without an higher authority governing them.
C. In her article, Kathryn Hill states, “God uses heroes, in the uniform of soldier or policeman or fireman, to protect citizens.” In what way do these people serve both God and society in their vocations? God uses every legitimate vocation to fulfill His will. Servants who risk their lives are especially important to the maintenance of society. D. Our obedience to government authority is not unconditional. Read Acts 5:25-29. What conclusion regarding government obedience can be drawn from the account? Discuss modern examples in which obedience to government would be a transgression of God’s will. Christians must resist when the government asks or forces them to do something that is clearly contrary to God’s will. In some countries (China) women are forced to have abortions.
3.
God’s Promise of Our Eternal Home. The citizenship we have in the country in which we reside is a mere shadow of our ultimate citizenship. In the Old Testament God prefigured these realities by bringing the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan and sending them the Messiah. Through His death and resurrection all believers are made citizens of the eternal homeland over which He rules. There is no more need for heroes. A.
Read Deuteronomy 6:3-11 to see how God describes the land He promised to the Israelites . The land of Canaan was reminiscent of the Garden of Eden and a foreshadowing of the heavenly Jerusalem.
B.
Compare the description of Revelation 22:1-5 about our final home. Heaven entails complete provision and protection maintained by God Himself.
God Armeth the Patriot Bible Study Pastor Darrin L. Kohrt
Begin your study of God’s word by singing or praying, “Lord, While for Humankind We Pray.” (Lutheran Worship, 502) 1.
God’s Gift of Our Homeland. God, in His mercy and providence, gives to people all across the globe a place to call their home. This providence is an original expression of His love from the time He gave Adam and Eve dominion over all creation. A. Study Genesis 1:28-2:14. What was Adam and Eve’s “country” like and what was their relationship to it?
B. Read Acts 17:26-28 to see God’s hand in our “nationality.”
2.
God’s Governance of Our Homeland. The triune God is a God of order. He desires that human beings live together in an orderly fashion. He has provided means to see that this is possible to a reasonable extent. Individual citizens function on behalf of the government and in service to society within their God-given vocations. A. Read Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17. What is the purpose of government and the reason we are commanded to obey governmental authority? What is the source of the government’s authority?
B. Read carefully again Romans 13:4. What reality in the world necessitates government’s existence and our obedience to it?
C. In her article, Kathryn Hill states, “God uses heroes, in the uniform of soldier or policeman or fireman, to protect citizens.” In what way do these people serve both God and society in their vocations?
D. Our obedience to government authority is not unconditional. Read Acts 5:25-29. What conclusion regarding government obedience can be drawn from the account? Discuss modern examples in which obedience to government would be a transgression of God’s will.
3.
God’s Promise of Our Eternal Home. The citizenship we have in the country in which we reside is a mere shadow of our ultimate citizenship. In the Old Testament God prefigured these realities by bringing the Israelites into the promised land of Canaan and sending them the Messiah. Through His death and resurrection all believers are made citizens of the eternal homeland over which He rules. There is no more need for heroes. A. Read Deuteronomy 6:3-11 to see how God describes the land He promised to the Israelites.
B. Compare the description of Revelation 22:1-5 about our final home.
Peering into the Future and Making the Right Choices Bible Study Leader’s Guide Pastor Rick Cody
1.
In Pastor Petersen’s article Peering into the Future and Making the Right Choices, one is confronted with the choices one makes in life. How should one begin when it comes to the choices we have and making the right decisions in life? A. First of all we need to understand our God. In what way does the Small Catechism describe God, according to st the 1 Article of the Creed? st Review the meaning of the 1 Article with your class. Then go through the some of the verses and discuss God’s various attributes, focusing especially on His grace, mercy and forbearance. B. Second, consider the work of God for your life according to John 6:29. St. John writes as he quotes Jesus, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One whom He sent.” Your work is to believe in the One true God. This should be your primary goal in life. Everything else comes second! Life isn’t about laboring over what college to attend, or what career I should go into, what man or woman I should marry. Our life is about faith—faith which God gives us in this life and a faith which leads to eternal life. That is the work that we should be about. C. Thirdly, consider the consequences of making bad choices. (i.e. Adam and Eve, Cain, David, Judas, etc.) (Romans 6:23) The Scriptures are clear—“the wages of sin is death.” We know from the beginning that there have been those faithful people of God who have made terrible choices that have affected not only their lives, but consequently the lives of every person thereafter. Discuss some of these examples with your class. Because of bad choices, people are going to die. However, stress the second part of the Romans 6:23 passage: “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” Yes, we will make terrible choices and bad decisions in life, but God is always there for us and will forgive us and lift us up, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself—God obviously has a sense of humor!
