WITH NO APOLOGY

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. – 1 Peter 3:15

Easter has passed, though the season is still with us until Pentecost, the last Sunday in May this year. And so we might expect the critics and doubters of Christianity, who come out of the woodwork spoofing and scoffing at our faith in Jesus’ Incarnation and Resurrection, to crawl back until next year. But increasingly it is not to be. Our current decade has seen growing opposition in all forms of media. There seems to be a crusade against historic beliefs subscribed by the Bible and any trust in its accuracy or dependability as the revealed and inerrant Word of God.

For the most part Christians have taken Peter’s advice as only offering passive resistance. We can all wait for someone to ask us personally, which they rarely do, meanwhile doing little to defend our faith except to react negatively upon hearing of an attack. Yet the first part of Peter’s admonition goes unheeded by the large majority of the faithful, which is to “always be prepared.”
This is perhaps most critical among those closest to us – our children, families and friends. A lack of emphasis on why we believe the Bible to be true, and an inadequate understanding of why it is defensible, can easily be communicated as not being of great importance to our faith. And unless our faith, and its subjective qualities, is grounded in objective reality and substance we will be weak witnesses to it. We may even inadvertently be giving support to ideas that are contrary to Scripture and truth.

Recent reports that the percentage of self-identified Christians in America has fallen by 10 points in two decades (Newsweek, April 2005) combine with a survey showing only 55% of American Christians having a strong view of the Bible (Barna.org) to give us cause for waking up in the Church. The progressive liberal education, political correctness and pervading influence of materialism and naturalistic philosophies over several centuries are having an accelerated effect upon our culture and its Christian population.

But can we with “gentleness and respect” defend our position and even perhaps regain some credibility in the public square? Of the first question our answer should be a resounding yes, of the second who knows? But that isn’t our main concern; rather that we not only know what we believe but be able to give a credible answer to why we believe it and why our faith is supportable by rational and factual evidence. In other words, why we know the Bible is true in what it says about the origins of the universe and mankind, how it got spoiled in the Garden, God’s plan to redeem mankind from sin and the fulfillment of that plan through the Cross and our assurance of Christ’s resurrection guaranteeing eternal life to faithful believers in Jesus Christ.

We can begin by studying the Bible as a whole and understanding how this most amazing collection of Scripture has been given to us, the reliability of its human and divine authorship, and its history of transmission through prophets, kings, apostles and Christian pastors and teachers over thousands of years. For if we use the knowledge available to us and to anyone willing to consider it honestly and we know well the Bible’s story, then with guidance by the Holy Spirit and God’s wisdom we will be prepared to give our answer with reason and respect—and without apology!

Consider the effect of those first century Christians, convinced of Jesus’ Bodily Resurrection and the complete reliability of God’s Word. They turned the world upside down and history confirms that they and their followers did. Think what may happen if just American Christians having a strong view of the Bible increased from half to three-quarters or more. Nevertheless, may God’s will be done—with no apology!

CELEBRATING CREATION

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. – 1Corinthians 15:22

Celebrating Easter, celebrating Spring, celebrating Creation – what do they all share? So much it is worth our contemplation as we enter April this year of our Lord 2009. And we certainly need something to celebrate this year amid all the doom and gloom that has set in for our country and our time in the world. The apostle Paul said it best, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8) When better to apply such encouragement than now as we prepare to enter Holy Week on Palm Sunday, April 5th.

Celebrating Easter may come a little harder for some this year. So much negativity in the air it’s difficult to manage that positive outlook that Easter usually brings. But then we think about Jesus rising from the tomb overcoming death and proving that God’s love for us is still intact and our confidence is restored. Not in earthly things, but the things that ultimately matter most in life, things worthy of praise. Truly, the Resurrection of our Lord is cause to celebrate and to be given our thanks. Here we have reason for joy in our hearts to replace our sorrow for having our sins covered by the Blood of Jesus who died for them on the Cross.

Celebrating Spring has its way of lifting us up, if only after a rather dismal winter with waves of cold temperatures and a few storms we watched pass through with concern. Seeing the greening of trees and grass and the flowering of fields and gardens renews our appreciation that some things return with regularity. This gives us hope that the same may hold for the economy and the American way. Winter for these may be more long-lasting, but nature’s springtime offers some respite to our outlook as we hope for a better future for our children and for coming generations.

Celebrating Creation is also appropriate in a time when God’s divine providence in making the universe and all it contains is given less credence than it deserves and demands. Celebrating Creation has much in common with both Easter and Spring. All are about new life, all are about God’s power and love, and all give us hope of redemption and purpose. Celebrating Creation doesn’t mean to worship the thing created, but to worship the Creator for the fact and evidence of his creating hand over all the eye can see. When we do this on the basis of God’s Word, for He is the only one who can tell us about it—He was there!—then we are giving Him honor, glory and praise. When God completed creation in the beginning as Genesis tells us, He saw everything he had made and behold it was very good!

