2015 Summer - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies) by Higher Things: Dare to be Lutheran!

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Higher Things

In This Issue:

Scuba Diving for Sins

• Your Post-Confirmation Life • Receive the Gospel Like a Dog • A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break • Weekly Communion: the Gift that Keeps on Giving

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. h i g h e r t h i n g s . o r g / S U M M ER / 2 0 1 5

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Contents T A B L E O F

Volume 15/Number 2 • Summer 2015

Special Features 4 Confirmation: All of Jesus’ Gifts and Then Some!

By Rev. George F. Borghardt Not merely a rite, not just a formality, Confirmation is a process through which you learn about all of the gifts Christ won for you on the cross and how He delivers them to you in abundance! Read up on it, Rev. Borghardt style!

6 Your Post-Confirmation Life

By Rev. Mark Buetow Yes, there is life after Confirmation. After all, that’s the whole purpose of Confirmation...to equip you for your life as a child of God! Rev. Buetow will show you how invaluable what you learn, memorize and study is for your spiritual wellbeing.

8 Scuba Diving for Sin

By Chad Bird You don’t need a license to scuba dive down into the depths of your own or someone else’s shipwrecked collection of sins. The reality is we have a natural inclination to do so. The good news, as Chad declares, is that the love of Jesus is deeper than you can even imagine and you don’t have to plumb the dark depths of sin any longer.

10 A Bruised Reed He Will Not Break

By Rev. Greg Eilers Rev. Eilers compassionately and Biblically addresses one of the most controversial social topics of the day: gender dysphoria. By sharing his lifelong and agonizing struggle with this disorder he demonstrates that His comfort has been and continues to be His identity in Christ.

12 Seven Apologists Every Christian Should Know, Part 4 The Dangerous Defiance of William Dembski: Why Design Reveals Intelligence

By Rev. Mark A. Pierson In Romans 1, St. Paul tells us that man is without excuse if he rejects God, because all of nature reveals His handiwork. In light of this truth, Rev. Pierson methodically explains how William Dembski, through the Intelligent Design argument, provides another very helpful tool for your apologetics arsenal.

14 Receiving the Gospel Like a Dog

By Anna Hahn Man’s best friend may be able to teach YOU a trick or two you never thought about...the Gospel! Anna shares her own observations with her beloved dogs and ties it into the reminder that we can confidently live each day, receiving Christ’s gifts with joyful trust.

24 Weekly Communion: the Gift That Keeps on Giving

By Taylor Schmidt Just like manna was something the Israelites came to take for granted and forget how vital it was for physical survival, we, too, can easily forget the blessing that the Lord’s Supper is to our souls which are desperate for nourishment that God promises to give. Taylor emphatically lays out the case for weekly communion.

Regular Features

20 Youth Ministry: Developing Your Youth Group

By Bob Myers Back to the basics...and the right tool for the right job. These two clichés actually are the key to getting your youth group started or strengthening the one you have. Youth directors especially will find Bob’s wisdom very encouraging no matter what stage a youth program is at.

28 Catechism: The Second Commandment

By Rev. William M. Cwirla What does it really mean to misuse the name of the Lord our God? Rev. Cwirla lays out not only what it means to break the Second Commandment, but also what makes God’s Name such a precious gift revealed to us in and through Jesus Christ.

30 Bible Study: Your Post-Confirmation Life

Be sure to check out this sample of one of our student Bible studies which links up with Rev. Buetow’s article on P. 6.

HigherThings

Volume 15/Number 2/Summer 2015 Bible Studies for these articles can be found at: higherthings.org/ magazine/biblestudies.html Editor

Katie Hill Art Director

Steve Blakey Editorial Associates

Rev. Greg Alms Rev. Paul Beisel Rev. Bart Day Copy Editor

Dana Niemi Bible Study Authors

Rev. Mark Buetow Rev. Jacob Ehrhard Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz Subscriptions Manager

Elizabeth Carlson IT Assistant

Jon Kohlmeier ___________

Board of Directors President

Rev. George Borghardt Vice-President

Rev. Dr. Carl Fickenscher Treasurer

Chris Loemker Secretary

Rev. Joel Fritsche Rev. Duane Bamsch Eric Maiwald Sue Pellegrini Matt Phillips Rev. Chris Rosebrough ___________

Executive Council Deputy Executive/Media

Rev. Mark Buetow Conference and Retreats Executive

Sandra Ostapowich Business Executive

Connie Brammeier Technology Executive

Stan Lemon

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 2015. Higher Things® is 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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All of Jesus’ Gifts and Then Some! By Rev. George F. Borghardt

“All authority on heaven and earth has been given to me, therefore as you go make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to hold dear everything I have commanded and lo, I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Baptize. Teach. That’s how our

Lord Jesus makes disciples. He doesn’t just baptize. He doesn’t just teach. But where there’s baptizing, there’s also teaching. And where there’s teaching, there’s eventually a baptism. The two participles are so closely tied together that the Lord doesn’t even use an “and” in Greek to separate them!

You have been baptized. Now, it’s time to be taught. And you aren’t taught just a few things or just what you want to learn. The Lord is going to put it all—everything that He has taught—right into you. To do that, the Lord gave you parents. Yes, Mom and Dad are given to teach you the Faith of Jesus. They put the Scriptures and the Small Catechism into your hands. This little instruction book contains the chief parts of the Christian faith as drawn from the sacred Scriptures. Your parents don’t just teach you your ABCs. They also teach you about Jesus. And, Mom and Dad, if you aren’t teaching your kids to memorize the Small Catechism before Confirmation, you are falling down on the job! Help your pastor help you! Teach your kids the Faith! The Gospel is always more. So, the Lord gave Confirmation. Confirmation is a rite, not a right. You don’t have to be confirmed…you get to be confirmed. Yes, those sometimes long, boring classes with your pastor are a gift from God. There, you learn not “some” of what our Lord has commanded but “everything” He has mandated. It all starts with the Ten Commandments. These are not just the “don’ts” of God’s Words. No! The Lord has more than just what you are supposed to do and not do. He’s given the Ten Commandments as gift to you! All ten—oh, and a conclusion! You want that, too! He’s got good news that will last to a thousand generations of those who love Him and cherish His commandments. Then there’s the Apostles’ Creed. One God in three persons, confessed in three articles: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There’s the Father who created you, the Son who redeemed you “not with gold or silver but with His Holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death,” and the Spirit who delivers Jesus’ salvation to you through His gifts. Next stop, the Lord’s Prayer. “Lord, teach us to pray!” (Luke 11:1). God is our Father. He hears our prayers. His kingdom comes to us.

His will is good and gracious to us. He gives daily bread and forgives us our trespasses—all gifts, all freely given to us from the God who gave up His Son for us on the Cross. Faith, which flows from His gifts, says, “Amen” or “Yes, yes, it shall be so!” And what are these gifts? Since the Cross does no good without the Holy Spirit delivering Jesus’ forgiveness to us in His gifts, we confess Holy Baptism. His Baptism washes us with water and the Word. It isn’t just a moment in our Christian life—Baptism is our Christian life. Daily, we die to our sins, drowning them in the baptismal flood flowing from Christ’s pierced side. And daily, we are raised again with Jesus to new life. Most people think Confession and Absolution isn’t Lutheran. But in Confirmation you’ll hear about it right from the Small Catechism! You can’t get any more Lutheran than that! Jesus takes His forgiveness and delivers it to us in the Words of our pastor. When God’s ministers deal with us by His divine command, that is, forgiving and retaining sins, that gift is certain even in heaven itself. All of these gifts have prepared us for the Sacrament of the Altar. Under the bread and wine, Jesus gives to us His Body and Blood for the remission of all our sins. Into our mouths is put heaven itself! “For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.” There’s still more in the Catechism to learn: What a gift! There are Daily Prayers for morning, meals, and bed time. There is instruction on how to prepare to receive the Lord’s Supper and the Table of Duties: verses about the various stations in our life. It’s all there at the end of the Catechism. If this seems like a bit much, well, it’s given by the Lord to be too much! You can’t learn “all that the Lord has commanded” in just a few years. That’ll take a lifetime! But Mom and Dad can start, your pastor can confirm you, and you can even keep learning when you are old. You are never too old for the Small Catechism. Don’t worry. The Lord has promised to be with you. He’s where His baptizing and teaching is going on. Where there’s baptizing, there’s teaching. And where there’s teaching, there’s baptizing. They’re so connected that there isn’t an “and” between them. The command is for all nations— that means you and me, too! Rev. George F. Borghardt is the Senior Pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in McHenry, Illinios. He also serves as the president of Higher Things.

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Your Post-Confi By Rev. Mark Buetow

Confirmation. It’s a rite of passage for most Lutheran kids. Maybe it happened at the end of 8th grade in Lutheran school. Maybe you were a bit younger and had Saturday morning catechism classes with the pastor. Maybe it was just a year. Maybe you went for two or three. You probably memorized most of the Small Catechism. You might have gone through a grueling questioning process in front of the whole congregation. Or maybe you just had to talk with the pastor and your parents. Perhaps you had to wear a white robe. Maybe you wore a dress or a tie. However it happened, you got confirmed. So throw that Catechism in your closet! You’re done! You never have to learn all THAT stuff again!

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Wait. That’s not right... Sadly, for many this is their Confirmation experience. It’s like studying for a final exam: You cram as much as you can into your head and then happily forget it when it’s all over. But that’s not what Confirmation is about at all! It’s not a “graduation.” And it’s certainly not the end of your learning as a Christian. So what exactly is your life supposed to look like once you’ve been confirmed? Let’s take a look, beginning with a refresher on what Confirmation is in the first place. The Small Catechism was written to teach Christians what their baptism is all about, to learn to confess their sins, and to prepare them to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood in the Lord’s Supper. It was also written to teach us how to pray and to guide us in our daily callings (vocations). When you were baptized (for most Lutherans, as a baby), your sins were forgiven, you were rescued from death and the devil, and given eternal salvation. But if you were a baby when that happened, you probably don’t remember it. So Confirmation is nothing more than the public recognition that (1) you are baptized and you know it, and (2) you know what the Sacrament of the Altar is and you are prepared to receive it. Confirmation is a nice rite, that is, a structured part of the liturgy with questions and answers and Bible verses. But that’s it. There is nothing given to you in Confirmation that you haven’t already received in Baptism. And the next gift Jesus has for you isn’t in the Confirmation itself but in the Sacrament of His Body and Blood. Confirmation is just the opportunity for you to stand in front of the church and say, “Yes,

