The LMA met today, January 28, 2012 for its semi-annual meeting. When the minutes of the meeting are available, we’ll post them for members to review. Of the many items discussed at today’s meeting, a new confessional mission was first and foremost. I will be working with others in the membership to help establish this new mission, hopefully within the calendar year 2012.
Blessings,
Pastor Byrd
The next meeting of the LMA will be on Saturday, January, 28, 2012 at Faith Lutheran Church, Plano, TX following the Texas Confessional Lutherans Meeting.
In vol. 74, number 1-2 of the January/April 2010 Concordia Theological Quarterly the Rev. Mark C. Chavez of the ELCA had the following article: Biblical Authority in the ELCA Today. Of all the worldview issues which have led the ELCA into a worldly organization and away from Christ, one jumps out as a great warning to us; that is the idolatry of church unity. The author states,
“There is one form of idolatry evident in the ELCA: church unity, both at the church-wide level and at the congregational level. Idolatry at the church-wide level was evident in the first of the recommendations from the sexuality task force approved by the 2005 church-wide assembly:
Because the God-given mission and communion we share is at least as important as the issues about which faithful conscience-bound Lutherans find themselves so decisively at odds, the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality recommends that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of our disagreements.
The constant mantra in the ELCA is that we can agree to disagree, but still be one in Christ and have unity in the ELCA. When the unity of the denomination takes precedence over confession of the truth of God’s word, we have turned the denomination into an idol.
The congregational form of idolatry is also evident. Most ELCA congregations did not participate in any substantial way in the process that led to the 2009 church wide assembly decisions. Many did not know about the decisions until after the assembly. Some pastors (and church councils who did know about the decisions) were reluctant to start a discussion in their congregations because of concern that it would threaten the unity of the congregation. Many congregations are still reluctant to deal with the crisis in the ELCA for the same reason. My guess is that making the unity of the local congregation the ultimate priority is a form of idolatry that is not unique in the ELCA. Either way, when denominational unity or congregational unity takes precedence, God, Christ, and biblical authority get shoved aside. Lord, save us from ourselves!”
This article by the Rev. Mark C. Chavez speaks to President Harrison’s stated goal of solidifying fellowship within the LCMS. This is a worthy goal and it will require enormous effort and dedication. However, we must be very diligent that we do not fall into the trap into which ELCA fell; that of putting church-wide unity above God’s Word. Thus, the stated purpose of the LMA:
The Lutheran Mission Alliance (LMA) is dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins and righteousness by faith in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, through confessional Lutheran evangelical outreach and mission starts. The guiding principle of this effort shall be in accord with orthodox Lutheran theology as contained in the Old and New Testaments, the three Ecumenical Creeds, and as expressed by the Lutheran Confessions of the Book of Concord.
Moreover, the LMA is dedicated to upholding, preserving, and defending Lutheran Congregations who, in word and practice, uphold and support orthodox Lutheran theology as contained in the Old and New Testaments, the three Ecumenical Creeds, and all the articles of the Lutheran Confessions as contained in the Book of Concord. Furthermore, the LMA promotes, upholds, preserves, and defends the rich liturgical heritage of Word and Sacrament ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church against encroaching worldly methods.
is amplified in what appears to be a new environment of a desire to return to orthodoxy.
I for one pledge my support to the efforts of President Harrison and the Praesidium to right the ship of the LCMS, returning us to an orthodox, confessional, and liturgical church, but I am not fooled into believing all share my enthusiasm or commitment. Undoubtedly, those within the LCMS who hold to the idolatry of let us agree to disagree are still among us. Confusion of law and gospel, no law, distorted gospel, open communion, rejection of the liturgy, rejection of traditional chancel furnishings, etc. etc., are signs and results of this idolatry. Moreover, those who worship adhering to these practices will not give them up willingly and therein lies the problem, as it always has.
Therefore, I urge our readers to become active in their support of the LMA helping in the establishment of orthodox missions and congregations while supporting all existing orthodox congregations and pastors.
Rev. Toby Byrd
To subscribe to the Remnant send your request to:
Texas Balance, Inc.
P.O. 192
Keller, Texas 76244
All too often today we who call ourselves Lutherans are either repulsed or confused by what others say of our Lord, Jesus Christ. The opinions of just who Christ is are wide and varied around the world and, sadly, even within the Church. Thus, in order for Lutherans to remain well founded in the truth of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, we need, from time-to-time, to review what our founding fathers said about The Person of Christ.
The Formula of Concord, Epitome, Part 1, VIII. The Person of Christ
In connection with the controversy on the Holy Supper a disagreement has arisen between the authentic theologians of the Augsburg Confession and the Calvinists (who have misled some other theologians also) concerning the person of Christ, the two natures in Christ, and their properties.
The Calvinist controversy was nothing new; heresies regarding the nature and identity of Jesus Christ had flourished since the first century. Some of these have survived in one form or the other challenging both the Gospel and the Person of Christ. Today we see these errors displayed in the theology and doctrine of Protestant denominations whose theology is influenced by Calvinism as well as the Jehovah Witness and Mormons. Because of these old heresies, orthodox Lutheran theologians of the sixteenth century sat with pen in hand and defended The Person of Christ in The Formula of Concord.
Therein, the Lutheran theologians stated: “The chief question has been, Because of personal union in the person of Christ, do the divine and human natures, together with their properties, really (that is, in deed and truth) share with each other, and how far does this sharing extend?
The Sacramentarians 1 have asserted that in Christ the divine and human natures are personally united in such a way that neither of the two really (that is, in deed and in truth) shares in the properties of the other but have in common only the name. They declare boldly that the “personal union makes merely the names common,” so that God is called man and a man is called God, but that God really (that is, in deed and in truth) has nothing in common with the humanity and that the humanity really has nothing in common with the deity, its majesty, and its properties. Dr. Luther and his followers have contended for the opposite view against the Sacramentarians.”
So to defend the Biblical position they wrote: The Affirmative Theses; The Pure Teaching of the Christian Church concerning the Person of Christ
To explain and to settle this controversy according to our Christian faith we teach, believe, and confess the following: That the divine and the human natures are personally united in Christ in such a way that there are not two Christ’s, one the Son of God and the other the Son of man, but a single individual is both the Son of God and the Son of man (Luke 1:35; Rom. 9:5). . . . that the divine and the human nature are not fused into one essence and that the one is not changed into the other, but that each retains its essential properties and that they never become the properties of the other nature. . . the divine nature . . . . never becomes properties of the human nature. . . Since both natures are united personally (that is, in one person) we believe, teach, and confess that this personal union is not a combination or connection of such a kind that neither nature has anything in common with the other personally (that is, on account of the personal union), as when two boards are glued together and neither gives anything to or takes anything from the other. On the contrary, here is the highest communion which God truly has with man. Out of this personal union and the resultant exalted and ineffable sharing there flows everything human that is said or believed about God and everything divine that is said or believed about Christ the man. . . .Therefore we believe, teach, and confess that God is man and man is God, which could not be the case if the divine and human natures did not have a real and true communion with each other.
For a full and rewarding understanding of this great doctrine of Holy Scripture read The Formula of Concord, part 1: epitome; articles VIII The Person of Christ and Article VII The Holy Supper of Christ. Part II: Solid Declarations; Articles VIII The Person of Christ and Article VII the Holy Supper.
Additionally, a review of The Small Catechism; explanation of the second article of the Creed and the Sacrament of the Altar would be helpful.
1 Those who denied the true presence of the body and blood in the sacrament of Holy Communion or implied they were only received spiritually by faith.
“The Sacrifice Given”
The sacrifice given and what it has accomplished – that is the central life-giving message revealed by God through the Holy Scriptures. The climax of the accomplishment was on Mt. Calvary outside the walls of Jerusalem as Jesus, the Son of Man and the Son of God, hung on a wooden cross between two criminals. The sacrificing of Himself was a gift given in love. This selfless action of shredding His blood was for the benefit of others – the forgiveness of their sins. Through Jesus, the debts causing alienation from God are paid in full. The sacrifice given brings peace with the Creator of all things – the Holy Triune God.
