Smalcald Articles: Issues for a true council

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber
ConcordiaDr Martin Luther writes in the Introduction to his Smalcald Articles in 1537 and I quote according to Kolb & Wengert, 299,10-13:
I would indeed very much like to see a true council, in order to assist with a variety of matters and to aid many people. Not that we need it, for through God’s grace our churches are now enlightened and supplied with the pure Word and right use of the sacraments, an understanding of the various walks of life, and true works. Therefore we do not ask for a council for our sakes. In such matters, we cannot hope for or expect any improvement from the council. Rather, we see in bishoprics everywhere so many parishes empty and deserted12 that our hearts are ready to break. And yet, neither bishops nor cathedral canons ask how the poor people live or die—people for whom Christ died. And should not these people hear this same Christ speak to them as the true shepherd with his sheep?13 It horrifies and frightens me that Christ might cause a council of angels to descend upon Germany and totally destroy us all, like Sodom and Gomorrah, because we mock him so blasphemously with the council.14
In addition to such necessary concerns of the church, there are also countless important matters in worldly affairs that need improvement. There is disunity among the princes and the estates. Greed and usury have burst in like a great flood and have attained a semblance of legality. Wantonness, lewdness, extravagant dress, gluttony, gambling, conspicuous consumption with all kinds of vice and wickedness, disobedience—of subjects, servants, laborers—extortion by all the artisans and the peasants15 (who can list everything?) have so gained the upper hand that a person could not set things right again with ten councils and twenty imperial diets. If participants in the council were to deal with the chief concerns in the spiritual and secular estates that are opposed to God, then their hands would be so full that they would forget all about the child’s games and fool’s play of long robes, great tonsures,16 broad cinctures, bishop’s and cardinal’s hats, crosiers, and similar clowning around. If we had already been following God’s command and precept in the spiritual and secular estates, then we would have found the spare time to reform food, vestments, tonsures, and chasubles. But if we swallow such camels and strain out gnats or let logs stand and dispute about specks,17 then we might just as well be satisfied with such a council.

12 In 1538 it was reported in Wittenberg that there were some six hundred vacant parishes in the bishopric of Würzburg (WATR 4, no. 4002; LW 54:308).
13 John 10:3*. SA III, 12, 2.
14 The Latin translation: “pretext of a council.” For the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, see Genesis 19.
15 LC, “Ten Commandments,” 226 and 235.
16 The distinctive haircut worn by medieval monks.
17 Matthew 23:24* and 7:3–5*.
Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord : The confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (299). Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
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Why should we pray?

