2014 Spring - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies) by Higher Things: Dare to be Lutheran!

D A R E

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L U T H E R A N

ES C N RE FE N O C

“What God Has Joined Together”

Including articles on: Marriage • Dating • Divorce • Homosexuality • Children • and lots more!

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ed ifi uc Cr Special Topical Issue:

Cross train your brain.

“The Core really made me think outside of the box and forced me to answer difficult questions, not accepting an “I don’t know” or “I don’t care” answer. It involved a lot of connection-making, which really helped me articulate my responses to difficult questions.”

Education should strengthen your brain, challenge you to ask questions, and build a strong foundation for your future. In Concordia University Irvine’s *nationally recognized Core curriculum, you will learn about God and service to the world through the cross of Christ. You will cross disciplinary boundaries by studying biology with theology, mathematics with philosophy, and history with literature. You will wrestle with questions and concepts of life that have endured across the centuries. You will cultivate sound academic habits and skills that apply across the curriculum, to your future careers, and life. Exercise your mind. Exercise your faith. Cross train your brain. H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 2

*Concordia University Irvine is a member of the Association for Core Texts and Courses’ Liberal Arts Institute. This prestigious institute— composed of 12 universities that include Columbia, St. John’s, Pepperdine, and Notre Dame—promotes “the integrated and common study of world classics and texts of major cultural significance” in general education programs across North America.

www.cui.edu/core

Scan here to learn more about the Core.

Contents T A B L E O F

Volume 14/Number 1 • Spring 2014

Special Features 4

Christian Marriage as Fellowship

By Rev. John Drosendahl “Mawage. Mawage is what bwings us togeder today. That bwessed awangement, that dweam within a dweam…” Think the Impressive Clergyman from The Princess Bride got it right? Perhaps if Humperdink hadn’t cut him off we’d have found out. Pastor Drosendahl, on the other hand, clearly explains God’s purpose in marriage.

Lustful in Adam; Chaste in Christ

By Rev. George F. Borghardt The completeness that God gave to Adam through Eve is something that we’ve taken and twisted since the Fall. This is why we so desperately need to remember what is true about us in Christ. As always, Pastor Borghardt gives us a huge serving of Gospel, seasoned with his impassioned expressiveness.

Baptized Not “Gay”

By Rev. Mark Buetow We’re not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners. That is who we are in Adam. But as baptized Christians, we also are saints. That is who we are in Christ. Pastor Buetow boldly asserts that it is the very same with homosexuality. Who we are in Christ trumps that and every other struggle we have with sin.

10 My Parents Are Divorcing…Now What?

By Rev. William M. Cwirla You may be right in the throes of divorce at this very moment. Maybe it’s been a few years, but you’re still dealing with the fallout. Or perhaps you know someone else who is trying to navigate this storm of life. Pastor Cwirla’s Gospel-filled advice will buoy the most struggling of hearts.

12 Children: A Full Quiver of Blessing By Rev. Joel Fritsche Pastor Fritsche focuses on the many ways God blesses us through children, no matter what the circumstances. We especially get insight into His Fatherly love for us and see how God even blesses our neighbor through His gift of children to us.

14 Is Singleness Really a Gift? By Sandra Ostapowich Sandra is crystal clear as she lays out the answer to that question. And if you think you are going to find the same pat answers you tend to encounter about being single, think again.

24 Dark Addictions Need the Light

By Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz Evil doesn’t take a vacation, but we do know where to find it: hiding the dark and buried in secrets. Pastor Ogrodowicz urges us to combat the struggle with pornography by boldly shining the light of the Gospel on it.

Regular Features 14 Poetry Page

18 Christ on Campus A Nerdy Lutheran’s Guide to Dating

By Rev. Sam Schuldheisz Wisdom can come from some very interesting places, which you’ll soon discover after reading Pastor Schuldheisz’ character-packed advice on dating.

20 Youth Y Ministry His and Hers: A YYouth Leader Couple’s Perspective on Marriage

By Bob and Cyndi Myers Years of working with youth have taught this dynamic couple a great many things, which is why we’re so privileged that they are so enthusiastically sharing their experience with us.

28 Catechism Chaste and Decent Lives

By Rev. William M. Cwirla There’s a whole lot more to the sixth commandment than you might think and we’re all guilty of breaking it in some way. However, Pastor Cwirla reminds us that it all boils down to God protecting us from the dangers of misusing His good gift of sex, which He intended to be enjoyed within the bounds of marriage.

30 Bible Study Baptized, not “Gay”

Be sure to check out this sample of one of our student Bible studies which links up with Rev. Buetow’s article on P. 8.

HigherThings

Volume 14/Number 1/Spring 2014 Bible Studies for these articles can be found at: higherthings.org/ magazine/biblestudies.html Editor

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Higher Things® Magazine ISSN 1539-8455 is published quarterly by Higher Things, Inc., PO Box 156, Sheridan, WY 82801. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the executive editor of Higher Things Magazine. Copyright 2013. Higher Things® and Christ on Campus® are registered trademarks of Higher Things Inc.; All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States. Postage paid at St. Louis, Missouri. For subscription information and questions, call 1-888-4826630, then press 4, or e-mail subscriptions@higherthings.org. (This phone number is only used for subscription queries.) For letters to the editor, write letters@higher things.org. Writers may submit manuscripts to: submissions@ higherthings.org. Please check higherthings.org/magazine/ writers.html for writers’ guidelines and theme lists.

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Christian Marriage as

“Fellowship”

By Rev. John C. Drosendahl

Then God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper, fit for him.” Genesis 2:18

We don’t often hear the word “fellowship”

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associated with marriage. But “fellowship” is more than just a “relationship” or being together. “Fellowship” implies a participation and oneness with the other person. With the words above, the LORD gives us His first “holy hint” about the purpose for the institution of marriage. It was not God’s intent from the get-go that anyone would be an island to him or herself. Two are better than one—as wise Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes— because they can help each other. So God made a helper for Adam—somebody with whom he could fellowship.

Yet not just any old fellowship would do. God brought all the animals He had created to Adam, but not one of them was fit to be a helper for man. So God made Adam comatose for a bit, grabbed a hunk of bone and flesh out of his side and fashioned it into a woman. Bone of Adam’s bone, flesh of Adam’s flesh—woman was made out of him to be his perfect complement. You see, Adam needed fellowship with somebody who was the right “fit”—someone who was suitable, who corresponded to him. God had a special fellowship in mind for this very first husband and wife, and for all those thereafter. He blessed them with the wondrous fellowship of marriage, in which the two would fit together quite nicely, two becoming one, intimately so, as the one-flesh gift of God. So now, even today, this gift of marriage fellowship is the same. The man leaves his parents (as does the wife), and they are joined together as one flesh. But superimposed over their own vows and actions is the work of God, the same One who created the first husband and wife, and the same One who established the institution of marriage as this special fellowship. As Jesus says concerning this wondrous gift, “What God has joined together, let no man tear apart.” Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, describes fellowship in general in the body of Christ in chapter 5 as one in which we all are subordinate to one another. In other words, every single one of us is to be just like Eve when she was first created—a helper fit for the God-given tasks of meeting the needs of others with whom God places us in fellowship. Brothers help sisters, friends help neighbors, parents help children, and so on. Paul is inspired to continue, zooming in on the most intimate of fellowship between people: the communion of husband and wife. Since men and women are indeed different, Paul spells out the unique tasks of husbands, and those of wives. But the over-arching theme of these inspired words of God strikes us somewhat unexpectedly: Christ is head of the church, so the husband is head of the wife. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so, too, is the wife subordinate to her husband, just as Eve was first created as Adam’s helper. And so the relationship of husbands and wives reflects the fellowship of Christ and His holy bride—the Church. Husbands have the God-given vocation which calls them to care for their wives with the same sacrificial love Jesus has for the Church. A husband loves His wife and is considerate toward her, respecting and protecting her as the weaker vessel which brings life into the world. In turn, the wife is made subordinate to her husband in the same way the Church relies upon Christ’s love. By faith the Church accepts the sacrifice of Jesus, and likewise the Christian wife respects her husband as the one whom God has provided to care for her. This is why He gives to

us the biblical picture of the church as Christ’s Holy Bride, so that we may use our understanding and experiences from earthly marriage fellowship to better comprehend our own “Bride-ness” to Him. Likewise, the fellowship of Christ and the church teaches husbands and wives how to live toward one another in holy marriage. Just like earthly brides wear white as a symbol of their purity until marriage, so, too, is the church made pure. A similar white garment was most likely worn by you at your baptism, when Jesus cleansed you at the font from all your sin and unrighteousness, and sanctified you to be His holy beloved. Your baptism took all of your sins from you, and that filthy flood from the font was deposited directly onto Jesus at the cross, where He who had no sins of His own became your sin. In return, you are now made holy with Christ’s own righteousness, credited to your account by faith—a faith—a br bridal gift from Him to you. You are adorned by Jesus to be spotless, holy, and blameless before God forever. In addition to the bridal fellowship with Jesus you enjoy in your baptism, you have another place to be in communion with your Savior. This is at the Lord’s Supper. This meal is a wedding banquet of sorts—a foretaste of the feast to come of the Lamb with His eternal Bride in His everlasting kingdom. For your Groom, Jesus, loved you by giving Himself up to die for you on Calvary. Jesus made Himself to be expendable for you, both risking and suffering death in your place to save you. The fruits of His death become your feast at the Lord’s Supper; His body given and His blood shed for you is your wedding feast of communion with Jesus your Bridegroom. Just as God has given husbands to wives and wives to husbands so they may have a special fellowship together, so, too, He has given you to be in communion with others. The Spirit has called and gathered you into the fellowship of His holy church, to enlighten, sanctify and keep you there in the one true faith. Jesus has made you, in that church, to be His holy, well-fed bride, bringing you to Himself at the Cross in Baptism, and bringing the fruits of that same Cross to you in Holy Communion. The special fellowship that a man and woman have in marriage is a reminder of God’s good institution before the Fall and that Christ and His holy church will be together forever, long after earthly marriage has ceased. After all, from the very beginning, God’s purpose was to unite His holy bride with Him, in and through His Son, our holy bridegroom. Pastor John C. Drosendahl is privileged to serve Peace Lutheran Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wilson, North Carolina. He has served as breakaway instructor, catechist, and chaplain for Higher Things conferences. He can be reached at john.drosendahl@gmail.com.

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Lustful in Adam, By Rev. George F. Borghardt

hen Adam saw Eve, it was on like Donkey Kong! She was the cream in his jelly donut, the icing on his cake, the Yin to his…well, you get the point. She was made from his side. He was “not good” without her.