I’m baptized. And as a baptized sinner and child of God, I am prepared now to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood for the forgiveness of all my sins.” So Confirmation is not anything in itself. You don’t get forgiveness by being confirmed or get “topped off” with the Holy Spirit. At its very heart, your Post-Confirmation life looks like you, with your ears open to the preacher’s words and your hands and mouth open to Supper of Christ’s Body and Blood. It’s you, the sinner, receiving forgiveness in the many ways Jesus delivers it to you. Your Post-Confirmation life is you, under the care of your pastor, who cares for you by putting God’s Word in your ears and Christ’s Body and Blood into your mouth. We aren’t prepared to receive the Sacrament of the Altar just so that we can forget about it! Your Post-Confirmation life is also about growing into your many

firmation Life callings. A calling (sometimes called a “vocation”) is a position into which God places you in life in which you love and serve your neighbor. Vocations include things like being a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a member of a Christian congregation, a student, a fast-food worker or babysitter, or lawn-care technician. As you get older, you may be given new callings as a husband or wife and then maybe as a father or mother. Your job may become a career: a soldier, or engineer, or assembly-line foreman, or miner, or bank teller, or software engineer. The possibilities are nearly endless. Your Post-Confirmation life is learning to use the gifts and skills the Lord has given you to do well at whatever you do, not just for yourself, but to be a blessing for others. And each and every vocation is also an opportunity to hurt others. To sin against them. To make mistakes. To let your selfishness take control. Every calling the Lord gives is a calling which you may want to rebel against. You don’t want to honor your parents or care for them when they are old. You don’t to be stuck with just one person the rest of your life. You don’t want to do someone else’s work or follow someone else’s orders. You want to be your own boss and the center of the universe. Sometimes you’ll sin and mess it all up. And that’s when you need that forgiveness Jesus has for you all the more. So when you put it all together, your Post-Confirmation life looks something like this: You live your life, doing the best you can in your various callings. Do what your parents say. Help take care

of your brothers and sisters. Pay attention in and do well in school. Be nice to the customers at your job and follows your boss’ instructions. In each and every calling, do your best, and love those whom you are serving and obeying. And when you mess it up, blow it, turn your back on others, and generally sin and make a mess of those callings, then back to church! Back to remember your baptism in which the Lord has washed away your sins and put His name on you, calling you His beloved child. Back to absolution, the comforting announcement by your pastor that God won’t hold your sins against you. Back to hear the Good News that your Savior Jesus perfectly lived for you and also died for you, taking away all your sins and clearing your account with God. Back to the altar, where the Body and Blood of Jesus are His promise that you really are forgiven, your mistakes are paid for, and that whatever you’ve messed up doesn’t count against you in God’s sight. And from all these things, you learn then, by the Holy Spirit, to love God and to love your neighbor. So then back into the world to do it all again. And in your sins, back to Jesus for more forgiveness, and back to your callings to do your best. And so it goes, your whole life long. Forgiveness. Callings. Forgiveness. Vocation. Life as a Christian in Christ’s church. Life as whatever you are out in the world. That’s what your Post-Confirmation life looks like. When it all comes down to it, getting ready for Confirmation is all about Jesus: what He gave you in Baptism and what He’ll give you in the Supper of His Body and Blood. Confirmation is really about Jesus, too, now that you’re old enough to say, “Hey! That Jesus is for me, too!” And your Post-Confirmation life is all Jesus, too. Jesus forgiving and saving you, Jesus living in you, and Jesus being with you by His gifts until He comes again and raises you from the dead. I guess you could say your Post-Confirmation life is really nothing more than the continuation of the eternal life that has already begun in your baptism. 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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Scuba Diving for Sins

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By Chad Bird

He suspected it was an ambush.

The sweet-sounding invitation to come over and join her on Tuesday afternoon. The smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the air. The glass of cold milk sweating on the table. “Have a seat,” she smiled. He did. Polite small talk. He thanked her and ate a cookie. Drank half the glass of milk. Wiped his mouth with the perfectly folded napkin. “So, you wanted to talk?” She did. Not about the unseasonably warm weather or her grandchildren’s new puppy. Other things weighed heavy on her mind. She was concerned, she said. There were things he needed to know. Things about someone in the church. “Oh,” he said. “Yes,” she said. Because he just needed to be aware of a bit of this person’s history. You know, since he was the new pastor and everything. “Oh,” he said. “Yes,” she said. He took another bite of cookie. She cleared her throat and began, “Well, Pastor, there’s a person in this congregation who…” “These are good cookies,” he said. She was good at what she did. She concealed her frustration. Just an ever so slight tightening of the lips. “Well, thank you,” she said. “So, as I was saying, there’s a person who…” But again he spoke. “Before you begin, can I ask you something?” There was that tightening of the lips again. “I suppose, if you must.” “Are you about to tell me about someone else’s sin? Because if you are, I need you to do something for me first.” “And what exactly might that be?” “First, tell me three of your deepest, darkest sins—you know, the ones you’ve been hiding from the world for years, the ones you don’t want anyone to find out about.” “I can’t do that! Anyway, that’s no one’s business but my own.” He picked up another cookie. Met her eyes. Chewed and swallowed. Finished off the milk. “So, what I hear you saying is that you are perfectly willing to confess someone else’s sins, but not your own?” A long silence followed. Finally, she said, “Have I told you about my grandchildren’s new puppy?”

_________________________________ Everyone would rather hear evil than good about his neighbor, says Luther in the Large Catechism. And not only hear, but like the lady in this story, they’d rather speak evil than good about their neighbor as well. It’s like this: When people hear that God has cast all our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19), there are always some who put on scuba gear. They dive deep and scour the ocean bottom to bring back up those sins for all the world to see. Their treasure will be someone else’s scandalous behavior. And they won’t be stingy with the treasure. They’ll share it. Invite others to break off little pieces of it and carry it in their pockets to show to others. If you’ve been one of those whose sins have been paraded around for everyone to see, you know what this does to you. You feel branded, like a hot iron has forever burned the words of accusation upon your skin. And it becomes like a phobia. You see a group of people talking, and if one of them so much as glances in your direction, you assume they’re talking about what you did. It swallows up your identity. It becomes how you think of yourself and how others think of you. You are “that person,” the one who did _______. Even if you’ve confessed your sin and have been forgiven, every time someone brings it up again, you relive the same hurt, feel the same shame— hot on your face. At such times you start to doubt the sincerity of your repentance. Maybe you doubt whether

God has truly forgiven you. Perhaps you even question whether you’re a believer. I know. This is my life and it has been for years. This is my daily struggle as well. And here’s what I’ve learned. I’ve learned that those sins that people want to throw in our face are signs of grace. They are signs of grace because every one of them is painted red with the blood of God. The crucified Christ has transformed them from emblems of shame into icons of love. They no longer define us; the blood of Jesus that covers them defines us. That blood says that you are a child of God. It says that your Father has forgiven you and His word is the only word that matters. Everything else that speaks contrary to this forgiving word is a lie. Your sins are not branded upon your skin because Christ was branded in your place. That deepest, darkest stain that still bothers you—Jesus became that for you. He took that sin away and will not give it back. And in its place He gives you adoption into the family of God, a clean slate, and all the riches of His mercy. Your sins have been cast into the depths of the baptismal font. And that saving sea is fathomless. No diver can plumb its depths. No one can bring them up again. God has forgiven and forgotten them. But He will not forget you. Every day, every hour, He says to heaven and earth, “This is my beloved son. This is my beloved daughter. And nothing, certainly no one, will ever separate them from my love in Jesus Christ.” You are baptized. Your sins are no more. This is the truth that drowns every lie. The truth trumpeted from the cross of love. The truth of a God who will stop at nothing to make you and keep you as His beloved child. Chad Bird is a member of Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas. His email address is birdchadlouis@yahoo.com

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Apologists Every Christian Should Know PART 4

Must-Reads

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Understanding Intelligent Design: An intro written in plain language. ————————— Intelligent Design Uncensored: Another easy-to-read guide. ————————— The Design Revolution: Dembski answers hard questions about ID. ————————— Signs of Intelligence and Uncommon Dissent: Collections of essays by intellectuals who disagree with Darwinism. ————————— For a look at how DNA points to an intelligent Designer, see Stephen Meyer’s Signature in the Cell. ————————— For a biochemist’s argument for ID, see Michael Behe’s Darwin’s Black Box. ————————— For an astrophysicist’s study on why life on earth must be designed, see Guillermo Gonzalez’s The Privileged Planet.

The Dangerous Defiance of William

Why Design Rev Creation or evolution? Seven literal

days or seven long periods of time? Is the earth 6,000 years old or 4.5 billion? It depends on who you ask. But the answers are not simply determined by whether you follow either the Bible or science. Not only is this distinction misleading—as though faith and facts necessarily disagree—but a variety of answers exists even among Christians. (Do a Google search for “views on creation” and you’ll see what I mean.) On the one hand, this is nothing new. Long before Darwin, there were many questions on how Scripture’s creation account should be interpreted. On the other hand, modern science has given Christians more data and theories to consider, which has added more options for how to understand Genesis. Of course, not all interpretations treat Scripture the same.

Certain believers, for example, think Genesis should be read metaphorically, with evolution being the process by which God created life on earth. In this view, humans evolved from earlier primates, but at some point God implanted a soul in one of them. Other believers take the seven days to be actual 24-hour days. On the sixth day, Adam was created directly from the dirt, with God literally breathing life into him. Yet even within this camp, some are “old earth creationists” who follow scientific dating methods, while others are “young earth creationists” who say the earth is just a few thousand years old. As a friend once asked me, “If Adam looked like an adult when he was only a minute old, might not everything look older than it really is?” Amidst all the disagreement, it can be easy to get bogged down or sidetracked when defending the faith. So where might an apologist start when dealing with God and science? A helpful example is found in William Dembski.

Doubting Darwin while Studying Science Dembski is both an expert mathematician and a philosopher whose study of earth’s life forms led him to conclude that, statistically speaking, random chance and time could never produce the diversity and complexity that we observe in the animal kingdom. Rather, life as we know it could only come about as the product of some outside intelligence—a Being who specifically designed each type of creature. This is evident by following standard observational science, which simply investigates the world and lets the facts fall where they may. For example, if you were hiking across the desert and found a smart phone in the sand, after playing around with it and taking it apart, the last thing you would conclude is that it was the product of billions of years of lifeless forces (rain, wind, dirt, rocks, whatever). You would instead think some intelligent being

Dembski:

eveals Intelligence created it. The same goes for biological life, which can be far more complex than anything found in your nearest Apple store. This sort of argument predates Dembski, but he is perhaps the most popular proponent of Intelligent Design (ID), which attempts to study patterns in nature that are best explained by intelligence. ID, therefore, embraces science without accepting Darwinism. While Darwin’s “natural selection” and “survival of the fittest” can account for small-scale changes (like insects developing a resistance to insecticide, or birds having different-sized beaks), it simply cannot explain how such complex life came to exist in the first place. Dembski, therefore, points out that Darwinism needs to be challenged, for it has become more of a creed than a scientific theory. You will notice there are Darwinists but no Einsteinians. This is because Darwinism acts as an entire system of belief, explaining everything from why we laugh to why religions exist. And if you say it’s more speculation than science, as Dembski does, you will likely enrage the Darwinist zealots. Indeed, they see Dembski’s defiance as a dangerous threat to their agenda, and try to dismiss ID as Bible-thumping creationism even though it starts with science and not Genesis. Thus, one of Dembski’s points is that “science” has essentially been redefined so as to include only non-supernatural explanations even if the evidence suggests otherwise. This is propaganda, not science. As the 2008 movie Expelled showed so well, it’s typically the Darwinists who act like closed-minded fanatics, not the Christians they try to brand as such.