This is the message that a small group of Christians at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Palacios, Texas holds up as a banner for themselves and to the community in which God has placed them. It’s the same message that has been heralded in this town since the gathering of the first Lutherans in 1911. By faith, they know the Sacrifice, His accomplishments for them, as well as His calling, “Follow me.” They understand their Lord’s words to the Apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” They also relate to the story of the boy David as he enters the valley to face the giant Goliath. The individuals of this 40 member congregation see this first hand as God advances the Good News about Jesus to the people on the Texas Mid-Gulf Coast in their weakness and through the sacrificial giving of its pastor, parishioners, and God’s people across Texas.
For the last 4 ½ years, they have been served by Rev. Robert LeBlanc. While providing Word and Sacrament ministry along with other pastoral duties, Pastor LeBlanc also has a full-time secular vocation in a local industrial facility.
The members understand Pastor’s LeBlanc’s juggling of activities of church, work, and family. Due to the limited resources of people, every member is needed in every event of worship, Bible study, fellowship and outreach. If someone is absent, the void is noticeable and the individual is greatly missed.
The members see so many opportunities around them to share God’s love and plan of salvation, but the funds are limited. This past summer, their outdoor VBS Program served 72 children from the surrounding neighborhoods. God’s answer and provision is the sacrificial giving from others within the Body of Christ outside the family of Our Redeemer. Through their generosity of financial gifts, this small congregation can continue to do mighty things in Christ. One of these groups is Lutheran Missionary Alliance (LMA). This collected group of Lutheran Churches has partnered with Our Redeemer so that the members can tell others who they are as a fellowship of believers and their profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Through LMA’s 2008 gifts, Our Redeemer increased its funding to its VBS Program. They provided the materials and supplies to tell the story about the Light of Jesus to 200 plus children in 2 hours on Halloween Night. They provided the materials for Our Redeemer’s first live nativity scene. They enabled Our Redeemer to have other educational and outreach materials and brochures in their hands when the members entered the community during the week. They gave funds to make up the little extra which allowed Our Redeemer to purchase a double-sided sign/marquee for the front of their church.
LMA’s 2009 gifts have been tentatively designated to the VBS Program, summer movie nights. a booth at the 4th of July by the Bay, back-to-school community party, youth ministry, seaman ministry, and different small outreach opportunities. There is some discussion about purchasing a laptop computer to meet the need of the pastor’s full schedule.
The members of Our Redeemer are fully aware that others are giving sacrificially to assist them in their sacrificial giving and they are greatly appreciative. If individuals or groups would like to give of themselves in helping Our Redeemer, the door is open. Along with the giving the labor of love, there is plenty of fun and sun on the Texas Coast. To God be the glory!
An Opportunity To Serve — LMA’s Mission Committee Chairman, Bob Herrmann, and his family travelled from North Texas last summer to help with Our Redeemer’s VBS. They had a wonderful time and their help was greatly appreciated and valued to the students. They are planning to go back this summer. If you would consider a similar kind of service, please contact Pastor LeBlanc at 512-972-3852 or robleblanc@juno.com Pr. LeBlanc can use volunteers for any number of projects, we are reasonably sure, so do not hesitate to call when you have time to go to the Texas Gulf Coast for service, sun and fun. There is great fishing in Madagorda Bay. This is also an uncrowded area for Lutheran Winter Texans to settle.
“Do Not Murder.”
The Fifth Commandment focuses on the value of human life. The Bible makes it clear that human life is an eternal gift from God. You will either spend eternity in heaven or in hell. This Commandment addresses several value of life issues which include; Abortion, Euthanasia, Suicide, and of course out right murder.
God is concerned with the temporal part of you in this Commandment: that is, your life in the realm of time. We commonly say our life on earth. You should not take your neighbor’s earthly life or even shorten it or make it miserable. Your life and your neighbor’s life and well-being are to be treated as sacred gifts of God. That is why God has commanded you to be kind to the poor, hungry and cold. Not helping your neighbor in need of these physical requirements is a sin against this commandment, just as is murder.
But even if you are kind to people and help them, you may be breaking this commandment in your heart. If you have hatred, anger, racism or a superior attitude toward anyone, you are breaking this commandment.
The Christian church since the beginning has been against abortion, euthanasia and suicide. Serious discipline was directed to those who in weakness or ignorance committed these sins. They were disciplined so they would repent and be forgiven. In the early church, as today, the Christians could not prevent the society from these committing these horrors, but they could discourage their fellow Christians from doing them. As time went on, the Christian values of life became part of common law. Recently this has been reversed in America and in the rest of the so-called Christian world.
What do you do? First, you fathers can teach your families the catechism and the Commandments of God. Secondly, you can support your church and other groups that teach the truth about these sins. Thirdly, you can offer help and guidance to friends and coworkers who are tempted to these sins. There is a lot of Christian help for women who are considering abortion as a solution to their problems, such as your Pastor, Lutheran Social Service and other agencies. Finally, you can prepare for the persecution that may come. Keep the true Faith!
Sins against the Fifth Commandment are as worthy of the sentence of damnation as other sins. “No murderer has eternal life abiding in him,” Jesus says. But you must also remember that even the worst sins have been paid for by Jesus Christ. He was murdered so that He could forgive your murders. If you have sinned and your conscience bothers you, you need to visit with your pastor and receive forgiveness as from Christ Himself
We continue our discussion of the value of the Historic Liturgy following the Scripture Reading. You will find previous Articles on Appreciating the Liturgy on the Lutheran Mission Alliance web page at http://l-m-a.org/news The Reading of the Bible portions are certainly a high and holy part of God’s service to His people.
At this point in the Divine Service in the most familiar liturgy used in most congregations, the congregation responds to the Word they have heard by confessing the Apostles’ or Nicene Creed. When the creed is confessed after the sermon, it serves exactly the same purpose. This is an acknowledgment that the congregation and each member is one with, not just of a local congregation, but of the Holy Christian Church that has held to these beliefs throughout the millennia.
After the reading of the Holy Scriptures for the day or the Creed the congregation sings a hymn. The hymn at this point in the Divine Service is called the Hymn of the Day, also at times the Sermon Hymn. The Pastor chooses it to underscore the truths of the Scripture readings and to prepare us for the message of the sermon which follows. During the last stanza, the Pastor prays for strength and guidance.
The Pastor then goes to the pulpit to deliver God’s spoken word in the Sermon. The pulpit is sacred to most confessional pastors. They regard it a privilege to deliver God’s Word and view the pulpit as the place from which to do this sacred task. Moving from the pulpit to wander around amongst the people is similar to casting off the Historic Vestments to wear a business suit or even slacks and sweater. It degrades the function of the Public Ministry to a worldly or even fleshly status. Pastors wear the uniform and do their duty from their duty station.
Most often the preacher of God’s Word bases the Sermon on one of the Biblical lessons for the day. He may also choose “free texts” according to the needs and circumstances in the congregation.
The Sermon is not a time for entertaining or offhanded remarks. Rather, it is a prayerfully and carefully prepared exposition of God’s Word, applied to your lives today. The faithful pastor does not try to ingratiate himself to his leadership, but attempts to show your sins and failures. A pastor of Christ does not seek popularity and praise in his sermon delivery, but he wants you to appreciate, love and trust Jesus for time and eternity. The true pastor does not try to recruit you as a “fulfiller of his vision,” but involves you in Jesus’ will for you. A Gospel-focused pastor does not feature merely “practical” advice on earthly problems, but directs you to bear the crosses of daily life with your eyes on heaven and eternal life.
In the sermon you hear both God’s law and His Gospel. Before leaving the pulpit, Pastor speaks a blessing upon you. In the Sermon Pastor will have told us what it means to have peace with God through the forgiveness of our sins in Jesus Christ. The closing blessing prays that “The peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amen. (Philippians 4:7) You cannot understand with your mind the grace of God in Jesus, but you can be sure that this gracious Gospel will support what you know, accept and trust about Christ for eternal life.
After a general site is chosen to begin a Mission Congregation, there are a myriad of needs that become apparent.