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber
IX teaching
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught his disciples to pray. That’s what we can learn from the “Our Father”. In his introduction to this 3rd main part of the Christian faith Dr. Martin Luther writes  the following:
We have now heard what we are to do and believe. The best and most blessed life consists of these things. Now follows the third part, how we are to pray. We are in such a situation that no one can keep the Ten Commandments perfectly, even though he or she has begun to believe. Besides, the devil, along with the world and our flesh, resists them with all his power. Consequently, nothing is so necessary as to call upon God incessantly and to drum into his ears our prayer that he may give, preserve, and increase in us faith and the fulfillment of the Ten Commandments and remove all that stands in our way and hinders us in this regard. That we may know what and how to pray, however, our Lord Christ himself has taught us both the way and the words, as we shall see. (440)
This should be kept in mind above all things so that we may silence and repel thoughts that would prevent or deter us from praying, as though it made no great difference if we do not pray, or as though prayer were commanded for those who are holier and in better favor with God than we are. Indeed, the human heart is by nature so desperately wicked that it always flees from God, thinking that he neither wants nor cares for our prayers because we are sinners and have merited nothing but wrath. Against such thoughts, I say, we should respect this commandment and turn to God so that we may not increase his anger by such disobedience. By this commandment he makes it clear that he will not cast us out or drive us away, even though we are sinners; he wishes rather to draw us to himself so that we may humble ourselves before him, lament our misery and plight, and pray for grace and help. Therefore we read in the Scriptures that he is angry because those who were struck down for their sin did not return to him and assuage his wrath and seek grace by their prayers.
From the fact that prayer is so urgently commanded, you ought to conclude that we should by no means despise our prayers, but rather prize them highly (441)
In the second place, what ought to impel and arouse us to pray all the more is the fact that God has made and affirmed a promise: that what we pray is a certain and sure thing. As he says in Psalm 50[:15], “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you,” and Christ says in the Gospel in Matthew 7[:7–8], “Ask, and it will be given you,” etc. . . . “For everyone who asks receives.” Such promises certainly ought to awaken and kindle in our hearts a longing and love for prayer. For by his Word, God testifies that our prayer is heartily pleasing to him and will assuredly be heard and granted, so that we may not despise it, cast it to the winds, or pray uncertainly.
You can hold such promises up to him and say, “Here I come, dear Father, and pray not of my own accord nor because of my own worthiness, but at your commandment and promise, which cannot fail or deceive me.” Those who do not believe such a promise should again realize that they are angering God, grossly dishonoring him, and accusing him of lying. (443)
Therefore from youth on we should form the habit of praying daily for our needs, whenever we are aware of anything that affects us or other people around us, such as preachers, magistrates, neighbors, and servants; and, as I have said, we should always remind God of his commandment and promise, knowing that he does not want them despised. This I say because I would like to see people learn again to pray properly and not act so crudely and coldly that they daily become more inept in praying. This is just what the devil wants and works for with all his might, for he is well aware what damage and harm he suffers when prayer is used properly.
This we must know, that all our safety and protection consists in prayer alone. For we are far too weak against the devil and all his might and forces arrayed against us, trying to trample us underfoot. Therefore we must keep this in mind and grasp the weapons with which Christians are to arm themselves for resisting the devil. What do you think has accomplished such great results in the past, parrying the counsels and plots of our enemies and checking their murderous and seditious designs by which the devil expected to crush us, and the gospel as well, except that the prayers of a few godly people intervened like an iron wall on our side? Otherwise they would have seen a far different drama: the devil would have destroyed all Germany in its own blood. Now they may confidently laugh and make their snide comments. But by prayer alone we shall be a match both for them and for the devil, if only we persevere and do not become weary. For whenever a good Christian prays, “Dear Father, your will be done,” God replies from above, “Yes, dear child, it shall be done indeed, in spite of the devil and all the world.” (444)
The following excerpts are from  The Book of Concord : The confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church edited by Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
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Caveat and handle with care

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

babiesRead the following publication: “After-birth abortion: why should the baby live?” in the Journal of Medical Ethics and see how the killing of new-born babies is promoted. This is very scary and shows, what seemingly sane and rational people can argue for if they don’t fear God nor his commandments: medethics-2011-100411.full.pdf.

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Löhe on Romans 6,22a

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

sanctification1But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God (Rom 6:22 NIV)

It is something most glorious if one can say that about somebody. It demonstrates too that the liberation of Romans from slavery was something very earnest and most significant. It can be summarized as: “Snares are broken and we are free!” That opened up a powerful, happy and joyful life to them. However if we announce this to our people today, there is hardly a happy or joyful reaction – never mind a powerful one. It’s as if this powerful truth does not really hold any comfort or liberating blessing for them. Yes, it is true that the old slavery of serving sin is past and no longer a binding force, yet too often sin still plays a negative and downright impeding role in Christians lives. Healing is far away. It’s as if we’ve stopped at the crossing and are just too indecisive whether to move left or right. There seems to be no power or strength for a determinative decision – and it’s like turning around aimlessly in a circle – going either backwards or forwards, but never really breaking out of the same old and sinful cycle. Blessed is he, who is no longer is caught up in this endless sequel of rotations around his own self. Blessed is he, who has broken with the sinful past and is now free from sin and serving divine righteousness and holiness.

