John the Baptizer

John was a forerunner of Christ, as we hear frequently, but why? Why did Jesus need a forerunner? Jesus himself says that John was the fulfillment of the old testament prophets (Matthew 3:4), by pointing directly to the Messiah, rather than forward to Him. Mark 1:3 explains how John was the "voice of one crying in the wilderness" prophesied in Isaiah 40:3. He was a kind of Elijah (Malachi 4:5) before Lord.

But, why and how did John prepare the way? John was like a triage diagnosis before seeing the doctor. Jesus brings medicine, but people need to know they are sick.

Also, John preaches and practices baptism, repentance, forgiveness of sins, just like in our liturgy. The whole ministry of John is essentially reproduced at beginning of service, followed by the service of the Holy Communion, just like Jesus dying and shedding his body and blood after John. At the end of John's ministry he states that he must decrease so that Jesus can increase. This is just like the Pastor's vestments, which covers him and why he stands behind a pulpit when preaching the gospel.

Johann Gerhard

Johann Gerhard (Oct 17, 1582 – Aug 17, 1637) studied theology and philosophy (and a couple years of medicine) and graduated in 1605.  By 1616, when he was only 33 years old, he became the senior theological professor at Jena and was soon considered the greatest theologian of his time. He was also a prolific author.

Gerhard helped to develop Lutheran scholasticims during the Lutheran High Orthodoxy period, which lasted from 1600 to 1685. The main purpose of this was to educate people to defend the faith, especially against the Jesuits at the time.

One interesting thing that he contributed was the seven duties of a pastor in his "Commonplaces: Locus on the Ministry"

1. Preaching the heavenly Word
2. Administering the sacraments
3. Praying for the flock entrusted to him
4. Honorable managers of their life and behavior
5. Take care of the administration of church discipline
6. Preserve ecclesiastical rights
7. Take care of the poor and visit the sick

Pastors

Previously I had a post on the roles and relationships of Pastor and Elders, which was really about what an Elder is. I have not done a post on Deacons, but it can be summed up rather quickly. The best definition I have heard for what a Deacon is in the LCMS is: "one who is certified to break the Article 14 of the Augsburg Confession". The second best definition I have heard is: "an abomination." Previously I have discussed what pastors wear and why and that Pastors are to fulfill the Great Commission. Johann Gerhard Lists what pastors duties are:

1. Preaching the heavenly Word
2. Administering the sacraments
3. Praying for the flock entrusted to him
4. Honorable managers of their life and behavior
5. Take care of the administration of church discipline
6. Preserve ecclesiastical rights
7. Take care of the poor and visit the sick

A shorthand for what Pastors are supposed to do is to preach and teach. To accomplish that, they need to be constant students of the Bible (theologians), but they need to be out among the people. This is why Pastors have a study and not an office. I have been hearing lately that it has become common to unjustly oust Pastors because of conflicts in personality and/or style.  This is a great sin.  The 2003 CTCR Study Report on “the Divine Call” lists five reasons and not without due process:

1. Teaching false doctrine 
2. Offensive conduct or scandalous life 
3. Deliberate unfaithfulness in the performance of official duties 
4. Neglect of, or inability to perform, official duties 
5. Domineering in office.

The Bible is also full of verses about qualification of becoming a pastor:

1. Aspire to the office
2. Without/above reproach
3. A husband of one wife
4. Self-controlled
5. Sober-minded
6. Orderly
7. Disciplined
8. Hospitable
9. Able to teach
10. Good manager of his household
11. Good Father with faithful, well-behaved children
12. Well thought of
13. Lover of Good
14. Hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught

There is also a list of things he should not be:

1. Not a drunkard
2. Nor violent, but gentle
3. Not quarrelsome
4. Not a lover of money
5. Not a recent convert
6. Not arrogant
7. Not quick tempered
8. Not greedy for gain

Bible Verses About Pastors

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. -Acts 20:28-31

[S]hepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. -1 Peter 5:2-4

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,  not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. -1 Timothy 3:1-7

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. -1 Timothy 5:17-22

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers  and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. -Titus 1:5-9

Lost Sheep



The parable of the lost sheep, is the capstone of the three parables that are right in a row in the Bible, the other two being the lost coin and the prodigal (lost) son. The word parable means "to set beside", or as a comparison. These parables are told in a set of three to drive home his point and are told in response to the Pharisees and religious leaders accuse Jesus of welcoming and eating with sinners. They are all about God rejoicing when lost sinners return to the fold.