People who earnestly want to hear the pure Word of God and receive the Holy Sacraments are why a mission is even considered. A core of committed Lutherans is vital.
In order for the people to be served the Word and Sacraments, they need a mission hearted pastor. LMA likes to start with a volunteer or a part-time pastor. A Mission usually cannot afford a full time minister’s salary in the beginning.
An organist or pianist, ushers, greeters, Sunday School teachers, trustees to set up and restore the facilities will find plenty to do in a Mission.
Someone must locate a place suitable for divine service and instructions for various ages. It is often wonderful to see how God meets this critical need.
Once divine services start, the congregants need Hymnals, Communion Ware and Altar Paraments and a dozen other necessities.
In order to get the new congregation known in the community, volunteers from nearby churches may canvass or make phone calls with gracious invitations. Of course, advertising in the local paper or on radio or TV would help meet this goal, too.
Much can be done without a lot of money, but it usually takes a fair amount to get a Mission started. One thing you can do from far away is give a gift to the Lutheran Mission Alliance. You can be sure that it goes to the work. Yes, a small bit is used to print the LMA News, but Bethlehem Lutheran in North Zulch, TX supplies a goodly amount of equipment and volunteer help. We just buy the paper, envelops and pay postage from your Mission Gifts
The membership gets financial reports at each meeting and is happy with how LMA News is operated. Won’t you join the Lutheran Mission Alliance as an individual member; or better yet, have your congregation join the LMA so that it will have, not just a voice, but two votes in the bi-annual Assemblies. See www.l-m-a.org/join.htm
Whether you are a member or a prayerful supporter of the Lutheran Mission Alliance, you can trust that contributions go to support Missions that follow historic liturgy and look like the faithful and distinctive, Lutheran Church you love.
One of the criticisms that many of the confessional people have is that the administrative bureaucracy takes too much of the mission money that congregations contribute.
Districts often see the synod as too constrictive over their local work, if they take any money from the superstructure. The Southern Illinois District wisely has decided that “Our district has demonstrated that we can effectively, efficiently, and directly support mission projects both inside our district and throughout the world with a minimum of administrative costs…”
Here is where the Lutheran Mission Alliance stands out. There are no paid executives or staff to divert funds from the actual work of starting or supporting a new congregation. We are confident that people “on the ground” can evaluate a site to see if it is a good prospect for a mission start. It is the way many of our own congregations started.
LMA is still soliciting people for sites that need a historically liturgical and real Lutheran congregation. LMA News has a spread out readership, some of whom may know of a place that is ripe for a non-contemporary, pastorally led congregation that sings, teaches and worships as Lutherans have done until recently. Just email your suggestion to Pastor Byrd at tobybyrd@1starnet.com
In one District we are familiar with, it takes 335 congregations to open about 13 congregations in five years. Granted they do support a lot of “ministries” in congregations that could probably support these specialized ministries themselves.
LMA and some of its member congregations have opened and/or supported three in five years (5 if you go back 10 years) – all without any help. Now, granted none of these congregations were saddled with a large debt for a building before they got established, and they met in humble facilities for awhile, but they are making progress toward the goal of having their own church building that looks like a church instead of a warehouse or Howard Johnson’s Motel.
LMA is investigating a number of new sites in several states that could be started before the end of the year; however, the Lord may have fewer or more opportunities as He sees fit. LMA keeps preparing for the possibilities that Christ may send our way. Without a big bureaucracy LMA can make quick decisions and with its Mission Fund can be ready to help “feed the sheep” on the blessed Word.
How to Accurately Inform Your Congregation about Lutheran Mission Alliance
Brochure – This may be downloaded in .pdf format and printed for a
bulletin insert or inclusion piecemeal in your bulletin or newsletter.
Bulletin Paragraphs – Brief paragraphs about the Lutheran Mission
Alliance and its current missions, work and plans. Use as you like.
(need to locate these here)
The Catechism Review Articles show that LMA is simply orthodox.
The Liturgical Review shows how the liturgy is beneficial to faith.
The Mission News shows that real Lutheran congregations can exist
Or give them the LMA Webpage address to browse at will.
Print the webpage address in your bulletin and newsletter regularly
Send their name and mailing address to the editor.
Use the prepared short prayers in your Prayer for the Day
Both lay people and pastors are available to speak to your Elders, Voters or groups. Contact the Rev. Toby Byrd, Chairman of LMA, to make arrangements.
Come visit a meeting as a guest and witness the goals and manner in which congregations work together for real Lutheran missions and work.
Issue 4 January, 2009
A group of theologically sound, liturgically minded, orthodox Lutherans who want to join together to spread real, Lutheranism using Biblical methods: The preached and taught Gospel of Christ and the Sacraments.
What’s In This Issue?
2. Jesus Is Full Salvation
3. How “Traditional” is the LMA?
4. The Fourth Commandment
5. Appreciating the Traditional Liturgy
6. Featured Member Congregation, Bethlehem, North Zulch, TX
7. Your Contribution Helps
LMA’s Web Page is at www.l-m-a.org
Texas Confessional Lutherans
January 22, 2009
North Texas Free Conference
Faith Lutheran Church, Plano
January 23-24
Concord (TBI) meeting after
Check the Concord webpage for details.
Next Meeting of LMA
May 15-16, 2009 at Peace, Garland, TX
It has been clear for several decades that Lutheran preaching and teaching has been lacking in the area of “righteousness.” “Forgiveness” is all that has been preached, it seems. Many popular preachers in “growing churches” only “mention in passing” sin, punishment, hell, the cross, the blood of Christ or even heaven. Their main concern is filling their pews, their offering plates and the hearts of their customers with emotions that only faintly substitute for real saving faith. Only a few orthodox preachers apply (real “preaching” in contrast to “mentioning”) the Gospel of the “blood and righteousness” to their sinful flocks but there are more now than a decade or two ago, praise the Lord.
It is clear that Luther was not lacking the forgiveness of sins. The penitential system of the Roman Church provided plenty of that. Make your confession, say your beads, burn a few candles, attend a few masses or purchase an indulgence, and that would make up for the sins that you had committed last week. God would not punish you for them. They were “forgiven” because you had atoned for (paid for) them. The sins were gone.
What robbed Luther of comfort from the Gospel was his failure to find in himself the righteousness, 100% perfection, necessary to enter into eternal fellowship with the Holy God. Jesus lived that kind of perfect life that no one since Adam fell in to sin had been able to live. Holy, total obedience to the will and commandments of God in letter and spirit is His righteousness. This gift of Christ’s own righteousness to the sinner comes along with forgiveness when one trusts in the perfect record of Jesus in place of the imperfect record of one’s own faith, efforts and deeds.
Jesus did not just accomplish half of your salvation and leave you to worry about completing the other half. God does not forget His eternal principles simply because one claims to be a Christian. Rev. 21: 27 declares, speaking of the eternal heavenly Temple that is the Triune God Himself, that “… nothing unclean shall enter it.” Anything less than 100% clean, holy, perfect, blameless, good and righteous will not come near God in His eternal Kingdom. It is this complete righteousness that Jesus provides the believer along with forgiveness of all His sins by virtue of His holy atonement through the innocent sufferings of a perfect life and death on the cross.
Many think that John 3:16 is the “Gospel in a nutshell.” It is clear that 2 Corinthians 5:21 has a more accurate claim to that title. “God made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” This passage describes, not only “that” Jesus saves, but how God forgives and also “how” God declares one to be holy enough to be in fellowship with Him now and forever because of what Jesus did. What a comfort!
What is happening today in many of the churches is tragic. The full Gospel of the Blood and Righteousness of Jesus is neglected in favor of an almost bloodless and holinessless message that will attract those who seek a “pleasant and joyful” religion. Confessional Lutherans fear that many of those who crowd into the popular churches will not enter heaven.
All controversies in the church today are about the real Jesus and the real work He came to do. And all confidence in Christian hearts is because Jesus is full salvation.
