2004 Fall - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies) by Higher Things: Dare to be Lutheran!

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

/ FA L L / 2004

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Contents T A B L E

O F

Tell What Jesus Did By Rev. Klemet Preus How do you communicate the message of the Gospel of Christ? What does the Bible say about the way we speak the Good News? Test your knowledge with this informative article.

The god of the City By Rev. Tim Pauls Graffiti on a concrete wall becomes a sermon for the religion of the 21st century: you are god. Read on to see just how pervasive this belief truly is.

Flowers for Andy By Kathy Luder Kathy’s best friend comes face-to-face with grief and tragedy. How will Kathy help her friend through this ordeal?

13 A Family Feast By DoRena Stuckwisch A grassroots Higher Things retreat leaves this 17-year-old writer reflecting on fun, feasts, and the best Supper of all.

15 Not Nearly Enough

By Gene Edward Veith

We all have friends from different Christian traditions. How exactly are Lutherans different?

18 A Fourfold Hallelujah! By Rev. Bill Cwirla This poetic sermon sweeps us into the hallelujahs of Revelation 19.

22 Highlights from the City of God Conference in Seattle, Washington

COLUMNS 16 Letters to the Editor 20 MINING THE RICHES: Cutting to the Heart of the Matter By Rev. Jeffrey A. Ahonen 26 Pulse: Comic Books By Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer 28 Email Information/News and Notes 29 Ex Cathedra Am I a racist? Can a Christian be a vegetarian? Is it normal for an 18-year-old girl to be boyfriend-free? Check out the latest advice in this issue’s column.

30 The Catechism: Vocation: The Great Promise By Rev. David Petersen

HigherThings Volume 4/Number 3 Fall 2004 Executive Editor REV. TODD PEPERKORN Assistant Editor JULIE STIEGEMEYER

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

Business Manager LYNN FREDERICKSEN

Bible Studies Editor REV. TIMOTHY SCHELLENBACH Subscriptions Manager CYNTHIA HALL

Marketing and Grants Director PAM KNEPPER

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

PREUS

Vice President REV. MARCUS

ZILL

Executive Director REV. DANIEL WOODRING

Secretary SANDRA

OSTAPOWICH

Treasurer LYNN FREDERICKSEN

REV. WILLIAM CWIRLA REV. BRUCE KESEMAN SANDRA OSTAPOWICH SUE PELEGRINI REV. TODD PEPERKORN REV. KLEMET PREUS JEFF SCHWARZ 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 2004. 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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By Rev. Klemet Preus H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 4

How do you communicate the message of Jesus? What does the Bible say about the way we speak the good news? Test your knowledge of Holy Scripture. Take the following true false test:

Christians share Jesus with others. n True n False Christians reach out to others with the love of God. n True n False Christians tell others what Jesus did for us. n True n False

ometimes I think that pastors or Christians tell others what Jesus did for us.True theologians make things much In Mark 5 Jesus cast some demons out of a man and sent the demons into some pigs. Afterwards the man more difficult or complicated wanted to go with Jesus, but the Lord said,“Go home to than they are. We talk about sharing your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for Christ or reaching out. Not only are you.”The same word is used of the women who saw the tomb and then went and “told all these things” to the meanings of these expressions a empty the apostles. Some of the bible translations use the word bit hazy, but they simply are not the “report” instead of “tell.” For example in Acts 15 Judas and Silas “reported” to the churches what the leaders had way the Bible talks. In the Scriptures written. We should tell or report what Jesus has done and God makes communicating the good what the apostles wrote. It’s like talking to your friend about the latest Kathy Luder story. Tell them what happened. news of Jesus very easy. Let’s see Why is this so important? It’s important to use the what the Bible says. Here are the word “tell” because God wants forgiveness to be simple. We use the Bible word “tell” because salvation is easy answers to the true/false test.

Christians share Jesus with others. False Nowhere in the Bible does God ever say that we should “share Jesus.”We are to share our worldly goods with others, share in the sufferings of Christ by suffering for His sake or, my personal favorite, share our wealth with those who catechize us. But the word “share” is not a word which refers to communication. In fact when we talk about sharing Christ it can give the impression that we are giving half of Him away and keeping half for ourselves like when we share a piece of pie. Of course share can mean “inform” like when we share our thoughts or share our feelings, but then “sharing” Jesus becomes so personal we hesitate. It’s almost something like “sharing” a secret.There’s got to be a better more biblical word.

Christians should reach out to others with the love of God. False Nowhere in the Bible does God ever say that we should “reach out” with the love of God. In the Bible the word “reach” is used more literally like when Jesus reached out and grabbed Peter when they were walking on the water. But there the word means more like stretch out and who ever heard of “stretching out” with God’s love? In the Bible “reach out” is a description of posture more than a communicating of the gospel. It is true that Webster’s dictionary does say that the seventh definition of the word reach is “to have influence upon or to impress.” And we might say that the governor “reached” millions of people with his televised speech. But, it’s not the normal way we use the word “reach” and the bible never talks this way. There’s got to be a better more biblical word. When you think about it, words like “share” and “reach out” are not the way we normally talk. If you were asked to inform your parents about what happened in school today how would they ask you? Would they say,“Share with us your day.” Maybe, but probably not. How about,“Reach out to us with news of your day.” No one talks this way. If your parents wanted to know about your day they would probably say,“Tell us about your day.”The word “tell” is a normal word. And that is the word the bible uses: Tell.

to understand. God forgave the whole world by sending Jesus to live and die for us and rise again. He gives this forgiveness through his holy word – whether it is spoken by you, Martin Luther, St. Paul or Jesus Christ Himself. It’s simple to understand. When we use words like “share” or “reach out” it almost sounds like there is more to it than simply speaking the message of Jesus. We tell our friends that Jesus forgives their sins but we wonder if we have really “shared” Jesus. We tell our friends that Jesus rose from the dead to open heaven, but we wonder if we have really “reached out” to the other person. And we begin to doubt. It’s not ourselves we doubt but the word of God. God keeps it simple because faith should be simple. Someone told you.You believe.You tell someone. God will work through the message of Jesus which you speak. It’s also important to use the word “tell” because God wants to make talking about Jesus simple for us. God does not use unusual words to describe how Christians communicate the good news about Jesus. He does not make the job complicated by forcing upon us a vocabulary that is either weird or unclear. God makes it very simple.“Tell” other people what Jesus has done. Don’t worry about sharing. That’s not the bible word. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t reached out. Communicating Christ has little to do with posture. Rather, tell. Report what you know from the book. It’s easy. Forgiveness may be simple to understand and to tell but it was not simple to earn. Jesus had to carry all of your sins to the cross.This was not easy. Christ pleaded to be relieved in the garden because this was a hard thing He did for us. He carried the heavy load of our guilt to the cross in his body and suffered terribly for us. He poured out his blood painfully for you.What Christ did was the most difficult thing any man has every done. He suffered for you. He suffered for the people to whom you tell his story. For Him it was difficult. For us it is simple – simple to know, simple to tell. Rev. Klemet Preus is pastor of Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Minnesota. He is the President of Higher Things.

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The god o art way through the City of God conference in August, we hit the Seattle waterfront. And there, amid the tourists, piers and jellyfish, we came face-to-face with a sermon from today’s favorite deity. High up on a wall, someone had chalked in big letters,“you are god.” It may sound like the midnight mission of a nut-job, but I snapped a picture. It’s truly the religion of the 21st century.

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Not that it’s anything new: Satan tempted Eve, “You will be like God” (Gen. 3:5); and from there to Babel (Gen. 11:4) to now, man has wanted to take the Lord’s place. It’s the god of the city—no, not specifically Seattle. It’s the god of Babylon—the city used in Revelation to symbolize unfaithfulness against the one true God. It’s the site of idol worship, immorality, excess and more; and it all comes crashing down in judgment (Rev. 14:8; 18:21). Consider that statement,“you are god.” It sounds like a good deal. If you’re god, then you establish what’s true.You determine your code of behavior; and if you sin against your own law, so what? Write in an exception.You can take the Bible and decide what’s good. And frankly,“you are god” is the belief behind the notion that all gods lead to heaven, because you can only teach that madness if you think like this:“All gods lead to heaven because we say so, even if the gods say different. And if we decide what gods say, we’re bigger than they are.”That means that God is nothing more than a mental puppet, and you’re the one pulling His strings. In the short-term,“you are god”looks sweet to sinners. Sinners are very good at looking at immediate gratification, but not at looking ahead, say, until Judgment Day. Because if “you are god” is your creed, then you must put yourself to the test. Have you created all things? Are you faithful to

your word, eternally unchanging? Can you heal diseases? Can you defeat death? Can you raise yourself from the dead? If you can’t, then you’re a pretty lousy god. Do you really want a god only as big as you? Shoot, if I were good enough to be my own god, then I wouldn’t need one. But I can’t raise myself from the dead, so I certainly don’t want to settle for myself.

It’s a common problem, though, trusting in gods that are failures. Back in 2 Chronicles 25, King Amaziah defeated the Edomites; then he took their gods and made them his own.The Lord sent a prophet to the king, who asked,“Why have you sought gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?” In our day and age, we ask the world,“Why do you trust in yourself, when you can’t deliver yourself from death?” For now, though,“you are god” is the pop creed du jour. The world will promote this until the Lord returns, though it might abandon it for a while if disaster strikes. Not for long, though. When calamity hits, the world decides “there is no God” for a while. Then it says,“If there’s no God, it’s up to you.”Then it gets right back to “If it’s up to you, then you are god.”

By Rev. Tim Pauls

of the City

As Babylon continues its urban sprawl—as society continues to turn its back on the God of truth, we continue faithfully to confess the Word, rightly dividing the Word of truth between Law and Gospel. We keep speaking of the one true God so great that He created all things, yet humbled Himself to become man and die in our place. Be warned: there’s one thing Babylon doesn’t like, and it’s the proclamation of the one true God who exposes false gods and frauds.The Church won’t be popular. Along the way, though, many will come out of Babylon, saying,“I’m not god after all, but a poor sinner. Lord have mercy, for Jesus’ sake.” So here we stand, and with joy; because with Abraham, we’re just passing through, waiting for that city, which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). We’re passing through because this isn’t all there is. This isn’t all there is because we’re not gods. Rather, we are blessed to be children of the one true God. He’s the One who created all things. He’s the One who heals diseases. He’s the One who has already proven His love for you at the cross. And He’s the One, the only One, who raises you from the dead. You’re not god. But you are God’s. And for the sake of Jesus, God is not ashamed to be called your God.That’s why He’s prepared His city for you (Heb. 11:6). Rev.Tim Pauls is associate pastor and acting school administrator at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, Idaho. He is an editorial associate with Higher Things.