When we celebrate Spring by thanking God for restoring life that had lain dormant through winter we again recognize his goodness in all that He has made. And when we celebrate Easter by coming to our places of worship praising God for raising his beloved Son Jesus from the dead, we are again acknowledging his goodness to us. The Resurrection of our Lord declares the power of God to make all things new. Not only the newness of Spring and not only our newness of life in the Spirit through our baptism and God given faith, a new creation itself, but a new heaven and new earth in the promise of God at the final resurrection when we will be like Jesus.Truly we have much to celebrate and much to think about when it comes to Creation, Spring and especially Easter. Let us then rejoice in all our Creator has done for us. Happy Easter!!!

WORSHIP

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. -Psalm 84:10

One of my favorite comments that I occasionally hear is when someone says they appreciate our worship services or that worshiping with us was an enriching experience for them. It is refreshing and encouraging to know that our offering is recognized as giving support to the worship of God’s people in our Sunday services.

Trinity’s regular worship preserves the traditional liturgical heritage of the Lutheran Church. Our form follows to a large degree from Martin Luther who reformed the Mass to ensure biblically sound teaching at the foundation of our faith. Luther, however, didn’t just have one “liturgy” but developed variations suitable to the season and to the contemporary needs of the church. Putting worship into the language of the people was one of his major contributions. Yet Luther was conservative in his approach, wanting to keep that which was beneficial for the heart, mind and soul, rather than making radical changes. Worship was to retain the dynamic sense of God’s presence and to raise people up to the appreciation of his holiness and grace. Participation of the laity was encouraged and hymn singing became as important as liturgical expression.

Central to Lutheran worship are the Scriptures. The opening prayers and absolution follow the Scriptures in form and content. The Introit which welcomes our Lord to our worship is derived from the Psalms. The Kyrie is our cry for the Lord’s help in all the needs of our earthly life, again biblical. The Hymn of Praise (Gloria in Excelsis) reflects the heavenly praise of God’s angels and saints gathered in his holy presence as we will one day experience before the eternal throne of Christ. We are transported to the mountain top and there we listen to God’s Word in the Scriptures and the Sermon of the Day. The Sacrament of the Altar invites our participation in holy communion with the saints of heaven and earth as we receive the Body and Blood of our Lord according to biblical and historical practice. Our worship is completed with prayers, anthems, hymns and spiritual songs as we make melody with our hearts to the Lord.

There is ample room within the form for refreshing variation in style and content, that our worship not become stale or only a rote offering of the flesh. Special services during Lent, Thanksgiving and Christmas also give us opportunities to experience different forms. Our choir and special music add substantially to every form and service, giving us joyful worship experiences to strengthen our daily walk with the Lord.

Some churches have given over completely to other styles of worship (usually called “contemporary”). Others have offered alternatives. Some of these have merit in attempting to reach the unchurched. Sometimes the rich heritage of Lutheran liturgical worship is discarded by the wayside. Our approach doesn’t satisfy everyone, but attempts to retain what is good yet with freedom to enjoy a variety of worship expression. We seek to enrich your worship experience without getting in the way of your meeting the Lord in the process. Sometimes we may succeed. Where we are lacking we pray for God’s guidance and direction. Above all, it is Him we seek to please and to serve. Yet it is for your sake’s that it is important we try. Please feel free to speak to your pastor with your thoughts on our worship practice and above all do not forsake coming as often as possible to worship our Lord together with us.

May we always continue to grow up into Him who is our Head, Jesus our Savior and Lord of all.

150 YEARS OF MISGUIDED SCIENCE

"Darwin Day is a global celebration of science and reason held on or around Feb. 12, the birthday anniversary of evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth."

Thus states the Institute for Humanist Studies website for organizing celebration events in memory of Charles Darwin and his instrumental work On the Origin of Species first published in 1859. Answers In Genesis, a Biblical Creationist organization, in their January-March issue of Answers magazine encourages all Christians to dig a little deeper in their understanding of the issues and evidence regarding the “science” of evolution that itself has evolved since Darwin’s theoretical propositions. This emphasis is particularly important at present in view of the growing indoctrination in our public media, schools and government at all levels and in every area affecting our knowledge and beliefs.

We are seeing more and more a hardening against anyone who holds to the necessity of a Creator or who incorporates a belief in the Bible into their views on scientific evidence and the origin of life or species thereof. Increasingly anyone who criticizes Evolution of its essential validity, despite many weaknesses and unsupported conclusions, is considered ignorant, fanatic and out of touch with reality. All true scientists, it is claimed, accept the general theory as unquestionable and voices to the contrary are rightly subject to ridicule.
The basic tenets of Evolution are that science can only deal with nature and matter and these can only be evaluated in terms of time, chance and Nature’s laws. Good enough, but the overriding bias that we see today is the importance of eliminating God or the possibility of an outside intelligence in the equation at all. In effect for all practical purposes Evolution has become a faith based universal religion that is not to be questioned.

However, on the other side the Christian should know that they are being maneuvered into a corner, they are being dismissed as irrelevant and that even their values are being questioned and in many cases discarded. The victims will be our children and grandchildren, if not including ourselves. The most significant evidence of this is the effect on national policies favoring abortion of unborn children and embryonic stem-cell research.

