2003 Spring - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

W W W. H I G H E RT H I N G S . O R G

/ SPRING / 2003

Anti-American protesters, including these in Rome, Italy, will often argue that Christians must be opposed to war for any reason. from

the

editor-in-chief

On the Brink By the time this magazine reaches your hands, it is very likely that the United States will

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be at war with Iraq. War is always a terrible thing, and we at Higher Things pray that this war be swift and the conclusion have the least amount of loss of life possible. It behooves us also, to consider how the young people of our nation understand war, and also what we as Christians are to think about it.

It is amazing that while we are on the brink of war, I am reading more and more "Christian" pastors and others contending that war is inherently and unilaterally unchristian. Perhaps my favorite absurdity is an editorial I recently read where a Congregational pastor stated that if every family in the world prayed for peace all at the same time, that the war would disappear.

How is the Christian to understand war?

Simply put, war is the result of sin. Because of the fall into sin, death entered the world. Death comes in many fashions. Some deaths seem natural; others are horrific and shock us to the core. But death is a result of sin. And war has been a way of "solving problems" all the war back to when Cain murdered Abel in Genesis four.

As a Christian, though, we understand that sometimes war is not only an option, but is actually necessary for a just and moral nation. There are two sides to the Fifth Commandment,You shall not murder. The first is that we should not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, and the second is that we should help and befriend him in every physical need. What that means in clear English is that we have an obligation to protect and defend our neighbors from harm. I am my brother’s keeper. That is true whether we are talking about taking care of a family, or protecting an entire nation against evil.

St. Paul wrote of this quite clearly in Romans chapter thirteen: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake (Romans 13:1-5 NKJV).

The government does its job by executing judgment on those who do wrong. That doesn’t make it easy or simple of course, but it does mean that when the government is truly doing its job of protecting its citizens, then sometimes that may even mean war.

Finally, our desire for peace can never truly come from the world. Peace with God can only come through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Our hope lies not in earthly rulers, but in our heavenly intercessor, who will see us through to the end.

Yours in Christ, Pr.Todd Peperkorn Editor-in-Chief Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran

FEATURES 4

Silent No More

T A B L E

O F

CONTENTS

by Terri F. Meckes

Terri shares the story of her abortion at age 16, but her story doesn't end in guilt and condemnation. We, like Terri, rest in the forgiveness and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9

Cloning: A Body Double or Double Trouble?

by Dennis Di Mauro

How can Christians approach the controversial subject of cloning intelligently and with compassion? Dennis Di Mauro, a Lutherans for Life regional executive, sheds light on this difficult issue.

12 The Shattered Chalice: Arthur and Christ in Howard Pyle

by Kathryn Ann Hill

Christians are people of the Book—God's inerrant Word. But, when you're not reading the Good Book, where do you turn for a good read?

18 F-A-T

By Adriane Dorr

Adriane’s friend suffered from bulimia. How does Christ unravel the twisted messes we make of our lives?

20 Girl Power

By Kathy Luder

23 What if the Bible Were Pro-Choice?

By the Rev. Klemet Preus What is God’s Word didn’t include the fifth commandment?

These poems provide a thoughtful look into how the Scriptures would be different if the Bible was "pro-choice".

24 When U2 and Amy Grant Rocked My World By the Rev.Timothy Pauls

COLUMNS 7

Letters to the Editor

14 Ex Cathedra Need some advice on life, love, and faith? Check out this new column, which promises to answer all your questions.

HigherThings Volume 3/Number 1 Spring 2003 Editor-in-Chief REV. TODD PEPERKORN Assistant Editor JULIE STIEGEMEYER

Editorial Associates REV. TIM PAULS REV. DAVID PETERSEN REV. SCOTT STIEGEMEYER DR. GENE EDWARD VEITH Art Director STEVE BLAKEY

Business Manager LYNN FREDERICKSEN

Bible Studies Editor REV. ERIK ROTTMANN

HIGHER THINGS, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS President REV. KLEMET