There is no doubt that the Lutheran Mission Alliance (LMA) claims to support the “traditional” doctrine and practice of the true evangelical Lutheran Church. In an attempt to communicate our purposes and goals we have tried to avoid the political terms such as “conservative” in describing our organization. Various terms were discussed when we first organized, but “traditional” seemed to be a somewhat accurate and neutral term.
So what does LMA mean by the term “traditional?” We certainly do not mean “traditionalistic.” An overly active adherence to anything of the past is not what we mean by “traditional.” Some people are overly attached to things like a certain hymnal, the King James Version of the Bible or a synod of a particular name. They are opposed to proper and orderly change. They come unglued if a pastor sings his part of the service or wears a different vestment than what they are accustomed to. A man once told his pastor that if the church got a different hymnal, he would quit. He was a traditionalist.
Change is not always bad. Often change is for the clearer and more accurate communication of the Gospel. Even in the Lutheran Church, Americans don’t worship in German anymore. We happily have padded pews, electronic organs and air conditioning. LMA welcomes change in the church if it helps communicate the Gospel better to a society that is changing out from under us and is in danger of destroying itself in materialism and self-centeredness.
Our firm belief is that much of what we have received from the past is holy. The Sacred Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions are two such treasures. Whatever change we consider should be weighed against what these documents command and commend. We also take seriously what they forbid and warn against. The doctrinal and theological position of the Lutheran Church before WW II is sort of a bedrock on which we contemporary Lutherans build. Many good documents about some current issues were written back then; but, sad to say, some Lutherans have rejected these positions.
“Traditional” does not mean “legalistic” either. Not every congregation has to worship in exactly the same way. Reverent? Yes. Dignified? Yes. Edifying? Yes. Heavenly? Yes. Focused on God’s Word and Gifts? Yes. Joyous? Yes. But raucous? No. Individualistic? No. Focused on the Pastor or the Band? No. Entertaining? No. Worldly? No.
The Liturgy that we have received is a wonderful setting for the Gospel and Sacraments. But it does not have to be the same every Sunday. We have various services and settings to keep us alert if we didn’t get enough sleep the night before. We have freedom to choose different days and times on which to set our divine services. To say you have to have church on Sunday morning at 11:00 is traditionalistic, not traditional.
Let us study the Word so we are able to distinguish between true and false teachings. Let us fight to the end for the Truth. Let us also study the Word so we are able to distinguish between our personal preferences and the unchangeable or recommended practices. But in contrast to our approach to defending doctrine, let us consider the other Christian also in the application of our practices. Christians do not insist on their own way, but consider the welfare of the whole group. That is traditional!
After the congregation prays the Collect and sings its Amen, the congregation is now ready to hear God’s Word. The Pastor goes to the lectern to read the lessons appointed for the day. There are a number of common Lectionaries. The most often used are the One Year Series as found in The Lutheran Hymnal and the Three Year Series found in The Lutheran Service Book. The first lesson is a reading from the Old Testament. On the Sundays of Easter, the first lesson is from the Book of Acts.
Following the first lesson comes the 
Gradual — traditionally a chorale response that leads us “in grades” from the Old Testament to the Epistle Lesson. This is also a time when a responsive catechism reading can be inserted. In times past the pastor would read the first lesson from the right corner of the altar and then move to the other side while the Gradual was sung. Since the practice of reading all the lessons from the Lectern came into practice, some congregations have omitted the Gradual.
After the first lesson a text from the New Testament epistles comprises the Second Lesson. We quickly follow the Epistle Lesson with either the single or the three-fold “Hallelujah” (a Hebrew word for “Praise the LORD, all of you.”) “Alleluia” is the Greek way of saying the same praise response. Traditionally, the “Hallelujah” (or “alleluia”) is omitted during the penitential season of Lent.
Lastly is the reading of the Holy Gospel. The Gospel lessons always deal with a significant teaching or incident in Jesus’ life. We stand as a sign of respect and reverence for the words and works of Jesus Himself. After the Pastor announces the Gospel we sing, “Glory be to Thee, O Lord!” This response is appropriate because our Lord Himself comes to us through the reading of His Holy Word. When the reading ends, we thank Him for His message by singing, “Praise be to Thee, O Christ!” We have heard our Lord’s powerful and true Words and of His godly works.
So we, prompted by the Holy Spirit, are ready to respond with some words of our own.
Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not despise our parents and masters, nor provoke them to anger, but give them honor, serve and obey them and hold them in love and esteem.
The Fourth Commandment is the transition from the first table to the second table of the Law. The first three commandments focus on your relationship with God, then beginning with the fourth God shifts the focus to your relationship with your neighbor, your fellow man. Loving God first, you are able to love your neighbor also.
The Fourth Commandment commands you to respect those in authority over you. All authority comes from God. You parents are God’s representatives to your children. You should want to represent God well. You should know God’s will from the Bible very well, so you do not simply operate according to your own personal desires in helping your children grow up. In addition, you parents loan your authority to government, police, teachers, pastors, coaches and others to act in your place at certain times and in limited ways. You need to guard your primary responsibility closely.
While the Fourth Commandment has application for every aspect of your life, the first application is children’s relation to their parents. “Honor your father and mother” is simple and direct. God does not make things overly complicated. Your parents are the first and closest “neighbors” you will have. Dr. Luther’s explanation includes that little word which no one likes to hear, “obey.” Children, you are to obey your parents. By insisting on obedience, parents help teach children how to relate to authorities all through life. Or, if you don’t insist on obedience and respect, you don’t help your children relate rightly to authorities. Ever watch the Super Nanny show?
When you think that your Johnny or Suzie is perfect and tell him that the teacher, the pastor or the coach is just against him all the time, you undermine your child’s respect for authority, even your own. This will have great effect on your son or daughter when he grows up and must relate to authority in high school, college, on the job or on the street. And since human authorities represent God, you will effect his respect, or lack of it, for God’s authority in his life. And there are far too many criminals who do not respect God’s laws running around loose today.
When you are an authority over other people, try to represent God fairly by insisting on His will being done, not your personal whims. And when you are under someone’s authority, try to remember they are mere human beings trying to represent God in their area of responsibility. Honor their God-given authority, even if you cannot always respect the person or their decisions. Things will be better for you according to the promise God has attached to this commandment: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
Bethlehem is over 125 years old. In the beginning it was served by pastors who had other parishes. It grew in its early years because of German families settling in the area promoted by the Zulch brothers. The town was originally called Willowhole because of the willows that surrounded a spring just to the east. Later it was named Zulch. The brothers deeded five acres to the Lutherans for as long as services were held there. Zulch was a thriving little town until the highway was built two miles north; thus North Zulch..
The congregation was forged and strengthened in its conservative nature by experience and “the German way.” One pastor was met at the ford of the Navasota river and threatened with tar and feathering if he came across. The congregation built two small churches to serve as worship and fellowship facilities. They did it without incurring any debt.
When the congregation started to grow with an influx of members moving out of Houston to farm and ranch in the area they built a parsonage, sanctuary and parish hall on a “pay as you go” basis in a 15 year period. It gives about 12% of its total offerings to outside work. Its demographic shows many older folks and young families, but not so many middle aged people. The congregation draws people from four counties to worship in the reverent and liturgical mode, using the Lutheran Service Book.
God has blessed Bethlehem over the years through growth and decline periods. She intends to continue to serve God and His people in the future. Bethlehem is an original member of the LMA.
Truly Lutheran Missions and Activities
As God has blessed you and as your faith prompts you, please make a tax-deductible gift to LMA in the enclosed envelop. Be assured that your gift will be used, not for a rock and roll band, but to secure items necessary for reverent and dignified worship. It will not be used to fund a Charismatic-like Mission such as the mainline denominations favor, but a church that looks, sounds, teaches, preaches and acts as Lutheran as your grandfather’s church.