2.
If I have freedom in Christ to make my decisions and choices, does it matter that I make bad choices or decisions? A. Yes, your choices do matter—but you must understand what freedom in Christ means. 1. It does not mean you have a license to sin or act foolish. (Galatians 5:16-21) When it comes to your choices, you cannot give way to the flesh. If you know that your choice is going to simply be one that is going to give into your sinful desires then you need to think about another direction. You have to slap down the old Adam daily and live in your new baptismal Adam—Jesus Christ. 2.
It means sacrificing yourself in a particular situation if you know their will be consequences of your choice or action. (Romans 12:1-2) St. Paul urges us “to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Do you want to know what God’s will is for your life? Then be in the places God promises to be—in His holy Word and in His Sacraments. There you will find out or test, as St. Paul says, “What God’s will is— His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
3.
It means doing the right thing even when it doesn’t always make you friends. (Acts 5:27-29) Many times the choices we make in life are based not on the Word of God, but rather on the basis of peer pressure or what our parents or teachers or others may think. It is much better not to worry too much about what others think. If making a bad choice or a bad decision or even a choice you don’t feel comfortable with goes contrary to God’s Word, you have to stand up for what you believe in and do the right thing.
Peering into the Future and Making the Right Choices Bible Study Leader’s Guide, page 2
B. If you do make bad choices, God will forgive those mistakes for Christ’s sake. (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 4:7) Remember, again, that God will forgive the mess-ups you make of your life. He always has a hand in what goes on and what happens in our lives. As Pastor Petersen said in his article, we are precious to God and He will always be there for us and love us and forgive us for Christ’s sake. Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. C. One thing to remember is you are not the only one who has ever made a stupid mistake—you’re first parents and the patriarchs made them, too! (Discuss some of their mess-ups) (Consider God’s servants: Adam and Eve, Moses, David, Joseph’s brothers.)
3.
I worry about the decisions I make and I worry about what the future holds for me. What does Jesus say about worry in His Sermon on the Mount? (cf. Matthew 6:25-34) “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
4.
Bottom line to remember when making choices in life is to remember who you are in Christ your Savior. Being faithful in God’s Word and Sacraments will help you make the right choices in life. A. You are a baptized child of God. (Romans 6:3-4) You are a baptized child of God! Your life is now hidden in Christ! (Colossians 3:1-5) It is not longer you who live but Christ who lives in you (Galatians 2:20) In Christ you are blessed beyond measure! Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself! Don’t make your life one crisis after another because of the decision you will have to make. Remember to be in prayer, in worship, in God’s holy Word and in His Sacraments and you will have the Spirit of God leading and guiding you to the places where God wants you to be. Fear, love, and trust in God above all things. B. You are His disciple. (John 8:31-32) Jesus’ promise to His disciples and to you and me is that if we remain true to His Word He will remain true to us. We will be His disciples and we will know that truth for our lives and that truth will set us free. God loves you with an everlasting love—a love that is undying. A love that transcends any decision or choice you will ever make in this life. The decisions of this life are temporal—the decision to be Christ’s disciple will lead to eternal life. The only decision or choice you need to make is to live in your baptismal grace and believe in the One God sent— your Savior Jesus Christ!
Peering into the Future and Making the Right Choices Bible Study Pastor Rick Cody
1.