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Flowers forAndy by Kathy Luder

was eating lunch at Molly’s house at the end of the summer. After grace, her dad, a deputy for the county, announced, “Last night Andy Roberts jumped off the Interstate Bridge into the river.They found his body washed up behind the 7-11.” “Andy Roberts?” Molly squeaked, her eyes wide in horror. “That kid never had a lick of sense,” Molly’s mom said.“He wasn’t raised right.” Molly’s brother, Chris said,“You know him Molly. He goes to the Catholic school.” Her mom muttered,“That is a shame.” The phone rang and Chris jumped up to get it. On his way he bumped his cup and some Kool-Aid sloshed over onto Molly’s sandwich and plate. A circle of red began to spread on her napkin. She made no move to wipe it up. Her dad said,“It’ll be a lot of paperwork. I’m glad I didn’t get the call. All the same, I’ll probably have to work late tonight, to make up for the shortage it’ll cause.”Taking a bite of his oversized sandwich, he said,“What time is that DVD due back?”

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I watched him as he chewed his sandwich. He seemed so cold. I didn’t really know Andy, but I was shocked he was dead. Molly’s dad didn’t seem to care at all; meanwhile Molly looked like she was about to pass out, or at least throw up. She hadn’t eaten a bite. Returning from the phone, Chris looked at Molly and said,“That was George. He called to tell us about Andy. He said he saw you with him yesterday.”Molly’s dad’s head jerked up. He looked at Molly for a second and then back at his plate. Molly’s eyes were closed. Her face turned blotchy. She whispered,“Andy Roberts?” like the name was a puzzle. “You know him. He wears glasses. He lives over on Maple Street. Remember that big Capture the Flag game we had at the end of last summer? He and I put a frog down your shirt. I thought you were going to kill us. Didn’t think you’d forget him.” Molly stared at her red-stained napkin. Her dad looked at her funny, out of the corner of his eyes. He said,“Mrs. MacAllister says she saw Andy with a girl under the bridge last night. They were wading in the water.” Molly stood up suddenly. She wobbled a little, but caught herself on the edge of the table. She said,“I think I’m catching a cold.” Then she ran up the stairs to her room. Without looking at me, Molly’s dad said. “Kathy, if you know something about this and are not sharing it, now would be a good time to let us in on it.” Molly’s mom said,“Is there something going on with Molly and Andy?” I wanted to say,“Duh?” But I didn’t really know. From Molly’s reaction I knew something was up, but she’d never said anything about him to me. I was suspicious, but I felt like I was being asked to betray Molly. So I just shrugged my shoulders. “I’m kinda full,” I said, and ran up to Molly’s bedroom. I knocked on her door.“Molly, it’s me. Let me in.” “Go away,” she moaned.“Just go away.” I backed down the stairs, and slipped out the front door. Something was seriously wrong, but I didn’t know what. It felt like I was in the Twilight Zone. I called Molly from home about an hour later. Her mom said she was still sleeping. She asked me again if I knew anything about Molly and Andy. I told her I didn’t. I called again that night. Her brother said she was in the bathroom. He hung on the line like he wanted to say something else, but didn’t. Molly didn’t call back.

I called first thing the next morning, but Molly had gone for a walk. On a hunch, I hopped on my brother’s bike and found her alone under the interstate bridge.

“Molly, what is going on?” “I don’t want to talk about it, Kath. Just leave me alone.” “I’m not leaving. If you don’t want to talk, fine. But I’m staying here with you. No matter what, I am still your friend.” “Oh, fine! I’ll tell you. Everyone is probably already talking about it anyway. I was seeing Andy, okay? Give me a break! He was nice.You didn’t know him.You’d laugh at him, but I liked him and there is nothing wrong with that!” “Why would I laugh at him?” “Because he was a nerd. He was a Lord of the Rings and Star Wars freak and read comic books. He spent all his time playing video games. He wasn’t good looking or athletic or popular or anything. But so what? He was nice. He was smart. He was funny and he liked me.” “Okay.” I sat down next to her and dug at a hole in the concrete with a stick. Molly got quiet. When she starting talking again, it was slow and deliberate.“It was just a summer fling,” she said.“Two nights ago we were wading in the water. Andy wanted to talk about God and the future. I got nervous. I didn’t want the kids at our school finding out about us. I said some mean things. I told him it was all a joke. I never really liked him.Then I left. He must have jumped off the bridge sometime that night.” She began to weep. I moved closer and put my arms around her and felt myself joining in

on the cry. Molly cried for a friend she’d lost and from guilt. I cried for a boy I didn’t know, but was sure I would have liked, for a future lost. I cried for Molly because her heart was broken and would probably always be scarred. And I cried for the unnecessary suffering we bring upon ourselves through our selfishness. If Molly felt guilty, I felt angry. We finally ran out of tears. We were numbly tossing pebbles into the water when she said, “He wanted to talk about God, but I was embarrassed. What if he went to Hell?” I stopped being angry. I was suddenly cold and a little afraid. How was I supposed to answer that? “He went to the Catholic school,” I said weakly.“He must have been baptized.” “Yeah, and they went to Mass all the time. But did he know about Jesus?” “I don’t know.” “I’m sorry I was a jerk, but mostly I’m sorry he’s gone. I hate not knowing whether he’s in heaven or not.” “Me too,” I said. Molly’s dad pulled up in his squad car. Molly started crying again. Her dad came over and sat down beside her. He didn’t say a word. He just put his arms around her. She told him everything, and I could tell that he loved her and wanted to be a good father. He just didn’t know what to do. Maybe it is not that easy to be a cop and a dad at the same time. On the way home, we asked him about Andy’s fate. Molly hinted at her own failure and guilt, at the uncertainty of suicide and Andy’s lacking confession. But Molly’s dad didn’t have any answers. All he could say was “It ‘ll be okay.” So we did what we usually did.The next day, after Sunday school, we asked Mrs. Zaftig. She told us that it was in God’s hands and that Baptism is no small thing. Andy’s salvation wasn’t our duty. It was God’s. He would take care of it. Where we had been less than perfect, He would forgive us, even when we failed to witness like we should. He loves us and died for us.

To our great embarrassment Mrs. Zaftig called the pastor into the room. She didn’t let on too much; she just asked him about Roman Catholics who die without making a clear confession. He said we trust in the mercy of God and that Baptism is a valid promise. We are not saved by believing the right thing or saying the right thing, but by God’s grace. As soon as he said it, I knew it was true. Molly did too. We still wish we’d heard Andy say,“Jesus loves me, died for me, and will bring me to heaven.”We’re still sad. We’re stuck with the way it is. We can’t change it and we haven’t recovered yet. Maybe we never will. But it is comforting to know that we are saved by grace and that God loves to forgive. We both are a little more conscious than we used to be about the opportunities we have and how quickly life can end.Thanks be to God that the world doesn’t depend on us and neither does heaven. It will be okay, because God loves us and sent His Son for us. Kathy Luder, whose first words were "On a dark and stormy night," lives in the imaginations of good fairies and hobbits everywhere, and sometimes, in cyber-space.You can reach her at KathyLuder@hotmail.com.

Sola Fide We are not saved by doing the right thing or believing the right thing. We are saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That is God's grace. He sent His Son to live a perfect life for us and to die and rise in our place. And not just for us, but also for all men who have ever lived—even for those who don't believe. All men have been reconciled to the Father in the Son. But some are still damned. Some condemn themselves because on their own, by their own fault, they reject the Name of the only-begotten. Those who believe in Jesus Christ are those who have been called by the Holy Spirit through Holy Baptism and have heard the Gospel. God has given them faith. Faith is directed toward Christ and his work. That is how God’s grace is given to us by His Word. We are saved by Christ through grace given in faith. -The editors

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A F AM I L Y F E A S T By DoRena Stuckwisch

ompletely exhausted. Zonked. Wiped out. We all know the feeling—the inevitable result of several days of staying up late, snarfing Pixie Sticks, chugging Mountain Dew, and generally having a good time with friends.The exhaustion isn’t fun, but it fades quickly, while the wonderfully embarrassing memories remain.

In June 2004, a group of my friends and their families from all over the country gathered in my hometown, South Bend, Indiana, for several days of fun.This group was mostly teens who know each other from the Higher Things e-mail list,“Mouth House,” and the HT “Making Waves” and “In His Face” conferences. In fact, our gathering was, in some ways, modeled after these conferences. The fun started on a Friday evening, with supper together followed by the Order of Vespers, catechesis, and several hours of caffeine and sugar-induced hyper-activity. The next day began with Morning Prayer, followed by lunch, then several hours at a local park, and supper together once again.The day concluded with the Word of God and prayer in the Order of Vespers. On Sunday we attended the Divine Service at Emmaus (our church in South Bend), had lunch together, and then said our tough good-byes. There were approximately 70 people in all gathered for the weekend. It was a joy to see my own family getting along so well with my friends and their families. By Sunday afternoon, all 70 of us were like one “big happy family.”Through worship, catechesis, playing games, lots of talking and sharing meals together, new friendships were formed and old ones strengthened.

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As you may be able to guess, the weekend basically revolved around the one thing that should really be the focus of our entire lives as Christians! Food. Yes, that’s right—food. Whenever you have a large group of people, food is almost always part of the occasion. Everybody has to eat to keep their earthly bodies alive. Besides, if there is a lull in activity you can start a conversation about the food . . . or, if need be, there’s always that old standby—FOOD FIGHT!!! But now I’m getting off track. The food that was the focus of our weekend gathering was actually not the sort you might throw across the room with hopes of hitting your brother in the face.The food I’m talking about is the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He gives to us Christians to eat and drink for the forgiveness of our sins. With such heavenly food as this, our Savior comes to us under simple bread and wine. And by the eating and drinking of this food, according to His Word, we really are, in fact, one big family, along with our fellow Christians all over the country—indeed, in all times and places. Our Father in heaven is with us always. He watches us giggle and play with our friends. He’s there, too, when we’re breaking the Eighth Commandment by gossiping about our friends. Whenever we break any of the commandments in thought, word and deed, He knows. We are rightly ashamed and deathly afraid when God’s law confronts us. We know from His Word, as we have been taught from the catechism, that we surely deserve nothing but eternal death and damnation as the wages of our sin. Amazingly, and by His grace alone, our heavenly Father loves us and has mercy on us, disobedient children though we are. He sent His Son Jesus to die for us! And Jesus, out of love, voluntarily sacrificed Himself so that we could be united with Him,“through Baptism into [His] death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). From His cross, He likewise feeds us with the fruits of His sacrifice, for the free and full forgiveness of our sins, for life and salvation in Him.Through such Word and Sacraments, all Christians are given this new life and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Consequently, we need no longer fear death or damnation, for we are fed with a life-giving food in the Lord’s Supper. Our bodies may be fatigued from too many nights of partying, and it may require several long naps to rid our bodies of the exhaustion. However, the Lord gives us new life and refreshes our souls with one small wafer of bread, a sip of wine, and a few simple, but powerful words:“This is My Body,”“This is My Blood,”“for you.” This is a “foretaste of the feast to come,” when our souls will forever flourish with saints from all times and places in Heaven! There we will never feel exhaustion, but only joy and peace with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and our “big happy family.” It was toward that meal that our weekend together was moving, and from that meal that we returned to our respective homes, as individuals and families, but all of us bound together as one body in the body and blood of Christ Jesus. From that never-ending feast there won’t ever be any more tough good-byes; for we will be together forever! DoRena Stuckwisch is 17-years old and the oldest of eight children. She is a member of Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church where her father is the pastor. She is on a quest to discover the true identity of Kathy Luder. Anyone with information on this subject, or interested in joining the quest, is asked to please e-mail her at dorenabeana@yahoo.com.