PREUS

Vice President REV. MARCUS

ZILL

Executive Director REV. DANIEL WOODRING

Secretary SANDRA

OSTAPOWICH

Treasurer LYNN FREDERICKSEN

SANDRA OSTAPOWICH REV. KLEMET PREUS JEFF SCHWARZ DR. GENE EDWARD VEITH MOLLIE ZIEGLER REV. MARCUS ZILL Higher Things Magazine ISSN 1539-8455 is published quarterly by Higher Things Inc., 2026 22nd Ave., Kenosha, WI 53140.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the editor-in-chief of Higher Things Magazine. Copyright 2002. Printed in the United States. Postage paid at Fort Wayne, Indiana. For subscription information, write to: Higher Things Magazine, P.O. Box 8098, Fort Wayne IN 46898 or e-mail to Subscriptions@higherthings.org.

For general information about Higher Things, Inc., please e-mail info@higherthings.org.

16 News and Notes 28 In His Face information page Information and notes about the upcoming youth conference.

26 PULSE: Music Videos By the Rev. Eric R. Andrae

30 The Catechism: Called by Name By the Rev. David Petersen

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Silent No Mor H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 4

By Terri Meckes

Standing in the bathroom stall holding a small strip of paper, waiting. Praying. Bargaining. Please, don't let this be true. It just can't be true. But the little pink line didn't listen

ore

to my pleas. Pregnant. What was I going to do? My entire world seemed to end within the span of three minutes. For most women, a positive pregnancy test would be reason for celebration, for joyous tears shed with the love of your life as you plan for a little bundle of love, sent from heaven. Not for me. I was 16 years old, a junior in high school, and oh yeah, not married.

After many weeks of praying that this would just "disappear," I went to my best friend, Lucy. Lucy's mother was a social worker who knew all about teenage pregnancies, and more importantly, teenage mothers. She hugged me, told me she would give me the best advice she possibly could.Then she wrote a list of names and numbers. Doctors' names— more correctly, abortion providers.

"You need to think of your future, sweetie.You have such a bright college career ahead of you." For a scared young lady, being told to think of yourself and your future sounds like good advice.The father of the baby didn't think twice. "Take care of it," was all he said to me. He offered to give me money. Amazing how one minute you are so important to a guy, and the next minute you are a major problem.

I was certain I could never tell my parents. At best they would kick me out of the

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house—at worst they would kill me.

So, I forged a note to skip school and go to the doctor's office.The principal called my mother to verify the note, and rather than leaving school to go to my abortion appointment, I left school with my mother, frantically trying to figure out how to avoid telling her the truth. How do you tell your mother that you're pregnant? I will never forget that moment. She screamed at me, "You're just a baby yourself, you can't HAVE a baby." I had a horrible fight with my parents that night. My mother was hurt beyond words, and my father was furious.

The next morning I called to reschedule my appointment. My mother drove me to the clinic and sat in the waiting room.

I remember smiling at the nurses when it was all finished, feeling like a huge weight had been lifted from me. I thought it was finally over, and that I could go back to my normal life. How little I knew.

My life at school changed dramatically.The father told his friends, bragging about his manhood, I guess. By the time I went back to school, everyone knew. I never spoke of the abortion to anyone at school because I was too embarrassed. Life at home was horrible. My father rarely spoke to me, and my mother looked at me with such pain in her eyes. I became sexually promiscuous and started to drink as a way to escape the pain and embarrassment. By the time I went to college, casual sex seemed normal to me, and drinking every weekend was typical.

At the time I didn't realize what I was going through. I pretended I was just fine. I was wrong. I had nightmares. I became depressed around the same time every year. I couldn't see a newborn or a pregnant

woman without getting knots in my stomach. Infertility was another complication I would not fully understand until much later. For over ten years I silently suffered the effects of post-abortion syndrome (PAS).

Seven years ago, God forever changed my life. He brought me to a place where I could finally face my past, accept and confess my sin, and begin to grieve for my child.The burden of this horrible guilt has been washed clean by the blood of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I went through a wonderful Bible study for post-abortive women, and now fully rejoice not only in my forgiveness, but also in the hope that I will someday hold my child in heaven. I have had the honor of leading many other women through Bible studies as well, many who suffered in silence for more years than I. In churches around America, one in every four women has experienced the pain of abortion. I am one of them.There are many people who will say that every woman has a right to her own body, and that the "fetus" doesn't have any rights because it's not a real human being.