In Pastor Petersen’s article Peering into the Future and Making the Right Choices, one is confronted with the choices one makes in life. How should one begin when it comes to the choices we have and making the right decisions in life? A. First of all we need to understand our God. In what way does the Small Catechism describe God, according to st the 1 Article of the Creed?
B. Second, consider the work of God for your life according to John 6:29.
C. Thirdly, consider the consequences of making bad choices. (i.e. Adam and Eve, Cain, David, Judas, etc.) (Romans 6:23)
2.
If I have freedom in Christ to make my decisions and choices, does it matter that I make bad choices or decisions? A. Yes, your choices do matter—but you must understand what freedom in Christ means. 1. It does not mean you have a license to sin or act foolish. (Galatians 5:16-21)
2.
It means sacrificing yourself in a particular situation if you know their will be consequences of your choice or action. (Romans 12:1-2)
3.
It means doing the right thing. (Acts 5:27-29)
B. If you do make bad choices, God will forgive those mistakes for Christ’s sake. (Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 4:7)
C. One thing to remember is you are not the only one who has ever made a stupid mistake—you’re parents made them, too! (Consider God’s servants: Adam and Eve, Moses, David, Joseph’s brothers)
3.
I worry about the decisions I make and I worry about what the future holds for me. What does Jesus say about worry in His Sermon on the Mount? (cf. Matthew 6:25-34)
4.
Bottom line to remember when making choices in life is to remember who you are in Christ your Savior. Being faithful in God’s Word and Sacraments will help you make the right choices in life. A. You are a baptized child of God. (Romans 6:3-4)
B. You are His disciple. (John 8:31-32)
Role Playing in the Heavenlies Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Pastor Robin Fish, Sr. 1.
Pastor Woodring described very candidly his involvement in a game, which, he discovered to his horror, was demonic. That is how the devil works, by deceit. What did Jesus call him in John 8:44? – There are three good answers. He is called a murderer, a liar, and the Father of Lies.
2.
One answer speaks to his methodology – and his nature. Another speaks to his place or authority. A third speaks about his effect. Which would you say is which, and why? His methodology and his nature is as a liar. He lies. Deceit is his game. His authority is as the Father of Lies. He is the founder of deception. It is what he did to Eve in the Garden. His effect is death – so Murderer speaks to that.
3.
How is the devil “a murderer”? The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). By deceiving Adam and Eve, and leading them into sin, he killed everyone who has ever died, or will ever die.
4.
So, when we deal with the devil we are going to be dealing with deceit. How is that truth demonstrated in the following passages? Matthew 12:22-25? He brought the adversaries of Jesus to accuse Him falsely of being in league with the devil, blinding them to the logical truth Jesus used to refute them. Matthew 16:22-23? He persuaded Peter that what was precisely contrary to the will of God was God’s will and should be what happens. Jesus identifies the satanic nature of Peter’s confusion by calling Peter “Satan” in his response. Acts 5:3? Ananias and Sapphira were both deceived – Satan filled their hearts with lies. Ephesians 6:12? We often think that the person in front of us is the enemy. God’s Word marks that as a deception – the tool of Satan. The truth is that our human adversaries are merely duped and deceived tools of Satan, in need of forgiveness and salvation as much as anyone! 1 Peter 5:9? When we suffer at the hands of the devil, we are deceived many times into thinking our pain is unique and we are alone. This Word of God tells us that we are not alone, or unique, and that we are never without hope! Revelation 12:9? The text simply states it; he deceives the whole world. He is the cause of our misery in sin. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14? False workers and false teachers – the work of the deceiver. He disguises himself as holy and good – and all false teachers try to mask themselves as righteous and pure and concerned with the truth, but they follow the Father of Lies.
5.