Bacteria and Bats Here are two quick examples of finding patterns in nature that point to an intelligent Designer. The first is bacteria, specifically the bacterial flagellum. The flagellum is a propeller on the back of certain bacteria that acts like an outboard motor on a boat. It spins tens of thousands of times a minute, changes direction at the quarter of a turn, and has intricate components. A biologist at Harvard has even called the bacterial flagellum “the most efficient machine in the universe.” The problem for Darwinists is that this flagellum has multiple independent parts, each of which is necessary for it to function. So how did blind natural processes first create and then coordinate all of them? Without a detailed, testable model for how chance produced such a machine, no good scientist should claim it evolved. The second is the bat, which poses a similar problem. Bats have echolocation, meaning they navigate by sound. This requires many elements to function simultaneously if they are to survive. Bats need a specialized way to make sounds, specialized ears to hear the echoes, specialized brains to interpret what they hear, and specialized bodies to fly and catch insects. Unless these all evolve at the exact same time and are able to work together, bats will starve. But small random changes over millions of years cannot produce such a complex creature. So to say, as Darwinists do, that bats are the result of chance events— just a genetic accident—is like saying a space shuttle was created when a tornado hit a junkyard and assembled all the parts perfectly.

By Rev. Mark A. Pierson

Intelligence from the Beginning It is intelligent to argue from design for at least three reasons. First, it avoids ongoing debates about the time and chronology of creation. Second, it meets the unbeliever in neutral territory by focusing on what can be observed in the natural world. As Paul said, God’s existence is seen “in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20). Third, if Christians do not respond to Darwinism, it gives the impression that no response can be given. Thus, Dembski’s arguments for ID can be useful. Even more intelligent than using ID, however, is taking the argument straight to Jesus. Dembski has done this as well, athough his own talents lead him to concentrate more on science. But since there is solid evidence that Jesus lived, died, and rose in history, then we would be wise to follow His divine view of creation. After all, scientific theories can and do change, but the intelligent Designer of the universe never changes. Christians should note well, however, that Scripture actually gives little info about creation. So don’t make it your focus or hill to die on. Scripture is instead packed with details about God’s intelligently designed plan to redeem His fallen creation. Indeed, even before “in the beginning,” God graciously chose you for salvation in His Son (Ephesians 1:4). And this must always take center stage. Rev. Mark A. Pierson is assistant pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Long Beach, California, and has a passion for evangelism and apologetics. You can email him at markapierson@gmail.com

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Receiving the Gospel Like a Dog By Anna Hahn

y family’s three terrier mutts get plenty of “Gospel.” It didn’t end when they were rescued from the shelter and adopted into our home. No—Scribbles, Tagger, and Boaz soak up so much undeserved love, grace, and pampering that all but the most die-hard dog-lovers would probably roll their eyes and call them spoiled.

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As Christians, of course, we get plenty of Gospel, too—grace that continues even after our adoption into God’s family through baptism. These incredible blessings far surpass the extra treats and snuggling that our dogs receive, of course. Before we go on about the true Gospel, however, let’s take a look at our dogs’“Gospel” and the way that these loved-up pets claim each promise as their own. Dogs certainly believe and hold on to their simple “Gospel” blessings in an incredible way. Undaunted and expectant confidence is infused into every “Gospel-ized” dog. They are confident we will feed them, let them outside, play with them, and scratch their tummies. Whatever magic word we say—“treat” or “walk” or “squirrel”—they will persistently bind us to it, making whatever uproar or clamor is necessary until we let them have it! They expect good things from us. At the foundation of this confidence and persistence is trust. Dogs recognize that they are pretty much helpless without us. Tagger can’t open the door to let himself inside from the pouring rain. Scribbles can’t scoop her

supper from the bucket into her dish. Bo can’t pick the cold snowballs out of his paws. All our mutts can do is yap and whine, trusting that we will hear them and meet their needs. And as each need is met, what is a dog’s final response? Joy! A tireless, genuine, spin-around-in-circles joy, whether we their owners are setting foot in the door or dropping a crumb from the table. Our dogs rejoice because they are positively certain that anything coming from us is GOOD. True, they certainly don’t deserve these blessings. Yet we have trained them that it’s just how we work. We give them “Gospel.” Confidence, trust, joy—these are not merely given for somewhat spoiled dogs to have toward their caring owners. God’s gift to us of faith in Christ also includes the gifts of confidence, trust, and joy! His Word tells us of these real Gospel promises—the continual gifts and salvation that we have in Jesus. Just as our dogs have complete confidence in us, we have even greater confidence before God! After all, Christ has atoned for our sins, reconciled us to God, and sprinkled our consciences clean (Hebrews 4:1416, 10:18-23). We can boldly hold God to His Word of promise, as Jacob did in Genesis 32:24-30, because His promises in Christ never change and are always for our best (check out 2 Corinthians 1:20 and Hebrews 6:13-20, 10:23). You’ll also get a window into Jesus’ promise-keeping in His parables about expecting good in Luke 11:5-13 and 18:1-6. God’s Word is perfectly consistent and completely trustworthy. God tells us that He is our only refuge and help against our enemies (Psalm 18:1-19, Psalm 31, Psalm 146:3-5). He is our unfailing strength and salvation in Christ (Isaiah 12) and promises to meet all our earthly needs, too (Matthew 6:25-34). The Holy Spirit works joy in our hearts! Joy is our response to the salvation we have in Jesus (Isaiah 12:1-3). Our new man, raised to life by the Spirit’s power, finds delight in serving God and our neighbor. What amazing Gospel promises! God has given us a faith in Christ that is confident, trusting, and joyful. As we consider all these gifts, however, we may begin to ask ourselves: How often do we actually live as though we have these Gospel promises? Even our dogs wholeheartedly cling to their “Gospel.” What about us? Do we have the confidence that we should have before God? Do we really trust God above all things? Do we rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances? The answer, of course, is humiliatingly clear: NO. Dogs may be conditioned to respond properly to their “Gospel,” but we have a different condition—our sinful flesh. More often than not, we don’t trust that everything coming from God is good—in fact, we would rather forget about Christ and His Word, trust in our own selves, and grumble about the gifts that God gives us. We fail every single day to place our confidence, trust, and joy in our heavenly Father. Does the Gospel hinge upon our response to it? Will God withhold His gifts from us when we fail and sin? Absolutely not! God gives His mercy and grace, not because of our merit or worthiness, but because of Christ’s merit and worthiness! While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He died for our sins of doubt, idolatry, and ingratitude. It is because of His perfect life, redeeming death, and triumphant resurrection that we receive the Gospel—forgiveness, life, and salvation. And through His Word and Sacraments, He continues to work in us repentance and faith. Christ alone is the guarantee of God’s grace to us. In spite of our sin and failure, God will continue to give us Gospel. He promised. It’s just how He works. He gives because of Christ! Anna Hahn just completed her freshman year at Concordia University Wisconsin, where she is majoring in Lutheran elementary education and minoring in English and theology. Bo, her overgrown puppy, enjoys soaking up far too much attention, owning his very own block, and gobbling treats that “accidentally” fall from the table. Both he and Anna can be contacted at anna.hahn@cuw.edu.

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July 14-17

Concordia University Nebraska Seward, NE

July 28-31

Visit tedeum2015.org or email conferences@higherthings.org for more details.

“The band of the apostles in glory sing Your praise; The fellowship of prophets their deathless voices raise. The martyrs of Your kingdom, a great and noble throng, Sing with the holy Church throughout all the world this song: ‘Oh all majestic Father, Your true and only Son, And Holy Spirit, Comforter—forever Three in One!’” (LSB 941, st. 2)

This summer’s 2015 Higher Things Conferences will rejoice in the gift of the Te Deum, a hymn of praise that gives us a foretaste of what’s happening in worship in heaven and on earth.

Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI

July 21-24

Higher Things 2015 Conferences

Te Deum

University of Nevada Las Vegas, NV

S U M M E R

2 0 1 5 _

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january 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; chicago, il

We Confess

HT 1 week, 2 years or a career.

Every summer for the last 15 years, youth have been immersed in the waters of their baptism at Higher Things conferences. On January 2, we invite college students and young adults to the campus of Concordia Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Chicago for an evening spent drinking from the firehose of the Gospel. This unique event will begin with a service of Vespers and end with Evening Prayer. In between, six incredible Lutheran speakers will take the stage for just 20 minutes each! Dinner is provided and will include a Q&A session with the speaker panel.

BecomeAMissionary@lcms.org 888-THE LCMS lcms.org/service BecomeAMissionary

Registration opens November 1, 2015. Attendees at the live event should be 18 years or older. Speaker list and more details coming soon!

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Youth Ministry

Developing Your

Youth Group By Bob Myers

rowing up with a father who was a carpenter taught my brothers and me some important lessons. We used to marvel at the care he demonstrated in his handling of tools and how each tool was used for its designed purpose. (He was not a guy who would use a fine chisel for a screwdriver or as a pry bar to open up a can of stain.) We admired the solidly crafted cabinets, staircases, and homes that resulted from his work. Over time, Dad’s tools were passed down to his sons. In the church we have been given tools, too, and we likewise want to become seasoned in their use as we interact with our younger brothers and sisters in Christ. We try to figure out how best to pass down the faith once delivered.