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They were the happy ending to Romeo and Juliet. They were Edward and Bella without the fangs and blood. They were more royal than William and Kate and more perfect than Westley and Buttercup. And, like any good love story, when Adam saw Eve, the world froze for him. What else was he to do other than to break into song? “Finally! This is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh! She shall be called ‘woman’ for she was taken from a man.” A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:23-24) Did she giggle like a school girl? How could she not? She completed him. She wouldn’t “be” without him. She loved him. He loved her. They were holy. They were pure. They were chaste. They were decent. It was friendship and like and love all in that one instant. They happily-ever-after-ed and were married. Then, came the

honeymoon and all the “twobecoming-one-flesh-ness.” Then, there was the Fall. Adam tried to possess Eve. They used one another. They turned their God-given desire for each other into something that would become its own god. They ate what was not given to them to eat. They disobeyed the God who created them and brought them together. Sin came into the world, and with sin came death. They fell and we all fell with them. Lust is one of the fruits of their fall. It is the twisted, fallen desire to do something with someone who isn’t your Adam or your Eve. It is the thought behind the action, the urge before the doing. It starts innocently enough, with just a second look—an itch that quietly asks to be scratched. What if? Wouldn’t that be nice? A kiss…maybe more. Just a little thing. What’s the harm in letting your mind wander a bit? And before you know it, the daydream goes from PG, to R, to NC-17.

Chaste in Hearts race, minds contemplate how to make the dreams come true, we get excited, maybe even communicate what we want to the other person. There are no accidents here as we run, scheme, and plan to make what we want a reality. Lust always ends in full blown sin. Always. You can’t have hot coals in your lap, says Solomon, and not get burned (Proverbs 6:27). That’s lust, not love. Love comes from the God who created Adam and Eve. It is patient and doesn’t go too far. It doesn’t treat others as if they are possessions or just things to be wanted, owned, or consumed. Love is seen in the suffering and death of Jesus. That’s how Christ loves His bride. She is born out of the water and blood flowing from His pierced side. She’s doesn’t exist to scratch His itches or just to give Him pleasure. No, He serves her. He cares for her. He loves her! He really does. He loves her not only with words but also by giving up His life for her. She receives from Him, lives from Him, breathes from Him. He gives to her, who she is. His Words wash her. His Words feed her. His Words change her world. She is who she is because He speaks her,

Christ

creates her into being. He is chaste. He refrains from immorality. He is decent. He makes His Bride chaste. He makes her decent. He is holy. She is holy in Him. For you were bought with the price of the holy life and bitter sufferings of Christ. He has redeemed you, bought you back, from all your sins, from all your lusts, from all your itches, to be his own. You are His. He is yours. You are chaste in Him. You are decent. You are pure. You are not lust-filled. You wait until marriage to do all the things that aren’t given you until marriage in Christ. You are holy in Him. One day, He may give you your Adam or Eve. It could be Katniss or Peeta or Gale. He will give you the particular gift that is just right, very good, and just for you. You can wait to do what isn’t given to you to do until then. And if you have failed already, He has given you forgiveness and a new start. Y You are right now, for Christ’s Cross has made you chaste and decent already in Him. Rev. George F. Borghardt is the president of Higher Things and serves as the senior pastor at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in McHenry, Illinois.

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Baptized Not “Gay” By Rev. Mark Buetow

“Pastor, I’m m gay.”

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“No, you’re baptized.” “What do you mean? I know I’m baptized but I’m telling you I’m attracted to the same sex.” “Yes, and you’re baptized.” “What does that have to do with being gay?” “Because what defines you is not your sexual orientation or your addictions or anything else like that. What defines you is not your sins. What defines you is what Christ has done for you and given to you. So, you are baptized.”

The trouble with talking about “homosexuality” or any other sexual “orientation” is that when we define people by whom they are attracted to, we’ve already given into the world’s lie that you can be and do whatever you want. The world’s underlying assumption that “anything is okay, provided it doesn’t hurt someone else” is a powerful and compelling argument that is tough to refute. Maybe you’re defined by whom you sleep with. Same sex? That makes you gay. Maybe it’s by what you’re addicted to or recovering from, such as alcohol—so then you’re an alcoholic or recovering alcoholic. We love our labels and it is precisely those labels that allow us to excuse our sins and at the same time demand that people recognize us and give us consideration based on our sins! St. Paul pulls no punches with the Corinthian Christians. He declares: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The simple fact is, sin harms our neighbor and separates us from God. It draws His wrath and judgment. And it isn’t just

this sin or that sin, it’s all of them. No one is excluded from that list. If you lust after the same sex, then this judgment falls upon you. If you lust after the opposite sex, well, same judgment. If you steal, drink too much or are straight but sleep around, you’re under this judgment as well. But St. Paul is not done there. We completely miss the point if we ignore the next verse: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Here St. Paul takes all those sins and drowns them in the waters of holy baptism. Just as your Old Adam was drowned in holy baptism, a new man came forth in Christ, to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. And there it is: the answer to all of our lusts and others’ sin. It is the truth that our Old Adam pursues his selfish pleasures while the new man is free in Christ from the chains of sin. You are baptized. Therefore what does it all have to do with “homosexuality”? For those who are gay or struggle with some gender issue. You are baptized! God has not abandoned you. You are not less in His sight because of your struggles against sin. He has beaten sin for you. All of the guilt, doubt and despair you may feel has been answered for on Calvary. The struggle you face to live a “sexually pure and decent life” is the Spirit’s work in you. Your failings to do so are covered by Jesus’ blood and left buried in His tomb. Your victory over these very real and very bitter struggles is the baptism which the sign of the cross remembers, the absolution your pastor speaks, and the Body and Blood of Jesus He gives you. For parents or friends or family of someone who is gay. You are baptized! Every struggle you have, every tear, every harsh word, every uncertain reaction, every bit of mockery or derision from others—all of that, too, has been nailed to Jesus and His cross. The very real conflict between shame and support, between loathing and love, is bound up with the God who became flesh for you and washed you to make you His child. And that water and Word have washed away every sin you’ve done dealing with all of this, too. The simple fact is that the Christ loves His Church and gave Himself for her. He has washed her and

made her His spotless bride. She was born from His side in water and blood and she is washed and nurtured by that same water and blood. The church is the Bride of Christ, bought with His suffering and death, purified by His Word, and prepared for her Lord for an eternal wedding celebration. Homosexuality, promiscuity, divorce, adultery, fornication—anything that is against marriage or denies marriage—denies the truth of Jesus and His church. But it is precisely in the truth of what Christ has done for His church that all sins are forgiven. All of them. Without exception. None greater or less than another. All of them are covered by Christ’s blood. And every struggle, and every failing, and every transgression, is covered by the promise of your baptism. This is why the whole Christian life, whatever you struggle with, is nothing other than a life in the Divine Service, hearing over and over the promise that Christ does not abandon us in our sins but forgives and gives us life. The church does not accept the world’s view that “anything goes.” But neither does it seek to judge certain sins more than others. Rather, the church lives by Christ’s gifts. By His forgiveness. By His Word, water, body and blood. There is nothing else by which the Spirit works in us to rescue us from the world’s way of thinking and the darkness of sin. And that is why, when it comes down to it, the question isn’t “Are you gay or straight?” It’s “Are you baptized?” And if you are baptized, you are the Lord’s. Your Old Adam is a dead man and in Christ, you are righteous, innocent, and pure, now and forever. Author’s note: The reality of genders struggles, often driven by the influence of the permissive world around us, means that much confusion can arise. Readers facing these sorts of issues and struggles are encouraged to speak with their pastor, whom the Lord has given to bring forgiveness and the comfort of Christ to them. Rev. Mark Buetow is pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in DuQuoin, Illinois and serves as the deputy and media services executive for Higher Things. He can be reached at buetowmt@gmail.com.

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My Parents are Divorcing...

Now What?

By Rev. William M. Cwirla

You knew something was wrong.

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Mom had been crying a lot. Dad hadn’t been home much, and when he was home, he seemed angry or distant. You were afraid to make a sound, much less bring home a problem from school. Then came the dreaded “family meeting” and the news you didn’t want to hear: “Your Dad and I are getting a divorce.” Now what? Here are some things to keep in mind should the divorce demon invade your house.

BRING ON THE GRIEF GREMLINS – Divorce is a kind of death. Fasten your seatbelt. Welcome to the emotional roller coaster of death. Things are going to get bumpy. You can expect: Denial (“This can’t be happening to me.”) Anger (“I hate you guys for divorcing. You ruined my life.”) Bargaining (“I promise to get better grades if you guys stay together.”) Depression (“I hate my life.”) These are normal responses to loss. You’re grieving. Grieving is adjustment to change and loss. It’s okay. You’ll go through it many times in your life. If you find yourself getting stuck, especially in anger or depression, get some help. Talk to your pastor or a guidance counselor. They might suggest a professional who can help. Don’t be afraid or hesitant to ask for help. It’s never good to be alone in grief. The light at the end of the grief tunnel is Acceptance. Divorced parents are not the hand you wanted, but this is the one you’ve been dealt. You can’t change this, but you “can do all things through Him who gives you strength” (Philippians 4:12-13). Really, you can. THE BLAME GAME – Let’s be clear from the outset: This isn’t your fault. Divorce happens, even to “good Christian families.” The devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh are constantly chipping away at the foundations of marriage. There are probably things going on between Mom and Dad you know nothing about. But know this: Their divorce is not your fault. Sin has had its way with them and their love for each other, and you’re going along for the ride. It’s not your fault. YOU NEED A TEAM – Even if you’re a loner, this is not the time to go solo. You need a support team—some good friends, your pastor, the high school counselor, a trusted member in the congregation, an aunt or uncle, a neighbor, a professional counselor, any and all of them. You need someone to scream at, a shoulder to cry on, a person who will listen, advise, reassure, sympathize, and toss you a life preserver when you need one. If you’re old enough to be reading this article, you’re old enough to form a support team. Do it! THIS IS WAR – The devil is hard at work here. He’s less concerned with destroying marriage than he is with getting everyone isolated and away from Christ. Nothing serves his diabolical purposes better than a messy divorce. People stop forgiving, praying, and going to church. They are so distracted by temporal things they completely lose sight of things eternal, which is exactly what the old evil foe wants. You need the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-19). This is spiritual warfare, not against