Not Nearly Enough I By Gene Edward Veith

have had a lot of friends from different Christian traditions. As a Lutheran, I find that I can relate to them all, in a frustrated kind of way. I appreciate my evangelical friends for their zeal for the Gospel. I share with my charismatic friends the desire for a direct, personal, experiential contact with God. And yet, it seems to me they are not nearly evangelical or charismatic enough.

My evangelical friends can remember the minute when they first received Jesus Christ into their hearts. Some of them have dramatic conversion stories and can tell hair-raising tales of the depths of sin they were wallowing in until they accepted Christ as their Savior. I thank God for bringing them to faith. But while they lift high the Gospel (the very word “evangelical” coming from the Greek word for “gospel”), for them, it was only a one-time affair, something that happened to them once, a long time ago. Now, many of them feel they are under the law. Now that they are saved, they are obliged to be good all the time, sometimes feeling tormented when they are not. As a Lutheran, though, I am converted every time I confess my sins and receive absolution. I “receive Christ” not just once, but every Sunday when I receive Him in His very body and blood.The Gospel is a constant, something I keep hearing from every sermon, and something I keep coming back to. It began with my Baptism (the equivalent of that one moment the evangelicals keep referring back to, usually a genuine encounter with the saving Word of God), but it keeps going.

The word “charismatic” comes from the Greek word for “gifts,” and my charismatic friends are big on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. They want miracles. They want a supernatural experience. They want emotion. But the “gifts” they settle for seem to be poor things. For all of their emphasis on spiritual gifts, charismatics often neglect the actual gifts of God. The true voice of the Holy Spirit is not unintelligible syllables, but the Word of God, which in utter clarity convicts us of our sins and not only reveals, but conveys the grace and the work of Jesus Christ. God’s Word is His great gift to the Church. And this Word is more miraculous, more directly supernatural, more of a sign and wonder, than any of the human experiences cultivated by the charismatics. God does give us gifts that bring direct contact with Him, miraculous works of power, supernatural reality we can experience directly. These gifts of signs and wonders are called Sacraments. Can there be a more tangible manifestation of the supernatural than what comes in water, bread, and wine? Is there a greater miracle than the spiritual rebirth given in Baptism? Or the risen Christ giving Himself to us, in the most personal, intimate way, not abstractly, but in His body and blood? Here is healing. Here is a personal connection to Christ. Here is an experience as vivid as tasting. Evangelicals are not nearly evangelical enough. Charismatics are not nearly charismatic enough. Unfortunately, sometimes we are not nearly Lutheran enough.

Dr. Gene Edward Veith is the cultural editor for WORLD magazine, and is the Director of the Cranach Institute. He is also an editorial associate with Higher Things.

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Feedback editor

letters to the

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Dear Editor: The summer 2004 issue of Higher Things arrived today. I was disappointed with the stole the pastor is wearing on the cover. What season does it belong to? The “Mother Earth” season of the 70’s? What is the fabric? Why not put him in a traditional, beautifully done stole for the green season of Trinity? I also am disappointed that he is vested in a cassock (which looks like an acolyte, though I know it is an appropriate clerical vestment) rather than wearing an alb where the black collar can be plainly seen or a chasuble where the importance of the office of the holy ministry would not have been in question at all. It would have been good to have his left hand not covering the cross (or perhaps crucifix?). A casual look just says “not so important”— in anything. These are little visual things that portray a huge message. With the office of the holy ministry often being confused with the royal priesthood of believers, visual images are very important teachers. —Denise

Dear Denise: You raise some important questions that are worth answering. First off, what is a “traditional” stole in one place may not be traditional at all in another place.While certainly there are parameters in liturgical churches regarding such things, there is also much freedom.This isn’t the style of stole I prefer. However, it does not obscure the Gospel, the green color of the season is dominant, and a pastor is certainly welcome to wear such a stole. Secondly, while I understand your preference regarding an alb versus a cassock and surplice, it doesn’t quite reflect the liturgical tradition of the church.The cassock and surplice (at least through twentieth century usage) is the traditional vestment of for non-communion services, including prayer offices. It would also be the preferred vestment, for that reason, in private confession and absolution. An alb, on the other hand, is really meant to be worn under a chasuble. It is a liturgical undergarment, if you will. So if we were to be liturgically proper, our model pastor should either be wearing what he is wearing, or an alb with a chasuble. Finally, if you can see the pastor’s black collar “plainly” underneath the alb, it is because the alb is too big and doesn’t fit. The office of the holy ministry is most clearly demonstrated liturgically by the stole, not the type of vestment. You are certainly correct that the visual arts portray a huge message. I simply don’t think wearing a more modern style stole confuses anything with the royal priesthood of believers. —Pr. Todd Peperkorn Dear Pastor Peperkorn, First, to all of you involved in putting this magazine together, a triple “attaboy”. I can only guess at the complexities involved, and the thought makes me shudder. Content, layout, and

the ‘feel’ of this magazine are first class, and the articles are...well...juicy, like a good steak. I don’t keep tabs on other Christian periodicals much, so I don’t know how often an article like “Clothed with Christ” appears in evangelical circulars. From what I’ve seen and read in the secular mags, the fashion pendulum is beginning to swing back from Hooker, to Something More Modest. Kathyrn Ann Hill is correct that stating that some of these ‘fashions’ were only seen on prostitutes twenty years ago. A survey taken of teen girls about these fashions revealed something interesting: Most of those surveyed said that the greatest pressure to dress like this came from the popular cliques, not the boys. If you attempted to dress in a different style, or at least not show all the dress code would allow, you were met with withering stares, ridicule, some ugly teasing, and finally, you were snubbed. When these girls were asked if they like dressing this way, the majority said ‘of course not!’ In “Ex Cathedra”, Matt asked about his ‘large chest’. Great answer, Ex! Matt sounds quite normal to me. The singer Chris Rea spoke of the teen years as “pride and passion, kicked around.” We were all posers, trying to mimic being men, and usually failing comically. Good call with the checkup. Bad call with the last sentence - “I know that this is really hard for teenagers, young adults and even many mature adults to believe, but what you look like doesn’t matter. Really.” Sir, it does. It matters to Matt that he doesn’t look like a man to himself. If you have any way to get in touch with Matt, could you please direct him to www.hardgainer.com? It’s a weighttraining site for the “genetically average”, as they put it, and they cover the whole gamut of training: Nutrition, sleep, supplementation, and just about everything else. Lastly, Kathy Luder’s articles are the first I turn to. I love the painful honesty that comes across in her writing; her trials, temptations, failings, etc. She writes like a flesh and blood redeemed sinner. —Geoff Larson

And here’s something from Kathy Luder’s mailbox A poem for the detective. The sky above, the mud below, And still Doreana does not know! The hooves of horses beat the night, She shakes in bed: a South Bend fright. A nightmare shades her sleepy heart, The sleuth Doreana speaks her part: “Tell me, dear Kath, or else I die: What is your name? Your reason why?” “A lying name, its goal: conceal. The hidden part I won’t reveal. Kathy Luder, that is my name. Ask me again. I’ll say the same!” The hooves of horses fade away, A higher thing she’s heard to say. “If you should die, for you it’s gain, So I will not tell you my name. Go back to sleep, Doreana bean, And do not think that I am mean. I’ll write to you, four times a year. And in between, I’ll disappear.” Who is this Kathy Luder chic? No picture on those pages slick. The sky above, the mud below, And still Doreana does not know.

Dear Kathy, I have been reading your articles in Higher Things. I was touched to hear about your dramatic break up with Adam. I found it extremely upsetting that Adam felt it was OK to spread ridiculously unfounded rumors about you. I’m glad to hear you have the support of a good friend like Molly. Even though I have never seen a clear picture of you, your self-respect makes your inner beauty shine. I have your picture hanging in my locker, but everyone laughs at me because they can’t see your face. I’m looking forward to going to the next conference in St. Louis. Maybe we can meet by the Pac-Man machine and you can show me how a high score is won. Perhaps I should tell you a little about myself. I have broad shoulders you can lean on, and strong hands that can protect you and stay on the arm rest. I’m a little over 6 feet tall, and I just recently dyed my hair blond. I will send you a picture of myself if you give me your mailing address. I am eagerly anticipating reading your next article in Higher Things. I will keep in touch.Yours Truly (hopefully), —Dan C.J. Priess

Higher Things Higher Things Magazine welcomes letters from our readers. Please send you comments to: Higher Things Magazine P.O. Box 580111 Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158-8011 feedback@higherthings.org

Feedback

Ha! Hugs and kissses—Kathy

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Hal Hallel

A Fourfold

Revelation 19:1-10

Hallelujah! Call to worship, to liturgy, to praise Four times: Let us praise YHWH, the LORD! Praise is all there’s left to do When the Lord has done it all.

Hallelujah! Yet again, a second time. The once proud citadel lies in rubble ruin Her shopping malls and stadiums, boardrooms and bedrooms All are desolate, ablaze; The smoke of her destruction rises up forever as Incense from the depths of Hell; Eternal witness to the utter foolishness of UNBELIEF.

Hallel Halleluja Hallelujah! Salvation’s song crescendos from the heavens And tumbles down to earth where It meets a mixed review of FAITH and UNBELIEF. “Salvation, glory, and power belong to God” (The verbs are His, but also the nouns.) “True and just His judgment.”

Babylon is fallen, justly judged City of Man, built on shifting sands of unbelief With bricks of shameless arrogance And the mortar of man’s desire To be gods in place of God. Babylon, the anti-Bride, devil’s prostitute Her bed defiled with adultery, Her chalice filled with unquenched lust, Her children offered up as “holy innocents” Upon her altars of convenience.

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Babylon, vile seductress, Folly Her idols promised immortality But now her Lie is shamefully exposed.

Hallelujah! A third time, louder. Sounded by the congregation Elders twelve plus twelve – God’s Israel, old and new And four mysterious living ones whose faces Reflect their constituency – Man and Bird and Beast both tame and wild; The Church and all creation cry aloud as one: Hallelujah! And with it, faith antiphonal Amen! God has spoken – It is sure and certain.