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My experience is with a small church, with a relatively small pool of young people, but hopefully some of these thoughts will be of use and serve to encourage those who would like to start a youth group. Not all of the youth here are “cradle Lutherans.” Some are new to the Lutheran faith and are in the process of catechesis. And yet all of them, just like the pastor, the vicar, and the youth leader volunteers have the same needs: forgiveness, life, and salvation. All face the same enemies: the world, the devil, and our own sinful flesh. So we don’t treat the youth necessarily as some special needs group—they are our

brothers and sisters in Christ, brought into the church in God’s way of doing things, called by the Holy Spirit, washed in the waters of Holy Baptism, strengthened by His Gifts, absolved by His Word of forgiveness. They are younger in the faith and so rely on adult leadership to listen to them, to guide them and to show them the way. Our leaders are the pastor, a vicar (when assigned), and volunteer lay leaders. The training of a pastor and vicar is pretty much a given, and we rejoice in the men that the seminaries prepare, but it is important that lay volunteers spend time in their own theological education as well. Guided and taught by the pastor, lay

volunteers study God’s Word, know the Small and Large Catechisms, and make use of Book of Concord study to make that part of their work with the group. This shaping by these Lutheran tools necessarily will impact what the program looks like. The core of our program is Word and Sacrament ministry on Sunday morning. Hearing God’s Word put into our ears gives us a voice to speak it to our family and neighbor. Then, teens attend Sunday morning Bible class with the rest of the congregation. Those of middle school age (6th8th graders) are in a class centered on the Small Catechism. During their catechesis, the 6th-8thgrade students journal their way through the Old Testament and the New Testament over the course of three years. On Sunday mornings, these Biblical truths are explored in relation to the students and the world around them. This Sunday morning schedule is supplemented by a Wednesday evening schedule that is more intimate by design. The extra-Biblical resources that we have used include HT Bible Studies, HT YouTube videos, Worldview Everlasting videos, and a variety of podcasts. After an Issues, Etc. podcast introduced us to the work of Greg Koukl we decided to work through his book, Tactics. Tactics and other resources have been very helpful in teaching how to recognize and engage different worldviews. We have been through books by Brad Alles and Craig Parton and are currently working through Rev. Harold Senkbeil’s book, Dying To Live. We grapple with some tough theological questions; existential questions and questions of the truth and reliability of Scripture and other writings are an important part of our mid-week time. We want to engage the group in learning how to confess, how to forgive, and how to apply Law and Gospel in the various vocations in which our youth live. We try to give them the vocabulary that helps them clearly speak their faith. We also participate in service projects, although they are not the main point of the group. Such service stems from who they are in Christ. The youth assist in serving during a monthly Lutheran Blind Mission dinner and occasionally at the church’s weekly homeless breakfast. They know full well that these works do not earn merit but that they are meeting the needs of their neighbors by such activities. There are also times when the kids just get together to socialize—to learn to better know their brothers and sisters in Christ. Canoe trips, baseball games, and water park events always bring a smile. Our youth have even been known to put a serious hurt on pizzas on occasion!

At the very center of what we do is the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins for the sake of Jesus Christ. Like their leaders, youth sometimes have overwhelming feelings of weakness, failure, and an awareness of their sin. Their sin troubles them as much as my sin troubles me. The lesson that they must hear, often, is not “try harder” to pull themselves up by their bootstraps to fix themselves but rather to take comfort in and seek the forgiveness found only in Jesus Christ. Our teens are facing a rapidly changing, even decaying world and they will be seen to be different as Christians. Our job is to help them know that there are answers to the challenges that they are facing and that Truth can be defended. Parents want their kids to be free from exposure to sin (how’s that going?), they want to protect them from danger, and they want them to remain steadfast in the faith. The church wants all her members to remain steadfast in the faith, even the younger ones. We’ve been given some great tools. The early Lutherans gave us the Small Catechism, sometimes called the Layman’s bible. Funny thing, it’s a handy tool that works when it is used but, just like some of Dad’s woodworking tools, if it is neglected it gets a bit rusty. We keep the rust off by constantly using the gifts we’ve been given. Want a successful youth group? Parents: Teach them (remember that “as the head of the family should teach in a simple way” bit in the Small Catechism?), pray with them, love them, and take them to youth group. Congregations: Teach the faith, pray with your younger brothers and sisters in Christ, love them, and support them. Pastors: Teach them, pray with them, love them, absolve them. We all face the same dangers and the same foe. We all have an Advocate with the Father. The greatest gift we can pass on to our children is the Christian faith. The forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life, that Great Exchange of Christ’s perfect life for ours, is a message that needs to be heard in our churches on Sundays and Wednesdays and Saturdays and in our homes and families every day. God bless you and your youth! Bob Myers grew up in a Mennonite home, left to join the Navy for a 23-year career and became a confessing Lutheran along the way. He teaches catechesis and apologetics to middle and high school youth at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Pensacola, Florida.

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U O Y t n a w d Does Go ? h c r u h c s i H to work in Church Vocations Weekend September 18-20, 2015

High school sophmores, juniors and seniors considering full-time church work are invited to CUW’s Church Vocations Weekend! « Get to know some of CUW’s professors and students « Experience student life at our campus on beautiful Lake Michigan « Hear from students who are involved in CUW’s campus ministries

Learn about CUW’s professional churchwork programs: Pre-Seminary Studies for Pastoral Ministry Lay Ministry Pre-Deaconess Studies Lutheran Education Parish Music For Event Info: visit www.cuw.edu/churchvocations or call 262-243-4300 • 888-628-9472

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Program Director - Ronald Mudge • ronald.mudge@cuw.edu • 262–243–4301

Calling All World Changers! Explore a New Website Just for You!

You’re out there, working hard to make a difference. Take time to have some fun, watch some videos and learn some stuff! Visit Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s (LCEF) new Y.I. Activity Center at yiclub.lcef.org. Who is a World Changer? World Changers are young people ages 13-18. Learn more about LCEF and the Young Investors (Y.I.) StewardAccount® at yiclub.lcef.org.

10733 Sunset Office Drive Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63127-1020 800-843-5233

Join the LCEF experience.

lcef.org LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. StewardAccount access features are offered through UMB Bank n.a. StewardAccount is not available to investors in South Carolina.

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Weekly C mmunion: the Gift that Keeps On Giving By Taylor Schmidt

The pastor

anxiously watched as the small congregation gathered into the fellowship hall and took their seats. Greeting the people, he slowly began his exhortation. “So,” he spoke, “I will now open the floor to you all. What are your concerns regarding every Sunday communion?” Immediately, an opinionated man shot his hand into the air. The young pastor gestured toward him, encouraging him to speak. “First and foremost, if we participate in communion every Sunday, it will no longer be special. It will lose all meaning.”

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Christians today are easily mislead into forgetting what a gift we have been given in the Supper of Christ’s Body and Blood. The devil has already worked his lies into congregations that believe the bread and wine represent the Body and Blood of Christ when Christ clearly states, “This is my body…this is my blood.” Satan doesn’t stop there. He tries his lies in the hearts and minds of the those who do confess the Lord’s Supper rightly. Instead of telling

them it represents Christ’s Body and Blood, the devil is telling believers they don’t need to receive it often, that it’s not that big of a deal, not that important a gift, often using the argument above, ironically. In many Lutheran Churches, pastors are attempting to bring back the weekly (or even more often!) gift of Christ’s Body and Blood. We shouldn’t object but rejoice! Here’s why: According to Luther’s Small Catechism, the Sacrament of the Altar “is the true body

and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself, for us Christians to eat and to drink.” If Christ Himself instituted such a wonderful gift as His own body and His own blood, shouldn’t all run towards it and not away from it? His words, “This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me,” mean we should receive it as often as possible! It is special in and of itself. Jesus does not lie to us or deceive us. Satan creates doubt. He is the liar. “Did God actually say that you are to receive His Body and Blood as often as possible?” The devil puts this into your minds! Don’t you see? He knows what is in the Sacrament! He knows what you receive. Satan sees the gift—Christ’s Body and Blood given for you to forgive you all your sins! He sees God’s Word attached to the bread and the wine, and he tells you to run away from it! He wants you to stay away from this gracious gift because he wants you to die. Christ says, “Yes, receive this often.” It’s no surprise that the devil is telling us “no.” Luther states in his Large Catechism, “Nevertheless, it must be known that people who deprive themselves of and withdraw from the Sacrament for such a long time are not to be considered Christians.” Don’t you see this is what Satan wants? He will try everything to keep you from being a Christian. Right before He was betrayed into the hands of men, Jesus instituted this Supper for His disciples. It was His last will and testament to them before His death. Christ said to them, “Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me,” and “Drink of it, all of you; this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” This wasn’t going to be a one time thing. Christ instructed his Apostles to administer this Sacrament to all His disciples forevermore until He comes again. Why would we avoid this meal for which we all have such a great need? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The meal is vital because we need forgiveness. We are dirty and corrupt. Grace upon grace and forgiveness upon forgiveness—that describes the Divine Service as a whole! We are forgiven when we are baptized and daily remember our baptism. We are forgiven during Confession and Absolution. We are forgiven when we receive

the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our act of showing up does not forgive us. It is the Word that forgives us! The Word given with water; the Word spoken by the pastor; the Word that delivers Christ’s Body and Blood. None of us can say we are righteous of our own accord. We need Christ. We need His Body and His Blood! We sin day after day… How can we ever think we don’t need to receive this gift? If we truly understood our corruption… if we really knew the wrath we deserve from God, we would be begging for this gift every single day. We don’t go to the Sacrament because we are worthy. We go because we are rotten. We go because Christ will cleanse us. We go because of His Word. As sick sinners, the true Physician gives us the bread of immortality. Many people take their medication every single day, and they wouldn’t dare forget to take it! It should be no different when it comes to the life-giving Sacrament of Body and Blood. Luther tells us in his Large Catechism, “We must never think of the Sacrament as something harmful from which we had better flee, but as a pure, wholesome, comforting remedy that grants salvation and comfort,” and “Here in the Sacrament you are to receive from the lips of Christ forgiveness of sin. It contains and brings with it God’s grace and the Spirit with all His gifts, protection, shelter, and power against death and the devil and all misfortune.” Run to the foot of the cross. If you do this, you will know that the Lord’s Supper doesn’t lose its meaning. It doesn’t stop being special. When we see our need and what it is Jesus gives in His Supper, we will want to receive it all the more as the no-strings-attached gift it is. Taylor Schmidt is a high school senior. She is planning to attend Concordia University Wisconsin in the fall to study Elementary Education. If you have any questions or comments, you can email her at taylor.schmidt13@yahoo.com. For more of her thoughts check out fitlutherangal.blogspot.com.

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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 __ 26

*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.

Fall Higher Things Retreats!

More details about these and other upcoming retreats is at www.higherthings.org/retreats!

Christians and Culture August 14-15, 2015

Resurrection Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Teacher: Rev. Randy Blankschaen Contact: Pastor Chris Ascher, pastor@resurrectionsf.org Cost: $40/person

Movies, Magic, Mystery, and Means September 11-12, 2015

Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, Iowa Teacher: Rev. Rich Heinz Contact: Lynn Kirchgatter, lynnk@keercutter.com Cost: $25/person

The End of the World as We Know It November 13-14, 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatfield, Minnesota Teacher: Rev. Dr. Larry Rast Contact: Judy Goldsmith, judyg@rochester.lib.mn.us Cost: TBD

The Voice of the Gospel November 13-14, 2015

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in McHenry, Illinois Teacher: TBD Contact: Pastor George Borghardt, revborghardt@gmail.com Cost: $50/person

We are now booking retreats for the Fall of 2015!

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to host a Higher Things retreat at your church next year, â&#x20AC;¨ contact Patrick Sturdivant (retreats@higherthings.org) for more information.