God says differently. Psalm 139 tells us that God "knit me together in my mother’s womb." Every woman that I have talked with, counseled, or cried with over the last 17 years would tell you that abortion only doubles the pain of an unplanned pregnancy. Not one of them would make the same decision again. Isn't it odd that the only people who argue for abortion are the ones who haven't had one? Think about it.

Terri Meckes lives with her husband in Woodbridge,VA, where she is currently an office manager. Terri and her husband are in the process of adopting two beautiful children from Guatemala.

While it affects each woman differently, the symptoms of PAS include guilt, depression, stress, low self-esteem, suicidal feelings, and substance abuse. If you or someone you know has suffered the pain of abortion, there is help. Please call 800-395-HELP or go to www.pregnancycenters.org

Feedback

letters to the

editor

Hello! I’m an eighteen-year-old "vicar’s kid" living in wacky California. First of all, I want to thank you for what you’re trying to do with Higher Things.You are certainly stepping into a large gap in the Lutheran world. I particularly enjoyed Rev.Tim Pauls’ article, "Don’t Drink the Water," in the last issue.

However, here’s something I’ve wanted to say since the first issue. Don’t forget that teenagers are often normal, thinking human beings with as much of an attention span as anyone else.When I read Higher Things I often feel that the articles quit just when they’re getting good. It’s slightly insulting to have an author lead up to a complicated problem, spend most of his space demonstrating that he understands the difficulty, and then suddenly conclude with a quick and undeveloped answer. "Take that and be happy, teenager. I’m sure you’re eager to go find some soda by now."

Actually, I don’t particularly like soda.

While it’s true that sometimes the answers to life’s questions actually ARE simple, there are many instances where they are not. Even when the answer is short, proving and applying it takes thought and effort. I, for one, would enjoy Higher Things more if it contained deeper articles. I’m hoping that in the future your answers will be thoughtful and well developed. In grown up magazines they usually take at least as long as the question.

At this point, Higher Things is encouraging because it lets us confessional youth know that we are not alone. I’m looking forward to the time when each issue will also give us something to ponder at night.

Sincerely, Anna Beck Richmond, CA P.S. Regarding the fall 2002 issue- please, do you guys REALLY believe that The Phantom Menace demonstrates "concrete moral values" and contains a good Christian message? Really?

Response Dear Anna, On the one hand, good writing does not have to be long and obtuse in order to make its point. I generally believe that Luther’s dictum regarding prayer also applies to writing: few words and much meaning is Christian; many words and little meaning is pagan. I would certainly say that part of our goal is use articles that are something you can read in one sitting. My goal as the editor is to strive for 700 words.That’s not much, and it forces the writing to be very tight and to the point, sometimes too much so.

But the problem, and this is a good problem, is that there are more and more readers out there who do not even have the attention span of a gnat. I have a semi-steady stream of letters to the editor wishing that we could have longer writing. But that is still very much a minority opinion. Our goal is to reach the youth of the church, from the every Sunday member to the once-ina-while member and everyone in between.That is a tall order, and that means that the work needs to be direct and engaging in order to draw the reader into the conversation.

If you take a close look at most magazines targeted to adults, it is quite rare for there to be an article that is more than 1000 words. 300-500 words are much more common. And generally speaking, our target readership (12-22 years old) is more likely to read something that is shorter, not the other way around.

Perhaps a solution would be for us to include one longer essay in each article, as well as our usual fare of shorter articles. Do you think this would be helpful?

Pastor Todd Peperkorn Editor-in-chief PS "The Phantom Menace" has a clear sense of right and wrong, so that’s pretty concrete. If something upholds that sense of right and wrong, it is much more helpful than, say, "American Pie" or something like that, where the whole point of the movie is the joy of sinning in many and various ways.