Hallelujah! Fourth and final. Deafening, like living waterfalls and spring thunderclaps, The news so good it almost hurts to hear it. “The Lord our God Almighty reigns!” The wedding of the Lamb has come! The Groom – Y’shua, Jesus, Word Incarnate YHWH in the Flesh comes to save you. Passover and Sacrifice The Lamb once slain who lives to Take away your sin and Bury it in the darkness of His baptismal tomb.

By Rev. William Cwirla

allelujah lujah The Bride – God’s City, Holy Church Zion lifted up, redeemed; Second Eve from sleeping second Adam Drawn from His spear-pierced side.

elujah jah She is radiant, virgin pure, Washed with water and the Word Readied for her nuptial day; Her wedding gown is linen, pure and fine A gift from her Beloved, Woven out of all the priestly labors of her citizens Washed to brilliant perfection in Her Bridegroom’s Blood.

The invitations are engraved, addressed, delivered: “Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Blessed are you, dear baptized, believing one, A place is set for you in the King’s reception hall A feast of fatted meats and finest vintage wines Poured out in Cana’s lavish opulence. And even now, for you, A foretaste of that coming Feast: Bread that is His Body, Wine that is His Blood; His gift to you – Receive it! Believe it!

Until that Day when earth’s last night Gives way to new creation’s morning And Bride and Groom embrace at last to Endless Hallelujahs.

F A L L

Rev.William Cwirla is pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California. He is a new member of the Board of Directors of Higher Things.

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MINING THE RICHES

Cutting To The Hear T

he unusual marks on her arms were scratches from her cat, she said.Then she explained that she no longer wears shorts, even on very hot days, because she is more comfortable wearing jeans. What do your friend’s curious statements mean? Could she be hiding the fact that she is “cutting?”

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Cutting is what some teens—one out of every ten, according to an Oxford University report—do to relieve emotional pain. A cutter tries to drain the pain out of his body by cutting his flesh with a sharp knife. He hopes that his sadness will be carried away with the blood as it flows out of his body. The story of the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18 shows not only that cutting is not a new phenomenon, but also points us to the real solution to this real-life problem: Jesus Christ. These false prophets spoke about a god that existed only in their minds. While they lived as though he were real, Baal was an imaginary god, unable to provide help to anybody. Elijah, a prophet of The Holy Trinity, boldly challenged the false prophets to an amazing contest: a duel between the gods. Whichever god sent fire from heaven would be declared the true God. During their turn, the prophets of Baal were unable to demonstrate anything except the futility of worshiping a nonexistent god. Out of complete despair, they became cutters.“So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them” (1 Kings 18:28). This was more than just an effort to relieve the emotional pain of rejection by their god. It was also an attempt to please their god, so he would finally answer them. Whether they recognize it or not, modern-day cutters do a similar thing.Their drastic action is a way of calling upon a “higher power” to bring relief from their heartache.They hope to bring themselves to the attention of a “god” to raise them out of their depression. The prophets of Baal were manipulating their god into answering them when they poured out their own blood, in mockery of the bloody sacrifices the true God commanded His priests to perform. But God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7). In the end, God mocked these 450 false prophets, ironically giving them exactly what they desired; their blood was poured out of their bodies—completely—after they

were cut open by the sword of the Lord, wielded by Elijah, as punishment for their blasphemy. Before this, Elijah had taken His turn in the contest and called upon the one true God, who sent down from heaven a fire so fierce that it completely burned up everything in the area—even some nearby water! This was a mighty proclamation of the law of God against the man’s sin— including our attempted manipulation of God. It was a vivid reminder that God is an all-consuming fire, which brings all unholy things to an end (Deuteronomy 9:3). But that end is the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6) by which we sinners escape God’s fire, for Jesus is the sacrifice to which all of the Old Testament sacrifices pointed, the sacrifice for all sin.The piercing of His flesh and the flow of His blood brings true relief to the troubled soul. He is the sacrifice that was totally consumed by God’s fiery wrath against sin. Jesus had taken the sin of the world upon Himself. He suffered wrath, even unto death, in our place. And He is risen from the dead to bring His new and everlasting life to us! In Baptism, He gives us the threefold pouring of water, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, to protect us from God’s fiery wrath. In the Supper, He feeds His people at His altar with the very flesh and blood He sacrificed for our sins. By His Gospel of forgiveness, He kindles in us the fire of His Holy Spirit, so we might joyfully serve our neighbors in love, especially our hurting friends. Do you know someone—perhaps even a cutter—who is hurting emotionally? Show your love by encouraging your friend to speak with your pastor. Invite your friend to church to hear the Good News of Jesus with you. He is the answer!

rt of the Matter

By Rev. Jeffrey A. Ahonen

Rev. Jeffrey A. Ahonen is pastor of Saint John Lutheran Church in Ladysmith,Wisconsin.

“Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again” (1 Kings 18:37).

nd it came to pass after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying,“Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. And Elijah came to all the people, and said,“How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.Then Elijah said to the people,“I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it.Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.” So all the people answered and said,“It is well spoken.” Now Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it.” So they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying,“O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice; no one answered. Then they leaped about the altar which they had made. And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said,“Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice.

But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention. Then Elijah said to all the people,“Come near to me.” So all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was broken down. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come, saying,“Israel shall be your name.” Then with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD; and he made a trench around the altar large enough to hold two seahs of seed. And he put the wood in order, cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood, and said,“Fill four waterpots with water, and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.”Then he said,“Do it a second time,” and they did it a second time; and he said,“Do it a third time,” and they did it a third time. So the water ran all around the altar; and he also filled the trench with water. And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said,“LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said,“The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” And Elijah said to them,“Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!” So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there. I Kings 18 (NKJV, used by permission, selections)

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CITY OF GOD CONFERENCE 2004 • SCRAPBOOK Teens and young adults who attended the City of God conference in Seattle had this to say about their experience: What did you like best about the conference location? • Seattle is absolutely amazing-I absolutely loved being here. What did you like best about the services? • Chanting at first it seemed unnatural, but now, I like it. Plus I really enjoy the opportunity for private confession. • The worship was wonderful – I can’t wait until next year! What did you like best about the sectionals? • That you had the choice to go to which topics interesting you the most and there was a wide variety of topics. • Harrison’s banjo. Why did you choose to attend this conference? • I had been to all three conferences before and really enjoyed them. I attended last year in Texas & I found it to be a great refreshing of my faith therefore, I wanted to come again. How did the conference meet those expectations? • It was fun to meet all of the kids that share the same faith I have. • Meeting lots of new friends. Great discussions. And great sessions in catechesis. • It did help me in my life to be prepared for college. • It was amazing! I have really bonded with the students. And worship has been so incredible and I’ve learned so much about how awesome it is to be a Lutheran! Would you come to another Higher Things conference? • Yes. I love being with other people my age who have the same beliefs and feelings as I do. ∑ Additional comments. • Do Seattle people eat pizza? That was some nasty pizza in the cafeteria. • It was absolutely amazing. Keep doing it.

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Lutheran Youth Conference Seattle, WA - August 3-6, 2004

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CITY OF GOD CONFERENCE 2004 â&#x20AC;¢ SCRAPBOOK

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 24

God Words Revised classic features a series of essays on the catechism and other biblical themes. Previously titled Wings of Faith, essays are written by various authors including John Johnson, Dean Wenthe, Paul Raabe, and more. Essays include “The Bible as God’s Word,” “The Doctrine of Man,” “One God in Three Persons,” “The Means of Grace,” “The End Times,” and “Does It Really Make a Difference if You Are Lutheran?” The end of each essay offers questions for personal reflection or group discussion. This book is ideal for high school Bible study groups, confirmation study, and anyone new to the faith. God Words helps readers grow in their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. 196 pp. Paperback. 14-2129DHI $12.99

Strong L Solid L Biblical Fusion Bible Study Series By Chad Bird Fusion—the merging of diverse, distinct, or separate elements into a unified whole. Each study focuses on one theme and shows how the Old Testament foreshadows the events of the New Testament. Through this series students connect—fuse—biblical events. These in-depth studies are designed to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. Reproducible. 6 sessions are adaptable for more study. 80 pp. each. Paperback. $15.99 each

Fusion: Water The Old Testament is all wet! The Holy Word is saturated with events involving water that connect to the New Testament, specifically Holy Baptism. Study those events that lead us today to the significance of Baptism and how we are made complete in Jesus.

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Fusion: Trees From the beginning, God has nurtured and cultivated His children with the planting of His creation. Throughout Scripture, see how our heavenly Gardener plants His trees for the good of His people. From the Tree of Life to the cross, examine how He offers salvation to all mankind through His Son, Jesus.

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“Crazy curmudgeons Batman! Higher Things is doing a piece on comic books. What does this mean?” “Don’t fear, Robin. All the forces of goodness and justice have to stick together in this world,” responded the dark knight.

ver since Superman made his 1938 debut in Action Comics #1, comic book superheroes have been a major feature in American pop culture. Consider movies and television, for instance. Comic book superheroes, old and new, have been translated to the big screen in such examples as: Superman, Batman, Daredevil, Punisher, Hulk, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, X-Men, Spiderman, and Hellboy. Most recently, I heard a vague rumor that the Fantastic Four movie will be released 295 days and 9 hours from the time I’m writing this article.

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But even with all that eye-candy to look at on the screen, the good ol’ fashioned printed page is where it all began, and according to many fans, where it still works the best. For a long time, movie special effects were so primitive that two-dimensional illustrations were simply far more impressive. And though computer graphics have made almost anything possible on-screen, seeing real live human beings dressed in superhero costumes can brink on the edge of silliness. But on the printed page, it still works. While comic book superheroes come in a wide variety of forms, there are generalizations that could be made about them as a whole. Usually a pretty ordinary person acquires special abilities which leads him to fight crime, defend the weak, and just basically set wrongs right. The X-Men are human mutants with extraordinary powers such as being able to control the weather, pass through solid objects, sponta-

neously heal, read minds or transport from place to place instantaneously. Spiderman is just an ordinary teenager who gets bitten by a radioactive spider and gains spider-like abilities. He can scale smooth surfaces, possesses a heightened sense of danger, and has remarkable strength and agility. Batman has no superpowers. Instead he relies on his superior scientific knowledge, technology, physical strength and detective skills. Superman, a.k.a. the Man of Steel, a.k.a. Clark Kent, is the exception. He’s not an ordinary human being at all. In fact, he’s not a human being. He’s an alien from the planet Krypton who was sent here as an infant to escape his home planet’s destruction. Probably very few comic book writers are trying to convey any overtly Christian themes. In fact, a case could be made that they contain many elements which go counter to the Christian faith (i.e., bad language, graphic violence, titillating sexuality, rebellious attitudes, a fascination with the occult). There is some truth to that argument, but as is often the case, there is also something more. At the risk of

By Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer sounding like I’m trying to stretch my point too far, I would like to highlight some features of some comic books that, surprisingly, resemble basic Christian teachings. First, the comic book superhero world has a strong sense of right and wrong. Justice is possible. Moral outrage is admirable. Secondly, while a few superhero types walk around in costume (i.e., the Fantastic Four), most of them want to keep their identities secret. Their powers are hidden by their everyday ordinariness. And they only reveal themselves when it becomes necessary. This should ring a little bit familiar to Christians who worship a God who routinely hides His glory in humble forms—in the flesh of a Man, in bread and wine—and who cloaks His majesty in human weakness. Thirdly, the overarching theme is that the superheroes have a mission, a duty to fulfill. They realize that they have been given unique gifts and that it would be wrong to use them for personal gain. The great line from the first Spiderman movie put it this way:“In this world, with great power comes great responsibility.” Jesus expresses a similar idea:“To whom much is given, much shall be required.” In our world where people live to serve only themselves, comic books have caught a whiff of this counter-cultural theme that runs through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Fourthly, a lot of these characters are “mis-understood and even persecuted by the very people they are trying to help” (Bradford W. Wright, Comic Book Nation, p. 212). Similarly, Christ tells his followers that the world will not accept them any more than it accepted Him. They will be hated and rejected for doing good.