What are some names for the devil? See Ephesians 6:11 Devil, Luke 11:18 Satan and Beelzebul (king of the demons), Ephesians 6:16 the evil one, Ephesians 6:12 (which words speak of the devil, and what do they tell you?) The rulers, the powers, the world forces of this darkness, the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. These names speak of great power and control. They run what we witness in the world. When men say, “Why is this happening? Why are things deteriorating? They are asking about the works of the devil. The final name tells us that the devil and his hoard are spirits and not merely physical things we can deal with as we might bugs or mice. We need spiritual weaponry, 1 Peter 5:8 Your adversary, Revelation 12:9 (note that there are three names here!) Great Dragon, Serpent of Old, Satan, Ephesians 2:2 Prince of the Power of the Air, John 12:31 The ruler of this world? What do these words tell you about the devil? They tell us that he is evil. They tell us that he is powerful. These names remind us that the devil is against us – our enemy or adversary. He has enormous power, and he has numerous accomplices, since he is the ruler of this world and the prince of the power of the air. They teach us that the devil was the talking serpent in the Garden of Eden.
6.
Useful information: “Devil” means “Slanderer.” “Satan” means “Adversary.” What do those names tell you about him? They remind us of his enemy status, because he always wants us to think of him as a friend, and just ‘reasonable.’ His weapon is primarily deceit. He slanders us before God, and never speaks a truth when a lie will do. Relate those names to the courtroom scene in Romans 8:31-35. The devil is the prosecuting attorney. He is seeking our conviction and condemnation and destruction. He begins by bringing a charge, but God is the one who is both Judge and Justifier. Failing to get the conviction, the devil usurps the Judge’s place and tries to pronounce condemnation. But Christ sets us free by taking our condemnation for us and accepting our death sentence and suffering. What do they tell you? The schemes of the devil are doomed to failure against the one who stands firm in Christ.
7.
What is the devil’s mission or goal? See 1 Chronicles 21:1 He stands against (opposes) the people of God, Revelation 12:9 His mission is to deceive the world about God, 2 Corinthians 2:11 He seeks to take advantage of us by tricks and schemes.
Role Playing in the Heavenlies Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2
8.
What powers does he wield? Ephesians 6:11 schemes , Hebrews 2:14 the power of death, Job 1-2 (think about this one!) He can do anything to us – even physical things - within the will and permission of God. The good thing is that he cannot destroy us! His power is NOT absolute!, Luke 22:31 he can “sift” us – that is, put our faith to the test, 2 Corinthians 12:7 he can “buffet” us – that is, test us or trouble us for the purpose (God’s purpose) of keeping us humble, 2 Thessalonians 2:9 false signs and false miracles. He is a vary deceptive being!.
9.
How can we hope to defeat him? Ephesians 6:11-18 What is each piece of the armor? The truth is the Gospel, righteousness is our forgiveness in Christ, our shoes are the PEACE which is ours in Christ because we know the love of God for us. The shield of faith is the confidence which the Holy Spirit works in the love of God, that no matter how it feels at the moment, God is with us, and blessing us, and loving us! The helmet of salvation is the knowledge of the truth that God has us in His hand and nothing can snatch us away. We are secure. And the sword is the Word of God – the ONLY weapon we can us with any effectiveness – for it is the power of God! When we wear it what are we supposed to do? Stand. Not fight or do mighty battle, but stand where God has placed us. Not run, but stand. What do we occupy ourselves with in the midst of the battle? Prayer. Prayer for the saints (the Church) and for their endurance. James 4:7 What is the two-step program here? Submit to God (which also involves trusting Him) and resisting the devil. 1 Peter 5:8-11 This describes our condition, our activity, and our hope. What are they according to the text? Our condition is “in faith” – and marked as prey by the devil. We are also to be sober (grounded in reality – not drunk or unrealistic, as false doctrine makes us. Our activity is to be on the alert, “vigilant”, watching for the schemes and attacks of the devil. Our hope is the Christian “hope” – a reality we possess but don’t fully experience yet – that Jesus will come and strengthen and confirm and establish us as victors. We also have the comfort that we are not alone. All of our brothers and sisters in the faith are enduring sufferings and trials similar to our own. And God Knows!