O Lord Jesus Christ! Strengthen the confidence of our faith, that it proves itself quite vital and vigorous in constant sanctification and living hope. Grant that we praise you joyfully as our only saviour and liberator, you, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.   

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the solemn watchword hear; If while ye sleep He suffers, away with shame and fear; Where’er ye meet with evil, within you or without, Charge for the God of battles, and put the foe to rout.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day. Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes; Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone; The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own. Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer; Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, each soldier to his post, Close up the broken column, and shout through all the host: Make good the loss so heavy, in those that still remain, And prove to all around you that death itself is gain.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song. To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be; They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally. (George Duffield 1818-1888)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Thursday after the seventh Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 268 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 18th July 2013

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

BahngleiseAs for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. (Psa 18:30 NIV)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Mat 6:34 NIV)

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“You are not your own…” (1.Cor.6:18-20)

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Gilmore_Let_the_living_riseListen to this mornings confessional address on 1.Cor.6:19-20 as it was held at St. Timothy’s chapel at the LTS in Tshwane: Confessional Address 2013.7.17

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Medienmagazin pro: Kommentar

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Connection of politics and church in Germany. Here are some enlightening comments on the relationship between EKD & SPD: Medienmagazin pro: Kommentar.

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Löhe on Romans 6,21

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

butterflyWhat benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! (Rom 6:21 NIV)

St. Paul clarifies clearly what is past and what is present. The Christians were slaves of sin. That’s history. They have been called and liberated by Christ to a new life in which they now willingly and voluntarily serve righteousness and divine goodness and purity. Before this they were pagans. Now they are Christians. The pagans in Greek and Roman times can generally be classified as slaves of sin. That was in that time. Now it’s better for them. They have been converted from a bad past to a better presence and future.  They have left the bondage and captivity of sin to continue living in a new mode of serving righteousness, justice and good. Now they can pursue good in thinking, willing and doing – which they couldn’t do in the past. Now they are no longer forced to serve iniquity and godlessness. Rather they are liberated to freely serve the god-pleasing, righteousness and truly good works that serve society/community and please God too. That is why we also advocate and promote this significant and profound conversion from the old to the new, for the pagan to the Christian, from outside to inside the Church: It’s the way to go from death to life and from serving vanity and iniquity to serving lasting values, virtues and good in righteousness and purity!

O Lord, you have called us to you that we can now pursue this hearts desire to be yours now and forever from the very bottom of our heart. Oh, would we truly be yours. Oh, would we be totally free from evil’s domination. Compensate our poverty with your divine abundance, our failing with your success, our sinfulness with your grace and mercy. Amen.   

Ah, why did I so late Thee know, Thee, lovelier than the sons of men! Ah, why did I no sooner go To Thee, the only ease in pain! Ashamed, I sigh, and deeply mourn, That I so late to Thee did turn.

In darkness willingly I strayed, I sought Thee, yet from Thee I roved; Far wide my wandering thoughts were spread, Thy creatures more than Thee I loved; And now if more at length I see, ’Tis through Thy light and comes from Thee.

I thank Thee, uncreated Sun, That Thy bright beams on me have shined; I thank Thee, who hast overthrown My foes, and healed my wounded mind; I thank Thee, whose enlivening voice Bids my freed heart in Thee rejoice.

Uphold me in the doubtful race, Nor suffer me again to stray; Strengthen my feet with steady pace Still to press forward in Thy way; My soul and flesh, O Lord of might, Fill, satiate, with Thy heavenly light. (Johann Scheffler, 1624-1677)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Wednesday after the seventh Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 267 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 17th July 2013

Posted on July 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

chagal MosesThus says the Lord: “I wrote for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something alien.” (Hos 8:12 NIV)

For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Rom 2:13 NIV)

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 16th July 2013

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

16.-kingfisher-600x900Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you. (Pro 20:22 NIV)

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. (1Th 5:15 NIV)

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