Obviously, this online version of the LMA News cannot send you a convenient self-addressed envelop. However, the address to which you may send offerings and gifts is:
Lutheran Mission Alliance
PO Box 192
Keller, Texas 96244
Please also consider an individual membership in LMA or better yet, encourage your congregation to become a voting member of the LMA. More information at tobybyrd@1starnet.com
When I was a young man, I served in the U.S. Navy. During my service, I made three tours to Vietnam. On one of those tours, I was assigned to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bennington. She was an older carrier, commissioned at the end of WWII and therefore not as sophisticated as the newer, more modern carriers. Often time’s things didn’t work as well as they should but this never affected her service performance or the ability to meet her mission. I can remember once when we were embroiled in the angry throes of a very strong typhoon, some of the crew doubted that we would survive the storm.
I had just finished eating and was leaving the mess decks to return to my duties when, climbing the ladder to the hangar deck, I happened to notice the listometer on the bulkhead. This is a device designed to provide an accurate, visual indication of how far the ship was listing (rolling), either to port or to starboard. The gauge could indicate up to 18 degrees of list. This was the calculated maximum roll the ship could endure before capsizing. As I looked at the listometer, I noticed on numerous occasions the ball in the glass pegged to either side of the instrument, indicating the ship had endured a roll much greater than she was designed for.
I bring this to your attention because that is where we are in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod today. The good ship Missouri finds herself smack dab in the middle of a theological typhoon. The waves of secularism are lashing at her sides, the white water foam of the “church growth movement” is washing over her decks, and the ship is taking on water and is imminently in danger of being capsized by a gigantic wave known as theological postmodernism. To add to her danger, the captain is steering the ship broadside to the waves and if she doesn’t turn into the wave, she will capsize and all aboard will be lost.
Today, sad to say, much of the LCMS is not Lutheran. Far too many congregations, who claim membership in the LCMS are in fact more Calvinistic, Reformed, or Wesleyan than they are Lutheran. Once in our righteous past if one was asked if they had read an article by M.L. the initials stood for Martin Luther, today when those initials are invoked, more often than not they stand for Max Lucado. Once, everyone who called themselves Lutheran understood their Christianity in terms of the Holy Scripture and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Today, one who calls themselves a Lutheran is apt to answer a question regarding their understanding of the Christian faith through the teaching of “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. There is little or no Lutheran catechesis for fear of offending someone. Sad to say, but it looks like the Lord’s words of warning through the prophet Isaiah are ringing true, “this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men’ ” (Isaiah 29:13 (ESV)).
Worship services in years past in the LCMS were always liturgical, reverent, and holy. Today, time devoted to worship is little more than gatherings of emotion filled holiness societies exercising their pious egos. Worship, therefore, revolves around the American syndrome of instant gratification and entertainment. However, such an attitude toward worship denies the clear Word of God concerning this subject, “You shall keep my Sabbaths and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:30 (ESV)).
Many of our churches actually practice “altar calls”. Led by political correctness and a desire to assimilate into the collective, congregation after congregation denying the clear Word of God to remain orthodox, are actively involved in unionism. “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain” (1 Tim. 6:3-5 (ESV)). Rather than the theology of the cross, many pastors preach a theology of glory, emphasizing the “What Would Jesus Do” theme rather than teach “What Has Jesus Done”.
District worker conferences (once known as pastor conferences) invite non-Lutherans to be the keynote speaker of the conference, many whose theology does violence to the Lutheran understanding of Word and Sacrament. Synodical opinions and resolutions are offered and passed, which clearly conflict with God’s Revealed Word, Holy Scripture. With each passing year, it is getting more difficult to find an LCMS congregation who truly follows Luther’s motto, “Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura”. Much of the LCMS have become heterodox and if this problem cannot be resolved, she will sink into the morass of the world and go the way of her sister church, the ELCA.
All of this not only changes our rich, liturgical, Lutheran worship but it adversely affects our doctrinal understanding and implementation. Thus, when a sound, orthodox Lutheran visits such LCMS churches for Sunday morning worship, they often have great difficulty recognizing where they are. An orthodox Lutheran rarely worships with such a congregation
Faithful and seasoned crewmembers can see the imminent danger the good ship Missouri is in, yet they find themselves in a quandary. As good sailors, they are supposed to follow orders and sail with the captain. Yet, if the captain is bent on destroying the ship because of his poor seamanship qualities, the question becomes, can they afford to blindly follow the captain to their certain doom. As good seaman, are they not to consider the safety of the ship and all her crew and do what is necessary to ensure the ship stays afloat to meet her duties of another day? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. Good sailors will do those things necessary to save the ship. They will join forces with the damage control team to aide in the repair of the storms damage while battening down the hatches, closing all watertight doors, and steering the ship away out of danger. This is the goal of the Lutheran Mission Alliance (LMA).
The Lutheran Mission Alliance (LMA) was formed in 2005 with the express goals of dissenting from the wisdom of the LCMS in convention. Specifically we dissented against the following: By-Law 3-08A (Service of Women) for violating the doctrine of the order of creation; By-Law 8-01-04A (Ecclesiastical supervision) for violating the Lutheran principle that sheep judge their shepherds; and By-Law 3-06-04A (Civic Events) for giving an ambiguous answer to the important issue of syncretism and unionism. Some within the original group were ready to leave the LCMS and go it alone. However, after considerable discussions, the decision was made by a majority vote to retain our membership in the LCMS. However, we would work to maintain an orthodox, liturgically sound, Lutheran body whose goal would be to preserve Lutheran orthodoxy through the establishments of orthodox Lutheran mission churches, sound Lutheran catechesis, publication of theologically sound doctrinal reviews, and orthodox liturgical teaching to name a few. The LMA is not an individual effort but rather a collective effort of like-minded congregations. Today, twenty congregations are members of the LMA and the LMA is sponsoring two orthodox Lutheran missions.
It has been said that the LCMS is no longer your grandfather’s church. In many respects, this is correct. However, the LMA is dedicated to ensuring the sound orthodoxy of our grandfather’s Lutheran church is preserved today, tomorrow, and forever.
Some will find fault with our position and statements. Some will even label us as mutineers. This is to be expected. Our Lord, Jesus Christ made it very clear when He said, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)).
If you, like us, are concerned about the direction of the LCMS and the future of Lutheranism, then we invite all to examine the LMA by visiting our web site at http://www.lutheranmissionallinance.org.
Rev. Toby Byrd
Chairman: The Lutheran Mission Alliance.
The Word of God at Work
A Publication of the Lutheran Mission Alliance
Issue 3, March 2008
In, With, and Under the LMA ~
· LMA DELEGATE ASSEMBLY
Bethlehem, North Zulch, TX May 16 –17, 2008
· St. Luke’s (Houston) to confirm four youth on March 16. The youths have been catechized in Lutheran doctrine with Luther’s Small Catechism and Explanation.
· Holy Shepherd, Haslet, TX, is currently in her first year in the new sanctuary. Attendance is steadily growing. Pastor Bramich is teaching two classes attended predominately by preschool teachers and parents.
What’s In This Issue?
1. The Third Commandment
2. The Service of the Word
3. What You Didn’t Find in Your Grandfather’s Church
4. Featured Mission Holy Shepherd, Haslet , TX
5. The Rev. Bill Brummett, In Memoriam
6. Your Contribution Helps
The Third Commandment You have many Sundays and numerous special opportunities to gather for worship each year. Yet, far too often other priorities come into play and worship slides down to the bottom of your list. The Third Commandment speaks of a certain day God set aside for Him. But is this really what you do? In the days of Moses and the Children of Israel the Sabbath day was to be a day of rest — a day set aside to stop all the busyness of the week, to gather together in a “great convocation,” hear the Word of God, sing some Psalms and reflect on all the ways God has blessed them. Today is to be no different.
For many people worship is viewed as some “good work” you do for God, something that pleases Him. The truth is that you have never and can never do anything for God that would cause Him to think well of you! If He needs you, then He is not the all sufficient God of the Bible. When you come together, it is God who comes and does for you! That is why worship is properly called “Divine Service.” The Divine, God, comes and “serves” you. You need Him!
God’s service is basically the Word of God and the Sacraments. These are the Means by which God delivers His Grace to you. God comes to you who are sinful and blesses you with forgiveness through the Gospel proclaimed and the Gospel in the Sacraments, particularly the Lord’s Supper. He comes to you to bless you! All you have ever been able to do is respond to God’s grace with thanks, praise and an improving Christian life. This is your proper response to His Divine Service.