Yes, the Christian community, i.e.: people in our churches, need to wake up, dig in and try to understand the issues and the facts concerning the glorifying celebrations they will be hearing about in this Year of Commemoration for Charles Darwin. There are scientific disputes by true and legitimate scientists who disagree with Evolution’s consensus. There are alternative scientific theories of beginnings and the development of life on our planet that do not contradict Christian beliefs and the Bible that supports them. But you will not hear much about them, either in public media, our schools or institutions of government. You will have to dig for it – but its there and in abundance. Just remember, if you hear only part of the evidence and believe it you have been indoctrinated. But if you examine all the evidence and then you make a decision, you have been taught.

CHRISTMAS – DID IT HAPPEN?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14

“The birth of God’s Son was no accident; it was not the result of unforeseen or uncontrollable events. The all-knowing Creator and Sustainer of all things is never caught off guard. God does not respond to human events; He superintends them. Nowhere is this divine omniscience more clearly seen or more profoundly delineated than in the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

(Marvin J. Rosenthal, Not Without Design)

Also pointed out by Rosenthal and others is that though many great men of history are remembered with holidays on their birthdays, none have both their birth and death commemorated as is Jesus Christ. Yet as we approach the celebration of his birth as the Incarnation of God’s Son we again face the challenges of skeptics and humanists who want public observance curtailed if not removed. The increasing nature of these complaints in media, advertising and the courts lay stress upon a Christian celebration that has been practiced for many centuries. For true and faithful believers it may only be a distraction. Our devotion to Christmas is only a seasonal tribute to our Holy Savior whom we revere and adore not only for his Birth but his Death and Resurrection as well. The Incarnation is central to our core beliefs; otherwise his sacrifice would be meaningless. Probably this is why the secularists want to take Christ out of Christmas.

Last year a number of large retail chains backed off in not allowing their salespersons from greeting their customers with “Merry Christmas.” It again was given to personal choice as it should be. This December the American Humanist Association is running ads on Washington, D. C. buses with the theme: Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake." The subliminal message is of course, “there is no God and celebrating his Son’s birth is merely fostering superstition.” There is also a sort of “evangelical” spirit to their message of disbelief, which they have a right too as much as we with the Christian Gospel. But let us not be willing to back off in the public square with our message either. God in Christ sent his beloved Son Jesus to be born of a virgin, laid in a manger, glorified by angels appearing from heaven and worshipped by shepherds and by Wisemen from the East. For we have substantial and verifiable evidence in recorded history that these things happened. One may refuse to accept them, but no one can disprove them.

Did Christmas happen? Did God look down upon fallen man and see that the time was now ripe for the Savior He had promised to Adam and Eve, Moses and Abraham, prophets and kings to come into our human flesh, live and die but without sin. We say a resounding YES!!! He did! Alleluia! You want proof? You want evidence? Then be willing to accept it. Confess that we are sinners in need of grace, then accept and rejoice in the new life given to you as a gift from God in Jesus’ birth. Then truly you will be good for Goodness sake!

Election Concerns

OK, I've avoided getting political with the impending national election until now. I have forwarded some emails to family and friends that pretty clearly identify me with a certain campaign. Most already know my preference among the canditates for president and vice-president. I have a McCain/Palin sign in my yard and stickers on our two vehicles. The fact that I am a diehard Reagan conservative is well-known by most who know me very well. But as a pastor of a congregation I do try to respect the fact that there are differing political views among Christians that have nothing to do with their faith or my proclamation of the Gospel. I will not and I cannot preach according to my political or candidate preferences although I have no compunction against the same about matters of moral conviction. I will and have preached and taught against abortion, gay marriage and homosexual preference as much as against sexual perversion or marital unfaithfulness, lying, stealing and murder. These are issues for which clear biblical inference and application can be made and fall clearly within my pastoral responsibilities.

But I am concerned enough about the outcome of next week's election that I am compelled to address the reasons why I am convinced this is the most critical determination American voters will make in my lifetime. This is not only a political issue, but I believe it is a religious one as well. Why might I say that even though the protections in our constitution and the rule of law in our society seem as adequate as they have ever been to assure a reasonable result with qualified legitimate winners representative of a democratically chosen government?

My problem is not with the process per se, but with the electorate itself. We live in what is called the "information age." One might think that this assures a positive outcome. Never before in history has there been such access to ubiquitous information as we have in our day. But with it also come the greatest opportunity for spin and subtle manipulation ever seen. And the main concern I have is how misled and deceived voters of all ages and interests can become via advertising, political speech and constant repitition of mantras intended to evoke an intended response. Talk about tax cuts for the middle class instead of for the rich, universal health care and spreading the wealth as if these are panaceas for our social problems are obscuring the real concern of electing a president empowered by an unchecked Legislature that will consider itself licensed to remake our nation in their own image.

The fear I have which is shared by many of my political persuasion is that we begin down the slippery slope where government again becomes supreme in its own eyes of being omnipotent, omniscient, beneficient to all and the final authority in all matters of life and purpose. This is a return to the ideal of pagan cultures of the past, a world in which Christiandom and the Reformation have delivered us culminating in a kind of government unique in the annals of history advocating freedom from tyranny and opportunity for all.

I am not completely satisified with John McCain's political views and have my own concerns about his potential administration. I do favor his desire to end our wars in the Middle East with victory, but I do worry about his desire to find compromise with those "across the aisle" and what that may lead to. But in terms of his commitment regarding judicial appointments and his economic principles and his commitment to maintaining American values and security in international affairs, I believe our future will be safer for Christian values and our purposes for the expansion of the Gospel with his administration.