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Catechism

Catechism:

The Second Co By Rev. William M. Cwirla

“You shall not misuse the Name of the Lord your God.” I have a funny family name

– Cwirla. It’s pronounced as though the “C” were an “S.” It’s Polish/Ukrainian in origin, probably reflecting the Cyrillic alphabet in which the letter that looks like our “C” sounds like an “S.” My grandfather’s brother, who immigrated to Canada, saved people the trouble and simply spelled it Swirla. My grandfather, who ended up living in Chicago, spelled it Cwirla. Remember, the C sounds like an S.

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It sounds a lot like “swirly,” the thing junior high boys do when they stick someone’s head in a toilet and then flush. You can imagine why they call it a “swirly.” I’ve neither given nor received a swirly, but I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been called “Swirly,” by junior high boys and even by adults who act like them. It’s not funny, but I’ve gotten used to it. It goes with having a unique name, which I’ve grown to like. People never forget my name. We hate it when people make fun of our names. It hurts. It makes us angry. God hates it, too. Unlike our names, His Name has power to save. To have God’s Name is to have God Himself fight for you. That’s why Moses was so interested in finding out the name of the God who was sending him to the Egyptians to free the Hebrew slaves (Exodus 3). God gives His Name to save, and He hates it when people use His Name for other reasons. “We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His Name….” God hates when we use His Name to curse instead of bless: when we swear to “tell the truth so help me God” or “I swear to God” and then we tell anything but the truth; when we use God’s Name like a good-luck charm or a magic word (the German word in the catechism is zaubern,“make magic

Commandment with or incant”); when we lie and deceive in the Name of God. Among the worst misuses of God’s Name is when we tell lies and half-truths through false theology. It’s not only God-haters and deniers who misuse His Name. It’s also those who claim to love God. Members of God’s family. Christians. We’re guilty, too. A Muslim friend once remarked, “I might take the Christian claim that Jesus is God more seriously if Christians would take His Name more seriously in their speaking.” To hear some talk, you would think that “Jesus Christ” is a curse word rather than the Name of our Lord and Savior. God be merciful to us, and grant us repentance in our use of His Name! God gives His Name for blessing and salvation. We are baptized in the Name. We are forgiven in the Name. We are blessed in the Name. To have God’s Name is to have God’s commitment to be our God who keeps us as His treasured possession (1 Peter 2:9). In Baptism, God has placed His Name on us. Having God’s Name, we are permitted to call upon Him in every trouble. Whenever anything or anyone frightens or threatens us, we can say, “Lord, have mercy upon us” or “Lord Jesus, help me.” We can pray, recognizing that whatever we ask in the Name of Jesus, the Father will hear and act according His good and gracious will. We can praise. Worship begins in the Name with the Invocation and ends in the Name with the Benediction. Where two or three are gathered in the Name, there Jesus is in their midst. We can give thanks in the Name, for all the blessings of creation, redemption, and salvation. Again, we must repent. We have God’s Name, yet we don’t use it. It’s like a tool sitting idly in the toolbox. We do not call upon God in every trouble. More likely, our old Adam will damn the world and our fellow man in every trouble. We are slow to pray, praise, and give thanks. We easily forget to whom we belong,

whose Name we bear in our Baptism as God’s children, marked by Christ the Crucified One. The devil, the world, and our old Adam would rather not hear the Name of God and they take great pains to suppress it. We say, “Good-bye” and forget that this is short for “God be with you.” We say “Bless you” when someone sneezes rather than “God bless you.” We look forward to Christmas and forget that it is Christ’s Mass. The Name of Jesus is almost “banned” in some areas of public life, which, in a way, testifies to the power of Jesus’ Name. The devil, the world, and our old Adam want it silenced. Yet God is persistent and stubborn to save. He’s given His Name and the promise to save in Christ His Son. He’s put His Name upon us that we might proclaim the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). “Hallowed be Thy Name,” we pray to our Father in heaven. May His Name be holy on our lips and in our lives as we call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks. I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity By invocation of the same, The Three in One and One in Three (Lutheran Service Book 604:1) Rev. William M. Cwirla is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, and is a president emeritus of Higher Things. He can be reached at wcwirla@gmail.com.

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Your Post-Confirmation Life A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY • Summer 2015

Discuss your Confirmation Day. Do you have a Confirmation verse? Share it with the group. What traditions are a part of Confirmation in your congregation? What do you think is the most important part of that day? Do you know someone who was confirmed but who doesn’t come to church often? Why do you think that is?

Read Matthew 28:18-20. Who is to be made disciples? How are disciples made? What does Jesus promise to His disciples? Where does He keep this promise?

As you grow up, you have may different callings. What are some of these? What purpose do these callings serve? How does our sinfulness mess these up? See Hebrews 13:17, Romans 13:5-7, Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:22, Ephesians 6:13,4, Ephesians 6:5-8, 1 Peter 5:5-6.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and Matthew 26:26-28. Who gave these words to Paul? Whose words are they? To whom did Jesus speak these words? What does He give us with these words? For what purpose is this gift given?

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Read the three “Do you intend” questions in the Confirmation liturgy, LSB p. 273. What promises did you make in your Confirmation here? How can we keep those promises?

Read the first seven questions of the Confirmation liturgy in LSB p.272-273. Where have you seen these questions before? What is the connection between Confirmation and Baptism?

H I G H E R

Now read 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Considering these words, what purpose does catechism and Confirmation serve with respect to the Lord’s Supper?

What should we do when we sin in our callings? How do we do well in our callings? What is the most important part of our post-confirmation life? See 1 John 1:8-2:2. Describe what the “post-confirmation life” looks like. What is the most important part? How does Confirmation prepare us for this? How does Confirmation set us up for our future?

Close by singing or reading How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord, LSB #853.

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 HTOnline subscription, point your browser to: higherthings.org/magazine/biblestudies.html.

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“Catechism: The Second Commandment” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction The Second Commandment directs the tongue and the mouth toward God. After learning to fear, love, and trust in God above all things, the Second Commandment reveals that God gives us His name for a very particular reason. He wants us to use it in all trouble, to pray, praise, and give thanks to Him. But human nature is inclined to use God’s name for anything other than the reason He gave it. Therefore, the Second Commandment is necessary to restrain our sinful flesh and teach us how God keeps His name holy among us. In preparation for teaching on the Second Commandment, the Bible study leader should review the Large Catechism on the Second Commandment. 1. Pastor Cwirla thinks his name is funny, and God also has a funny name. What does God say is His name in Exodus 3:13-14? What’s so funny about that? When Moses asks for God’s name, God gives Him a sentence: I Am Who I Am. Because of the nature of the Hebrew language, many Hebrew names contain the thought of a whole sentence wrapped up in one word. For instance, the name Daniel means “God is my judge.” But God gives Moses an entire sentence, which He then shortens down to: “I Am.” This is the meaning of God’s divine name from the Old Testament (the Hebrew letters Y-H-W-H, and generally pronounced Yahweh). God’s got a funny name because, even though it’s technically a complete sentence, it’s not a complete thought. I Am…what? The name God gives to Moses is complete, but also anticipates further completion. 2. What does God’s name suggest about His nature? See 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Colossians 1:15-20. Hebrew names were not merely collections of syllables to diﬀerentiate between people, but were designations that revealed something about a person. Even though God’s name is funny, it reveals something about Him. When God gives His name to Moses, He reveals that He is the One who is, and He is the One from whom all being comes. All things exist because He Is. It’s not just life that God gives, but the very existence of all things. 3. God’s name does not remain incomplete. The name of Jesus means “Yahweh saves,” but if you substitute in the meaning of Yahweh, the name of Jesus means, “I Am saves,” or even better, “I Am He who Saves. Why, according to Matthew 1:21, does Jesus receive the name He does? Jesus’ name is not given randomly, but is announced by an angel. His name is divinely appointed and reveals something about Himself. First, He is truly God; and second, He is the One who saves His people from their sins. Wrapped up in His name is both the person and work of Jesus. 4. St. John goes a step further and shows how Jesus not only completes the divine name, but also fills it up with all kinds of Gospel goodness. Make a list of the following “I Am” statements from John’s Gospel and in what ways Jesus reveals who God is for us: John 6:35-51; 8:12; 8:18; 10:7-9; 10:11-15; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1-5. As youth look up the “I Am” statements, the leader will encourage the youth to explore the context of each statement to flesh out the metaphor. For example, Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd because He lays down His life for the sheep. Other statements may not be as obvious. Spend some time discussing how these saying help you better understand what the name of God is.

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

For extended study, the leader may also point the youth toward the absolute “I Am” statements in John. These are statements where Jesus simply identifies Himself as the same person who revealed Himself to Moses in the Old Testament. In English, these absolute statements often don’t come across as clearly because translators often insert an ending to the sentence (for example, “I am He”). See if you can spot the absolute “I Am” statements in the following passages (if you get stuck, ask the pastor for help). John 4:26; 6:20; 8:24; 8:28; 8:58; 9:9; 13:19; 18:5-8. 5. How do we come to possess God’s name? See Matthew 28:18-20. God’s name is given in Holy Baptism. We are baptized into the divine name, and so become partakers of everything that name means. We are baptized in the name, forgiven in the name, blessed in the name. 6. According to the explanation to the Second Commandment in the Small Catechism, what are ways that we misuse God’s name? What are ways that we fail to use it as we ought? How is God’s name the solution for all who misuse God’s name? See Acts 2:21. There are many ways that God’s name is misused, profaned, and ignored. Encourage youth to go beyond the obvious answers, such as using the name of Jesus as an exclamation. Consider how false doctrine is an abuse of God’s name. Consider how failure to pray is an abuse of God’s name. God’s name is kept holy by using it. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Our Lord even gives us the prayer to pray: Hallowed be Thy name. God’s name is kept holy when His Word is taught in its truth and purity, and we live holy lives according to it. This is not something we can do on our own, but the name of the Lord—and the good gifts that come with it—is what causes us to use His name properly according to the Second Commandment.

Closing Sing together “I Bind unto Myself Today” (LSB #604), and pray the Catechism by reciting the Second Commandment with its explanation followed by the Lord’s Prayer: First Petition with its explanation.

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Catechism: The Second Commandment” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Pastor Cwirla thinks his name is funny, and God also has a funny name. What does God say is His name in Exodus 3:13-14? What’s so funny about that?

2. What does God’s name suggest about His nature? See 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Colossians 1:15-20.

3. God’s name does not remain incomplete. The name of Jesus means “Yahweh saves,” but if you substitute in the meaning of Yahweh, the name of Jesus means, “I Am saves,” or even better, “I Am He who Saves. Why, according to Matthew 1:21, does Jesus receive the name He does?

4. St. John goes a step further and shows how Jesus not only completes the divine name, but also fills it up with all kinds of Gospel goodness. Make a list of the following “I Am” statements from John’s Gospel and in what ways Jesus reveals who God is for us: John 6:35-51; 8:12; 8:18; 10:7-9; 10:11-15; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1-5.