But we don’t respond in kind. We respond to hatred with love, to evil with good. And finally, young people are attracted to comic books for many reasons, not the least of which is their desire to believe that there is something, Someone, who is larger than life, Someone with terrific powers who—though appearances may deceive—is going to be there for us when we need Him most. I can sympathize with this longing. I share it. Many comic books are quite offensive, to be sure. Many others are quite fun, but it all boils down to something very serious. Our need for a savior, a champion who can overthrow every foe for us. Superman may be faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. But he’s only fiction. When you put the comic books down, look at the real live God-Man, Jesus Christ, who can save us and has, in fact, already done so. Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer is pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church in Brentwood, Pennsylvania. He is an editorial associate with Higher Things.

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HIGHER THINGS

News & Notes Higher Things 2005 Higher Things is pleased to announce that our summer 2005 youth conference will be held on the campus of St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.The dates for the conference are July 19-22, 2005. The price for the conference has not been finalized, but it will be approximately $300 (maybe less) per participant, which includes housing and meals. Registration and other conference information will be in the winter issue of Higher Things. See you there!

Art for the Church Year Ecclesiastical Art, a CD of line-art of the church year produced by Higher Things, was featured in the fall issue of the LCMS Reporter worship insert from the Commission on Worship. Go to www.higherthings.org for more information.

Higher Things LIFE Issue and how to get it We continue to receive requests for the special LIFE issue that was produced in conjunction with LCMS LIFE Ministries. If you wish to order free copies of this issue for yourself or your youth group, please contact: LCMS World Relief/Human Care 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122 attn: Chrissy Woelzlein E-mail chrissy.woelzlein@lcms.org or call to 1-800-248-1930 ext. 1381.

Keseman, Cwirla, Pelegrini Elected to BOD Support Higher Things 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! Please make your checks out to: Higher Things, PO Box 580111, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158-8011.

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In its summer Board of Directors meeting, Higher Things appointed Rev.Todd Peperkorn as Executive Editor of the magazine.“This doesn’t really change much in terms of the structure of the magazine, but it will allow me more time to engage more churches in learning about our work,” said Peperkorn.

Rev. Brent Keseman, Rev. William Cwirla, and Mrs. Sue Pelegrini were recently elected to the Higher Things Board of Directors. God’s blessings on your service to the youth of our church!

Higher Things Considering International Conference Higher Things is exploring the possibility of hosting an international Lutheran Youth Conference in Europe.The cost would be somewhere in the range of $2000-$2500 per person. If you would be interested in learning more about such a venture, please contact Peperkorn@higherthings.org.

Higher Things Electronic Devotions Electronic devotions from Higher Things are now available on the website or via email. Subscribe to receive a weekly (daily in Advent and Lent) Reflection based on the Gospel reading for the week. Send any email to Reflections-On@lists.higherthings.org or visit our website at www.higherthings.org to read current and past Reflections.

Ex Cathedra From Advice to Absurdity Dear Ex Cathedra, I am not a bad person and don’t think I’ve ever acted badly toward other races, but I have noticed since 9/11 that I have very racist thoughts about Arabs when I see them. I have a similar problem with blacks. I don’t want to be a racist. Am I? —Jeremy, 16 Dear Jeremy, You’re not a bad person??! Doesn’t the confession that we “are by nature sinful and unclean…” (Lutheran Worship, p. 158) admit the exact opposite? That confession of sin goes on to talk about sins of “thought, word and deed.” Whether or not you have committed racist deeds is beside the point.The Holy Spirit is convicting you of sinful thoughts, for which you need forgiveness. Of course, in truth, there is only one race—the human race. We are all brothers, children of Adam. Color of skin means as little as hair or eye color.To judge our brothers and sisters based on such superficial traits is just plain wrong. Finally, I think you are using 9/11 as an excuse.This is not unusual, but it’s wrong. It almost seems that Arab terrorism reasonably justifies racist attitudes. It doesn’t. I urge you to take your pastor by the ear,confess your sin,believe the absolution,receive the body and blood of Christ,and pray that the Holy Spirit would sanctify your thoughts.You are a sinner,and you are struggling with the sin of racism.It is good that you see that. Now,take comfort in the Gospel.You are forgiven! —EC Dear Ex Cathedra, After a lot of thought and prayer, I have decided to become a vegetarian. I know that my parents will have a problem with this. Is it wrong to be a vegetarian?—Cindi, 15 Dear Cindi, Being a vegetarian, of itself, is certainly not sinful. So don’t have a cow! Scripture doesn’t demand that we eat meat. On the other hand, scripture doesn’t prohibit eating meat. On the contrary, Adam, Eve, and the rest of mankind, were not allowed to

eat meat. However, after the flood God told Noah that man was now permitted to eat certain kinds of animals.To eat an animal is to eat what God has given us.Those who suggest that meat-eating is ungodly have it wrong. If you believe that God is telling you not to eat meat because this is cruel or sinful, you are mistaken. People may become vegetarian for other reasons, of course. You failed to mention your reason.Without that, I can’t tell you that you are making the right choice or not. Is it that you don’t like the taste of meat? Or do you have a particular anger and hostility toward plants? Have any carrots offended you in the past? Are you seeking retribution on asparagus? Talk to your pastor.Talk to your parents. If your reasoning is sound, I would think they would respect your wishes. Finally, before you make any changes in your diet, you ought to talk to your doctor. And remember, plants have feelings too!—EC Dear Ex Cathedra, I am 18 years old and have never had a boyfriend. I have a good personality, lots of friends, and am normal looking. My friends have all had boyfriends, and I feel left out and wonder what is wrong with me. Can you help?—Jody, 18 Dear Jody, Are you asking me to set you up on a date? Bad idea. Dating is overrated. Boyfriends are overrated. As far as I’m concerned, you are lucky. I know that there is a certain amount of pressure on young people to get into relationships. I also know that it’s easy to feel incomplete and lonely without a beau. But trust me, when the time is right, and if it is God’s will, you will find a boyfriend. But getting into a relationship just because everyone else seems to be doing that is stupid. Comparing yourself to others is also brainless. Be happy with who you are. If you aren’t, a boyfriend will not help at all. —EC Dear Ex Cathedra, I met Kathy Luder in Seattle. I think she is cute, and can’t stop thinking about her. Do you think I have a chance? I also live in Indiana. Dear Thomas, I mentioned this to Kathy, and she assured me that you do have a chance. It’s about 1 in 16 billion. Sorry, it didn’t help that you used to be into Power Rangers.—EC

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What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word. Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

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By Rev. David Petersen

The Great Promise

ou may have heard Matthew 28:19-20 called the “Great Commission.” It is part of our Lord’s farewell address to the 11 apostles 40 days after Easter. He speaks to them just before He ascends into heaven and establishes the purpose and duties of the apostolic office; namely, to baptize and to teach. It is the passage Luther uses in the catechism as the Word of God that establishes and defines Baptism.“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19), is the Word of God that is commanded and combined with water. It is the formula for, and the actual words of, Baptism. It is the Word of God that makes Baptism what it is. But there is more to the verse than Baptism. Verse 20 continues the address with these words,“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Disciples are made by God through the baptizing and teaching of the apostles. Luther rightly quotes this as a foundational verse for Baptism. But it is also a foundational verse for preaching and the Ministry. And still there is more. For the command to go was spoken to the 11 in the midst of a promise. Before issuing the command, He declared:“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (verse 18).That is what comes before “therefore.”“Therefore” means “for that reason” or “consequently.” He is saying “Because I have all authority in heaven and on earth, your baptizing will be My baptizing.Your teaching will be My teaching. It will work according to My promise. It will make disciples. I have the authority to send you and I have the authority to make it work, so go.” In the same way, He wraps up the command with this promise:“Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age” (verse 20). The risen Lord who overcame death and washed them in His blood is removing His visible presence, but He is not leaving them. He is with them always.Their baptizing and preaching work is because He has the authority and is present to make it so. In the kingdom of heaven, sheep do not reproduce and make more sheep. Neither do the under-shepherds somehow produce them. Sheep are created out of nothing by grace. Even as He called the light to be and it was, so God calls the names of His adopted sons and daughters and they are.The Christian first hears his name, first hears His Shepherd’s voice, in the waters of Holy Baptism.There God gives the Christian His own Name, the Name above all other names, and a disciple is born. To this day, God carries out His missionary work through His Church. Disciples are made through Baptism and preaching. I suppose you can call Matthew 28:19-20 a commission or a commandment if you want. But I think we should include verse 18 and call the whole thing the “Great Promise,” for lo, He is with us always.The authority and power are His.The mission is His. Our task is nothing more than declaring to the world this reality and hope, extending this holy invitation. God will do the work. @@@ Rev. David Petersen is pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Timothy Miille 1. In the article, Pastor Pauls writes that the temptation to “be gods” is not a new one. Parts of chapters one, two and three of Genesis will help us begin to understand this old and new temptation. A. Read Genesis 1:26-28. What does being made in the image of God mean? Now add Genesis 2:7. Does this add or subtract from what has already been said about “the image of God?” Discuss all the facets of the image of God, perfection, holiness, perfect relationship, complete understanding, trust, etc. God makes the ultimate place on an already perfect earth, Eden, then God entrusts Eden’s care to man. Help the students to draw this idea out. B. Read Genesis 2:15-17. Does God’s command about not eating from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” help us to understand “the image of God” any better? Did God intend for Adam and Eve to be like God? Explore the idea of not needing the tree to know all that God intended them to know. Encourage them to this command not as limitation but as protection. Adam and Eve did not need the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, creating them in His image gave them everything they would or could need. C. Look at Genesis 3:1-7. What does Satan offer to Eve and Adam? What must they do to gain this “being like God?” Are they really like God after eating? What does this tell us about the temptation of becoming god? Help the students to see Satan’s trick here. He was offering them divinity. The last three questions are designed to help the students see that Satan’s offer was a deception, a lie. Adam and Eve actually lost what Satan promised. 2. Today, we sometimes believe that everything we see is different that before, that everything is new or unique to our present day. This wanting to be god didn’t stop with Adam and Eve. All through God’s Word, people kept trying. A. Read Genesis 11:1-4. What were the people building the tower trying to accomplish? What had God told them to do (Gen. 1:28)? Who did they want as their god? The answer is twofold: 1) they didn’t want to disperse; 2) they wanted to make a name foe themselves. Using the words “a tower with its top in the heavens” and “make a name for ourselves,” draw the students toward seeing that these people wanted to become gods themselves. B. Read Daniel 3:1-7. Even though Nebuchadnezzar had been shown the true God by Daniel’s interpretation of his dream, he builds a golden image for everyone to worship (Daniel 2:36-49). What is Nebuchadnezzar doing? Who does he see himself as? Clearly, this was an idol. We erect idols to gods. C. In the early years of the Church, the Caesars saw themselves as gods and had people burn incense to them. Many early Christians died rather than worship false gods. What or who today presents themselves as gods? In what ways do we present ourselves as gods? Help the students to identify these persons or objects. The New Age movement, the Mormons, Hinduism and others like them are some present day inheritors of divine pretensions. Answers to the last question may vary. Encourage discussion. 3. In Genesis chapters 1-3, we see that God had given Adam and Eve a right relationship with Him and perfect knowledge of Him. Satan marred that relationship and knowledge with a false promise. God, however, planned to restore that relationship and knowledge. A. Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13. What do these verses tell us about God’s intent for our minds and spirits? What does it mean to see “face to face?” How fully will we know? How does this fit with our usual view of standing in line to ask questions in heaven? Use the first three questions to fill out the students understanding of God’s design to restore what was lost. How do we usually think about this? Especially try to direct this line of thought toward our restoration in Jesus in the next two passages. B. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49. In the article, Pastor Pauls points to the resurrection as proof of divine power. What does the Corinthians passage tell us about the resurrection? What does it tell us about our bodies? Lead the students toward verse 49 which clearly states God’s intention for us to bear His image in Christ. C. In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul writes about our goal and pressing on toward it. What does it say about other gods (vs. 18-19)? What is the prize for which we strive (vs. 14)? What is the final result (vs. 20-21)? How might we use them to answer Satan’s continual temptation to try and become god? How might these passages provide comfort and encouragement as well as trust in God alone for our help and salvation? Keep discussion centered on this idea, that God through Jesus Christ is drawing us into Himself. There is no better or other way for us to have the same relationship with God that Adam and Eve had.