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.” – Luke 21:25

The following is a recent press release from NASA:

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft has created a video of the moon transiting (passing in front of) Earth as seen from the spacecraft's point of view 31 million miles away. Scientists are using the video to develop techniques to study alien worlds.

"Making a video of Earth from so far away helps the search for other life-bearing planets in the Universe by giving insights into how a distant, Earth-like alien world would appear to us," said University of Maryland astronomer Michael A’Hearn, principal investigator for the Deep Impact extended mission, called EPOXI.

When I came across the above announcement while checking headlines from the Fox News Gadget on my Google Homepage, I was reminded again of how foolish and shortsighted most scientists and their followers are when they examine the universe with their sophisticated equipment. My first impression when viewing the video online and watching the moon passing over the earth was one of awe and appreciation for God’s magnificent creation in which we live. Their primary interest is in the vain search for any kind of extraterrestrial life to substantiate their idea that our life and our planet are not unique, the product of billions of years of random chance. Though some might postulate the possibility of a Creator or superior intelligence affecting our existence, most seem unconcerned in their quest for validation of their preconceived conclusions.

I am certainly not against space exploration of any kind for the sake of gaining knowledge or seeking usefulness and resources for our human needs. The efforts themselves, though at considerable cost, are likewise fruitful and have yielded many benefits to our lives as earth-bound people. My early career in aerospace engineering and manufacturing gave me an appreciation for scientific exploitation and its practical effects. But what a shame when the beauty of God’s Creation is not appreciated for what it really is: His loving provision for living creatures made in His image that the Bible calls man, “male and female he created them.” And then he gave us authority to rule over all the earth and over all living things.

Yes, we human beings have made a mess of things and we can expect that sinful man will continue the process, especially among those who fail to appreciate what our Heavenly Father has done for our reconciliation and welfare. Sending his Son Jesus Christ to redeem us and give us new life in Him further shows the purpose and intent of his beautiful creation.

“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1

The End of Our Journey

On Friday we stayed at the campground relaxing until evening when our group held a potluck at the campground pavilion. Then we gathered again in a central location for a campfire before heading off to bed.

Today, Nelda and I left the campground with no specific plan but did stop at Uncle Bill’s Flea Market, strung out on the highway as we headed toward Dillsboro. Bought a couple items, including an Elk Ridge pocket knife for me and a Rooster embossed hot plate for Nelda. Have to find out from Butch if I got ripped off on the knife! Then we stopped in Dillsboro at a craft store, then on to nearby Sylva just looking around. There we found the Heinzelmannchen Brewery where we enjoyed a beer tasting treat of 6 or eight different brews (who’s counting?). The young assistant to Braumeister Dieter Kuhn gave us directions to the Mill & Main Restaurant nearby where they served their beers on tap. It was a delightful lunch and after several glasses of Heinzelmannchen Kilted Gnome Scottish Ale (a High Gravity 7.5% ABV ale, “wee bit lighter than most with a hint of smoked peat flavor, balanced maltiness and a lingering hop note with a warming alcohol finish”) we came back to camp where I was ready for a brief nap, then a quick cold swim in the pool.

Tonight we will join the group a last time before leaving in the morning for home. One of the ladies is sharing a pot of beans and rice, which is probably all we’ll need to eat after our filling lunch. It has been an enjoyable time, meeting new friends, seeing new sights and just getting away for a few days. But we are ready to go home and pick up where we were and continuing the ministry that the Lord has given us in his mercy and grace.

Trail of Tears and Other Things

Cherokee NC is only 10 miles from our campground, so Nelda and I took off to get our tickets for the play without knowing where to get them. Several years ago when we went to Robbinsville with Butch and Mavis they took us to Cherokee as we saw the sights in the area. That was when the Indian in one of the shops told Nelda she was supposed to let the man walk ahead of her and for her to get behind me as we left his store. This trip she definitely didn’t want to go back to that shop, but not to worry—we would never be able to distinguish which of the many such shops in the town it was. A young Indian maiden in a local convenience store gave us directions to the Mountainside Theatre which we found easily enough but with the ticket office closed. We then located the ticket office in town, got our tickets and a Subway for lunch before heading back to the campground.

About 4:30 p.m. we joined the other Dixie Chapter folks in a caravan and headed to Sylva for a delightful supper at B’Regards then on to the theatre for the drama. We all sat together with our red “Dixie Chapter” t-shirts in the General Admission section and waited for the show to begin. Then the rains came, not much but enough of a thunder shower we headed for shelter above the seating area until it passed. Meanwhile the show was underway, first with a choir and comedy skits, then a fourteen scene play that depicted the whole history of the Cherokee nation with emphasis on the Indian Removal Act under President Andrew Jackson whose life had previously been saved by Junaluska, one of the Cherokee warriors that helped the U. S. Army at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama. This was the traitorous act as seen by the Cherokees that led to the Trail of Tears with the loss of many lives as they were forced to migrate to the Indian Territories—now Oklahoma. It was a moving drama which we thought well done, but not to the same quality for some who had seen it in years past. All in all it was a very entertaining evening.

A Ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Wednesday we took the Tuckasegee River Excursion on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad from Dillsboro to Bryson City and back. Dillsboro is a small mountain tourist town near Sylva and only about 4 miles from the campground. The trip along the river takes about an hour and a half each way with about the same time at Bryson. At the train stop is a museum of Lionel trains with a large and extensive display of model trains in full operation on a beautiful scale mountain table setting. We splurged on the Club Car tickets and enjoyed our beer and wine in comfortable chairs along the way with a large picture window to view the scenery. Lots of rafters and kayaks full of waving participants and other pictures I’ll share later.

Back at the campground we put some Johnsonville Brats on the grill and relaxed a while before going down to the Dixie Chapter campfire and joining our new friends for an evening of tall tales and good conversation. Met some Dixie members from the LCMS church in Foley who are looking for a new pastor, but I told them we still like Gadsden. It’s a small world after all! Anyway, tonight looks like we may go to Cherokee with the group and see “Unto These Hills,” the outdoor play about the Trail of Tears. Let you know more later.

NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAIN VACATION

Relief from heat and beautiful surroundings in the mountains of North Carolina, what better way to enjoy a week of vacation at the Holly Cove RV Resort campground? Nelda and I arrived safely pulling our TrailManor camping trailer through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests to the Great Smokies near Bryson City, N.C. This trip was planned to meet other TrailManor owners of the Dixie Chapter Trailblazers having a Get-Together this week.

After an uneventful trip up I59 to Tennessee, I24 through Chattanooga and briefly on I75 to Cleveland, TN, we began our trip along the Ocoee River on US74 through the lush forests and scenery leading to Whittier, NC, and our campground. Along the way we saw many rafters on the white water rapids and the frequent blue busses carrying the rafts back to their head waters. We also found a nice roadside table for our lunch and a later very attractive rest stop near Andrews, NC. Much of the way was 4 lane, but in the heart of the National Forests along the rivers was winding 2 lane and slow going. But we arrived in mid-afternoon after 5 ½ hours got checked in, set-up and began enjoying the cooler fresh mountain air at an altitude of about 2600 ft. We also met a few Trailblazers who had already arrived, but most were coming in the next two days.

Tuesday, we hiked one of the trails from the campground, met some more Dixie members then went off to Sylva and nearby Dillsboro to check them out, get our train tickets and find the local Wal-Mart for a few supplies. Nelda found a Cross-Stitch shop in Dillsboro that carried other craft supplies and bought some sock yard to add to her knitting time. Then back to camp and a quick swim (the water was cold) before back to our site and a Taco Salad supper with appropriate adult beverages. The campground featured an informal white elephant Bingo game in the Pavilion which entertained us until we gave up and began our hike back up the hill to home. Along the way we stopped to meet and visit some Trailblazers who recently arrived then relaxed listening to the Angels and Braves games on XM (Angels won, Braves lost). Wednesday we are taking the 4 hour train ride from Dillsboro on the Great Smoky Rail Road. Should be a good trip.

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Hot & Humid in Alabama

It's another hot and humid but dry day here in Alabama. Not much to write about except some musings of here and there. Looks like the Democrats have finally settled on their candidate for the presidential race with Hillary giving her concesssion speech (finally- oh, I already said that) today. Only other big news will be the outcome of the Belmont Stakes race and if Big Brown wins the Triple Crown or goes lame from his cracked hoof.

Did hear from son Pat in California with news concerning his employment options. Hope it works out for him.

Sermon for tomorrow is done, just need to go over it some more before tomorrow. The message is on Christian hope based on Romans 4:18-25. I will post it at the church's website http://www.tlcgadsden.com/ when we get home. It takes me about 15 minutes to copy from my Olympus voice recorder to my laptop and upload it to the website. Christian hope is a very important benefit of Biblical Christianity as the Apostle Paul demonstrates from the story of Abraham in Genesis. Having done two funerals in the last 10 days I am especially reminded of the value having hope in Christ gives to us.

I'm still reading Dinesh D'Souza's book What's So Great About Christianity. I find his arguments very compelling and supporting my own conclusions in 40 years of studying the Christian religion. My only departure is his acceptance of a general view of evolution without Darwinian influenced conclusions that lead to atheism. His support for intelligent design is commendable, but I still see no scientifically determined absolutes that preclude a young earth creation as inferred from an inerrant Word of the Creator - the Bible. Dinesh is a good writer, however, and very thorough in his research. I appreciated some years ago his biography or Ronald Reagan, which I did complete and holds a key place in my home library collection.

Well, it's nearing race time and though I have no money riding on the race, curiosity needs its fulfillment.

IT’S JUST POLITICS!

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. – Romans 13:1

Here we go again, it’s another election year! Super Tuesday is February 5th. How ironic the next day, when we may find out who are the most likely Democratic and Republican candidates in the fall elections, is Ash Wednesday. Of course Ash Wednesday for Christians is an annual call to repentance and cleansing in the Blood of Christ. Would that our elected government officials could focus their attention along the same lines! Not to mix religion and government, yet a parallel cleansing of national interests would add a refreshing tone to the politics of our national elections. But, alas, the personal attacks and dirty tricks have become an inherent part of the game and election strategy on both sides of the aisle. It will be a rough year as the campaigns for each candidate become more desperate for our votes and our support. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand that their authority exists and has been given by God’s administration, but it’s a good point to keep in mind. As it is said, people usually get the government they deserve. Perhaps that should guide us to stop blaming the politicians so much and examine more closely what might improve the results for what we deserve.