5. How do we come to possess God’s name? See Matthew 28:18-20.

6. According to the explanation to the Second Commandment in the Small Catechism, what are ways that we misuse God’s name? What are ways that we fail to use it as we ought? How is God’s name the solution for all who misuse God’s name? See Acts 2:21.

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Confirmation: All of Jesus’ Gifts“ A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction Pastor Borghardt’s article summarizes the gifts of Christ which are taught in the Small Catechism. This study will look at each of these gifts in a brief review and see how they are all given us by Jesus for our life in His church. This will be a good refresher on where the parts of the catechism come from. Students should have a Small Catechism handy as well as their Bible. 1. Read Exodus 20:1-17. What does the Lord say before He gives these Commandments? Where is the “conclusion” to the Commandments actually placed? Why do you think the Catechism has it as the conclusion? What threat is made for those who break these commandments? What do we call it when we break these commandments? God reminds Israel that He has saved them from Egypt. Therefore, He gives them the Ten Commandments to show them what gifts He is giving them as their God. The “conclusion” to the Commandments is actually right after the First Commandment; in the Catechism it’s at the end. This teaches us that to break the First Commandment is to break all the commandments and vice versa. God threatens wrath and judgment against all who break these commandments. Breaking them, of course, is called “sin.” Make sure to point out to students that the Commandments are really gifts, and that our sin isn’t just that we “break the rules” but that we reject the gifts that God has given to us. 2. Where is the Creed found in the Bible? What do we learn about God in Matthew 3:13-17 and Acts 2:29-39? What two things does the Creed teach us about God? How does the Creed help us in believing and confessing the faith? The words of the Creed are not found in the Bible but what is taught in each line of the Creed is taught by the Bible at some point. The Creed teaches us WHO God is, namely, Triune God, Three Persons, One God, as we see in the appearance of all three—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-at Jesus’ baptism. The Creed also teaches us WHAT God has done for us, specifically, how each Person of the Holy Trinity has done something for us and continues to do things for us: made us, redeemed us, sanctified us. The Creed is a simple summary of what is most important in the Bible. We can easily test whether some idea or teaching is according to God’s Word by whether or not it agrees with the Apostles’ Creed. It’s also a short summary we can easily talk to others about when speaking about the faith to those who are not Christians. 3. Read Matthew 6:7-13. Why do we call this the “Lord’s Prayer?” Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What sort of things are we asking for in the Lord’s Prayer? It’s the “Lord’s Prayer” because our Lord Jesus taught it to us. Point out a couple of things here. First, before these are our petitions asking for something, they are promises Jesus makes, telling us to pray this way. Also, contrary to what many say about repeating the Lord’s Prayer and it not being “genuine” or “from the heart,” point out at the words of the Lord’s Prayer are the very words Jesus says to pray AS OPPOSED to the “many words” of the heathen. Prayer isn’t about telling God things He doesn’t know so we can get His attention or change His mind. Prayer teaches us to trust in Him and that He is our heavenly Father and will give us all these good things for Jesus’ sake.

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

4. Read Matthew 28:18-20. How are disciples made? What does Baptizing give us? See Titus 3:4-7. What can we confidently say because we are baptized? Disciples are made by being baptized and taught Christ’s Word. (Remind students that when babies are baptized, they are later taught; when adults are baptized, they are usually taught first and then baptized). Baptism gives us many gifts, the center of which is the forgiveness of sins. As Paul points out to Titus, this “washing of regeneration” is how the Holy Spirit gives us new birth and makes us children of God. Baptism is the means by which we become Christians and are born from above as children of God in Christ. 5. What command does Jesus give to His Apostles in John 20:19-23? When does He give this command? What is the connection to what Jesus has just done? How might we respond to someone who says, “Pastors can’t forgive your sins?” Jesus commands His Apostles to forgive and retain sins. When our pastors pronounce absolution, this is the same as if Christ Himself said it! (Review the Office of the Keys in the Catechism for why this is so). Jesus gives this office/command/duty to the Apostles on the day He rose from the dead (Easter Evening). The connection is that because Jesus died for our sins, and then rose again, our salvation is a done deal, now to be delivered and proclaimed. Now that Christ has earned our forgiveness, His ministers are sent out to deliver that forgiveness to all the sinners (like us!) who need to hear that our sins are paid for and taken care of. 6. Read Matthew 26:26-28. What meal was Jesus eating when He instituted His Supper? What does He say it is given for? To whom does He give this gift? Jesus was eating the Passover meal. He fulfilled what the Passover Lamb showed by being Himself the very Lamb of God. His blood protects us from the angel of death. The words that Jesus speaks tell us why it was given: “For the forgiveness (remission) of sins.” As the Catechism reminds us, this also means we have life and salvation. 7. Who does Jesus tell the Apostles to make disciples out of? (Recall Matthew 28:18-20) and to whom is the Lord’s Supper given? (Recall Matthew 26:26). How do those who are baptized prepare to receive the Lord’s Supper? Point out that Jesus gave the bread and cup to the “disciples.” Whereas baptism is given to “all nations” to make them disciples, the Supper is only given to “disciples,” that is, those who have learned what Jesus is giving them. So we prepare to receive Christ’s Body and Blood by learning the Words of Jesus about all of His gifts. We do this by learning the Catechism. 8. How does Confirmation connect these gifts together? What does Confirmation give us? What does Confirmation mean? Confirmation is nothing other than the public rite that says the teaching that goes with Baptism is being carried out and that the confirmands have therefore been taught all of Christ’s gifts and are now ready to receive His Body and Blood. Confirmation doesn’t give anything itself but it is the public recognition of that we want to receive every gift Jesus has given to us. In the life of the church, it is the receiving of those who have been taught what Jesus’ gifts are, who continue to grow as disciples in His Word, and who now receive Christ’ Body and Blood at the altar with us. In short, Confirmation says, “I’m baptized! And now I get to receive Jesus’ Body and Blood!” Learning the Catechism teaches us all the gifts that God has given to us and even more, how he continues to give us these gifts and many more besides.

Closing Close by singing “Lord, Help us Ever To Retain” (LSB #865)

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Confirmation: All of Jesus’ Gifts“ A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Read Exodus 20:1-17. What does the Lord say before He gives these Commandments? Where is the “conclusion” to the Commandments actually placed? Why do you think the Catechism has it as the conclusion? What threat is made for those who break these commandments? What do we call it when we break these commandments?

2. Where is the Creed found in the Bible? What do we learn about God in Matthew 3:13-17 and Acts 2:29-39? What two things does the Creed teach us about God? How does the Creed help us in believing and confessing the faith?

3. Read Matthew 6:7-13. Why do we call this the “Lord’s Prayer?” Why do we pray if God already knows what we need? What sort of things are we asking for in the Lord’s Prayer?

4. Read Matthew 28:18-20. How are disciples made? What does Baptizing give us? See Titus 3:4-7. What can we confidently say because we are baptized?

5. What command does Jesus give to His Apostles in John 20:19-23? When does He give this command? What is the connection to what Jesus has just done? How might we respond to someone who says, “Pastors can’t forgive your sins?”

6. Read Matthew 26:26-28. What meal was Jesus eating when He instituted His Supper? What does He say it is given for? To whom does He give this gift?

7. Who does Jesus tell the Apostles to make disciples out of? (Recall Matthew 28:18-20) and to whom is the Lord’s Supper given? (Recall Matthew 26:26). How do those who are baptized prepare to receive the Lord’s Supper?

8. How does Confirmation connect these gifts together? What does Confirmation give us? What does Confirmation mean?

Closing Close by singing “Lord, Help us Ever To Retain” (LSB #865)

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“The Dangerous Defiance of William Dembski” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Opening Prayer “Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting Light: O Christ, Redeemer, save us all And hear Thy servants when they call. Amen.” (LSB 351, st. 1) 1. Before launching into this study, participants would benefit from re-reading Genesis 1-2 again, listening closely to the language of the creation account.

2. William Dembski—and many other scientists—are proponents of Intelligent Design. What is a basic definition of this scientific position? Does this harmonize or contrast with what we’ve read in Genesis?

3. What things in creation serve as evidence of a Creator or, in the language of Dembski—design?

4. Pastor Pierson mentions that Darwinism has become a creed more than a scientific theory. What does he mean by this? Can you give any specific examples?

5. What do the Creeds of the Church confess about creation?

6. According to St. Paul in Romans 1-2, what do we know about God from nature?

7. How are the tools oﬀered by Intelligent Design helpful in defending the Christian faith? In what ways could this way of arguing me incomplete?

8. What does the New Testament teach us about Jesus and the work of creation? See John 1:1-4; Colossians 1; and Hebrews 1:1-4.

Closing Prayer “Come, Jesus, come, Messiah Lord, lost paradise restore; Lead past the angel’s flaming sword—Come, open heaven’s door. Amen.“ (LSB 342, st. 4)

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Receiving the Gospel Like a Dog” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction In the article, a dog’s joyful receptiveness serves as a metaphor for faith. A Christian joyfully receives good gifts from God, fully trusting that every gift of God is for his good. This Bible study will explore how dogs are thought of in Scripture, and how Jesus turns the idea of being like a dog on its head so that we would learn to receive the Gospel with confidence, trust, and joy. 1. Diﬀerent cultures view dogs diﬀerently. In America, the dog is a lovable, cuddly house pet. But in other countries, dogs are outsiders, starved and scavenging for food. How does the Bible, especially the Old Testament, describe dogs? See Exodus 22:31; 1 Samuel 17:43; 1 Kings 14:11; 1 Kings 21:19; Psalm 59:6, 14; Proverbs 26:11; Jeremiah 15:3; Matthew 7:6; Luke 16: 21; Philippians 3:2. Youth may find a variety of attributes for dogs in Scripture. Dogs are described as: opportunists; outsiders; scavengers; mutilators of flesh; common and unclean; foolish. An important point of comparison for later in this study is that dogs are outside the household, outside the city. As the Old Testament picture of dogs begins to take shape as youth read these verses, remind them that dogs are not always held in derision in the Old Testament. Job 30:1 references dogs as helpers with the flock. Isaiah 56:10 uses this as a metaphor, comparing the teachers of Israel to silent dogs who are not doing their duty to protect the flock of Israel. 2. Dogs are referenced in one very important place in the Old Testament. Read Psalm 22:16-18. What does this Psalm—and these verses in particular—refer to? Who are the dogs? Psalm 22 is an explicit reference to the crucifixion of Jesus. It begins with Jesus’ own words: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? The remainder of the Psalm presents the crucifixion of Jesus in poetic form. The dogs who surround our Lord Jesus as He hangs on the cross are the people who crucified Him. Like dogs, they are opportunists, outsiders, scavengers, mutilators of His flesh, starved for righteousness. 3. Read Matthew 15:21-28. Jesus seemingly insults the Canaanite woman by calling her a dog. How does she respond? The woman accepts Jesus’ comparison. The Jews would refer to Gentiles as “dogs,” in part because they were not of the household of Israel (v 24). The woman, however, finds in Jesus’ words a “comforting inversion” (Luther). In what appears to be a stern, angry, insulting Jesus, the woman finds a gracious promise. 4. Martin Luther comments on these verses, “So she catches Christ, the Lord, in his own words and with that wins not only the right of a dog, but also that of the children. Now then where will he go, our dear Jesus? He let himself be made captive, and must comply. Be sure of this: that’s what he most deeply desires.” How does Jesus show that the Gospel is even for “dogs”? The woman takes Jesus at His Word, in which He leaves open an invitation. The word that Jesus uses for “dog” is not the regular word, but the diminutive form of the word. We might say, “little doggy.” It was also a word used for house dogs or lap dogs, and not the wild dogs or field dogs that weren’t let inside the house. In this way, Jesus is saying to the woman that she is fully deserving of all the blessings of children because He has welcomed her, an outsider, into the household of faith. This is already evidenced by her confession of faith in v 22: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David.”