flesh and blood, much less Mom or Dad, but against the forces of darkness and evil, against the Lie and the Father of Lies. Recognize that your old Adam is an opportunist. Mom and Dad are pitted against each other, and your old Adam will look for every opportunity to exploit the situation. Be on guard! Run, don’t walk, to Holy Communion. Don’t enter the battlefield starved! The Body and Blood of Christ are your strength. Use the gift of confession and absolution. There’s going to be plenty of sin, guilt, and shame to go around. Let Jesus take care of that. Take up the Word, which is the sword of the Spirit. And pray. Pray for Mom and Dad, for your brothers and sisters, and for protection and peace. NO WINNERS – Mom or Dad may try to enlist you against each other. Don’t go there. Unless one of them truly is hurting you in some way, and you have to get away for your own safety, you are going to need both Mom and Dad in your life, so don’t take sides. There are no winners in divorce, only survivors. THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH – Divorce is, in part, a legal matter that will involve family court, lawyers, judges, and social workers. You’ll be talking with total strangers about your private life. It can be embarrassing, unpleasant, and just plain weird. Speak the truth in love and don’t let others put words into your mouth. Be as open and honest as possible. This, too, shall pass. GOD FORGIVES AND MAKES GOOD IN CHRIST – I know this is hard to hear and even harder to believe, especially in the beginning. Divorce is not the will of Him who made them male and female in the beginning and declared them to be “one flesh.” This is not how it goes with Jesus and His Bride, the Church. He washes, woos, and forgives her. But Moms and Dads are simultaneously sinners and saints, just as all of us baptized believers are. Remember that you are baptized into God’s family. Your Father in heaven will never abandon or reject you as His child. Nothing, including divorce, can separate you from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2830). He endured the agony of rejection, separation, and loss. He made peace in His death and promises to make all things new in His resurrection. He’s in the middle of this mess—calling to repentance and faith, forgiving, blessing, reconciling, and making good. Trust Him. He’ll get you through this. Rev. William M. Cwirla is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, and serves on the board of directors for Higher Things. He can be reached at wcwirla@gmail.com.

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Children: A Full Quiver of Blessing Rev. Joel Fritsche

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV)

My wife and I have three sons.

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I’d say my quiver is quite full, even though I don’t have seven or eight children. Arrows in the hand of a warrior? Yes, I’d say so, but I suppose I mean that a bit differently than the Psalmist. Of course, I agree with the Psalmist, too. Don’t get me wrong. My gates will be well-defended with my three Russian-born adopted sons and their genetic bodybuilding physiques. Did you see Rocky IV? Enemies beware! You will lose! But sometimes the arrows are aimed right back at me. That’s what I was getting at. Honestly, I struggle as a father. It’s a weighty vocation with increasing demands, not just on my time, but on my patience, too. It’s tough raising three boys! Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them? It’s true. In spite of the struggles and challenges of parenthood, there are many blessings.

As a pastor, I officiate at about five or six weddings per year. In premarital instruction I talk with couples about children: the blessings and challenges. Each time at the wedding service, I read those words in the opening sentences about marriage and the blessings that God gives along with it. The one that comes toward the end is this: “God also established marriage for the procreation of children who are to be brought up in the fear and instruction of the Lord so that they may offer Him their praise” (Holy Matrimony, LSB 275). Children are only one of the many blessings of marriage. I always wanted to have children and I always thought I would have children. But I wasn’t devastated when my wife revealed before our engagement that she had known since childhood that she would not likely ever conceive and bear children. If children are a blessing from the Lord, then is being unable to have children a kind of punishment? The Gospel says no! Jesus bore the punishment of her sins, as well as yours and mine. Seeing that my wife had a peace about her circumstances was comforting to me. Anticipating the other blessings God gives in marriage, like mutual companionship, help and support, and the delight husbands and wives are privileged to have for one another moved us forward into marriage. And it wasn’t long after our wedding that we started looking into the possibility of adoption. Five years later we were on a plane flying across Russia with two little boys. Three years after that, we were bringing home their brother from the same region in Russia—from the same birth mother even. I can’t say that I never wonder what it might have been like for my wife and I to have had biological children. I know she wonders, too. Childbirth is an incredible miracle. Every birth is a living reminder of our Savior’s birth. But adoption certainly has its picture, too. It carries that image of new birth— our adoption by God’s grace in Christ (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:15). My sons will always be a living reminder to me of that blessed truth. I pray that the reality of their adoption will hold that image of Divine grace before them throughout their lives also.

Speaking of images and pictures, I find that through my children, there’s a unique blessing to be received. A family of five living together under the same roof presents a picture of its own. As I recognize and confess my sins within my vocation of father, as I struggle with my lack of patience, as my anger sometimes gets the better of me, I see a brighter reflection of a heavenly Father who poured out His anger over my sin—not on me, but on Jesus. There’s hope for me, despite my failures and sins as a father, because I have a compassionate heavenly Father who loves me in Christ. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him (Psalm 103:13). By God’s grace, the Holy Spirit increases my desire to be patient with my children and to show them the same compassion that God the Father shows me. It encourages me to be a faithful father, to bring these boys up in the fear and instruction of the Lord. And despite the challenge of that part of my vocation in the 21st century, the blessing of children abounds and overflows even into the lives of others. I see it as I look out into the pew and see my sons singing the Gloria or confessing the Creed. I see it when my parishioners tell me the joy that they experience when they hear my sons singing and praying. It’s yet another picture, a living testimony of childlike faith in Jesus. A heritage from the Lord? Indeed! The fruit of the womb a reward? Definitely. My quiver is filled with the Lord’s blessing for my wife, for me, and for my neighbor, too! Rev. Joel Fritsche is an adopted child of God, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, Illinois, and a member of the board of directors of Higher Things.

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Is Singleness Real “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:32-34)

Unless your family is rather unusual

, being unmarried is pretty much the default for American teenagers these days. A lot of your friends are probably dating, and thinking and dreaming about marriage to their “special person” one day. Maybe you are, too!

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Or maybe not. It can be difficult when it seems like everyone else is dating and has a special someone with whom to hang out and rehash the day’s drama. When the winter semi-formal or spring prom comes up, you can cover your lack of a date by collecting a group of friends to all go together. Or you just don’t go at all. Maybe it’s just too awkward. Who likes being lonely in a crowd…of couples? Being single, especially once you’re out on your own, can be really hard. It’s so, SO easy to give in to the temptation to despise the vocation you’ve been given. Family (even strangers) will pat you on the shoulder and encourage you to do just that! “Don’t worry dear, it’ll be your turn soon. Someone as wonderful as you is just too good not to be snatched up yet!” they say, consolingly. I get it. It weighs on us when so many things in society revolve around couples and families. Ironically, it’s often worse in the church, where the ideal man is a husband and father and the ideal woman is a wife and mother. And then there’s you: none of the above. Less than ideal. Maybe not even a real man or woman. Everyone says it’ll get better…but what if it doesn’t? What if you end up watching your friends and (younger) relatives check off those significant milestones of engagements, weddings, and births,

never getting to experience them yourself? What if that person never walks into your life and you’re stuck alone, forever? [Cue the Accuser’s whispers in the back of your mind, “You’re alone because there’s something wrong with you. You don’t deserve to be loved. You’re so pathetic. You really are going to be alone for the rest of your life.”] But singleness isn’t a curse. It’s not the antivocation to the real vocation of being a husband or wife. And it’s definitely not a prison sentence to a life of solitary confinement, as you wait (ohso-impatiently) for some romanticized, idealized, significant-other to swoop in and save you from this miserable existence so you can finally start living a real life. A married life. Repent of this kind of thinking! You already have a Savior—One who has loved you to death, and has raised you to new life again. The reality is that being single is a perfectly good, God-given, God-pleasing, genuine vocation. St. Paul even says it’s better than marriage (1 Corinthians 7:8, 38)! The very fact that you are not married is an actual vocation all its own. It’s not even the “notmarried” vocation, it’s just you! Not alone—but you, as a unique, individual child of God; you, set apart in Christ, for the Lord to serve your neighbor through you; you, holy by virtue of your baptism.

lly a Gift? By Sandra Ostapowich

Regardless of how you feel, you’re not alone. You just aren’t married. That’s a huge difference. When you’re not oriented around a spouse, you are free to take advantage of a whole world of opportunities around you! Not for sexual relationships, mind you, but for all sorts of relationships in which you can invest your time and energy and love, with all that you have been given in Christ—and without worrying that you’re neglecting a spouse and children as you do. What a gift your singleness is to your neighbors! So when you’re feeling lonely, fight against the swirling vortex of self-pity. Go visit someone stuck in a nursing home, whose friends have all died and who hasn’t seen a relative in weeks. When you want someone to hold your hand and tell you everything is going to be okay, go sit at the bedside of a hospitalized member of your church for a while. Hold her hand and remind her of her baptism. When you long for someone to tell you you’re wonderful and matter to him or her, volunteer to mentor a kid who has probably never heard another person telling him that he’s good for anything. And if the day comes when He gives you a spouse, then that’ll be a gift for you. Each day that He doesn’t is another day for you to turn your attention toward serving Him in the place where He has put you, caring for the neighbors that He has put in your world. And so your singleness can never be a curse; it is a gift. After all, the curse of sin was already borne by Jesus. He has no curses for you. The One who was truly alone is the One who suffered and died for the sins of the world. In Him, you are never alone. He is with you always, each day, in the Word which forgives you, in the baptism that washes you, and in the Sacrament that feeds you. Sandra Ostapowich is the conference executive for Higher Things and served for 9 years on the Higher Things Board of Directors. She lives with her son in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where she is also studying for her Ph.D. in Missiology at Concordia Theological Seminary.

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Crucified. We preach Christ and Him crucified. I desired to know nothing amongst you other than Christ and him crucified. The words of the Cross are to those perishing foolishness but to us being saved they are the power and wisdom of God. Crucified. You seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. It was necessary for the Son of Man to be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the Law, be crucified, die, and after three days rise again from the dead. Crucified. We were crucified with Him in the waters of Holy Baptism. As surely as we died with Him, we rose with Him. We live in Him. We eat the Body and drink the Blood of the one who gave up His life on the Cross for us. Crucified. Join us this summer, as we receive all the gifts that come from the Lord who was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate and raised from the dead on the third day. His crucifixion is our faith. His crucifixion is our death. His resurrection is our justification by faith alone.

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Christ On Campus

A Nerdy Lutheran’s Guide to

Dating By Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz

There I was—surrounded by water.