In other words, shouldn’t we be looking inwardly as much as we look outwardly? Or, to coin a phrase, all politics begin inside of us (not just at home!). King David, a politician of a different era, prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” And his example has been at the heart of Christian renewal as far back as the church begun. What effect do you suppose would happen, not just personally but corporately as well, if a majority of people in our churches seriously took David’s words to heart? And what effect do you think that would have on our nation? And what effect might it have on the world? One can only imagine, but one thing is for sure: for there to be any effect at all it must begin in me and you. For if the motivations and desires that guide our lives and propel our votes come from God cleansed hearts, then regardless of who wins the nominations and elections that govern our land, in God we can still trust.

One of course must fulfill their civic duty as well, especially in our country where we are free to vote for those we believe will serve us best in the authority God has given them. And that in itself is an awesome responsibility, for it is more than a popularity contest. We are forced to look below the surface and avoid the pressure of media and movements, but as objectively as possible consider the merits of each candidate in the face of grave and serious national and human interests. Our criteria in this endeavor are what separate church and state. Our civic interests should always be compatible with the purposes of our faith, but must first be concerned with America’s strength as envisioned by its founding principles and conserving it for the generations that follow us.

But let it begin with a grateful heart for all we have received and enjoy through faith in Jesus Christ who for our sakes and the forgiveness of our sins went to the cross to give us a greater freedom than any nation or government on earth can offer. And to our God who through divine providence has given the people of America great privileges in electing those who govern our lives here on earth.

2008: A Time for Faith to Grow

“. . . a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:2b

I’m looking forward to a good year in 2008, how about you?
What will 2008 bring? What might we see happen that could bring the kind of happiness we hope for? In general terms related to the world we live in, it should be an interesting year at least. With the improvement seen in our military success in Iraq we are hopeful that fewer of our soldiers will be needed in the Middle East to secure a complex and dangerous political situation there. We hope also that greater security from terrorist movements will lessen the threat to our homeland. But then there are major political issues that will be at the heart of an election year sure to become at the center of our expectations for the future. It will truly be an interesting year indeed.
There are always a good many external events of which we have little control except in their aftermath that will also affect the coming year. Weather, human tragedy and institutional failure will all take their turn in bringing their own affects upon communities and individuals across our land and possibly including ourselves either directly or indirectly in major ways.
But whatever happens, and we can never depend on our knowing beforehand, we can be sure of the most important and essential thing that should matter the most to us, and that is God’s love for us in Jesus Christ and what faith in Him can bring. This can become a great year for us under any circumstances if we allow our faith to grow. There are many ways we can contribute to this growth process, all of course dependent on God’s Spirit and grace as the enabling power making it work. Devotions and Bible study are key activities requiring only a little self-discipline to be effective. Start with the Portals of Prayer booklets that we give out at church. There are also some good on-line resources and email lists that can be of help for those of us who spend a lot of time in front of a computer. A daily reading plan such as found on page 299 of the Lutheran Service Book hymnal coupled with a review of Luther’s Small Catechism is another helpful way, and there are many other such tools that can help us. Just reading and reflecting on a portion of Scripture each day will help your faith to grow. Of course these times are useful for fellowship with the Lord in prayer. As James tells us, the prayers of a righteous person have great effect, and we are made righteous by faith in the Lord Jesus that grows while we are in the Word and pray.
There are a lot of people who say they don't attend a certain church or they don't go as often as they should. But then how can you be growing in the Lord without a church to feed you in the Word? If you don't water a plant, it will wither and eventually die. The same is true of our walk with the Lord. We can grow complacent and immune to the ways of the world far too easily without being held accountable and being fed with His Word on a regular basis. Besides, your regular participation in church will bring you fellowship with other believers, vital to permanent growth in your faith. There is nothing like having that special "bond" with a fellow brother or sister in the Lord with whom you share a spiritual relationship in your church when you need a shoulder to cry on, advice, or encouragement in your life.
So make 2008 a year of growth, for you and for your family, and may God continually bless you in your commitment to him and in your endeavor to see your faith in Him grow.

PEBBLES IN THE SAND

Sir Isaac Newton, after his sublime discoveries in science, said, “I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem only like a boy playing upon the seashore, and diverting myself by now and then finding a pebble, or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lies all undiscovered before me.”

—Foster

Newton apparently had nothing on us after all, except of course his great intellect. Most of the time we, like him, are like that boy on the seashore finding pebbles in the sand. That is, we are so preoccupied with our own interests and thoughts that we pay no attention to the greater realities around us. Our circle of truth encompasses only what our short attention spans seem able to handle in a given moment. But though most of what is true escapes us even as we touch on it with great frequency in our meanderings, there are truths and realities that we are compelled to consider from time to time. Jesus draws our attention to one such significant truth; one which brings light, knowledge and wisdom to the most basic problem that faces all people whatever age or circumstance they may find themselves in.