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

5. The author of “Receiving the Gospel Like a Dog” lists several Bible verses of how we can have even greater confidence before God than dogs do before their masters. Choose one or two of these verses and discuss how you can be more “dog-like” when you hear the Gospel. Youth will provide a variety of responses. During the discussion, the leader will be careful to point out in the biblical examples that no one receives good gifts from God because he is deserving, but always by God’s free grace and favor. This grace is offered in His Word and promise, and like the Canaanite woman, we catch Jesus in His Word, which is what He most deeply desires.

Closing Sing together “The Gifts Christ Freely Gives” (LSB #602). “O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” (Collect for Second Sunday in Lent).

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Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Receiving the Gospel Like a Dog” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Diﬀerent cultures view dogs diﬀerently. In America, the dog is a lovable, cuddly house pet. But in other countries, dogs are outsiders, starved and scavenging for food. How does the Bible, especially the Old Testament, describe dogs? See Exodus 22:31; 1 Samuel 17:43; 1 Kings 14:11; 1 Kings 21:19; Psalm 59:6, 14; Proverbs 26:11; Jeremiah 15:3; Matthew 7:6; Luke 16: 21; Philippians 3:2.

2. Dogs are referenced in one very important place in the Old Testament. Read Psalm 22:16-18. What does this Psalm—and these verses in particular—refer to? Who are the dogs?

3. Read Matthew 15:21-28. Jesus seemingly insults the Canaanite woman by calling her a dog. How does she respond?

4. Martin Luther comments on these verses, “So she catches Christ, the Lord, in his own words and with that wins not only the right of a dog, but also that of the children. Now then where will he go, our dear Jesus? He let himself be made captive, and must comply. Be sure of this: that’s what he most deeply desires.” How does Jesus show that the Gospel is even for “dogs”?

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Your Post-Confirmation Life” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction This Bible Study will look at the gifts of Christ which we celebrate in Confirmation and how these gifts are a part of our whole life leading up to and beyond our Confirmation day. In addition to their Bibles, students should have a copy of Lutheran Service Book handy to reference the Confirmation liturgy on pages 272-274. 1. Discuss your Confirmation Day. Do you have a Confirmation verse? Share it with the group. What traditions are a part of Confirmation in your congregation? What do you think is the most important part of that day? Do you know someone who was confirmed but who doesn’t come to church often? Why do you think that is? Answers will vary. Let the group discuss their memories of confirmation (or what they are looking forward to if they are not confirmed yet.) Guide them toward the recognition that there are two important parts that usually go together for Confirmation. The first is that they are remembering and confessing before the church that they are baptized. Second, they have been prepared to receive the Lord’s Supper. Rejoicing in the gifts of baptism and the Lord’s Supper is really what Confirmation is all about. 2. Read Matthew 28:18-20. Who is to be made disciples? How are disciples made? What does Jesus promise to His disciples? Where does He keep this promise? Jesus ordains the Apostles to make disciples of all nations. That’s everyone. Young and old. From anywhere and everywhere. Disciples are made disciples by the Holy Spirit through the water and Word of Holy Baptism and the teaching of Christ’s Word. These two things go together. Point out that in most cases, we baptize infants and then teach. But for older youth and adults, we teach first and then baptize. But always the teaching and baptism go together. Jesus promises to be with His disciples until the end of the world. He keeps this promise, not in a vague way, but is where Baptism and His Word are. To put it another way, Christ’s promises to be with His disciples in His church where His gifts are. 3. Read the first seven questions of the Confirmation liturgy in LSB p.272-273. Where have you seen these questions before? What is the connection between Confirmation and Baptism? These questions are also in the Baptismal liturgy. When confirmands are asked these questions, they are simply answering what they were too young to answer before (if they were baptized when they were babies). Point out that the answers haven’t changed, and they aren’t more true because they “understand” now. Rather, by answering these questions, they are publicly affirming and confessing the gifts that God gave them in baptism (as the first question asks). The first part of Confirmation, then, is a remembrance and rejoicing in our baptism. Confirmation is just a way for the kids (and sometimes adults) to say, “Yes! I am baptized!” 4. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and Matthew 26:26-28. Who gave these words to Paul? Whose words are they? To whom did Jesus speak these words? What does He give us with these words? For what purpose is this gift given? The “Words of Institution” are Jesus’ words. He gave those words to St. Paul and he passes them on in his teaching the Corinthians. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples. (Remember, a “disciple” is someone

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

who is baptized and taught!) With these words He gives His true body and true blood for the forgiveness of sins. The Lord’s Supper is given exactly for that: a promise that our sins are forgiven. 5. Now read 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Considering these words, what purpose does catechism and Confirmation serve with respect to the Lord’s Supper? St. Paul says that we should discern the Lord’s body and blood when we receive the Sacrament. Catechesis prepares us to receive the Lord’s Supper. So, in addition to learning what our Baptism means, we also learn what the Lord’s Supper is and we are prepared to receive it. 6. Read the three “Do you intend” questions in the Confirmation liturgy, LSB p. 273. What promises did you make in your Confirmation here? How can we keep those promises? We promise to hear God’s Word and receive the Supper faithfully, that is, go to church! We say that we will live according to God’s Word. We promise also to die rather than fall away from that faith. These promises are not things we can do on our own. We need God’s grace to fulfill and keep those promises in us. When we are confirmed, we are praying that the Lord will keep us in this faith into which we have been baptized our whole life long. 7. As you grow up, you have may diﬀerent callings. What are some of these? What purpose do these callings serve? How does our sinfulness mess these up? See Hebrews 13:17, Romans 13:5-7, Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:22, Ephesians 6:1-3,4, Ephesians 6:5-8, 1 Peter 5:5-6. These verses are all listed in the Catechism’s “Table of Duties” which is just a list of Bible Verses regarding various vocations (callings). We are hearers of God’s Word, citizens, husbands, wives, children, parents, workers (“slaves”) and youth. Each of these various callings are given to us by God as a place in which we learn to love and serve others. Of course, the Old Adam is selfish and doesn’t want to carry out these callings faithfully. So our callings are a daily opportunity to serve others but they are also the ways in which we sin against others. 8. What should we do when we sin in our callings? How do we do well in our callings? What is the most important part of our post-confirmation life? See 1 John 1:8-2:2. Our life as Christians is to go out and live in our callings. We ask the Lord’s blessing upon our lives so that we may love others. When we fail at that, mess it up, and sin, we receive forgiveness from the Lord. The Apostle John calls us to confess our sin and know that when we sin, Jesus forgives us. It is this forgiveness that gives us confidence to go back and live in our daily callings. 9. Describe what the “post-confirmation life” looks like. What is the most important part? How does Confirmation prepare us for this? How does Confirmation set us up for our future? Answers will vary, but essentially it looks like this: We go into the world and live and work and carry out our callings. When we fail at them, we take refuge in Christ’s mercy and gifts, given to us in Baptism and the Supper and the Word. So, to church, where the gifts of Jesus are, out into the world to live in our callings, and then back to church where Jesus and His gifts are, and so on. Catechesis and Confirmation set us up for this life by teaching us that what we need most is what Jesus gives us in our Baptism and in His Supper: the forgiveness of sins. He keeps us in this faith and lives in and through us to love and serve others. Our post-confirmation life is anchored in Christ’s Word, our baptism, and His body and blood. Everything flows out from there and returns there, back and forth, our whole life long.

Closing Sing together “How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord” (LSB #853).

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Your Post-Confirmation Life” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Discuss your Confirmation Day. Do you have a Confirmation verse? Share it with the group. What traditions are a part of Confirmation in your congregation? What do you think is the most important part of that day? Do you know someone who was confirmed but who doesn’t come to church often? Why do you think that is? 2. Read Matthew 28:18-20. Who is to be made disciples? How are disciples made? What does Jesus promise to His disciples? Where does He keep this promise? 3. Read the first seven questions of the Confirmation liturgy in LSB p.272-273. Where have you seen these questions before? What is the connection between Confirmation and Baptism? 4. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and Matthew 26:26-28. Who gave these words to Paul? Whose words are they? To whom did Jesus speak these words? What does He give us with these words? For what purpose is this gift given? 5. Now read 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Considering these words, what purpose does catechism and Confirmation serve with respect to the Lord’s Supper? 6. Read the three “Do you intend” questions in the Confirmation liturgy, LSB p. 273. What promises did you make in your Confirmation here? How can we keep those promises? 7. As you grow up, you have may diﬀerent callings. What are some of these? What purpose do these callings serve? How does our sinfulness mess these up? See Hebrews 13:17, Romans 13:5-7, Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:22, Ephesians 6:1-3,4, Ephesians 6:5-8, 1 Peter 5:5-6. 8. What should we do when we sin in our callings? How do we do well in our callings? What is the most important part of our post-confirmation life? See 1 John 1:8-2:2. 9. Describe what the “post-confirmation life” looks like. What is the most important part? How does Confirmation prepare us for this? How does Confirmation set us up for our future?