The gunwales of that tiny rowboat felt like a prison wall, the oar locks were my shackles, and there were more than 200 yards of pure, mountain fresh Oregon lake water between me and freedom. I was trapped, like Admiral Ackbar. And all I could do was stare at the creaky boat bottom or gaze at the glimmer of the bobbers upon the water, waiting for a bite and praying for the awkward conversation to end. But thankfully, I wasn’t alone. My father

was in that boat with me. And as it turned out, he didn’t bring me out in the middle of that lake to be my prison warden, but because he cared. He cared enough to brave an awkward conversation with his adolescent son about dating, marriage, and sex. And so that’s what we did, or rather, what he did. Honestly, I don’t remember talking all that much; my job was to listen. Whether it was this maritime pre-premarital counseling session or during one of those embarrassing moments in an R-rated film where my parents would pause the VCR and explain why it wasn’t good that this man and woman were doing because they weren’t married—they taught me the importance of the 6th commandment. We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

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Duluth @ University of Minnesota—Morris @ University of Minnesota—Twin Cities @ University of North Carolina—Greensboro @ University of North Dakota @ University of Northern Colorado @ University of Northern Iowa @ University of Oklahoma @ University of Pittsburgh

) @ Dickinson State University (ND) @ George Mason University @ Grand Valley State University and Calvin College (MI) @ Harvard University and Other Boston Area Colleges @ Indiana University @ Indiana State University @ Lake Superior State University (MI) @ Mississippi State University

Like Mario and Princess Peach, my parents taught me how to live in humility and tireless, sacrificial love— the kind of love that goes to the ends of the earth or into Bowser’s castle to rescue you. Now, none of us can claim perfection here either. Our old sinful nature holds onto our precious sin like Gollum clung to the ring of power. Thankfully it’s not your love that sustains your love for others, whether in relationships or in the Christian church. We love because Christ first loved us in His death and resurrection. We put others’ concerns and needs before our own because Christ did this for us on the Cross. And like Samwise and Rosie, my parents taught me the joy of contentment, especially in the gifts of God’s creation, such as dating, marriage, and sex. What could we possibly say that would express our thankfulness to God for these gifts? Amen. Gift received. We thank and praise, serve and obey Him. So, parents, don’t be afraid to talk with your children about dating, marriage, and sex. Yes, it’ll be a little awkward. And whether or not they admit it at the time, your children want and need to hear about it all from you first. It may look like they’re just gazing off into the wood grain of a poorly built watercraft, but they’re listening. I know I was. And Lutheran youth, yes, I know it’ll feel simply dreadful, and you’ll want to run off to a galaxy far, far away or hop in the TARDIS and head anywhere else in time but that moment. But your parents love you and want what’s best for you in your relationships now and when you’re married. That’s why God gave them to teach you, to take you to Church, pray the Catechism together, and instruct you in the ways you should go. Trust me, it’s not a trap. Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz lives in the shire of southern California known as Huntington Beach where it is always summer and never winter. He serves Redeemer Lutheran as the pastor, and is blessed with a beautiful wife, Natasha, and daughter, Zoe. He can be reached at samwise. schuldheisz@gmail.com S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 _ 19

@ North Carolina State University @ NW Oklahoma State University @ Pittsburg State University (KS) @ Rhode Island College and other RI Colleges @ Sam Houston State University (TX) @ San Francisco State University (CA) @ Slippery Rock State University (PA) @ South Dakota State University @ Stanford University (CA) @

Come to think of it, most of what I know about dating, marriage, and sex—especially the good and God-pleasing, Biblical things about these gifts of God—I learned from my parents. You see, dating, marriage, and sex are exactly that: gifts from God. When they’re abused, we turn God’s gifts into idols. But when they’re used in their proper context, and for the purposes God gave them to us, these are great joys that we, as God’s children, receive from our loving and gracious heavenly Father. Now, when it comes to dating, marriage, and sex I can’t give you the top ten tips on how to have a super-awesome dating life like Clark Kent and Lois Lane, Cyclops and Jean Grey, or Han Solo and Princess Leia. And I can’t guarantee a dramatic romance like the Doctor and Rose, Peeta and Katniss, or Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. In fact, I had to laugh at myself a little bit when I was preparing to write this article on dating and relationships. What could a guy who’s been married eight and half years with two children possibly have to say to you, the Lutheran youth of today? And then it came to me. I’ll pass along some of what I’ve learned from my parents, as well as from a few of my nerdy friends. So, consider this a brief bit of advice from one particularly nerdy Lutheran’s perspective on how to think and dare to be a Lutheran when it comes to dating and relationships. Like Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley, my parents taught me that good relationships are built upon even better friendships. It’s also good to get to know each other’s family. Let your parents meet them and get to know them. Your parents typically have a good radar reading on people’s character. Like Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, my parents taught me about fidelity. Of course, this applies whether you’re dating or married. Remember,“I’m a married spud!” My parents also taught me to avoid the drama, unlike Edward and Bella (sorry, Twilight fans). Drama may sell movie tickets, but it’s deadly for relationships. It’s tempting to be a gossip girl…or boy. We all break the 8th commandment. Thankfully, we have a perfect bridegroom in Christ who always speaks the best of us before our heavenly Father.

Texas State University (TX) @ University of Arizona @ University of California—Berkeley @ University of Colorado @ University of Connecticut—Avery Point and other CT Colleges @ University of Illinois @ University of Iowa @ University of Louisville @ University of Minnesota

His& Hers

Youth Ministry

A Youth Leader Couple’s Perspective on Marriage By Bob and Cyndi Myers

We know couples who are happy in marriage, couples who are unhappy in marriage, singles who are happily single, and singles who are discontented in their single state. So, would it be a good thing to be able to see decades into the future? Would it lead to a sense of peace or a sense of despair?

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The popular culture will always try to describe norms of behavior or shape your view of what is important in dating or in marriage. Very often these influences on behavior simply boil down to personal appearance, popularity and social status. Each person, each couple, is unique in many ways, and yet each are the same in that they are given to live out the vocation that the Lord has given them.



CYNDI

As a young woman I dreamed of someday meeting that one person whom I could love and be loved by “til death do us part.” Not yet understanding my vocation as daughter, sister, student, co-worker and friend, it seemed there was something more I wanted. I was not content with what I had and with whom God had made me to be. I thought I would be happier if I were smarter, prettier, and thinner, had a more prestigious job, a handsome and popular boyfriend, etc. The Lord tells us to be content in Him and trust that God will provide all that we need. Amazingly, God’s love is so great that He also gives us gifts we don’t even ask for.

 In 1980, I was very content with my life and being single. I did what I wanted, when I wanted, which included going to church (or not), visiting my parents (or not), serving my neighbor (or not). One day a friend and co-worker approached me and began telling me about a guy her spouse worked with. She said, “You guys would be perfect for each other” so she asked my permission to set us up on a blind date to meet at their home for dinner. We all laughed, talked, ate, and just had a great time. That evening, my blind date asked to see me again, and we dated for several months. All the while, I never thought: This is the one.



Photo: Cheryl Casey

BOB

Looking back on more than three decades of marriage gives us pause to reflect on God’s gift of marriage. I confess that as a young man there were many times when I wished that I could see into the future and know just what lay ahead for me. I guessing that sometimes you might think that, too.

BOB

Thanks be to God for the gift of His Holy Word! His Word points us to what it is that we should consider important. We can see that it is considered important to be equally yoked, and by that I mean man and woman alike under the yoke of Jesus. Christ is the one who said,“My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” But I would further advise you to consider what that means within the world of believers. It can be quite difficult if one person is from a church body that joyfully receives the Sacraments and the other person is from a tradition that disregards the Sacraments and even goes so far as to deny the effective work of God in them. For these reasons it is important that you consider these things when you choose a person to date and even more so when you consider the possibility of marriage. The Lord has promised to give us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3). We do not necessarily receive everything we want. We daily sin much, and often are not content with what we have been given, yet we have a Father in heaven who delights in giving good things to those who ask Him (Matthew 7:11). God alone supplies all that we need to sustain this body and life. He has provided a perfectly created order, and a picture of this relationship is described in Ephesians 5. Read the Table of Duties in Luther’s Small Catechesis and hear what it says to husbands, wives, youth, parents, and children. So while you haven’t been promised, and you’re most likely not going to get a sign from above in the form of a halo of shimmering light over “Mr. or Miss Right,” you have been given the promise of eternal life, the assurance that He cares for us, and the historical fact that He gave Himself up for us.

CYNDI

God chose this man to give to me through the gift of holy matrimony and on April 7, 1981 we were joined by God at His altar. I could not have imagined all that He would bless us with. Throughout 33 years of marriage, we have been through good times and bad but looking back, the hardest times were the ones that made our marriage stronger. Keeping Christ as our focus helped us to grow in our faith and in our marriage. God has blessed us in more ways than we could have ever thought to ask for, two children, two grandchildren, steady employment, a home, a faithful church and pastor, opportunities to serve our neighbors, good health and so much more. God gave me the perfect spouse—the one He created for me! But we are chosen by Him and made perfect through His son Jesus Christ and THAT is the greatest gift of all!

 Bob and Cyndi Myers live in Milton, Florida and worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pensacola. When they are not busy being parents and grandparents, Bob, a retired Navy Mustang, is a truck driver and Cyndi is a travel agent for the military. Both greatly enjoy working with youth at church, particularly in catechesis. They can be reached at myers.w.robert@gmail.com (Bob) and navwife@gmail.com (Cyndi).