Invariably one of the pebbles in our life that we pick up and examine is an act or attitude of our own doing or being that wants to lead us to guilt or remorse. For some that pebble is like a hot potato and it is dropped immediately and quickly forgotten as something more attractive gains their attention. For others it is like a rough and heavy rock that is hung around their neck as a burden that weighs on the conscience and hard to remove or ignore. For these latter Jesus spoke his words of comfort and release, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Only He, the Son of God, can forgive us and remove the burden of sin that we carry, but not only must we be willing to give honest scrutiny to that ugly “pebble” in our way we must also be hearing him and abiding in his word. So the Gospel tells us very plainly.

We are now approaching the end of another church year and a new Advent season. Soon our thoughts will be focused on celebrating our Savior’s birth, another significant truth to believers in the Christian message. But in the midst of our meanderings, another pebble we can pick up and examine carefully is the opportunity to give special thanks to our loving and gracious Heavenly Father God; both for the goodness we enjoy in our nation and for sending his Son Jesus to set us free from sin and death so that we are free indeed. Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. we encourage all who can to join us at church – another way we can abide in His word. May you enjoy His grace as you continue along the shore of life and truth, picking up pebbles and pretty shells.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” –John 8:31-32

LIBERAL CONSERVATISM

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,
for he who promised is faithful. – Hebrews 10:23

Conservatives are often considered roadblocks to progress. Sometimes that may be the case, but not necessarily. In fact, they may represent the most progressive elements of society. Indeed, “Christian Conservatives are linked by the Media with the much to be feared “Religious Right” as the most radical segment of the voting public today.
But the true meaning of conservatism is to preserve what is good, reliable and useful while being liberal in the extension of benefit to the largest possible number of recipients. The heart of today’s political debate is over the role of government in extending those benefits. But, at least for the church, our objective and attitude should be that of the true conservative: preserving God’s Word and its application and extending its promise to the widest possible extent.
That this conservative purpose can have much effect for positive change in the world can be shown in just two examples: the world of the Apostle Paul and the world of the great Reformer, Martin Luther. But in both of these cases, the changes first occurred within the church, before their impact on the broader scale was felt. What seems lacking in today’s religious influence is the right balance of the true conservative’s principles in the spirit of biblical and reformational Christianity. These principles may also be expressed as Law & Gospel, both the heart of Paul’s and Luther’s influence upon first the church and then the world.
In Paul’s time it was the Jewish Church that needed the Reformation and the Roman world that needed the Good News of Jesus Christ. In Luther’s day it was the Roman Church that needed the Reformation and Western Civilization that needed the Gospel preached throughout. It was the extent of commitment in their respective churches that produced the effects of their outreach. And though its primary purpose was for personal salvation and the fruits of the Spirit with those in whom the seed of God’s Word was sown, secondary civil and social benefits were clearly accrued for all people.
In our time it may be said that the Protestant Church, the church of Western Civilization, is the one needing Reformation before a more global world can be reached with the Good News and both its primary and secondary effects can be produced. But that needed reformation must be formed on the same principles of true conservatism as those advanced by Luther and Paul.
The problem with the church which Paul was Called to reform was that it had become Law centered, pushing out the refreshing spirit of the Gospel. The same is said for Luther’s church. For each of them the Gospel gained prominence, not by replacing the Law but by keeping them in their proper relationship. This is what gives Christianity its unique and overwhelming value, conserving what is good, reliable and useful; but extending its benefits to the greatest numbers of people.
Unless the Church of our period in history is able to regain the true principles of conservation, making the benefits of the Gospel our goal while keeping it in balance with the Ten Commandments, offering salvation and hope without giving up our moral values and the authority of God in our own daily lives, then we will fail in the commission we have received.
All our endeavors, political and otherwise, will accomplish nothing except further abuse and despair if we don’t take the right course. That course is: Reformation within and Gospel without. Order here is essential. Try to do it backwards, as some in the Religious Right seem to be doing, and neither the church nor the world will benefit. Rather let us be true conservatives and we can be used to change the world for Christ!