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Life Changing Studies Christ Academy, like Concordia Theological Seminary, is centered on Christ crucified, who is present in His Word and Sacraments to forgive and dwell in His Church. Students of Christ Academy will study Exegetical, Systematic, Historical, and Pastoral Theology. Seminary professors, Concordia University professors, and pastors teach the classes.

• “Christ Academy helped me to be more articulate about the Faith.”

• “Being able to talk with the Profs at lunch and during free time was awesome.”

Worship, the Center of the Experience Students are engaged in the daily prayer life of the seminary. Attendees will join both professors and seminarians in daily worship services, which take place four times a day.

C

hrist Academy is a two-week residential program sponsored by Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, for high-school-aged young men of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod. It is a place where students can study about Christ who is present in His Word and Sacraments and who died that our sins would be forgiven.

It is a place where students can experience seminary life. It is a place where students can explore the possibility of some day becoming a pastor.

• “I really enjoyed it, especially once I realized the true significance of the liturgy.”

• “Great! Services kept me focused throughout the day.”

• “I think it’s a very beneficial characteristic of Christ Academy to be able to live here on campus and see what the atmosphere is like.”

Clarity of Direction Having a focus that’s uniquely Lutheran, Christ Academy explores the many facets of pastoral ministry and its application in the real world.

• “I definitely want to become a pastor.”

• “I know much more about the vocation of pastor. There was a strong emphasis on the importance of the Faith in our lives and reality of the effect of Word and Sacrament.”

• “Christ Academy has helped me to look at life in a different perspective: that it is lived for Christ and our neighbor, in serving Him and our neighbor through love which Christ showed us in His life, death, and resurrection.”

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For more information about Christ Academy, please call the seminary at:

1-800-481-2155 You can also find information in the Events section of the seminary’s web site, www.ctsfw.edu or e-mail ChristAcademy@mail.ctsfw.edu

Life long friendships are made at the Academy. These friendships are strengthened through activities such as the trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the tour of churches, flag football, soccer, capture the flag, etc.

Activities are designed to engage students in the whole of Christian life.

• “He [God] has allowed me to make many friends, friends that have helped guide me through my life and friends I may one day share in the joy of being a pastor.”

The next Christ Academy will take place from June 22–July 4, 2003.

31

CLONING CLONING

AABody BodyDouble Doubleor or Double DoubleTrouble?

Trouble?By Dennis Di Mauro

One moral question

that has recently received a great deal of publicity is the issue of cloning.

Is cloning ethical? What’s wrong with using cloning to conceive a child, or to find cures for diseases?

First of all, what is cloning?

Cloning is the process where a woman’s egg, or ovum, has its nucleus removed and has the nucleus of a cell of another person, usually the nucleus of a skin cell, implanted into the empty egg.This process "conceives" a new living embryo (baby) that starts to grow rapidly after the skin cell nucleus is inserted into the egg. Cloning starts in the laboratory, and the embryo can then be placed into the uterus of a woman where it will grow into an infant, who then is born in the normal way.The newly born child will be a genetic duplicate (or twin) of the donor of the skin cell.

What are the types of cloning?

Cloning is usually separated into two types: reproductive and therapeutic.

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??

Reproductive cloning is essentially the process explained above, which results in a newborn child.

The donor of the skin cell reproduces, and the resultant boy (if the donor is a man) or girl (if the donor is a woman) will be the donor’s genetic duplicate, or twin. A French religious cult called the Raelians has made it its goal to be the first group to reproduce through cloning.They feel that they will be able to attain immortality through cloning.

Therapeutic cloning consists completely in the laboratory. A cloned embryo (baby) is formed in the laboratory, and then scientists perform scientific experiments on the embryo.The tiny baby is killed during this experimentation process. Scientists hope that these experiments will result in the development of cures for any number of diseases such as paralysis or cancer. Christopher Reeve, a screen actor best known for his role as Superman, was tragically paralyzed from the neck down in an equestrian accident. Mr. Reeve has been an outspoken advocate of therapeutic cloning in hopes that this experimentation will lead to a cure for his debilitating condition.

So what is the problem with cloning? Why have bans on the process been proposed?