In Christ we are never alone. God has promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”



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A Sacramental Wedding Toast The Lord who by His Word created water And later transformed water into wine By water and His Word baptized two children, Engrafting two wild shoots into His vine. Today upon these two He pours more blessing As in His name their marriage is begun; So let us raise a glass in glad thanksgiving To Him who makes of two a happy one. May God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit So bless this man and woman all their days That these two live to see their children’s children Unite with them to sing their Maker’s praise. ————————————————————— Kathryn Ann Hill

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Dark Addictions Need the

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Light By Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz

he internet has flooded us with easy access to pornography. Just a few clicks of a button lead to innumerable free and legal sites of sexual graphics in which the heart and mind can indulge. And it’s easy to hide. Outward signs marking the alcoholic or drug abuser are absent in the porn addict, making the sin harder to detect. Pornography, then, is an addictive sin met with little resistance. Don’t make the mistake of thinking pornography isn’t an addiction, or that it doesn’t cause physical damage. Studies show that extensive exposure to pornography arouses the brain in ways resembling an addict’s response to cocaine and heroin combined. This, in turn, creates a greater tolerance that drives the user to look for more graphic images to produce the same sensation. There is a difference, however, between drug and porn addiction in that drug users increase quantity to get the desired effect. Porn addicts, however, need novelty, something new and different that can lead to looking at unspeakable and even illegal images.1 Needless to say, all of this does great damage to singles and married people alike. For spouses, no one wants to be married to someone who constantly lusts after another person. They feel betrayed and violated. Single people fare no better. All the mental changes to neurological pathways result in stimulation over images instead of flesh and blood people. This means addicts have a harder time relating to real people and building meaningful relationships. After all, the brain has been trained to become aroused at pictures, not people. Still think pornography is harmless? Christ addresses this when He says “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Highlighting the danger, He adds “if your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away… it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body to go into hell” (Matthew 5: 27-30). Sexual temptation is so powerful that God says it can drag someone right out of the kingdom and into hell—an outcome worse than self-mutilation. So what’s the solution? Blocking software, accountability partners, a computer in a public space—these things can provide some assistance, but apart from Christ such efforts are futile. We must know our enemy. In the Lord’s Prayer we pray “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Note how close the words “temptation” and “evil” are to one another. With every temptation there is real evil at work and we are powerless to stop it. No amount of human will-power and strength can defend against the onslaught of the devil, world and our own sinful nature. Temptation must be met with a power outside of us, the gospel that is the “power of God for salvation” (Romans 1: 16). The power of God’s forgiveness is the remedy for every sick sinner caught up in a transgression. Therefore, if confessing sin and receiving forgiveness is the answer, then hiding sin is a surefire way to

exacerbate the problem. The devil loves darkness, but hates the light. The sinful flesh hates the light and flees to the cover of darkness where sin can fester and rot. Keeping sins private may seem like a way of avoiding shame and embarrassment, but it’s just what the devil wants—for you to keep yours sins hidden from yourself, even from God. The Psalmist speaks about containing sin. “When I kept silent my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long…I acknowledged my sin to you and I did not cover my iniquity; I said ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin’” (Psalm 32 4-5). From decaying and groaning to receiving God’s mercy and healing, the Psalmist confesses and receives the grace and absolution God promises. But the news gets better. Not only does God promise you absolution in Christ, He tells you where you can hear it, and this is vital. Your pastor, a called minister of Christ, is charged to forgive you, the repentant sinner. Your pastor is God’s man working under His authority and divine command to absolve those crushed, burdened, and looking for grace. This means you know exactly where to go when temptation hits. No guesswork and confusion; just go to the pastor and hear what Christ charges him to say: that you are forgiven for the sake of Jesus and that you can depart in peace. There is tremendous comfort in hearing your sins cannot kill you because you are justified and cleansed in Christ, and we mustn’t tire of hearing this message. Take advantage of confession and absolution, in which we are free to bring our sins into His light and receive His peace. Hear the gospel that is the true balm for the wounded conscience—the consolation of knowing the very sins we struggle with have been taken care of by Jesus. Temptations are sure to come; evil never takes a break. Sexual addiction is powerful, but during the strife you know where you can go and what you will receive. Come into the light. Confess boldly again and again. Receive the gospel of Jesus, who has overcome your sin, temptation and even death. Pornography is easy access to sin. Absolution is easy and free access to forgiveness and everlasting life! 1 See “The New Narcotic” at http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/ 2013/10/10846/, accessed 2/13/14.

Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz is the pastor of Victory in Christ Lutheran Church located in Newark, Texas. He can be reached at pastor@viccla.org

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By Rev. William M. Cwirla

S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 _ 29

Baptized Not “Gay” A Higher Things Bible Study • Spring 2014 Introduction: The church’s attitude toward “homosexuality” has been described as one of the major reasons why young people are leaving the church and abandoning religion. This magazine article and Bible Study are written in the hopes that we can learn to speak the truth of God’s Word about marriage (the Law) while at the same time giving witness to what we are in Christ (baptized and forgiven sinners, all of us). We hope to teach compassion rather being judgmental, and holding out the new life in Christ as the basis for how we talk about ourselves and others. Owing to the “hot button” nature of this topic and some of the sensitive issues raised, we encourage the bible study leader to invite parents to sit in and join the discussion and hearing of God’s Word.

1What does the Bible say

What is “homosexuality?”

about it? What does the Bible say about being gay? What does the Bible say about sex in general?

2think the Bible and

What do non-Christians

Christians teach about homosexuality and being gay?

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 30

Read these two verses commonly used when talking about “homosexuality:” Leviticus 18:22. Romans 1:27. Read some of the verses before and after. Are these sections of the Scriptures just about “homosexuality?” What else are they drawing attention to and forbidding?

4is the penalty for adultery 7forgiven, does this mean Read Leviticus 20:10. What

If we are baptized and

and for whom? Clearly, according to God’s Word, sex outside of marriage is a sin. How does Jesus deal with these sorts of sins? See John 8:1-11.

we can go ahead and keep doing those same sins? Read Romans 6:1-4. What, then, is the answer for when we struggle against our sins, whatever they are?

510. What sorts of sins

8Catechism: Baptism, the

Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-

are mentioned? Is this an exhaustive list? Which are the terms relative to our discussion here?

61 Corinthians 6:11. Continue reading

Paul does not leave the Corinthians in their sins but what does he say has happened to them? What does this say about how God looks at us and how we should see ourselves and others?

Read in The Small

Fourth Part. What happens to our Old Adam each day? What does our New Man do? How does this apply to sins related to sex and to any other sins?

9speaking LSB #594, God’s Close by singing or

Own Child, I Gladly Say It.

To access the Leader’s Guide for this study, as well as Bible studies for articles in this issue and previous issues, as a part of an online HTOnline subscription, point your browser to: higherthings.org/magazines/biblestudies.html.

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Dark Addictions Need the Light A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

1. According to the author, what makes addiction to pornography even harder to detect than addiction to alcohol or drugs?     There are often clear, outward signs that one is abusing alcohol and drugs. The signs that one is using pornography are harder to detect, because they are more internal.

2. What are some of the damaging physical effects of pornography that the author mentions?     The brain is altered by extensive exposure to pornography in the same way that is seen in cocaine and heroin addicts. Greater tolerance drives the user to look for more graphic images to produce the same sensation.

3. How does use of pornography damage relationships?    In marriage, spouses feel betrayed and adulterated when someone they are married to lusts after another person. Those who are single and are addicted to pornography have a harder time relating to real people and having meaningful relationships.

4. Read Matthew 5:27-30. How do Jesus’ words apply to the use of pornography?     When you are looking at graphic images of naked men or women, or images of them engaging in sexual acts, you are doing precisely what Jesus is describing—looking at a woman to lust after her. Viewing pornography is a form of adultery even though no physical sexual act has been committed. Viewing of pornography also tends to lead to another sinful behavior: masturbation.

5. Why is human willpower not enough to resist temptations to sexual sins (or any sin for that matter)?     Sinful urges and desires arise within the sinful flesh. They don’t just come from outside of us. The human will is part of the problem, not the solution. Sexual addiction, like all sinful vices, tends to overpower all rational thought and fear of consequences.

6. According to the author, what is one of the worst things a person can do when he or she is caught up in a transgression?    Keeping these sins hidden allows them to “fester and rot.” Though some may think this is the best thing to do in order to avoid embarrassment and shame, it is actually what the devil wants us to do.

7. Read Psalm 32:1-5. What effect did keeping his sins to himself have on King David?     “My bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” Keeping the sins hidden and private caused David much grief and agony.

8. What happened to David when he finally confessed his sins and stopped trying to hide them from God?    His sins were forgiven and he found mercy and healing.

9. What have pastors been authorized and commanded to do for God’s people?     They are to forgive the sins of repentant sinners.

10. Why is it comforting to know this?    We know that we don’t have to wander around in the dark wondering if God really forgives our sins or not. We can confess our sins and hear from the mouth of God’s called servant that great news that He has, in fact, forgiven our sins. As the article says, there is “no guesswork or confusion.”

11. What are some ways to curb sexual sins like pornography?    Your pastor can direct you to additional resources for this. The author mentioned blocking software, accountability partners, and putting your computer in a public space. One good rule of thumb is not mentioned in the article: Know yourself. If you know that you are powerless against sexual temptation, then stop it before it starts. Don’t go to that website that often leads you into others. Don’t type those words in the search bar that you know will bring up pornographic pictures, videos, or websites. Have a planned response to sexual temptation set in place and practice it so that when temptation arises, your body has a trained response. But most of all, remember who you are in Christ.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

www.higherthings.org

Dark Addictions Need the Light A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

1. According to the author, what makes addiction to pornography even harder to detect than addiction to alcohol or drugs?

! ! !

2. What are some of the damaging physical effects of pornography that the author mentions?

!   !

3. How does use of pornography damage relationships?

! !   !

4. Read Matthew 5:27-30. How do Jesus’ words apply to the use of pornography?

! ! !

5. Why is human willpower not enough to resist temptations to sexual sins (or any sin for that matter)?

! !   !

6. According to the author, what is one of the worst things a person can do when he or she is caught up in a transgression?

! ! ! !

7. Read Psalm 32:1-5. What effect did keeping his sins to himself have on King David?

! ! !

8. What happened to David when he finally confessed his sins and stopped trying to hide them from God?

! !   !

9. What have pastors been authorized and commanded to do for God’s people?

! !   !

10. Why is it comforting to know this?

! !   !

11. What are some ways to curb sexual sins like pornography?

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

www.higherthings.org

Baptized Not “Gay” A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

Introduction: The church’s attitude toward “homosexuality” has been described as one of the major reasons why young people are leaving the church and abandoning religion. This magazine article and Bible Study are written in the hopes that we can learn to speak the truth of God’s Word about marriage (the Law) while at the same time giving witness to what we are in Christ (baptized and forgiven sinners, all of us). We hope to teach compassion rather being judgmental, and holding out the new life in Christ as the basis for how we talk about ourselves and others. Owing to the “hot button” nature of this topic and some of the sensitive issues raised, we encourage the bible study leader to invite parents to sit in and join the discussion and hearing of God’s Word.

!1. What is “homosexuality?” What does the Bible say about it? What does the Bible say about being gay? What does the Bible say about sex in general?

Answers will vary but you will surprise the students by saying that “homosexuality” is not really a word in the Bible. Generally it is the act of “sex with a person of the same gender” that is mentioned. The summary view of sex is that marriage is between a man and a woman and the physical act of sex is reserved for a husband and wife.