So, what about last year? How many times did you avail yourself of the offerings of God to you? Or maybe the question ought to be, “How many times was ‘God Serving You’ not a priority in your life?” The moment you make worship a work, you are burdened by the Law and the guilt which comes when you fail to meet the standard. On the other hand, if you see the Divine Service as a “gift,” a “blessing,” then the attitude created is not, “you have to go to church because it is the Law” but rather, “you have to go to church to get God’s grace and love.” This is a motivation which stems from the Gospel, not the Law. All of a sudden “Divine Service” is a top priority and the heart desires to not let anything deprive you from your opportunity to gather in Christ’s name and receive His blessings.
LMA Executive Committee:
Rev. Andrew Simcak
Rev. Toby Byrd
Rev. Al Loeschman
Publishing:
The LMA is type-set in Florence, SC, printed in North Zulch, TX, and mailed from Keller, TX.
The LMA is soliciting articles for future issues.
If you are a pastor or layman and would like to submit an article for consideration, please contact:
Rev. Al Loeschman
5013 Church Lane
North Zulch, TX 77872
936-399-4001
wd5iqr@valornet.com
In the last Issue, we examined and explained the Invocation, Confession and Absolution in brief. This Preparatory Service got us ready for what follows. The Service of the Word begins with the Introit read often responsively by the Pastor and congregation. The word “Introit” means “he enters.” In spirit you “enter into the presence of God.” You step up to the altar with the Pastor. Like the call of a trumpet, the Introit assembles the worshippers and announces the theme or special message of the day.
The Introit is from a Psalm that fits the theme for the day. The other lessons will expand on this. The Introit also includes a brief verse of praise to the Triune God, the “Glory be to the Father,” or Gloria Patri, once again making clear that this assembly follows the Triune God.
INTROIT and GLORIA PATRI
After the Introit comes the “Kyrie” (Kir – e – ay), the “Lord, Have Mercy.” This is a triple prayer for mercy, which has been used in the church for 1800 years. It is not a confession of sins, but an acknowledgement of your basic need for and dependence on God. Amid all the mysteries of life: its perplexities and uncertainties, its headaches and heartbreaks, its sins and suffering, its losses and crosses — 0 Lord, have mercy on us.
Following the Kyrie you have the privilege to sing one of the oldest known hymns of the Christian Church. The Gloria in Excelsis was introduced into the order of worship in the year 126 A.D., and includes the words of the Angels who announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds on Bethlehem’s fields: “Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good-will toward men.” It might be mentioned here that most of the Church’s liturgy comes directly from the Scriptures and reflects the early Christian’s high and holy attitude toward the Word of God.
The salutation, or greeting, which follows the Hymn, “Glory be to God on High” also comes from the Bible. The Pastor turns and with gesture of blessing greets you with the words of the angel Gabriel: “The Lord be with you.” You answer in effect: “And with you, too, our dear Pastor.” The people and the Pastor express their mutual desire for the presence of the Lord with each other.
The Collect that follows is a short prayer — usually only one sentence — which “collects” the thoughts and prayers of the entire church as they apply to the theme for the day.
… and a pretty good bet, Not in an LMA church
1. The Word of God hidden within “practical sermons.”
2. The Lord’s Supper hidden from visitors on Saturday evening to avoid offending and teaching them.
3. The Lord’s Supper offered to visitors who have not been instructed in the Lutheran Faith.
4. Eight hour Instruction Courses for membership in a Lutheran Congregation.
5. “Luther’s Doctrine Pure” disguised in general and ambiguous terms or not presented so any one can agree.
6. Sin and grace merely being mentioned instead of preached and personally impressed on hearts and minds.
7. Dramas and videos taking the place of a Law and Gospel sermon.
8. Children’s sermons and blessings during the Sacrament of the Altar.
9. Women reading the Scriptures and helping serve communion.
10. Women serving as Elders, President or other authority-bearing office.
11. Women addressing the congregation from the pulpit.
12. Women exercising authority by voting in the Voters’ Assembly.
13. Praise bands and soloists performing in the front of the congregation.
14. Songs that had no appeal except for the toe-tapping rhythm and beat.
15. Songs which focus on the singer rather than on the works and character of Christ.
16. Songs whose message is merely emotional and not cognitively faith building.
17. Services that are more Pentecostal, disorderly and unruly than reverent, dignified and befitting of God’s presence.
18. Boards of Directors replacing Voters Assemblies because the congregation is too lazy to order its affairs.
19. Confirmation Service without vows and promises of faithfulness.
20. Weddings where “anything goes.”
21. Funerals that extol the deceased rather than the deceased’s Savior.
22. A sweater bedecked pastor wandering around the church flattering people.
Belvin Ronald Brummett was given life by his Creator and was born on December 14, 1945 in Menard, Texas. He graduated from high school there in 1964. Brummett then entered the Navy and served his nation with distinction for 20 years.
His field of expertise in the Navy included long-range radio communications systems. He served aboard six ships of different classes and was attached to shore commands on both coasts, Hawaii, and Scotland. Twenty years of U.S. Naval service brought Brummett many citations and awards, including two U.S. Navy Commendation Medals from the Secretary of the Navy; a special commendation from the Commander of the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet for action against the enemy in Viet Nam; the Meritorious Unit Citation; four Good Conduct medals; the National Defense Service Medal; the Sea Service Ribbon; the Viet Nam Service Medal with four campaign stars; and the Viet Nam Campaign Medal. Brummett was also honored in that the U.S.S. Arizona Association presented him with a U.S. flag that had flown from ruins of the U.S.S. Arizona. Brummett completed his military service retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8).
During this time of service, he also obtained his undergraduate degree through programs with the University of Maryland’s European Division of Stuttgart, Germany; Mohegan College of Mohegan, Connecticut; and St. Leo’s College of St. Leo, Florida.
On July 6th, 1965, Belvin received the gift of a beloved help-meet and companion in his spouse, Wanda nee Cole of Sonora, Texas, who survives him. They are blessed with the gift of children, their son, Steven (Arrin) Brummett and children, Naomi and Anna, of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where Steven is now also enrolled as a seminarian; their daughter, Melissa (Monty)Matheson, of Bowie; their daughter, Sherri (Brett) and children, Alicia, Amanda, Alana, Jason, Justin, and Andrea; his sister, Abbie Harshbarger, of Houston; his brother, Wesley P. Brummett (Rosalyn); and his father, James P. Brummett, both of Huntsville, Texas. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann, and his eldest brother, Coburn.
An unchurched soul, Belvin witnessed the power of God’s Baptismal regeneration in his own life, received the gift of Holy Baptism in 1969 and confessed his Baptismal Creed. Later through Adult Instruction in the faith, he publicly professed that belief and at Christ Lutheran Church, La Mesa, California in 1973 was confirmed as a Lutheran. That same day he was first admitted to Christ’s altar to receive the medicine of immortality, Christ’s life-giving Body and Blood.
In June, 1984, after retiring from service in the U.S. Navy, Brummett went on to serve in the Lord’s kingdom. He began his pastoral education at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo., in1984, and graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree on May 20th, 1988. As he concluded his pastoral education, Concordia Seminary awarded him special recognition as the recipient of the “Luther Vivit” (Luther Lives) award. Concordia Seminary established this award to encourage, promote, and support the embodiment of the ministry of Jesus and Martin Luther in all pastors. This award was given to the graduating seminarian who demonstrated an abiding interest in and the ability to integrate Practical and Exegetical theology in all its applications to homiletics, education, and counseling ministries. Brummett was its first recipient.
Prior to serving as the Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Bowie, Texas, Brummett served as Pastor of First English Lutheran Church, Spring Valley, Minnesota ; Trinity Lutheran Church-West Sinton, Texas; and St. John Lutheran Church, Dumas, Texas. Yet St. Peter, Bowie, became his home and his special love.