10. What instruction are we given in Revelation 2:10? Do not fear what you are about to suffer. God will bring you through. Just trust God – be faithful, and when it is all over, God will give us everlasting life in glory with Him! How about 1 Timothy 5:15? We do not want to be like those “some.” We do not want to turn from Christ and follow Satan. That way is death.
Role Playing in the Heavenlies Bible Study Pastor Robin Fish, Sr. 1.
Pastor Woodring described very candidly his involvement in a game, which, he discovered to his horror, was demonic. That is how the devil works, by deceit. What did Jesus call him in John 8:44? – There are three good answers.
2.
One answer speaks to his methodology – and his nature. Another speaks to his place or authority. A third speaks about his effect. Which would you say is which, and why?
3.
How is the devil “a murderer”?
4.
So, when we deal with the devil we are going to be dealing with deceit. How is that truth demonstrated in the following passages? Matthew 12:22-25?
Matthew 16:22-23?
Acts 5:3?
Ephesians 6:12?
1 Peter 5:9?
Revelation 12:9?
2 Corinthians 11:13-14? 5.
What are some names for the devil? See Ephesians 6:11, Luke 11:18, Ephesians 6:16, Ephesians 6:12 (which words speak of the devil, and what do they tell you?), 1 Peter 5:8, Revelation 12:9 (note that there are three names here!), Ephesians 2:2, John 12:31? What do these words tell you about the devil?
6.
Useful information: “Devil” means “Slanderer.” “Satan” means “Adversary.” What do those names tell you about him? Relate those names to the courtroom scene in Romans 8:31-35. What do they tell you?
7.
What is the devil’s mission or goal? See 1 Chronicles 21:1, Rev. 12:9, 2 Corinthians 2:11.
8.
What powers does he wield? Ephesians 6:11, Hebrews 2:14, Job 1-2 (think about this one!), Luke 22:31, 2 Corinthians 12:7, and 2 Thessalonians 2:9.
9.
How can we hope to defeat him? Ephesians 6:11-18 What is each piece of the armor? When we wear it what are we supposed to do? What do we occupy ourselves with in the midst of the battle? James 4:7 What is the two step program here? 1 Peter 5:8-11 This describes our condition, our activity, and our hope. What are they according to the text?
10. What instruction are we given in Revelation 2:10? How about 1Timothy 5:15?
War is Hell! Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Pastor Timothy Miille 1.
The first Scripture referenced by the author is Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This directs the reader’s attention to what hell really is and what is really the most important thing. A. Read the following verses: Matthew 5:22; Matthew 18:9; Mark 9:43; 2 Peter 2:4; Luke 16:23; Psalm 21:9 and Matthew 3:12; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 18:8 and Matthew 25:41. How do the Scriptures describe hell? Fiery hell, pits of darkness, torment, weeping and gnashing of teeth, devouring fire are all phrases used to describe hell. Note for the students the language used such as eternal. B. Read Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 16:16 and John 3:16-18. Who is sent to hell? Besides the devil and his demons, unbelievers are sent to hell. Bring out especially in John 3:18 how the unbeliever is judged/condemned already. If the Matthew text causes some discussion on works point out that the sheep and the goats are divided before the works are announced. C. Look again at Matthew 10:28. Who is it that can destroy both body and soul in hell? At first glance someone might think that it is the devil, but the words “the one being able” tell us that only God is able to do this. Note in the article how the author capitalizes “One.”
2.
Though the descriptions of hell are not pleasant, it is all too easy for sinful people to focus on hell. Perhaps this is explained by the fact that there are many verses describing hell and only a very few that directly describe heaven. A. Read Revelation 21:1 -2 and 21:9-27. How does this vision make you feel? What or who is described here? What verse or verses tell us what is being described here? The feelings may be broad in range or character. The people of God are being described in verses 9-27. To help the students see this point to verse 9, “I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” This is whom the fo llowing verses describe. Also note that there are twelve gates, twelve foundations, twelve different kinds of precious gem, remember that twelve is the number of the church. B. Looking again at Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 16:16 and John 3:16-18: Who are the people described in Revelation 21? Or more simply put, who is sent to heaven? The sheep, the believers are the ones sent to heaven. We are the bride of the Lamb. C. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Is there anyone God does not desire to save? The answer of course, is everyone. Discussion may begin concerning why everyone doesn’t get in. The John 3:16-18 and Mark 16:16 passages are good starting points for speaking about why God sends some to hell even though He desires everyone to be saved.