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Scuba Diving For Sins” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide 1. Thinking back to the exchange the author included as an introduction to his article, would you consider what the woman was contemplating talking about to be breaking the 8th Commandment? If so, how? Read the explanation of the Eighth Commandment in your Small Catechism. Out of her “concern” this woman was about to reveal to her pastor a particular sin of someone else in the congregation. Not only would this be doing what the Eighth Commandment forbids: “God forbids us to betray our neighbor, that is, betray his secrets,” but it would also be NOT doing what the Eighth Commandment requires: “We should speak well of our neighbor, that is, we should praise our neighbor’s good actions and qualities.” 2. How does Scripture view gossip? Read Proverbs 11:13, Proverbs 16:28 and 1 Timothy 5:13-14. Does gossip have to be an untruth? Gossip involves betraying a confidence, talking about personal matters behind someone’s back and spreads strife and discord. 1 Timothy is specific a warning about young widows who need to be encouraged to remarry because their vocation as a widow will open up too many opportunities to be busybodies and to gossip but can apply to any of us who decide to engage in such behavior. No, gossip does not have to centered around an untruth. Gossip is merely spreading information that is not your place to communicate and almost always ends up putting your neighbor in a bad light and making you look superior in some way (at least that is what you secretly hope). 3. How eﬀective was what this pastor in the opening dialogue did to cut oﬀ the woman’s attempt to harm her neighbor? He asks her to tell three of her deepest darkest sins...to open herself and make herself vulnerable, which is just what she was about to do to her neighbor. He did not truly mean for her to necessarily spill her guts but he wanted her to realize what she was about to do. It served as a wakeup call. A pastor’s job is to call sin sin but he can do so in a way that doesn’t necessarily shame but instead sheds light on how much grace Christ has extended to us. 4. The author cites Micah 7:19. Read through Micah 7. What is the context of this verse? Through Micah, Israel is mourning her current state of misery, which is the result of her own unfaithfulness to God. We can find ourselves in this position many times during our lives. However, this passage brings us full circle back to God’s faithfulness, which never wavers. He promises to not stay angry and He throws our sins into the depths of the sea. For us to attempt to dig up those sins is to say we don’t trust God’s judgment or justice. 5. Have there been times when someone has thrown your sins back in your face? Have you done likewise to someone else? Read 1 Peter 4:8. What does it mean for love to “cover” sins? We have all at one time or another reminded someone else of his trespasses or rehashed our own sins. Peter here says that love can cover a multitude of sins. This is especially true when we think of God’s love for us through Jesus Christ. When we ponder the wonder that God has forgotten our sins for Christ’s sake, then we are able to do the same for our neighbor and ourselves. “Covering” sins means treating someone as if they had not sinned. Forgiveness really is forgetting!

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

6. Why is it easier to talk about someone else’s sins rather than our own? Read 2 Samuel 12:1-14 and Psalm 51:1-12. It is not comfortable dealing with the reality of our own sinful choices. We would rather deflect blame or avoid dealing with the root of our sin altogether. In 2 Samuel, Nathan confronts David boldly as God’s prophet and David feels the weight of the conviction of his sin and repents. Reading through Psalm 51, you can see how painful that process was for David, as it is for any of God’s children who come face to face with their transgressions. Again, David recognizes God’s graciousness and forgiveness. 7. What does the author recommend be done to counter the damage that can be done when we or someone else attempts to dredge up our past sins? Read Galatians 2:20 and Romans 8:38-39. Our struggles with sin are opportunities to share the grace of God with others, either head on or just by how we live our lives and interact with others. Chad calls these forgiven sins “emblems of grace.” Galatians reminds us that Christ promises to work through us and that our identity is in Christ, crucified and risen. Romans 8 reassures us of the depth of God’s love and that nothing can separate us from that love in Christ Jesus, even our own sin. 8. What certainty do we have that God really does forgive our sins? Here we recall our baptism, the pastor’s absolution, the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the Sacrament of the Altar. All of these are God’s continual and unshakeable proofs that He has forgiven our sins and remembers them no more. Even when others do not forgive us, or dredge up our sins, we can take comfort in the fact that the Lord does not. By the Spirit’s work in us, we won’t do that to others either.

Closing Sing together “Baptismal Waters Cover Me,” (LSB 616)

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Scuba Diving For Sins” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY 1. Thinking back to the exchange the author included as an introduction to his article, would you consider what the woman was contemplating talking about to be breaking the 8th Commandment? If so, how? Read the explanation of the Eighth Commandment in your Small Catechism.

2. How does Scripture view gossip? Read Proverbs 11:13, Proverbs 16:28 and 1 Timothy 5:13-14. Does gossip have to be an untruth?

3. How eﬀective was what this pastor in the opening dialogue did to cut oﬀ the woman’s attempt to harm her neighbor?

4. The author cites Micah 7:19. Read through Micah 7. What is the context of this verse?

5. Have there been times when someone has thrown your sins back in your face? Have you done likewise to someone else? Read 1 Peter 4:8. What does it mean for love to “cover” sins?

6. Why is it easier to talk about someone else’s sins rather than our own? Read 2 Samuel 12:1-14 and Psalm 51:1-12.

7. What does the author recommend be done to counter the damage that can be done when we or someone else attempts to dredge up our past sins? Read Galatians 2:20 and Romans 8:38-39.

8. What certainty do we have that God really does forgive our sins?

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Weekly Communion: The Gift that Keeps on Giving” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide

Leaders’ Introduction Taylor Schmidt’s article, “Weekly Communion: The Gift that Keeps on Giving,” examines the teaching of the Small and Large Catechism on the Sacrament of the Altar and shows why Christians should rejoice receive the Lord’s Supper on a weekly basis. This Bible study will examine certain texts from Holy Scripture regarding the frequency of the Sacrament. The Bible study leader may reference the table “Feasts Appointed by the Lord” in The Lutheran Study Bible, p. 200-201, as well as the Large Catechism on The Sacrament of the Altar. 1. Read Leviticus 23. What feasts were the Israelites commanded to observe, and how often? Is there any doubt when these should be celebrated? Leviticus 23 summarizes the feasts established by God for the Israelites. Along with specific ceremonies, these feasts were appointed at specific times. The yearly feasts recalled God’s mighty acts of deliverance in the history of Israel. In addition to these regular feasts the first six chapters of Leviticus outline the offerings and sacrifices of the Israelites, which also had specific appointed times and places. 2. The appointed feasts of the Old Testament recalled God’s mighty acts of deliverance. How does 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 show that these feasts also pointed ahead? The appointed feasts of the Old Testament point ahead to Christ. He is the fulfillment of not only the Passover, but all the feasts of Israel. Spend some time considering how Jesus fulfilled each of the feasts of Leviticus 23. To aid your discussion, consider the ceremonies of the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22) in light of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 2. Consider the ceremonies of the Feast of Booths (or Feast of Tabernacles; Leviticus 23:33-43) in light of Jesus’ incarnation in John 1:14 (literally, The Word became flesh and tabernacled with us). 3. What does this fulfillment in Christ mean for feasts and festivals required by law? See Colossians 2:16-19. How does the Lord’s Supper diﬀer from these Old Testament feasts? Christ fulfilled all required festivals, and so for those in Christ there are no longer required feasts at appointed times. This does not mean that Christians are free from ceremonies and observances, only that they are not required by law. The Old Testament feasts point ahead to Christ and His atoning sacrifice, but the Lord’s Supper comes forth from Christ and His atoning sacrifices. What’s more, the Old Testament feasts were only representative of the future fulfillment of God’s promise and had no power in and of themselves to forgive sins. The Lord’s Supper is Christ’s true Body and Blood given under bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins. It delivers what it promises.

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

4. Does Jesus give any direction as to the frequency of the Lord’s Supper in His institution? See Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25. Jesus does not set a law as to the frequency of the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is Gospel and the Gospel is gift. If it were required by Law it would no longer be a gift. However, Jesus does say that it is to be done often. This do as often as you drink of it… The Large Catechism teaches: However, you may say, “But the words are added, ‘As often as you drink it’; there He compels no one, but leaves it to our free choice.” I answer, “That is true, yet it is not written so that we should never do so. Yes, since He speaks the words ‘As often as you drink it,’ it is still implied that we should do it often. This is added because He wants to have the Sacrament free. He does not limit it to special times, like the Jewish Passover, which they were obliged to eat only once a year. They could only have it on the fourteenth day of the first full moon in the evening [Exodus 12:6, 18]. They still must not change a day.” It is as if He would say by these words, “I institute a Passover or Supper for you. You shall enjoy it not only once a year, just upon this evening, but often, when and where you will, according to everyone’s opportunity and necessity, bound to no place or appointed time.” 5. How did the early Christians regard the Lord’s Supper in Acts 2:42? Here the Lord’s Supper is called “the breaking of the bread,” as St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:16: the bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? The breaking of the bread, or the Lord’s Supper, is a central part of the life of the baptized in the first days following Pentecost. Along with the Apostles’ doctrine (preaching) and the prayers (liturgy), the Lord’s Supper is the fellowship that the early Church shared. 6. Even though the Lord’s Supper has no required time of celebration, Scripture does show that a custom for receiving the Lord’s Supper soon developed in those early Christian congregations. What does Acts 20:7-12 tell us about the custom of the early Church in hearing God’s Word and receiving the Lord’s Supper? What is significant about this day? The story of Paul in Troas shows that Paul and the other disciples were accustomed to gathering on the first day of the week to break bread. Again, this is a reference to the Lord’s Supper. In addition to breaking bread, Paul also preached to the congregation, making this a Divine Service of Word and Sacrament! From the very first days of the Christian Church, it was a custom to gather on the first day of the week to hear God’s Word and receive the Sacrament. This doesn’t mean that it was not celebrated at other times, but that the first day was a day for preaching and breaking bread. This also happens to be the day when Jesus rose from the dead. Paul and the early Christians recognized that they were not eating and drinking the body and blood of a dead Jesus, but of the risen and ascended Lord. Every first day following the first day Jesus rose from the dead was a day to hear His Word, eat His Supper, and receive His forgiveness. And it remains the same for us.

Closing  Sing together your favorite communion hymn (LSB 617-643) and with the prayer, “Before Communing” in the front cover of Lutheran Service Book.

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

“Weekly Communion: The Gift that Keeps on Giving” A HIGHER THINGS® BIBLE STUDY Leader’s Guide 1. Read Leviticus 23. What feasts were the Israelites commanded to observe, and how often? Is there any doubt when these should be celebrated?

2. The appointed feasts of the Old Testament recalled God’s mighty acts of deliverance. How does 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 show that these feasts also pointed ahead?

3. What does this fulfillment in Christ mean for feasts and festivals required by law? See Colossians 2:16-19. How does the Lord’s Supper diﬀer from these Old Testament feasts?

4. Does Jesus give any direction as to the frequency of the Lord’s Supper in His institution? See Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25.

5. How did the early Christians regard the Lord’s Supper in Acts 2:42?

6. Even though the Lord’s Supper has no required time of celebration, Scripture does show that a custom for receiving the Lord’s Supper soon developed in those early Christian congregations. What does Acts 20:7-12 tell us about the custom of the early Church in hearing God’s Word and receiving the Lord’s Supper? What is significant about this day?

Closing  Sing together your favorite communion hymn (LSB 617-643) and with the prayer, “Before Communing” in the front cover of Lutheran Service Book.

Magazine Bible Studies - Summer 2015

2015 Summer - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

Articles inside

Catechism: The Second Commandment

Weekly Communion: the Gift That Keeps on Giving

Youth Ministry: Developing Your Youth Group

Receiving the Gospel Like a Dog

The Dangerous Defiance of William Dembski: Why Design Reveals Intelligence

Scuba Diving for Sin

Your Post-Confirmation Life

Confirmation: All of Jesus’ Gifts and Then Some!