!2. What do non-Christians think the Bible and Christians teach about homosexuality and being gay?

Again, answers will vary, but likely a common theme will be that Christians are judgmental and don’t want people to love each other even if they are the same gender. Consider broadening the question to sex in general? The view of the world is that pretty much anything goes, so long as there is “consent.” This is really nothing other than saying any sort of lust is okay. The genuine teaching of God’s Word is that of chastity, that is, no sex apart from marriage.

3. Read these two verses commonly used when talking about “homosexuality:” Leviticus 18:22. Romans 1:27. Read some of the verses before and after. Are these sections of the Scriptures just about “homosexuality?” What else are they drawing attention to and forbidding?

It’s important to see that the act of sodomy is not isolated but forbidden in the context of any sexual intercourse or acts outside of marriage. While same gender sex is indeed forbidden, so is any sexual intercourse outside of marriage.

4. Read Leviticus 20:10. What is the penalty for adultery and for whom? Clearly, according to God’s Word, sex outside of marriage is a sin. How does Jesus deal with these sorts of sins? See John 8:1-11.

Jesus forgives her, that is, He does not treat her as her sin deserves. Under the Laws of Moses, someone caught in the act of adultery (both people!) could be stoned to death. Jesus, in telling her to go, not only rescues her from the penalty of her sin, but shows that He does not count it against her. He DOES tell her to “go and sin no more” which is more than just a command, but a speaking of the fact that she has been set free from sin.

5. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. What sorts of sins are mentioned? Is this an exhaustive list? Which are the terms relative to our discussion here?   Bible translations will vary. The two words, as the ESV footnote indicates, describe the passive and active partners in the act of sodomy. Again, point out that the condition of “homosexuality” is not mentioned per se, but rather particular acts and particular sins. Also point out that these are just two of a nonexhaustive list. Paul brings the hammer of the Law to bear on all sorts of sin, essentially everything that

breaks the commandments to “Love God” and “Love your neighbor.” The end result of these sins is the judgment and eternal punishment of God, and exclusion from His kingdom.

!6. Continue reading 1 Corinthians 6:11. Paul does not leave the Corinthians in their sins but what does he say has happened to them? What does this say about how God looks at us and how we should see ourselves and others?

Washed (baptized), sanctified (made holy), justified (saved). These words point to the work of Christ’s forgiveness that has been delivered to sinners. Salvation is that, just as the woman caught in adultery, God does not hold our sin against us but forgives it. This is why we don’t label ourselves and others by what sins we do (“gay” or “homosexual” or “alcoholic” or “angry person,” etc. Rather, we declare and confess that we are baptized. That means our sins are forgiven and God no longer see them because the blood of Jesus has taken them away. Now He can only see us in Jesus as His dear and precious children.

7. If we are baptized and forgiven, does this mean we can go ahead and keep doing those same sins? Read Romans 6:1-4. What, then, is the answer for when we struggle against our sins, whatever they are?

We don’t go ahead and sin all we want because we are baptized and forgiven! Rather, our baptism has set us free from sin. Remind students that they are a new creation in Christ through their baptism. This is not a hypothetical reality but is actually true. But since we always continue to struggle with sin in this life— whatever that sin may be—the point is that we don’t live defined by our sin but defined by what baptism gives us.

8. Read in The Small Catechism: Baptism, the Fourth Part. What happens to our Old Adam each day? What does our New Man do? How does this apply to sins related to sex and to any other sins?

The Old Adam dies through repentance and faith. This means we acknowledge our sin each day, confessing what we know to be against God’s will. The New Man is raised up by Christ’s forgiveness, particularly the absolution from our pastors, the preaching of Christ, and the body and blood of Christ’s Supper. Remind students that our struggle with sin is not one of willpower that tries to overcome the bad things we do. Rather, our battle with sin is to confess it and receive forgiveness. This keeps the devil from being able to use these sins to trouble our consciences. In terms of sex, the Old Adam wants to give free reign to his lust. So each day he is drowned in baptism. The New Man desires to lie in chastity either avoiding sex while single or confining sex to marriage with a member of the opposite sex. But the basis for our hope and encouragement is always what is given to us in the gift of Holy Baptism.

!9. Close by singing or speaking LSB #594, God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It.

Remind students that for these and any other sins, their pastor is available to hear their confession and absolve them as well as give them counsel and comfort from God’s Word.

!! !! !! !! !! !!

www.higherthings.org

Baptized Not “Gay” A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

!1. What is “homosexuality?” What does the Bible say about it? What does the Bible say about being gay? What does the Bible say about sex in general?

!! !! 2. What do non-Christians think the Bible and Christians teach about homosexuality and being gay?   !! !

!! !

!! !!

5. Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. What sorts of sins are mentioned? Is this an exhaustive list? Which are the terms relative to our discussion here?

!! !! !  !6. Continue reading 1 Corinthians 6:11. Paul does not leave the Corinthians in their sins but what does he say has happened to them? What does this say about how God looks at us and how we should see

ourselves and others?

!! !

8. Read in The Small Catechism: Baptism, the Fourth Part. What happens to our Old Adam each day? What does our New Man do? How does this apply to sins related to sex and to any other sins?

!! !!   !9. Close by singing or speaking LSB #594, God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It.     !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! !! ! www.higherthings.org

Children: A Full Quiver of Blessing A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

! 2.

Read Psalm 127:3-5. What does the Psalmist mean that children are a “heritage” from the LORD and a “reward”? The Psalmist means that children are a continued blessing from the Lord. The Lutheran Study Bible notes, “Children are God’s inheritance given by grace. The ongoing family line continued to receive the inheritance of the land” (Numbers 27:8-11). (TLSB, p. 975)

!How are children “like arrows in the hand of a warrior” (vv. 4-5)?

Note from The Lutheran Study Bible: “In Bible times, the man with several sons was well defended. Though he aged, his youth lived on through his vigorous sons, who spoke for him against his enemies” (TLSB, p. 975).

!In the Bible, barrenness (not being able to bear children) is seen as a curse while fruitfulness (being

blessed with many children) is seen as a blessing. How have attitudes towards children in our culture changed over the years, and what factors have led to this change?

Today, it is often the case that people view children as a burden rather than a blessing. Legalized abortion reflects this attitude, and contributes toward it. Even many Christian married couples take great steps to avoid conceiving and bearing children. Modern culture favors small families vs. larger ones. Answers may vary.

!According to the author, how can one be sure that God is not punishing them by withholding the gift

of children from them? See Romans 8:1.

We can be certain of this because God has already punished the sins of all people in His Son on the cross.

!What other blessings of marriage does the author mention besides the blessing of children?

These include: companionship, help and support, and the delight husbands and wives are privileged to have for one another.

!Read Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5, and Romans 8:15. How is adoption a picture of the new birth

that we have by God’s grace in Christ Jesus?

!! !! !! !

God’s Word uses the image of adoption to describe how we have become part of His heavenly family through baptism. In adoption there is a legal transaction involved. A person receives a new name and a new father, as well as new siblings and a new mother. So also, when a person is brought to faith in Christ and baptized, he too receives a new name, a heavenly Father, and an elder brother, namely, Christ. And the Church has become his mother.

www.higherthings.org

Children: A Full Quiver of Blessing A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

Read Psalm 127:3-5. What does the Psalmist mean that children are a “heritage” from the LORD and a “reward”?

! ! !! ! 2. How are children “like arrows in the hand of a warrior” (vv. 4-5)? ! ! !! !! 3.

In the Bible, barrenness (not being able to bear children) is seen as a curse while fruitfulness (being blessed with many children) is seen as a blessing. How have attitudes towards children in our culture changed over the years, and what factors have led to this change?

!! !! According to the author, how can one be sure that God is not punishing them by withholding the gift of children from them? See Romans 8:1.

!! !! !!

What other blessings of marriage does the author mention besides the blessing of children?

!! !! !!

Read Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5, and Romans 8:15. How is adoption a picture of the new birth that we have by God’s grace in Christ Jesus?

!! ! !! !!

www.higherthings.org

A Nerdy Lutheran’s Guide to Dating A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

! ! Introduction: Before discussing the questions in the Bible Study, read the article “A Nerdy Lutheran’s Leader’s Guide

Guide to Dating” in the spring 2014 issue of Higher Things magazine. The discussion questions in this study guide will help focus the group talking about dating, marriage and sex in the context of the Sixth Commandment.

1. How many of you are dating? What do you think “dating” means to most young people today? Why do people date?

Answers will vary. For Christians who take marriage seriously, dating is a way of gauging whether a member of the opposite sex is spouse material. Could they imagine themselves being with this person forever? Would they give their lives for this person? Would they forgive this person when they did something wrong?

2. Read the Small Catechism, Sixth Commandment and Meaning. What does “sexually pure and decent (chaste)” mean? The meaning says that husbands and wives should love each other. How does the meaning also apply to boyfriends and girlfriends and dating? How about to single people?

Sexual intercourse is given by God to a husband and wife in marriage and is reserved for that union alone. The Bible helpfully uses the phrase “uncover their nakedness.” Since sex is reserved for marriage, it should be off limits for those who are dating and those who are single.

3. What does Jesus tell us to watch out for? Read Matthew 5:27-30. Is it possible to commit adultery without having sex? What sin in the heart leads to adultery with the body?

Lust is the desire to have sex with someone to whom you are not married. It is the great temptation in dating in a world where sex is seen as common and to be with whomever we want. When we lust, we have already committed adultery. You might compare the same teaching about hatred and murder in the preceding verses. The point is that sin originates in the heart even before it is carried out in our actions.

4. The opposite of lust is shown in Christ’s love for the church. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. Describe how marriage is a picture of Christ and His church. How does she submit to Christ? In what way does He love her (and therefore us)?

Marriage is a picture of Christ’s love for the church. The church submits to Christ by expecting and receiving from Him the forgiveness of sins. He loves her by giving Himself for her (on the cross) and washing her clean (baptism) of any sins, spots, wrinkles, etc. In giving Himself for His bride (and teaching a husband to do so), Christ is demonstrating the opposite of lust. Lust seeks its own pleasure and fulfillment. Chastity and genuine love in marriage seek the well-being of the wife, and expect this treatment from the husband. As a side note, you might briefly contrast how the love of God in Christ is “monogamous” as opposed to the “adulterous” worship and spiritual free-for-all that is found in other religions.

!5. Discuss the various pieces of advice that Pr. Schuldheisz (and his “friends”) teach in his article and relate them to dating in particular. How is Christ at the center of each of these?