Visit To The Creation Museum

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
– Genesis 1:1-2

On our vacation this summer, we visited the new Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, that opened on Memorial Day this year. What a wonderful exhibit it is, telling the real story of God’s creation and God’s truth about the creation of the universe and everything in it. Not only is it factually based and in total agreement with the Bible, but they have done a fantastic job of showing the comparison of what God’s Word teaches versus the view of human reasoning that discounts or ignores biblical revelation.
With the theme “Prepare to Believe” the museum takes you through beautiful displays showing representations and actual artifacts that illustrate and describe all of the major events of Genesis chapters 1 – 11. There is also a fantastic planetarium show that puts all the galaxies, constellations, stars and planets in context with the Bible’s account of creation. The many rooms of exhibits then explain in scientific terms how what can be observed and proven fit very well with the Genesis account and why there is a difference of interpretation by modern evolutionary based scientific theory. “Same Facts, but Different Views… Why?” are demonstrated regarding such topics as dinosaurs, coal and oil formation, speciation in animal and plant life, recent creation and evolution, our first human parents, the universal flood of Noah and the Ark, Flood Geology, the Ice Age, survival of dinosaurs as the basis for dragon mythology and many more.
I was also impressed with the non-sectarian content and view taken with the museum. Lutherans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians and Catholics, indeed all Christians having only in common a complete acceptance of all the canonical books of Holy Scripture would have no problem with anything viewed or described. Only the skeptic, agnostic, atheist or non-Christian would be uncomfortable, as in fact many such critics have already expressed themselves. I also appreciated the inclusion of a display figure of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the Wittenberg Church Door. In fact one lady hearing my expression that Luther was my hero volunteered to take my picture along side his image in the Biblical Relevance Room.
Perhaps most fulfilling of all was seeing the thousands of people there that day viewing and appreciating the work that had been done in making this a very professional first class museum of the finest quality suitable for its high purpose and glorifying the Creator and Savior Jesus Christ. The last feature after seeing all the display rooms was the Last Adam Theater, beautifully telling the Gospel story in a tasteful and appealing way. That’s the climax to the Creation as the Bible tells it, Jesus Christ fulfilling it all by going to the Cross and dying for our sins so that we might enjoy the new Creation to come forever.
By all means go see it if you can. Every Christian and especially every parent with their children needs to visit this museum. It is a beautiful story told in a beautiful setting with nature trails and gardens and lakes surrounding it. Teenagers especially, about to enter high school and college should have this presentation before facing the secular and brainwashed teachers and professors they will soon come across. The museum doesn’t force your agreement with its viewpoint, but lovingly, accurately and convincingly it will reinforce your faith. Go to www.creationmuseum.org to plan your trip and when you get back let me know what you think. May God bless you as you Believe in Him!

RELEVANT CHRISTIANITY

How relevant is Christian faith and practice to the world we live in? By that I don’t just mean its relevance to your life or my life, or even its relevance to the church – our church or your church. Lutheran theology has always recognized a two-kingdom approach to understanding our Christian life and responsibilities in this world. In other words we each live in two realms at the same time: one of civil authority and the other under Christ. And we owe each its proper allegiance. But under Christ what do we owe civil government? Only our civil obedience and our voice and vote when given opportunity to elect government leaders or approve certain laws or propositions, or can we go further on moral and biblical issues?

The concept of “separation of church and state” has evolved to the point in our day that Christians may feel an intimidation against their speaking out publicly on matters affecting their Christian beliefs based on Holy Scripture. This is especially true when there is conflict with publicly held dogma as in the evolution versus creation debate.

The recent passing of Reverend Jerry Falwell reminds many of the impact his “Moral Majority” had in the political concerns of the ‘80’s. His religious exuberance and appeal was offensive to “liberals” and of some concern to many “conservatives,” But in the aggregate one might recognize certain achievements in highlighting a number of Christian concerns while living in a freely elected civil state. Debate on subjects of abortion, marriage, homosexual lifestyle and others ensued, resulting in the success of some candidates favorable to a Christian worldview, despite some possible excesses that were not as helpful.

The better approach seen by the faithful is the evangelical one: preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, testifying to our faith by our words and by our actions and raising our families in connection with a Bible based church. These are, of course, obligations to our Lord and His Kingdom done out of gratitude for the forgiveness of our sins, his spiritual gifts and our life to come. But as the relevance of the church diminishes in our culture there may also be a loss in the affect Christianity is able to have in the realm of civil affairs. Christians need to be engaged on both fronts if we are to remain relevant in a world for which Christ died for all. Indeed we must stand up for the truth of the Bible reflected in honest, but loving Christian faith, regardless of the cost, and in the public arena as much as in the religious one.

Having just studied “Christianity, the First Three Centuries,” a video series by Dr. Paul Maier, at our Wednesday night Bible Study, we were impressed with the struggle of those early believers. Many died as martyrs for the faith in the face of fierce opposition from the Roman state, but through perseverance the church flourished and prevailed. The opposition we face is nothing in comparison with theirs. Should we not just as vigorously engage our world both with the Gospel and with our citizenship as Christians in the freedom of an America still under the blessings of God?

MERRY CHIRSTMAS 2006

Christmas Greetings to Ya’ll,

2006 has been an eventful year for us as we near completing three years in our Alabama home. We feel we have settled in nicely here and continue to enjoy our new friends in our church, general good health (for our age!) and all the blessings of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We enjoyed camping with our Jeep & Trailer on several trips this year despite a little accident on the way home through Kentucky. Spent some time in Chattanooga, Nashville, Washington D.C., Ohio and Kentucky. Went to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas to help Jeanne & Ken* renew their 50th. Pomeroy had LCMS meetings in Jacksonville MS, Baton Rouge LA and St. Louis MO. Nelda has really gotten into knitting and helped start a class at church. We both visit the gym several times each week and with our closest church friends we usually “lift one” at a local pub and have Friday dinner at El Tapitio Mexican Restaurant each week. We continue to enjoy our daughter Liz living with us and the holiday visits of Sheri and her family when they come down from Kentucky. We do miss our other children this year, Tim in Utah, Pat & Jeri in So. Cal. But we hope 2007 will see us all get together at least once during the year.

We hope and pray that you too know the blessings of Jesus and his forgiving love and that you have a very merry little Christmas wherever you are. God bless you now and in the new year. May He come soon!

Love from the Heart of Dixie,
Pomeroy & Nelda Moore

* Pomeroy’s sister & brother-in-law living near the area we grew up in.

Merry Christmas !!!