Bible Study Rev. Timothy Miille 1. In the article, Pastor Pauls writes that the temptation to “be gods” is not a new one. Parts of chapters one, two and three of Genesis will help us begin to understand this old and new temptation. A. Read Genesis 1:26-28. What does being made in the image of God mean? Now add Genesis 2:7. Does this add or subtract from what has already been said about “the image of God?” B. Read Genesis 2:15-17. Does God’s command about not eating from the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” help us to understand “the image of God” any better? Did God intend for Adam and Eve to be like God? C. Look at Genesis 3:1-7. What does Satan offer to Eve and Adam? What must they do to gain this “being like God?” Are they really like God after eating? What does this tell us about the temptation of becoming god? 2. Today, we sometimes believe that everything we see is different that before, that everything is new or unique to our present day. This wanting to be god didn’t stop with Adam and Eve. All through God’s Word, people kept trying. A. Read Genesis 11:1-4. What were the people building the tower trying to accomplish? What had God told them to do (Gen. 1:28)? Who did they want as their god? B. Read Daniel 3:1-7. Even though Nebuchadnezzar had been shown the true God by Daniel’s interpretation of his dream, he builds a golden image for everyone to worship (Daniel 2:36-49). What is Nebuchadnezzar doing? Who does he see himself as? C. In the early years of the Church, the Caesars saw themselves as gods and had people burn incense to them. Many early Christians died rather than worship false gods. What or who today presents themselves as gods? In what ways do we present ourselves as gods? 3. In Genesis chapters 1-3, we see that God had given Adam and Eve a right relationship with Him and perfect knowledge of Him. Satan marred that relationship and knowledge with a false promise. God, however, planned to restore that relationship and knowledge. A. Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13. What do these verses tell us about God’s intent for our minds and spirits? What does it mean to see “face to face?” How fully will we know? How does this fit with our usual view of standing in line to ask questions in heaven? B. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49. In the article, Pastor Pauls points to the resurrection as proof of divine power. What does the Corinthians passage tell us about the resurrection? What does it tell us about our bodies? C. In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul writes about our goal and pressing on toward it. What does it say about other gods (vs. 18-19)? What is the prize for which we strive (vs. 14)? What is the final result (vs. 20-21)? How might we use them to answer Satan’s continual temptation to try and become god? How might these passages provide comfort and encouragement as well as trust in God alone for our help and salvation?

Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Mark Selby 1. Pain hurts. Whether it is physical or emotional pain; it hurts. Pastor Ahonen points us to a common “solution” of today to the problem: cutting. A. According to the article, what is the percentage of teenagers using this method? What other methods do people try to relieve (cut) the pain? According to the article and the Oxford University report, 10% of teens (1 out of 10) are cutting. Other methods to relieve pain are drugs, alcohol, gluttony, starving, etc… and suicide. B. In the story from 1 Kings 18 the people of Israel had fallen as prey to the hundreds of Baal prophets. In trying to get the people’s attention, what does the Lord’s only prophet, Elijah suggest? Notice, what were the two sides going to do with the bulls as sacrifices. Elijah gets the prophets to have contest to see whose God is for real. In sacrificing the bulls for their god, each were to cut up the sacrifice, put it on the wood (altar) but without fire under it. Then, they were to call on their god to answer them by consuming that sacrifice with fire. C. Did the prophets of Baal’s god answer? What did Elijah suggest? Did he think it would help them? The false prophet’s god did not answer. Elijah “rubbed it in”, suggesting that their god wasn’t listening or was asleep. Does our God sleep? (Ps. 121:4) No, Elijah knew their god wouldn’t answer because he is not the Living God of Israel. Elijah was jeering them, making fun of them and their god. D. The prophets of Baal tried ridiculous things to get their god’s attention. What are some of the things we try to do to get the LORD God’s attention or favor? Do we try to appease God by letting Him know how good we’ve been? Do we tell Him that we deserve it? Do we try to minimize our sin? (Also mention to the students how Martin Luther, before he found God’s gracious favor in Jesus, tried to appease God by doing all the religious things correctly: fasting, praying endless prayers, living a holy life. But he couldn’t and one night he even whipped himself almost to death.) E. After preparing his sacrifice to the LORD God, Elijah called on the name of the LORD (prayed or worshiped). How did God reply to Elijah’s prayer? What things did Elijah have done to his sacrifice that made it even more spectacular? The LORD consumed the sacrifice with fire. Not only that… Elijah had water poured over the sacrifice 3 times (what does that remind us of? Baptism – in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Also a trench was built around the altar and water was poured in it. The sacrifice and altar were drenched with water and water was all around them. Have you tried to light such a fire? Seems impossible doesn’t it. But with God, all things are possible (Lk 1:37) The LORD’s fire not only consumes the sacrifice, but also the altar, and all the water. 2. Pastor Ahonen mentions that God’s anger (which is always righteous) is an “all-consuming fire”. A. What examples of God’s anger can you think of from the Old Testament? th Examples of possible responses include: the worldwide Flood, destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, 10 Plague in Egypt, Red Sea, the plagues of serpents in the wilderness, and the fall of Jerusalem. B. How does God also provide salvation even in the midst of His anger in these instances? Examples include how God saved Noah and his family (and the promised seed Gen. 3:15), Lot and his family, the Passover, the bronze serpent. If you wish, you may talk about God using the fires of trials and hardship to refine us. The punishment of sin has been dealt to Jesus, but our Heavenly Father uses trials and hardship to strengthen our faith in Him and Jesus as our Creator and as our Savior. We learn that we can not but fall without God’s help and guidance.

3. In Genesis 15, the LORD God cut a covenant with Israel’s father Abraham.

A. What 5 animals were brought by Abraham to the LORD at the His request? What was Abraham to do with each? Heifer, female goat, ram, turtle dove, and pigeon. Abraham cut them in-two and laid the halves opposite each other on the ground. He then waited for God’s to act. B. After the LORD foretold what would happen to Abraham’s descendants and to he himself, what happens in verse 17? A smoking pot passes through the halves of the sacrificed meats. The smoking pot was a visible sign that the LORD Himself was the one passing through the sacrifices. This act was common in making covenants. It demonstrated that if a party of the agreement didn’t hold to their end of the deal, the other party could cut their relationship asunder. Notice that it is God who acts in the covenant in Genesis 15. This is entirely a promise on God’s part, not a mutual treaty. C. What does God promise Abraham in vss. 18ff? God promises the land Abraham stands on as an inheritance to His descendants. It is known as the Land of Canaan. It corresponds to the even greater promise of eternal life and our inheritance in heaven.

2. On the cross of Calvary, we know of the greatest Covenant made to mankind. Pastor Ahonen speaks of Jesus being pierced (cut) for our sins. A. He experienced being cut off from God in our place on the cross. What does Jesus say at that point? What happened later which showed that God was totally pleased with His sacrifice, that God’s anger against the world’s (your) sin was totally appeased? Jesus cried out, quoting Psalm 22:1, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus demonstrated that His work was finished and acceptable to God when He rose from the grave. (Students might also mention Jesus crying out, “It is finished!” This answer is also a good one.) B. What benefits do you receive from this covenant of God? We receive the forgiveness of sins, Christ’s life, eternal salvation, and everything that goes with that: joy, peace, happiness, etc. C. How do those benefits come to you today, according to Pastor Ahonen’s article? The benefits come to us in the Good News of forgiveness of sins for Jesus sake as it is applied to us in God’s Word and Sacraments. D. With Jesus cut (pierced) for our sins, is there any reason for us to cut or harm ourselves? NO! Jesus has done it for us. He is God’s Sacrifice, our Resurrection, and our Life. Closing Prayer: O God, because You justify the ungodly and desire not the death of the sinner, we humbly implore You graciously to assist by Your heavenly aid, and evermore shield with Your divine protection, Your servants who trust in Your mercy, that they may separated from You by no temptation but may serve You without ceasing; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The group may also sing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” (TLH # 262 or LW #298) st. 1 & 4.