Of particular regard to him was his love for children: both of the congregation he served and for the community at large. Accordingly, he became a charter member of the Montague County Child Welfare Board and served as its Secretary from 2000 through 2004. An avid reader, during the school years of 2002-2006, Brummett also regularly volunteered to help tutor and groom Bowie second-grade students in their own reading and spelling. He was singularly blessed by this activity .
Pastor Brummett and his beloved congregation, St. Peter, were members of the Lutheran Mission Alliance.
Before there was a Lutheran Mission Alliance, congregations that wanted to open missions which reflected “their grandfather’s church” were gaining experience in this aspect of the Lord Christ’s work. There was a falter or two, but, as time went along there were significant accomplishments with the aid of the Holy Spirit and His Holy Word, resulting in several new missions.
Holy Shepherd was begun as a daughter mission of Messiah Lutheran in Keller in what they saw in the future to be a rapidly growing area north of Fort Worth. Pastor Dennis Kitzmann was called by Messiah to be the mission developer. With much hard work, a group of Lutherans and prospects were gathered.
Messiah acquired a home on a well traveled road just outside of Haslet. The members and Pastor remodeled the inside to serve as a temporary chapel, Sunday School space and as an office. After a number of years of slow growth, Pastor Kitzmann accepted a call to Messiah as Assistant and Pastor Chris Bramich accepted the call to Holy Shepherd.
The area has boomed and the mission, whose support had grown to include several other confessional congregations other than Messiah was ready to build a real worship facility. It was completed in 2007 and has helped spur more growth.
Holy Shepherd has a mission mindset. They are faithful, supportive and valued members of the LMA. Their experience, as well as Pastors Kitzmann and Bramich, has served LMA well.
As God has blessed you and as your faith prompts you, please make a tax-deductible gift to LMA in the enclosed envelope. Be assured that your gift will be used, not for a rock and roll band, but to secure items necessary for reverent and dignified worship. It will not be used to fund a Charismatic-like Mission such as the mainline denomination favors, but a church that looks, sounds, teaches, preaches and acts as Lutheran as your grandfather’s church.
Please also consider an individual membership in LMA or encouraging your congregation to become a voting member.
The Word of God at Work
A Publication of the Lutheran Mission Alliance
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie or deceive by His name, but call on it in every trouble, pray, praise and give thanks.
Have you ever taken the Lord’s name in vain? Most of you during your teenage years, were rebellious. You let the world know you are grown up by using the names of God in careless and casual ways. You thought it sounded grown up to others, but did you ever stop and think how this careless use of His names sounds to God?
God’s name is a precious gift given to us to be a blessing. In the Old Testament God placed His name at the temple, and on His people. In Numbers Six God commands Moses to instruct Aaron to bless the people with the name of God. Three times Aaron is to say, “The Lord bless you . . .” The final verse of chapter six states, “Thus he shall put My name on My people and I will bless them.”
The Aaronic benediction finds its ultimate fulfillment in New Testament Baptism. God comes to an individual sinner and puts His name on the person, giving the person life and salvation. Matthew 28:19 reads; “. . . baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The name is set in place with water and Word, God comes and dwells to bless. Now you bear His name. You are adopted by Him. Now, you are the Temple of God because you have been given the Name of the Triune God.
The name of God is a precious gift given by God to His people. But do you cherish the gift or take it for granted? What did God think of your careless use of His name in the past. Was it sin? The answer is Yes! It is forgiven? Again, Yes, because Jesus suffered and died for all sin, including that one.
To speak the name of God is to proclaim Him. The way you use His name tells what you believe about Him and His gift to you. So no one should “lie of deceive by God’s name.” What you, and especially pastors, Sunday School teachers and parents teach about God should be exactly in line with God’s own teaching in His Bible. It is sad that many who call themselves Lutheran teach only general Christianity or something less than what we learn in the Catechism and Confessions. Instruction in doctrine for youth is only fun and games. For adults it is 6 to 8 hours on a Saturday. Can a Mormon, Baptist or Roman Catholic really become a convinced and sincere Lutheran after such a brief time? True doctrine, true teaching and a true belief in your mind and heart is as important to God as using His name properly in prayers and worship.
The next time you hear your lips or the lips of others speak His name stop and ask yourself, “What am I saying about God and myself?” May your words only be to His glory.
(Please feel free to use any of the articles in this newsletter in your congregation. You may freely reprint them as you see fit. They will also be posted on the web page.)
In this second issue of “LMA News” you will recognize some changes. We are doing this to make the mailing of the “LMA News” easier and cheaper. The more money we don’t have to spend on postage, the more we have to devote to missions and other confessional, educational activities.
That brings us to the purposes of “LMA News.” We struggle with the way to get the news about the kind of missions we are supporting and seeking to open. The main-line Lutheran denominations are opening missions with big buildings, rock and roll or country music, entertaining pastors and topics and very little of the traditional Lutheran religious flavor to them. They are more like the non-denominational churches that are on every corner. People join them with very little instruction in the condemning Law and the Who, how and at what cost of the gracious, saving Gospel of Christ. They are not aware of the Cross, but only glory.
We believe that many people, pastors and congregations would rather have more conservative, traditional and confessional churches around that their children and grandchildren could go to when they go off to college or to work in another city. The mission planners of the denominations are not interested in such missions. They want the ones that grow by leaps and bounds because of the food court, bands, enjoyable programs promoted by the Wooky from Star Wars and short emotional “sermons” about practical matters such as “Avoiding Christmas Stress.”
LMA also wants to sponsor and support youth activities like the old Walther League and like Higher Things is doing. Worship and Early Childhood workshops are in the works. A goodly part of our proposed 2008 budget is set aside as seed money for several of these.
“LMA News” is obviously very basic. Its catechism review is simple but to the point. Its worship explanation is useful for every Lutheran. We hope that “The Remnant” will once again be published to provide a more in depth theological perspective on developments in the church.
We would like to bring together congregations of like mind regarding worship, confessional doctrine, missions, lay leadership and in concord plant new missions and support one another in our difficult stand against the worldly invasion of Christ’s church. That is why we want to share as much information and encouragement through the “LMA News.” To be frank, we hope that your desire for our old Lutheran ways will lead you to become a member and encourage your congregation to become a member of Lutheran Mission Alliance.
LMA will meet in Delegate Assembly on Friday evening and Saturday morning on November 9-10 at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX.
The Executive Board of Chairman-Pro tem Rev. Toby Byrd, Vice Chairman-Pro tem Rev. Andrew Simcak and Secretary Rev. A. J. Loeschman are preparing an agenda with a variety of items that conservative Lutherans need to hear, discuss and decide on. The voting delegates, one pastor and one layman from each member congregation, will adopt the first budget of LMA for 2008. It will be a challenge because it appears that LMA may adopt a mission other than Our Redeemer in Palacios. A new mission will be started in Montgomery, TX before the end of the year, and the committee has asked LMA to support it. Just how much LMA will be able to do will be a topic of discussion and a measure of faith in our congregations.
LMA believes that congregational membership is a key to achieving its goal of opening and supporting traditional, liturgical and faithful congregations that look, sound and act like Lutherans.
In the first issue of LMA News we reviewed some of the basic terms of liturgical worship and some of the preparations that precede your opening the door to the nave, getting your bulletin and going to your customary pew. In this issue we begin to look at some common parts of the service with the goal to review how your participation in them can glorify the Triune God, benefit your fellow worshiper and be more helpful to your personal faith in Christ.
While there are a number of good hymnals from various orthodox Lutheran denominations that offer various Divine Services, we will review the “Common Service” (TLH) or Divine Service Setting Three (LSB). Lutheran Service Book gives the Bible references to all the parts of the liturgy and reminds us that our worship is not manmade, but comes from God.
After the first hymn, you immediately call on the name of the Triune God at THE INVOCATION in order to mark this service, or liturgy, as one performed in His name and for His benefit. It also reminds you of the name given to you at your baptism. Some Lutherans make the sign of the cross on their foreheads or on their heart at this time as a reminder of the benefits that have come to them through the cross of Christ and their baptism. The congregation responds by singing or saying: “Amen.” The catechism tells us this is a way of saying “Yes, indeed,” a way of indicating that you also believe in the true God and are here to worship Him.