Answers will vary but here are some suggested connections:

Harry and Ginny-Friendship. Dating and friendship are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the better the friends, often the more likely their relationship will grow toward marriage. But “friendship” should not be mistaken for “friends with benefits” or a false sexual relationship.   Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head-Fidelity. The world despises faithfulness and mocks monogamy. But here is the picture of Christ’s love. Even in dating it should be clear that a person is not “available” and should treat the other as if they are the only person in the world for them. Edward and Bella-Drama. Avoid it. Red flags should be raised if a couple only ever argues or speaks badly about each other to other people. Maybe dating is not such a good idea. Marriage even less so.   Mario and Princess Peach-Sacrificial Love. What would you do for this guy or girl? Take the blame for them? Cover their sins for them? Die for them? Who is more important? You or the other person? Dating is a chance to practice the very hard work of putting another person ahead of yourself.   Samwise and Rosie-Contentment. The world is always telling us to find someone new—to never be bored. Contentment is a gift from God which recognizes there is nothing better than the person God Himself has given us in marriage. Dating is a time to see whether you begin to have that sort of contentment with another person.

6. What part should our parents play in our dating? What if we don’t have parents who are willing or able to give us good dating advice according to God’s Word?

We should value our parents’ opinions highly. Not only have they been through the dating process, they have had a family together. They know many of the challenges and can testify to their own mistakes. If parents are not able or willing to contribute good advice and wisdom young people can turn to their grandparents or pastors, or other trusted adults who will guide and help them according to God’s Word.

7. Often, without advice, or perhaps in spite of it, people fall into sin. Perhaps lust has gained the upper hand. Maybe there was sex apart from marriage. What hope is there when the ideal for marriage has already been obscured by our sin? See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

While all of this teaching according to the Sixth Commandment is godly and good, the Law doesn’t stop us from sinning nor fix it when we do. Remind students that because of sins that happen during dating and leading up to and in marriage they are always in need of repentance and forgiveness. Remind them of God’s strong promises in Christ, given in Baptism, Word and Supper, that they have been washed and cleansed from their sin. God holds nothing against them and gives them His Holy Spirit for a fresh start and a godly gift of dating and perhaps eventually marriage. And being single is okay, too. (See the article and Bible study “Is Singleness Really a Gift?” for another take on the topic.)  8. Close by singing “Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing,” LSB #860.

A Nerdy Lutheran’s Guide to Dating A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

!! Introduction: Before discussing the questions in the Bible Study, read the article “A Nerdy Lutheran’s

1. How many of you are dating? What do you think “dating” means to most young people today? Why do people date?

!! !

3. What does Jesus tell us to watch out for? Read Matthew 5:27-30. Is it possible to commit adultery without having sex? What sin in the heart leads to adultery with the body?

!! !!

!! !! !

5. Discuss the various pieces of advice that Pr. Schuldheisz (and his “friends”) teach in his article and relate them to dating in particular. How is Christ at the center of each of these?

!! !! ! 6. What part should our parents play in our dating? What if we don’t have parents who are willing or able to give us good dating advice according to God’s Word?

!! !

!! !!

8. Close by singing “Gracious Savior, Grant Your Blessing,” LSB #860.

My Parents Are Divorcing...Now What? A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

1. What does the author mean when he says that “Divorce is a kind of death?”    Divorce is the death of a relationship. Many of the same grief symptoms that accompany death can be observed in those involved in a divorce. Divorce separates what “God has joined together.” In marriage the two become “one-flesh” and so in divorce, that one-flesh relationship is destroyed.

2. When mom and dad get a divorce, it is common for the children to think that it is their fault. Who or what is really to blame for the divorce, according to the author?    Sin is ultimately the culprit in divorce. The author wants to remind you that “their divorce is not your fault.” The devil, the world, and the sinful flesh of the husband and wife are to blame.

3. Why does the author advise getting a support team together?    We need the help and support of others. By ourselves, we have only our own confused emotions to rely on. Having others to confide in, to lean on, and to trust is vital to getting through a divorce, especially since mom and dad are often too caught up in their own troubles to be helpful.

4. What does the author mean when he says that the devil is “less concerned with destroying marriage than he is with getting everyone isolated and away from Christ?”     The divorce is just the smokescreen. The devil’s real intent is to tear people from Christ. Even divorced people need Christ. But because they are so distracted by the earthly problems, it is easy to lose sight of their need for Christ. This is true for many sins. The devil wants to tear us from Christ.

5. Read Ephesians 6:10-19. According to St. Paul, against whom are we really fighting?    We are fighting the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

6. Of what does the “whole armor of God” consist?    It consists of Faith, The Word of God, Prayer, Truth, Righteousness, the Gospel, but what this means is putting on Christ, through our Baptism. When we are baptized, we are prepared for battle.

7. Read Romans 8:28-39. What comforting promises does the apostle make for those who are in Christ?    God uses even the bad stuff in our lives (trials, suffering, and even our own sinful choices and those of others) to work for our good. God will never reject those who believe in His Son. Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ—even divorce.

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

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My Parents Are Divorcing...Now What? A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

1. What does the author mean when he says that “Divorce is a kind of death?”

! ! ! !

2. When mom and dad get a divorce, it is common for the children to think that it is their fault. Who or what is really to blame for the divorce, according to the author?

! ! ! !

3. Why does the author advise getting a support team together?

! !   !

4. What does the author mean when he says that the devil is “less concerned with destroying marriage than he is with getting everyone isolated and away from Christ?”

! !   ! !

5. Read Ephesians 6:10-19. According to St. Paul, against whom are we really fighting?

! ! ! !

6. Of what does the “whole armor of God” consist?

! ! !

7. Read Romans 8:28-39. What comforting promises does the apostle make for those who are in Christ?

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

www.higherthings.org

Lustful in Adam, Chaste in Christ A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

Introduction: This study looks at the contrast between lust and chastity. The struggle against lust and the desire to lead a chaste and decent life are resolved in Christ who has made us pure in Him.

1. What is “lust?” What is “chastity?” Which of these is more important to the world?

Answers will vary. Guide students to the understanding that lust is the desire to do something (have sex) with someone who is not your spouse, whether you are married or single. Chastity is refraining from sexual sin.

2. Compare the meaning of the Sixth Commandment in the current version of the Catechism (LSB p.321) to this older translation: We should fear and love God so that we lead a chaste and decent life in word and deed, and each love and honor his spouse. What does it mean for a husband and wife to be “chaste/ sexually pure and decent?” What does that mean for those who are not married?

The gift of sex is given for marriage between a man and a woman. Outside of marriage, there should be no sex. In marriage, sex is reserved for husbands and wives and should not go out of that marriage bond. Likewise, those who are not married are called by God to be celibate (not have sex or do sexual things with someone) until they are married.

3. Jesus gets to the heart of our sin in Matthew 5:27-30. What is included in “adultery?”

Adultery is not just the act but also the lust and desire to have sex with someone who is not our spouse. This is why things that stir up lust, such as pornography are just as bad as actually having sex outside of marriage.

4. Read 1 Corinthians 6:15-20. What makes sexual sins particular dangerous?

Marriage is the “one flesh” union of a man and woman. Sex outside of marriage makes a one flesh union that is not marriage. It is harms the mind and the body. To be sure, there are practical consequences, too, such as the way casual sex teaches us to treat members of the opposite sex, as well as the various diseases that promiscuity breeds.

5. Where does lust come from? See Romans 1:18-32.

Lust is a result of the Fall into sin and the Lord’s giving mankind over to the lusts and curses of that Fall, where our sin becomes greater and greater so that we learn we cannot save ourselves.

6. What does St. Paul declare to be true about those who sin not just sexually but in all ways? See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

The wrath and judgment of God come against all those who do these sins of lust, but also of all sorts of other sins (not just sexual). There is no getting around it. The Old Adam is doomed to death by the Law which condemns all sin.

7. How has God dealt with these sinners? Continue with 1 Corinthians 6:11. What comfort is that to us when we’ve fallen into these sins?

!These sinners were baptized, justified and made holy (sanctified) in Christ. Therefore, their sins cannot

condemn them. Christ has taken away their sins and has made them pure in God’s sight. This means even when we’ve done those sins, they cannot condemn us because Christ has taken care of them.

8. How are you pictured as a Christian in Ephesians 5:25-27? What is true about you?

Christ’s death and resurrection, delivered to us in Holy Baptism means we have no sins, spots, stains, or blemishes. Whatever we have done has been blotted out by His blood. In Christ, you are indeed chaste, even if you have committed these sins.

9. What comfort does Hebrews 4:15-16 give us when we struggle with lust?

Christ was also tempted with all these sins just as we are. He prevailed against them. Thus, when we are tempted, we flee to Christ and pray for His mercy and forgiveness and deliverance from all temptation.

10. What should we do when we struggle (and even give in) to temptations of lust and unchastity?

A very powerful help is found in the comfort our pastors have for us from Christ’s Word. Talk with students about speaking with their pastor when they struggle with lust (or any other sin) and the joy and blessing of confessing their sins and receiving absolution. You might ask your pastor to help teach this study and encourage the youth in this regard.

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www.higherthings.org

Lustful in Adam, Chaste in Christ A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

Introduction: This study looks at the contrast between lust and chastity. The struggle against lust and the desire to lead a chaste and decent life are resolved in Christ who has made us pure in Him.

1. What is “lust?” What is “chastity?” Which of these is more important to the world?

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3. Jesus gets to the heart of our sin in Matthew 5:27-30. What is included in “adultery?”

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4. Read 1 Corinthians 6:15-20. What makes sexual sins particular dangerous?

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5. Where does lust come from? See Romans 1:18-32.

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6. What does St. Paul declare to be true about those who sin not just sexually but in all ways? See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

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7. How has God dealt with these sinners? Continue with 1 Corinthians 6:11. What comfort is that to us when we’ve fallen into these sins?

!! !! 8. How are you pictured as a Christian in Ephesians 5:25-27? What is true about you?

!!   9. What comfort does Hebrews 4:15-16 give us when we struggle with lust?   !! !

10. What should we do when we struggle (and even give in) to temptations of lust and unchastity?

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Christian Marriage as Fellowship A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

1. Pastor Drosendahl begins his Bible study at the beginning, with the first husband and wife, Adam and Eve. Read Genesis 2:18-24. What is the first thing that God describes as “not good”? How does God provide a solution to this lack of goodness? How does God describe this institution of marriage?