Bible Study Rev. Mark Selby 1. Pain hurts. Whether it is physical or emotional pain; it hurts. Pastor Ahonen points us to a common “solution” of today to the problem: cutting. A. According to the article, what is the percentage of teenagers using this method? What other methods do people try to relieve (cut) the pain? B. In the story from 1 Kings 18 the people of Israel had fallen as prey to the hundreds of Baal prophets. In trying to get the people’s attention, what does the Lord’s only prophet, Elijah suggest? Notice, what were the two sides going to do with the bulls as sacrifices. C. Did the prophets of Baal’s god answer? What did Elijah suggest? Did he think it would help them? D. The prophets of Baal tried ridiculous things to get their god’s attention. What are some of the things we try to do to get the LORD God’s attention or favor? E. After preparing his sacrifice to the LORD God, Elijah called on the name of the LORD (prayed or worshiped). How did God reply to Elijah’s prayer? What things did Elijah have done to his sacrifice that made it even more spectacular? 2. Pastor Ahonen mentions that God’s anger (which is always righteous) is an “all-consuming fire”. A. What examples of God’s anger can you think of from the Old Testament? B. How does God also provide salvation even in the midst of His anger in these instances? 3. In Genesis 15, the LORD God cut a covenant with Israel’s father Abraham. A. What 5 animals were brought by Abraham to the LORD at the His request? What was Abraham to do with each? B. After the LORD foretold what would happen to Abraham’s descendants and to he himself, what happens in verse 17? C. What does God promise Abraham in vss. 18ff? 2. On the cross of Calvary, we know of the greatest Covenant made to mankind. Pastor Ahonen speaks of Jesus being pierced (cut) for our sins. A. He experienced being cut off from God in our place on the cross. What does Jesus say at that point? What happened later which showed that God was totally pleased with His sacrifice, that God’s anger against the world’s (your) sin was totally appeased? B. What benefits do you receive from this covenant of God? C. How do those benefits come to you today, according to Pastor Ahonen’s article? D. With Jesus cut (pierced) for our sins, is there any reason for us to cut or harm ourselves?

The group may also sing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” (TLH # 262 or LW #298) st. 1 & 4.

A Family Feast Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Timothy Schellenbach 1.

Miss Stuckwisch points out, “Whenever you have a large group of people, food is almost always part of the occasion. Everybody has to eat to keep their earthly bodies alive.” A. Review the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer from the Catechism. Who gives us our food? Who gives us everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body? “God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers.” In other words, God is the source of everything we are and everything we have. B. Review the First Article of the Creed. The list of things God provides for us is similar to what Luther wrote under the Fourth Petition (no doubt making learning it by heart more difficult for some of you back in catechesis). Do you have any idea why this might be? This question may be a bit abstract for the students to grasp immediately. Try to lead them in the discussion to the realization that God’s providence for us of “all that [we] need to support this body and life” is not just something God does, it’s who He is. As is pointed out in the next question, giving us these things is the definition of the word “god.” C. Luther wrote in his explanation of the First Commandment as found in the Large Catechism, “A god is that to which we look for all good and in which we find refuge in every time of need. To have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe in him with all your heart.” Given what we’ve said in the previous questions, why is the First Commandment so important? Since “god” means “that to which we look for all good and in which we find refuge in every time of need,” to trust in a false god is to trust in a god which cannot truly help us even in this life, let alone give us eternal life. Not to mention the fact that it’s just plain mean, rude, and ungrateful toward Him who has given us all these things.

“Consequently, we need no longer fear death or damnation, for we are fed with a life-giving food in the Lord’s Supper.” A. Review Luther’s catechism answer to the question, “What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?” Remembering that earthly food is given us by our Creator to sustain our created life, how is our heavenly food similar to this? The Lord’s Supper is also given to create and sustain life. “For where there is the forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.” B. Review Luther’s answer to the question, “How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?” What is one key difference between earthly food and the heavenly Supper? The benefits of the Supper are for faith and eternal life. Thus those who receive in unbelief, though they receive the Lord’s body and blood, don’t receive forgiveness, life, and salvation but instead the opposite. This is the opposite of what the Fourth Petition says about earthly food, which is given “also to all evil people.”

“From that never-ending feast there won’t ever be any more tough good-byes; for we will be together forever!” A. Review the Third Article of the Creed, especially the part that talks about the Resurrection and eternal life. Remembering that the Lord’s Supper gives us “forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation,” how is the Lord’s Supper related to heaven? God gives us, in His Son’s body and blood, the same eternal life that is promised us on the “Last day,” when “He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.” B. How does the Communion liturgy, especially the Preface, remind us that this feast is one that is ongoing and includes the entire family of the Holy Christian Church? “Therefore with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Thy glorious name, evermore praising Thee and saying . . . .” In other words, when we join in the feast where Christ is the host and the meal, we join with all those who are His guests, of all times and places, including our loved ones who are already in paradise, as well as our believing loved ones that we are separated from on earth by many miles. As the hymn writer puts it (read this to the students, or have them sing it with you if you have copies of TLH available), “O blest communion, fellowship divine, We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!” (TLH #463 st. 4; LW unfortunately botched the last line of this stanza.)

A Family Feast Bible Study Rev. Timothy Schellenbach 1.

B. Review the First Article of the Creed. The list of things God provides for us is similar to what Luther wrote under the Fourth Petition (no doubt making learning it by heart more difficult for some of you back in catechesis). Do you have any idea why this might be?

C. Luther wrote in his explanation of the First Commandment as found in the Large Catechism, “A god is that to which we look for all good and in which we find refuge in every time of need. To have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe in him with all your heart.” Given what we’ve said in the previous questions, why is the First Commandment so important?

B. Review Luther’s answer to the question, “How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?” What is one key difference between earthly food and the heavenly Supper?

B. How does the Communion liturgy, especially the Preface, remind us that this feast is one that is ongoing and includes the entire family of the Holy Christian Church?

A Fourfold Hallelujah! Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Chad Kendall 1.

Fourfold Hallelujahs - The Verbs Are His but Also the Nouns A. What does Hallelujah mean? Rev. Cwirla remarks, “Salvation’s song crescendos from the heavens and tumbles down to earth where it meets a mixed review of Faith and UNBELIEF.” Why does salvation’s song meet a mixed review of faith and unbelief? Hallelujah is Hebrew for “Praise the Lord.” Salvation’s song meets a mixed review of faith and unbelief because the song is the Word of God. Just as Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, broke into the world through the womb of the Virgin Mary, was despised and rejected by many, so the gospel tumbles down and is proclaimed. The Word brings forth faith, while others reject the good news proclaimed. B. What does Rev. Cwirla mean when he says, “Salvation, glory, and power belong to God (The verbs are His, but also the nouns)”? The cause for heaven’s chant of “Hallelujah” comes because the verbs are Christ’s actions. In other words, His suffering, death, and resurrection are the actions that were done for the benefit of all who are born into the world. So, heaven rejoices at what Christ has done. The nouns belong to Jesus. Salvation is effected through the cross. Glory, honor, and power belong to Jesus Christ alone as we confess in the Nicene Creed, “and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father.” Heaven is His throne and earth His footstool because the cross was His to bear for the life of the world. Because the verbs and the nouns are His, those who in faith cling to Him are also His.

Praising Truth - Condemning Falsehood A

Who is Babylon, the “anti-bride,” the “vile-seductress?” It is what is called the apostate church. It is everything that calls itself god or Christ’s church but which has as its confession of faith doctrines which are contrary to Christ and the Scriptures. The “anti-bride” is every doctrine and teaching that sets itself against Jesus Christ and His atonement.

Rev. Cwirla states: “Her idols promised immortality but now her Lie is shamefully exposed.” How is the lie shamefully exposed? The lie is shamefully exposed through the cross. The lie, as we find in the Garden of Eden, is the false belief that we can be like God. Just the opposite was revealed, that God could become man and fulfill the law and pay the penalty of sin on the cross. Hallelujahs ring forth. (Read Philippians 2:5-8 and highlight vs. 6. Notice that Paul comments that Jesus “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” This seems to point out that the first Adam did try to be equal with God, which was robbery. Such is the lie which speaks of the possibility of being equal with God.)

C. Praising truth is one and the same with condemning falsehood. Why do Hallelujahs ring from heaven at the sight of the destruction of the spiritual Babylon? To confess the truth of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection is to reject every other way which falsely calls itself the way of God. Martin Luther once remarked that doctrine is like a ring around the finger. If you cut off a small portion of the ring, you will end up losing the whole ring. Likewise if one does not hold to sound doctrine, then Jesus’ substitutionary atonement will be lost.(Lead the class into such passages as Mark 7:7; 1 Timothy 4:13, 6:1, 3-5; Titus 1:9; 2 John 9-11; Hebrews 13:9)

Hallelujah! New Life Wrapped in the Liturgy A. The beginning of Rev. Cwirla’s article says, “Hallelujah! Call to worship, to liturgy, to praise four times: Let us praise YHWH, the LORD! Praise is all there’s left to do when the Lord has done it all.” What does Rev. Cwirla mean? Rev. Cwirla’s article leads us into the sanctuary of the Christian church on earth where the “verbs and the nouns” meet God’s people. The beginning of the article leads us to the proclamation of the Gospel, to the font, and to the altar. As these are spiritual benefits for the children of God, “praise is all there’s left to do when the Lord has done it all”(see Romans 3:24-28). B. How does the fourth and final Hallelujah in Rev. Cwirla’s article relate to the first Hallelujah in his article? The fourth and final hallelujah goes forth at a deafening volume as the church is bathed in the water and word. The children of God are clothed in radiant white robes because of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The spilling of Christ’s blood is the gift which leads us into the sanctuary and to the altar rail where we eat Christ’s body and drink His blood for forgiveness, life, and salvation. B. The Divine Service is a foretaste of the heavenly feast to come. From the fourth Hallelujah to the end of Rev. Cwirla’s article, Divine Service, “foretaste of heaven” imagery can be found. Locate sacramental language in this portion of Rev. Cwirla’s article and discuss how Word and Sacrament keeps us with Jesus until we enter heaven. Rev. Cwirla says: “YHWH in the Flesh comes to save you. Passover and Sacrifice the Lamb once slain who lives to take away your sin and bury it in the darkness of His baptismal tomb.” This is definitely baptismal. Point the class to such passages as Romans 6:3-11; Colossians 2:11-15; Galatians 2:18-21.

Likewise, Lord’s Supper imagery is found in such statements as: “Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb,” and “and even now, for you, a foretaste of that coming Feast: Bread that is His Body, Wine that is His Blood; His gift to you–Receive it! Believe it!” Rev. Cwirla points out that Christ’s body and blood is given in the Lord’s Supper in order for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of faith. It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. Faith takes hold of the gift in the Lord’s Supper. (Show the class such passages as Acts 2:42; 20:7, pointing out the importance of the Lord’s Supper to the early, apostolic church. If time permits, point out John 6:48-58 and discuss with the class the Eucharistic sound of Jesus’ words).

A Fourfold Hallelujah! Bible Study Rev. Chad Kendall 1.