Then, you notice, you begin the Preparatory Service, in which you prepare yourselves for the Gospel truths which Christ makes known to you through His Word. You don’t just proudly wander into God’s presence as if you had a perfect right to be there, for your personal sins have locked the door and blocked the way to God. CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION – So you first want to confess your unworthiness and sins and receive the forgiveness that makes a meeting with the Almighty God possible. The Pastor, facing you to indicate that he is speaking to you from God, invites you to turn to the Lord in confession and to put your trust in the merits of Jesus Christ. In the conversation that follows, the Invitation to confess your belief in Christ as the source of forgiveness is reaffirmed. Then on behalf of the congregation (facing the altar to indicate that he is speaking for you and himself), the Pastor confesses sins of thought, word and deed. Then Pastor and people together ask mercy and forgiveness of their sins, and for the Holy Spirit to lead them into new and true obedience.
Following that, the Pastor turns away from the altar and faces the congregation to speak the words of absolution, the assurance of God’s forgiveness in Christ. Again you say “Amen” and say that you truly believe that God has, through Jesus’ pastor, given you forgiveness and that you accept it though faith in Christ your Savior.
Maybe we better explain our terms: “theologically sound, liturgically minded, orthodox.” And let’s throw in “traditional,” to boot.
Lutheran Mission Alliance is composed of congregations who are Biblically bound. We are “Confessional” Lutherans who take the official statements of the old Lutherans who wrote the Book of Concord very seriously and as the correct understanding of Scripture. We seek to “conserve” these truths and the church practices based on them. This is basically the same as saying “orthodox.” That means we “teach rightly” the Word and Sacraments.
We are “liturgically minded” and value the worship forms of our grandfather’s church – or even our great, great grandfather’s church. That does not mean that we oppose all worship changes. The spirit of Lutheran worship is “reverent and dignified.” It is God-related and not man-centered, as so much of today’s contemporary and entertainment based worship is. The Scripture and a Law/Gospel sermon applying the Word to your lives is still highly valued, as is a well trained and properly called Pastor in each congregation.
“Traditional” means that we examine our past very seriously before we make changes. And we never make changes to our doctrine. We use Luther’s Small Catechism to teach that doctrine, as our articles on it show. We are not opposed to any change. We know that the language and forms we use must communicate “the faith of our fathers” to younger generations of people if the Word is to spread and continue. LMA congregations use the old methods of sharing the Word to bring people to Christ. It may be “slower” and may not “bring in the crowds” the way entertainment evangelism does, but it allows the Spirit to make people Christians who are prepared to face the pressures and temptations of the world with more faith and strength.
Still in its infancy, Lutheran Mission Alliance has made considerable progress in a number of its goals. Of course, the adoption of Our Redeemer Lutheran in Palacios, Texas, and participating in the discussion about the Montgomery, Texas, Mission are highlights.
Discussion began a number of months ago to secure tax exempt status for your contributions. Since they are now funneled through Concord (Texas Balance, Inc.) they are currently exempt. However, LMA would possibly like to be independent of Concord (TBI) because it is also a political agency. LMA is not political and endorses no candidates for church office, though we are properly concerned for the doctrine of the church. Discussions continue.
Bylaws are a particularly distasteful word to many, but they are necessary to maintain order and assure progress in any organization. Our principles of operation are very simple now. Each congregation gets two votes, pastoral and lay delegate, in the Delegate Assembly. Individual members may speak and serve on committees, but have no vote in the Assembly. We have three executive officers, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary. We share Concord’s Treasurer. There are six committees with Chairmen and members to carry out the duties. A committee is working on how we want to structure ourselves.
Our Officers and Committee Chairmen are not paid bureaucrats. They spend many hours in work for the Savior’s Mission Work. Every penny that comes in from your contributions goes toward the varied work of LMA. We are just now working on a first budget for 2008. We anticipate at least $12,000 of support for two missions and several programs. We hope that your contributions will cover the cost of the “LMA News” and that congregations will fund the other work. A full report of income and expenses will be given to the Delegate Assembly whenever it meets.
At present LMA meets twice a year in a location convenient for out of state attendees. We have the Communication Committee considering ways that our distant members can participate in the meetings of the Alliance. One decision we did make was, that since we are in the 21st Century, we should try to use the current technology to preserve and extend the traditional faith of our fathers. Email saves mission dollars over phone calls and letter writing. It is faster, too, as you know.
Pure doctrine, dignified and reverent worship and churches that look, sound, act and feel like Lutheran churches is our goal. If the main-line churches won’t start them, we will have to.
As a reader of the online version of LMA News, you may want to send in your suggestions by copying and mailing the following to Lutheran Mission Alliance, P.O. Box 192, Keller, TX 76244 or email to the editor. You may wish to include a gift for the work of the LMA as well. There are no overhead costs in LMA except for small expenses of maintaining the Web Page and mailing the LMA News. The rest goes to support the missions.
Suggestion Box
Send me the “LMA News” by email: edress ________________________@______________________
Add this person to the mailing list: Name ___________________________________________________
Address _________________________________ City ____________________, ____, ____________
I would like to see a traditional mission church in __________________________________, _________
The following live in the Montgomery, TX area, or live or visit in Palacios, TX (Please circle location)
Name ___________________________________ Address ___________________________________
City ______________________________________ Zip Code _________________________________
My Name _________________________________ Address___________________________________
City ______________________________________ Zip Code__________________________________
Excerpts from Bob Burney’s Article on Willow Creek’s Awakening
(Editor: The undocumented suspicion of the “quick and easy Church Growth” methods was one of the reasons why Lutheran Mission Alliance was formed and supports the traditional Lutheran method of planting and growing a church: caring contacts, sharing of the Gospel, proper teaching of the Faith through thorough Catechism study and discussion, serious confirmation of faith and continuing intake of Word and Sacrament. If you share this “old fashioned” notion that really works for slow but steady growth, you may be interested in joining Lutheran Mission Alliance. No gimmicks here.)
For most of a generation evangelicals have been romanced by the “seeker sensitive” movement spawned by Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. The guru of this movement is Bill Hybels. He and others have been telling us for decades to throw out everything we have previously thought and been taught about church growth and replace it with a new paradigm, a new way to do ministry.
The report reveals that most of what they have been doing for these many years and what they have taught millions of others to do is not producing solid disciples of Jesus Christ. Numbers yes, but not disciples. It gets worse. Hybels laments:
Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn’t helping people that much. Other things that we didn’t put that much money into and didn’t put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for.
If you simply want a crowd, the “seeker sensitive” model produces results. If you want solid, sincere, mature followers of Christ, it’s a bust. I
Willow Creek has released the results of a multi-year study on the effectiveness of their programs and philosophy of ministry. The study’s findings are in a new book titled Reveal: Where Are You?, co-authored by Cally Parkinson and Greg Hawkins, executive pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. Hybels himself called the findings “earth shaking,” “ground breaking” and “mind blowing.” And no wonder: it seems that the “experts” were wrong.
The report reveals that most of what they have been doing for these many years and what they have taught millions of others to do is not producing solid disciples of Jesus Christ. Numbers yes, but not disciples. It gets worse. Hybels laments:
Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn’t helping people that much. Other things that we didn’t put that much money into and didn’t put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for.
If you simply want a crowd, the “seeker sensitive” model produces results. If you want solid, sincere, mature followers of Christ, it’s a bust. In a shocking confession, Hybels states:
We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between services, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.
What we should find encouraging, at least, in this “confession” coming from the highest ranks of the Willow Creek Association is that they are coming to realize that their existing “model” does not help people grow into mature followers of Jesus Christ. Given the massive influence this organization has on the American church today, let us pray that God would be pleased to put structures in place at Willow Creek that foster not mere numeric growth, but growth in grace.
Bob Burney is Salem Communications’ award-winning host of Bob Burney Live, heard weekday afternoons on WRFD-AM 880 in Columbus, Ohio.
Lutheran Calendar