1) The main character possesses something valuable and does not want to lose it.
2) The main character rejoices in the finding of the lost thing, but does not rejoice alone.
3) The main character (God) expresses care in either the looking or the handling of that which was lost.
4) Each thing that was lost has a personal value, not just a monetary value: shepherds care for their sheep, women cherish their bridal jewelry, and a father loves his son.

In this parable, Jesus is the Good Shepherd, identifying himself with the God of the Old Testament (Ezekiel 34:11-16). It also points to Jesus as the Messiah due to being the fulfillment and descendant of the old Testament King David, who was a shepherd (think Psalm 23 and the parallels). The lost sheep is any sinful person, but more specifically, any old Adam. This could be an unbeliever/pagan or a Christian who fell away.

accusing under-shepherds of not taking care of flock

Some might think it is strange to throw a party for a Shepherd just does his job. But this shepherd loves his sheep and sheep who stray are in mortal danger. Therefore, there is great joy when the Shepherd finds the sheep because he saved his life.

shepherd finds the sheep. the sheep doesn't find the shepherd, or even know it is lost.

In Matthew he states that the sheep go astray on a mountain. In the Bible the mountain has a special meaning of a holy place. This emphasizes that the sinner is the one who is responsible for straying away from God.

In Luke, emphasizes that the sheep is lost by a Shepherd in an open field. This points to the undershepherds not doing their job in protecting their congregations. This is pointing blame on the Pharisees and religious leaders.

In either case, it is God who rescues the lost sinner with no help from the sinner himself. In fact, the sheep does not even know he is lost and in danger.

Differences between the LCMS and WELS

 

In the US, the two largest confessional Lutheran synods are the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The next two largest synods are the AALC, which is in full fellowship with the LCMS and the ELS, which is in fellowship with WELS. Therefore, since the vast majority of Confessional Lutherans fall into one of these two groups, it is worth evaluating the differences. From my studies, there appear to be a few main theological differences between the LCMS and the WELS.

 

The first, and main difference, is the understanding of fellowship. The WELS holds to what is called the "unit concept" of fellowship, which places virtually all joint expressions of the Christian faith on the same level. In an official statement made in 1960 the WELS states, "Church fellowship should therefore be treated as a unit concept, covering every joint expression, manifestation, and demonstration of a common faith" (Doctrinal Statements of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, 1970, pp. 51-52). The LCMS, however, has historically not understood or practiced church fellowship in this way, but has made a distinction between altar and pulpit fellowship (for which full doctrinal agreement is required) and other manifestations of Christian fellowship, such as prayer fellowship (which do not necessarily require full doctrinal agreement). Disagreements on this issue led the Wisconsin to break fellowship with the LCMS in 1961.

 

In 2002, in order to defend the actions of one District President, the LCMS adopted the view that public serial prayer is not an act of fellowship because prayer isn’t worship. However, Martin Luther claims that prayer is an act of worship as follows:

"But the Scripture teaches not the invocation of saints, or to ask help of saints, since it sets before us the one Christ as the Mediator, Propitiation, High Priest, and Intercessor.  He is to be PRAYED to, and has promised that He will hear our PRAYER; and this WORSHIP He approves above all, to wit, that in all afflictions He be called upon, 1 John 2,1:  'If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, etc.'" (Augsburg Confession Article XXI.3 Concordia Triglotta page 57

"The First Commandment demands faith, that you believe that God is a Helper in due time, as Ps. 9:9 declares. The Second demands confession and prayer, that we call upon the name of God in danger and give thanks to God. The Third, that we teach the truth and defend and preserve sound doctrine. These are the true and only forms of worship of God, which God demands . . ." LW1:328-329

"Because no law had yet been given about worship in a certain place, they were free to sacrifice everywhere, just as we today are free to pray everywhere." LW2:192

". . . the real kernel of worship, which is to give thanks, pray, hope, and confess even under the cross and in disaster." LW6:237

Luther says: "In our days they [the papists] let obedience lie and lead us so deeply into works, that we have completely drifted from obedience, and we gape at works and despise our own mission and calling. Hence there is no doubt it is Satan's own doings that divine worship is confined only to churches, altars, masses, singing, reading, offerings and the like, as if all other works were vain or of no use whatever. How could Satan mislead us more completely from the right way than when he confines God's worship within such narrow limits, only to the church and whatever is done it?" In "Sermons of Martin Luther" [Lenker Edition], Vol. 1, page 245.