Everything God created in the first six days of time was “good.” But creation was not yet complete, and therefore “not good.” God created the first woman, from the literal “side” of the first man, so that he would have a wife along-side of him. Coincidence? I think not. She is the helper fit for him, the most suitable companion for him since she is from him. This new institution of marriage has the two of them “cleaving” together to become one flesh. God unites them in fellowship together as one.

2. The fellowship of marriage is established by God for the blessing of husbands and wives. Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12. How are two who are in fellowship together better than one who is alone? What is the “third strand” of the rope that makes it even stronger?

!Two can help each other. They can accomplish more through their mutual cooperation than one person

can do alone. If “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” and I’m not wearing a life-alert necklace, someone else is truly a blessing to assist me. On a cold winter’s night, a husband and wife cuddling close together have more warmth than someone sleeping alone. Two can protect each other, providing a stronger defense. However, this fellowship is never apart from the Lord’s presence. God is the almighty third strand of their fellowship cord which is not easily broken.

3. In marriage, God causes the husband and wife to become one. Read: Matthew 19:3-6. How does God define marriage here? What does it mean that they are no longer two, but one flesh? Who joins them together to become one? When people get a divorce, what is really happening?

From the beginning, God created male and female for each other. He created a husband for a wife, and a wife for a husband. This leaves absolutely no room, whatsoever, for so-called “homosexual marriage”. When a husband and wife “know” each other, intimately, they become one flesh together, God making them one entity together in fellowship. When they engage in this God-given intimacy of the marriage bed, this act is a gift from God to unite them as one. So, when God joins together a husband and wife, it is a result of sin when they separate in divorce. Sometimes it’s one party, a husband or a wife being unfaithful or abandoning the other. Many times, however, both parties contribute sinfully to the breakdown of the marriage union God provided for their benefit.

4. Read Colossians 3:18-19 and Ephesians 5:21. What exactly does it mean to be subordinate? Who is to be subordinate to whom? Does the subordination of wives look the same as the subordination of husbands?

To be subordinate is for God to place you under the care and concern of another. In other words, to be “subject” to one another can be thought of like a subject in school which requires much time and consideration to be fully understood. (“Submit” is not the best translation of this word, as it carries a lot of negative baggage.) Each Christian is given by God to be subordinate to others, according to their Godgiven vocations (callings). This subordination entails different and distinct behaviors for the benefit of both.

!5. St. Paul is inspired by God to give specific instructions to wives. Read: Ephesians 5:22-24 What does

the wife’s subordination to her husband look like? Of what is the wife’s subordination to be a reflection?   A Christian wife allows herself to be the subject of her husband’s care and consideration. She not only accepts but yields to her husband’s headship in this fashion, knowing that he is given by God to be concerned for her welfare. A wife reflects the Christian Church’s relationship to Jesus in her

subordination, allowing her husband to serve her needs as the Church receives Christ’s love. For example, if a robber with a gun breaks into her home, she should willingly stand behind her husband when he steps in front of her to protect her from the bullet.

6. God also inspires St. Paul to give specific instructions to husbands about their subordination. Read Ephesians 5:25-33 How is the husband’s subordination to his wife’s needs different? What specifically is the husband given by God to do? Of what is his love for his own bride to be a reflection?

God requires more from a Christian husband in his subordination. He is given to love his wife with Christ’s Own agape love. He is given to love her even more than he loves his own self. Even more so than he cares for his own body, he is to cherish and nourish his wife. In this way the husband reflects the great sacrificial love of Jesus for His holy Church. Jesus went so far as to give His life unto death at Calvary as a ransom for His holy Bride—the Church, to cleanse her from unrighteousness and make the Church holy and blameless, baptized into Him. So, too, a Christian husband is given by God to offer similar sacrificial love, to be willing to be the expendable one, should that robber enter the house and threaten at gunpoint.

7. So, the husband’s subordination looks quite different from the wife’s subjection to him. Read 1 Peter 3:1-7. What is the purpose of a wife’s subjection to her husband? What is the purpose of the husband’s subordination to his bride?

!A Christian wife acts as one subordinate to her husband so that her actions may speak even louder than

her words, letting her chastity and respect for her God-given husband win him over whenever he is being not so loveable. It is not because it is what the husband desires, necessarily, but because it is what God expects, in whom the wife’s hope always remains. The Christian husband is to consider his bride as greater than himself, especially honored. This is because she, not he, is a “vessel” of life, just as Eve (whose name means “living”) was the mother of all life on earth. The husband must keep this fact ever in mind, so that he remains understanding concerning his wife’s blessed value to God and to himself.

8. Close with the following prayer.

O almighty and gracious God, You sanctify and bless husbands and wives with the same blessing of unity given to Adam and Eve in paradise; we pray that you would abundantly grant Your favor to open their hearts to receive more of Your love so that their love for each other may never grow weary but deepen and grow, so that they may please You in both body and soul, and live together in holy love until life’s end; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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Christian Marriage as Fellowship A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Spring 2014

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5. St. Paul is inspired by God to give specific instructions to wives. Read: Ephesians 5:22-24 What does the wife’s subordination to her husband look like? Of what is the wife’s subordination to be a reflection?

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subordination to his bride?

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8. Close with the following prayer.

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The Gift of Singleness A Higher Things Bible Study Spring 2014

Introduction: The Lord God instituted marriage when He made Eve for Adam in the Garden of Eden. While marriage is the desire and goal of many, remaining unmarried and even single is also a calling from God, whether it’s only until marriage or for a person’s whole life. This study will look at the ways in which singleness is a godly vocation in and of itself and that not being married is not a bad thing.

!1. What are some typical comments made by people to those who are single? What are some of the ways in which single people are made to feel uncomfortable in our society?

Answers will vary but may include such comments as “Still looking for Mr. Right?” and “Maybe he’s gay?” Although marriage itself isn’t seen as particularly important by many, the idea of being deliberately single seems foreign to many people and calls forth rude comments or raised eyebrows.

2. Do you think God prefers us to be married or single? Why?

Answers will vary again. Since the Lord established marriage in the Garden of Eden, we might presume that’s the way He wants things to be. But since Jesus Himself never had an earthly marriage (recall the church is His bride) some might contend that being single is the better way of life.

3. Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-9. Why does Paul encourage men and women to be married? Was Paul married? What do you think he preferred? What is one purpose of marriage that Paul talks about in these verses?

Paul was not married and (see below) suggests that being single opens up opportunities for service not available to a married person. However, he also knows the lusts of the flesh and encourages marriage as the outlet for sex, so that people are not living in sinful lust and indulging in sexual immorality. Make sure to point out to your students that a person does not HAVE to be married. Likewise they do not HAVE to have sex. Society seems to promote the idea that “free love” and “guiltless sex” are okay, but the Christian is called to chastity both inside (sex with the spouse) and outside (being celibate) of marriage.

4. In the early church, some thought that being single was better than being married, especially of a person’s spouse was an unbeliever. How does Paul address that in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16?

Paul never encourages the dissolution of a marriage. He tells Christians to live in the callings in which they became Christians. He does make provision for an unbelieving wife leaving the believer (never the other way around!). In such a case, he frees the conscience of the Christian whose unbelieving spouse has left them for that reason. Yet He encourages husbands and wives to live even with an unbelieving spouse in order to love them and be a witness to Christ to them.

5. Read 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. What advantage does Paul say being unmarried brings? What are some examples of ways in which a single person might serve others that a marriage person might not be able to?

In some ways, being single brings the ability to be more devoted to churchly pursuits. Ms. Ostapowich mentions some of these in her article and answers will vary. You might suggest such ways as visiting sick or dying church members, helping out a kid who doesn’t have a good family life, etc. The point is that there is a certain freedom for a single person in that they do not have automatic responsibilities to family members.   7. Read Matthew 19:1-12. What does Jesus mean about some people being “eunuchs?” What does this mean with respect to being single?

A “eunuch” was a castrated servant in a king’s service (usually in charge of the king’s harem, thus free from temptation). Jesus says there are many ways to not be married sometimes even by choice. He simply takes for granted that there are married people and single people. He makes no judgment but does say that those who are eunuchs are so for the sake of the kingdom. Again, there is not something “better” about being married versus single. Rather each has its own set of responsibilities and gifts.

!8. How does Ephesians 5:22-28 also apply to single people?

Regardless of whether a person is married or not, a Christian is part of the church which is Christ’s bride. In that sense we are all-married or single-betrothed to our Lord. He died for us, washed us and made us spotless. We submit to Him and look to Him for all forgiveness, life and salvation.

9. In the end, what will happen to marriage? See Luke 20:27-38. What is of greater importance than being single or being married?

Jesus says that marriage will pass away in the resurrection. Thus any marriage only lasts until death. There is no marriage in eternal life. But more importantly we will have eternal life! This is a difficult concept to grasp and is often overlooked especially when a grieving spouse is looking forward to seeing his or her spouse again. But the greater gift is the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Ultimately, more important than being married or single, is that we will be with the Lord forever.

10. How can we summarize the basis for it being okay to be single?

In Christ, you are free to marry or remain single. You are free to pursue a family or free to pursue other callings and ways of service. Ultimately, because we are in Christ, all that we do is pleasing to God and whether married or single, Christ lives in and through us to serve others.

11. Close by singing or praying LSB #853, “How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord.”

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www.higherthings.org

The Gift of Singleness A Higher Things Bible Study Spring 2014

!1. What are some typical comments made by people to those who are single? What are some of the ways in which single people are made to feel uncomfortable in our society?

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2. Do you think God prefers us to be married or single? Why?

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4. In the early church, some thought that being single was better than being married, especially of a person’s spouse was an unbeliever. How does Paul address that in 1 Corinthians 7:10-16?

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!! !! !! 7. Read Matthew 19:1-12. What does Jesus mean about some people being “eunuchs?” What does this mean with respect to being single?   !!

!  !8. How does Ephesians 5:22-28 also apply to single people?    !! !!

9. In the end, what will happen to marriage? See Luke 20:27-38. What is of greater importance than being single or being married?

!! !  10. How can we summarize the basis for it being okay to be single?   !! !!

11. Close by singing or praying LSB #853, “How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord.”

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2014 Spring - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

Articles inside

Dark Addictions Need the Light

Poetry Page: A Sacramental Wedding Toast

His and Hers: A Youth Leader Couple’s Perspective on Marriage

Christ on Campus A Nerdy Lutheran’s Guide to Dating

Is Singleness Really a Gift?

Children: A Full Quiver of Blessing

My Parents Are Divorcing…Now What?

Baptized Not “Gay”

Lustful in Adam; Chaste in Christ

Christian Marriage as Fellowship