B. What does Rev. Cwirla mean when he says, “Salvation, glory, and power belong to God (The verbs are His, but also the nouns)”?

Praising Truth - Condemning Falsehood A

Who is Babylon, the “anti-bride,” the “vile-seductress?”

Rev. Cwirla states: “Her idols promised immortality but now her Lie is shamefully exposed.” How is the lie shamefully exposed?

C. Praising truth is one and the same with condemning falsehood. Why do Hallelujahs ring from heaven at the sight of the destruction of the spiritual Babylon?

B. How does the fourth and final Hallelujah in Rev. Cwirla’s article relate to the first Hallelujah in his article?

C. The Divine Service is a foretaste of the heavenly feast to come. From the fourth Hallelujah to the end of Rev. Cwirla’s article, Divine Service, “foretaste of heaven” imagery can be found. Locate sacramental language in this portion of Rev. Cwirla’s article and discuss how Word and Sacrament keeps us with Jesus until we enter heaven.

Evangelism Made Easy Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Robin Fish 1.

Pastor Preus makes a statement that probably surprises many people, “Nowhere in the Bible does God ever say that we should ‘share Jesus.’” That assertion flies in the face of much of what people have heard about evangelism, and shows us why many people find the prospect of ‘doing evangelism’ to be intimidating. Sometimes when we stray from the language of the Bible, even a little bit, and even with the best of intentions, we create problems that we could avoid by speaking in what the Bible itself calls “sound words”. Look up 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 2 Timothy 1:13-14 and answer the following questions: A. Where do we get sound words? In 1 Timothy, we get our sound words from Christ. 2 Timothy reports that they come from Paul, the inspired teacher and author – so the source is the same. B. What problems can arise if we abandon those sound words? 1 Timothy suggests controversies and disputes, and says directly that there will be envy, strife abusive language, evil suspicions and friction – constant friction. 2 Timothy suggests that we might even lose the treasure of salvation which is entrusted to us. C. What does a change in language (using different words) sometimes conceal? 1 Timothy implies that new words may come from conceit, a lack of understanding of the faith or the Scriptures, or an unhealthy interest in “controversial questions.”

“Share” is used 18 times in the New Testament, but it seems to mean something specific. Read each of the following passages, and answer for yourself, what the passage says about “sharing” and how this use of the word relates or doesn’t relate to evangelism, and why. Galatians 6:6 This talks about supporting the pastor, “sharing the stuff of the world. This does not sound like evangelism. Ephesians 4:28 This passage talks about sharing the stuff of this world – what we might call ‘charity’ today. Philippians 4:14 This speaks of sharing in the afflictions of Paul with him – means supporting him and encouraging him. Colossians 1:24 Paul is talking about his sufferings for the Gospel as sharing in the sufferings of Christ. What is “lacking” in the sufferings of Christ refers to the sufferings of His body, the Church, which is yet to come (and so is lacking, so far). 1 Timothy 5:22 Paul speaks of laying on of hands in ordination, or setting one aside for the full time ministry of the Word. If one is approved too soon after becoming a Christian, the responsibility for his errors and false teaching will be shared by those who chose him and laid hands on him too quickly. Hebrews 12:10 The word “share” means to participate together in this holiness. 1 Peter 4:13 This refers to persecution, the “sharing” of the sufferings of Christ discussed briefly above. None of the uses appears to refer to what we call evangelism.

While the phrase “reach out” does not appear in the New Testament, the word reach does, five times. What does it mean in each of those passages? Can it be understood as an evangelism term in these passages? Luke 13:32 Here it means “arrive at.” It is not about evangelism. John 20:27 Here it means “stretch out”, as a necessary action in order to touch. It is not about evangelism. Acts 27:12 Here it means “arrive at” or “make it all the way to”, and does not refer to evangelism, but travel. 2 Corinthians 10:13 Here it means “to extend our ministry as far as” and is not describing evangelism technique but the extent of Paul’s ministry. 2 Corinthians 10:14 Once again it means, “to extend our ministry as far as”, and not referring to methods of evangelism but the breadth of the mission field.

So, what words does God choose in Scripture to describe what we might call “evangelism”? First, there is the word mentioned in the article, “tell”. It appears in the New Testament 74 times. Here are some samples. What is being referred to in each passage? Is it possibly connected to evangelism, in the sense it is used in each passage? Matthew 8:4 Jesus is urging them not to spread the story about what He did – for it was not time for evangelism yet. But the telling is precisely what we are encouraged to do! Matthew 10:27 Here it has the sense of teaching the gospel, which is expected, in the context, to produce speaking and proclaiming and shouting from the rooftops! Matthew 18:17 This time it is used in the context of what we call “Church Discipline.” It is not evangelism, strictly speaking – but the final preaching of the Law to the unrepentant with the aim of bringing them to repentance. The church, not an outsider is being told. Matthew 28:7 This is pure evangelism – tell them what Jesus has done, tell them the good news. Luke 10:40 This is not evangelism. Martha is asking Jesus to order Mary around – which He declines to do.

Evangelism is as simple as speaking about what you know, telling people what Jesus has done, proclaiming good news of forgiveness and the love of God, for Christ’s sake. A. If you believe, and if it is real and precious to you, then how could you keep it quiet and secret inside? Obviously, you cannot. B. So, go ahead! Tell people what Jesus did, and what it means to you. What does it mean to you? You may need to explain that what we’re talking about here is not what you feel about it, but what it means: forgiveness, life, peace of mind, security, hope, salvation – life is better because we know how the story ends, even for us (it doesn’t, actually!).

Evangelism Made Easy Bible Study Rev. Robin Fish 1.

The Great Promise Bible Study Leader’s Guide Rev. Glenn Niemann 1.

According to Webster’s, commission means, “A trust or warrant that is issued; a written document, investing one with an office; a body of men joined in an office or trust, or their appointment.” A. How does this word apply to Matthew 28:19-20? Jesus gave this “warrant” to His Apostles, entrusting them with the distribution of His gifts of faith through the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and the teaching of His Word. B. Who, specifically, issued this commission – and to whom, specifically, did He issue it? Why? The resurrected Jesus, having been given “all authority in heaven and on earth,” sends out – in the Greek, literally “apostle -es” – those with whom He entrusts His Ministry of Reconciliation. Cf. John 20:21, II Corinthians 5:20. Note how this text (Matthew 28:18-20) is also used in the Rite of Ordination of Pastors. While it is true that anyone can baptize in an emergency, this responsibility is best left to the Pastor. He can not only see to the faithful execution of the Baptism itself, but also to the subsequent “teaching” of the Word. Jesus tells His soon-to-be Apostles to “disciple all the nations” by baptizing & teaching. A. Who does He intend to be baptized? In the Greek, the word “nations” sounds like “ethnos” – i.e., all the “ethnics.” He’s not referring to “nations” specifically, i.e., Israel, China, Germany, Switzerland, etc. The point here is that Baptism is not just for the Jews, but the Gentiles too – and it’s intended for ALL of the “ethnics,” whether young or old, age is not a factor. Cf. Acts 2:39, where the promise of Holy Baptism is for children, too – including babies. B. The NIV says that Jesus commanded the Apostles to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Most all other translations have the word “observe” instead of “obey.” Discuss this difference. “Obey” is a law word – more of a command to be feared. But here, Jesus specifically states that we are to teach all to “observe” what He has commanded. The Greek word for “observe” refers to “guarding, keeping watch upon, treasuring.” When other translations state that we are to “observe all that (Jesus) commanded,” it means that His commands are something that are worth treasuring, guarding, and watching closely. Another faithful translation would be “teach them to keep all that I have commanded,” i.e., that His Word is something worth keeping, it is worth hanging onto – it is like a treasure to be guarded, and “kept” closely. Pastor Petersen comments that “In the kingdom of heaven, sheep do not reproduce and make more sheep. Neither do the under-Shepherds somehow produce them. Sheep are created out of nothing – by grace.” A. Why is this significant when considering Holy Baptism? In Genesis 1, God created the heavens and the earth out of nothing – merely by speaking “Let there be ____, and there was _____.” Period. He creates something out of nothing. In the same manner, He creates faith in us out of nothing – faith is a gift of God, not a work of ours. It’s something that God creates out of “nothing”, i.e., sinful man. See also Ephesians 2:8-9. B. Is baptism something that we do, or something that is done FOR us? Discuss. Tie in to the last answer’s discussion – in Holy Baptism, we do nothing; it’s all God’s doing – it’s His gift to us. Cf. Luke 18:16-17 – how does a “little child” receive ANYthing? Does a baby create its own milk to drink? Does it change its own diaper? Obviously not – it’s all done FOR the child by its parents. In the same manner, this is how we “receive the kingdom of heaven” – it’s a gift done FOR us, by our heavenly Father. While many refer to Matthew 28:19-20 as “The Great Commission,” Pastor Petersen believes that, in view of vs. 18, we should rather think of it as “The Great Promise.” A. What is the difference between a commission and a promise? One is a command to be done by the individual, the other is a gift that is given TO the individual. B. What is the difference between the Law and the Gospel? The same as above: the Law commands (and condemns – it shows us where we have sinned), and the Gospel is a “Good News” gift that is given. Ask the students: is Baptism Law, or Gospel? Then lead directly into the next question & answer. C. Who fulfills both? Jesus – He, by grace, fulfills what He commands. Just as He perfectly kept the Law for us, He also keeps His promise of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. Hence, Matthew 28:18-20 is best remembered as “The Great PROMISE” !

Close by singing “He that Believes and is Baptized” (TLH #301) or “All Who Believe and Are Baptized” (LW #225).

The Great Promise Bible Study Rev. Glenn Niemann 1.

B. Who, specifically, issued this commission – and to whom, specifically, did He issue it? Why?

Jesus tells His soon-to-be Apostles to “disciple all the nations” by baptizing & teaching. A. Who does He intend to be baptized?

B. The NIV says that Jesus commanded the Apostles to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Most all other translations have the word “observe” instead of “obey.” Discuss this difference.

Pastor Petersen comments that “In the kingdom of heaven, sheep do not reproduce and make more sheep. Neither do the under-Shepherds somehow produce them. Sheep are created out of nothing – by grace.” A. Why is this significant when considering Holy Baptism?

B. Is baptism something that we do, or something that is done FOR us? Discuss.

While many refer to Matthew 28:19-20 as “The Great Commission,” Pastor Petersen believes that, in view of vs. 18, we should rather think of it as “The Great Promise.” A. What is the difference between a commission and a promise?

B. What is the difference between the Law and the Gospel?

C. Who fulfills both?

Close by singing “He that Believes and is Baptized” (TLH #301) or “All Who Believe and Are Baptized” (LW #225).

2004 Fall - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

Articles inside

Vocation: The Great Promise

Comic Books

Cutting To The Heart of the Matter

Not Nearly Enough

A Family Feast

Flowers for Andy

The god of the City

Tell What Jesus Did