 

The second is the doctrine of the ministry. With respect to the doctrine of the ministry, since the days of C. F. W. Walther the LCMS has held that the office of the public ministry (the pastoral office) according to Scripture is the one divinely established office in the church, while the church possesses the freedom to create other offices, by human institution, from time to time to assist in the carrying out of the functions of the pastoral ministry. The WELS' Theses on Church and Ministry, expressly deny that the pastoral ministry is specifically instituted by the Lord in contrast to other forms of public ministry, such as teaching Bible studies.

The third is the role of women in the church. While both the LCMS and the WELS strongly oppose the ordination of women to the pastoral office on Scriptural grounds, most of the LCMS officially has concluded that the Scriptures do not forbid woman suffrage in the church (although some disagree). The WELS opposes woman suffrage in the church as contrary to Scripture.

The fourth is that on the "Church" the LCMS focuses on the local congregation as Church, pointing out that this is where the marks of the Church, the preaching of the Gospel and administration of the Sacrament, are found. In the LCMS view, things like Districts or Synod are not, strictly speaking, “Church”. The WELS, on the other hand notes that when the District or Synod gathers, it is still a gathering amongst Christians, often where the preaching of the Gospel and the Administration of the Sacraments are present. To its credit, the WELS is a bit more consistent on this than the LCMS, which gets around the whole District and Synod not being church and yet having a church service at such gatherings by having a local congregation “adopt” such a gathering (or school/university chapel).

Why Have a Synod, or Denomination?

With so many non-denominational, or unaffiliated churches nowadays many people ask why do we have denominations or synods anyway. It is important to remember that the word synod means walking or journeying together, which really means having the same faith. Below is the 14 reasons that the LCMS was formed, taken from its first constitution. Look how many of these have to do with purity of doctrine. On a separate note, why in the world have we gotten rid of number 10?!?

1. To stand guard over the purity and unity of doctrine within the synodical circle, and to oppose false doctrine.
2. Supervision over the performance of the official duties on the part of the pastors and teachers of Synod.
3. Common protection and extension of the church.
4. Publication and distribution of a church periodical.
5. Conscientious examination of candidates for the ministry and teaching profession.
6. To provide for ecclesiastical ordination and induction into office.
7. The preparation of future preachers and teachers for service in the Church.
8. To provide for congregations with out pastors, if the former apply to Synod.
9. To give theological opinions, also to settle disputes between single persons or between parties in the congregations. But the latter is to take place only in cases where all persons involved have applied to Synod for arbitration.
10. To strive after the greatest possible uniformity in ceremonies.
11. To have concern for the faithful execution of all the duties of the ministry, especially of the truly evangelical cure of souls in all its branches; in this respect also to help advance sound catechumen instruction above all, and especially with reference to the false doctrines of the prominent sects; also to institute and maintain catechizations every Sunday for the, confirmed youth.
12. To support indigent congregations who are members of Synod, that they may obtain the regular service of a pastor.
13. To gather church statistics within Synod and also to start a chronicle of American Lutheranism.
14. To establish connections with the Lutheran Church in foreign countries, especially Germany.

What is the Church?

One, means single and unified, wherever the "Marks of the Church" are.

Holy means dedicate or consecrated to God.

Catholic means universal, all encompassing. This means the church of all places.

Apostolic means in agreement with the teaching of the apostles. This means the church of all times and at all places.

Orthodox means conforming to beliefs and practices that have been established and approved, and therefore, accepted as right or true generally and traditionally. This is essentially saying catholic and apostolic.

Evangelical means in accordance with the teaching of the gospel

In his Book, “On Councils and the Church” Luther identifies seven marks of the church:

1. The Holy Word of God.
2. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
3. The Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
4. The Office of the Keys Exercised Publicly (Confession and Absolution).
5. The Calling, Consecrating, and Ordaining of Ministers (The Holy Ministry).
6. Prayer, Public Praise, and Thanksgiving to God (The Liturgy / Public Worship). 
7. The Sacred Cross.