3.
If it is God’s desire that “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”, then we as Christians have a serious task ahead of us. Let’s look at God’s Word and see what our focus should be. A. Read Matthew 28:19-20. While most translations say “Go”, the real imperati ve or command is to “make disciples.” What are the two things we are to do to “make disciples?” Baptizing and teaching. This is our purpose, to make disciples. Baptism brings believers into the death and resurrection of Christ and instruction brings them into the fullness of God’s revelation for their lives in Christ. The words “all things” are especially helpful for this understanding. B. Read Acts 1:2-8. What did Jesus tell the disciples they would be after they had received the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to be a witness? What have you seen and heard? He told them that they would be His witnesses. A witness is someone who has seen or heard something and asked to testify about it. Discussion on what has been seen or heard might lead to Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the pastor’s sermon, the reading of God’s word, etc. Limit discussion only as time constrains. C. Read Acts 2:36-39; Acts 3:12-21; Acts 4:8-12. Compare these sermons. What is at the heart of Peter’s sermons? What should be the substance or heart of our message? Is this message difficult or easy to learn and share? The heart of Peter’s messages is that his hearers crucified Christ, but God raised Him from the dead and now forgiveness is preached in Jesus’ name. Our message should be the same. Answers may vary as to how difficult or easy the message is to share. D. Read Psalm 23. What words in this Psalm can give us the courage and motivation to share the message of Christ’s death and resurrection? Could the words of comfort in this Psalm become our message as well? Several verses could be cited: verse 4, verse 5, verse 6 or even verse 1. There isn’t a wrong answer. The whole Psalm, probably the best known Scripture outside of John 3:16, is a presentation of God’s, Jesus’ care for us. Especially note for the students that verses 5 and 6 say “will” or “shall.” God’s promises are certain, steadfast and sure.
War is Hell! Bible Study Pastor Timothy Miille
1.
The first Scripture referenced by the author is Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” This directs the reader’s attention to what hell really is and what is really the most important thing. A. Read the following verses: Matthew 5:22; Matthew 18:9; Mark 9:43; 2 Peter 2:4; Luke 16:23; Psalm 21:9 and Matthew 3:12; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 18:8 and Matthew 25:41. How do the Scriptures describe hell?
B. Read Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 16:16 and John 3:16-18. Who is sent to hell?
C. Look again at Matthew 10:28. Who is it that can destroy both body and soul in hell?
2.
Though the descriptions of hell are not pleasant, it is all too easy for sinful people to focus on hell. Perhaps this is explained by the fact that there are many verses describing hell and only a very few that directly describe heaven. A. Read Revelation 21:1-2 and 9-27. How does this vision make you feel? What or who is described here? What verses tell us what is being described here?
B. Looking again at Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 16:16 and John 3:16-18: Who are the people described in Revelation 21? Or more simply put, who is sent to heaven?
C. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Is there anyone God does not desire to save?
3.
If it is God’s desire that “all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”, then we as Christians have a serious task ahead of us. Let’s look at God’s Word and see what our focus should be. A. Read Matthew 28:19-20. While most translations say “Go”, the real imperative or command is to “make disciples.” What are the two things we are to do to “make disciples?”
B. Read Acts 1:2-8. What did Jesus tell the disciples they would be after they had received the Holy Spirit? What does it mean to be a witness? What have you seen and heard?
C. Read Acts 2:36-39; Acts 3:12-21; Acts 4:8-12. Compare these sermons. What is at the heart of Peter’s sermons? What should be the substance or heart of our message? Is this message difficult or easy to learn and share?
D. Read Psalm 23. What words in this Psalm can give us the courage and motivation to share the message of Christ’s death and resurrection? Could the words of comfort in this Psalm become our message as well?