Reproductive cloning has numerous ethical issues that have driven legislators to propose bills to stop reproductive cloning.

1) Many babies conceived experimentally during cloning will be deformed during the process.

Many people feel that these children will be aborted if they are not perfect.Those not aborted will suffer from numerous physical problems after birth.

2) Children born after reproductive cloning will only have one biological parent, the donor of the skin cell. Christians feel that it is unfair to conceive children who will then have only one parent, and will not benefit from an upbringing with both a mother and a father. Legal questions have also been raised about who will legally "own" the child born through reproductive cloning. Is the egg donor the legal parent? Is the skin cell donor the legal parent? Is the scientist who performed cloning the legal parent? Will the cloned child be used for ethical purposes? Will children be cloned to provide organ transplants for others?

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Nearly everyone opposes reproductive cloning for these reasons. However, many others, including many Christians, also oppose therapeutic cloning as well. Some of the objections to therapeutic cloning include: 1) An embryo is a child from the moment of conception, whether that conception is the result of natural reproduction or cloning. Psalm 139 tells us that God knits us together in our mother’s womb. So from the moment of conception, we are created

by God for a specific purpose. It is therefore not

our place to kill this growing baby or to conduct scientific experiments upon the child.

2) Some people feel that a ban on reproductive cloning alone would be useless without banning therapeutic cloning as well.This is because embryos conceived by the therapeutic cloning process could easily be implanted (in violation of a reproductive cloning ban) in a woman willing to carry the baby. Once implanted, the law could do little to stop the child from being born.

Therefore, many legislators feel that reproductive cloning can only be prevented by banning all forms of cloning.

3) Egg cells required in the therapeutic cloning process must be surgically removed from women to clone children.This surgery is difficult, painful, and can endanger a woman’s future fertility.

Many people are concerned that poor women will be exploited and coerced to earn money by undergoing this surgery.

4) Babies cloned for therapeutic purposes are killed and are therefore denied the sacrament of baptism, and the saving grace contained therein.

So as Christians we need to know that because of all these ethical problems, any form of cloning is clearly immoral. God’s intention is that all children be conceived and born from a man and a woman joined in Christian marriage.This marriage covenant provides all children the right to grow safely in their mother’s womb with the benefit and support of loving parents, as well as the opportunity for baptism.

So if all cloning is immoral how can I make my voice heard as a Christian citizen to ban all types of cloning?

Senator Brownback of Kansas has introduced a bill that will ban both reproductive and therapeutic cloning. Similar bills have been successfully passed in Germany and other countries, and these bills will prevent the killing of pre-born children in laboratories.Your efforts to end all cloning can start by contacting your Congressman or Senator and letting them know that you support the Brownback bill.You can go to www.nrlc.org and put in your zip code to receive contact information for your Congressmen and Senators.

Dennis Di Mauro is the President of Northern Virginia Lutherans for Life,he is the Finance Chairman of Lutherans for Life of the Mid-Atlantic States,and he is the LC - MS Representative to the National Pro-Life Religious Council, an organization devoted to promoting the fact that Christianity is a pro-life religion.Dennis has been active in pro-life ministries for the past eight years.He also manages the Lutheran activities at the Washington DC March for Life every January 22nd.He is married and is the proud father of three daughters,and lives in Herndon,Virginia.

HIGHER THINGS

E-Mail Lists @ Higher Things News E-Mail List Receive information via e-mail from Higher Things, Inc. about conferences, retreats, publications, web sites, e-mail lists, and leadership training opportunities for youth. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: HTNews-on@lists.HigherThings.org @ Didache: Q&A for Youth “Didache” is the greek word for “teaching.”This group is a forum focused specifically on questions of a theological or religious nature. All youth are welcomed to ask questions or comment on other questions. In addition, several pastors have been enlisted to help when needed. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: Didache-on@lists.higherthings.org @ The Mouth House The Mouth House is a group created for Lutheran and nonLutheran Christian youth. Join conversations to learn more about God, His Word, and one another. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: MouthHouse-on@lists. higherthings.org @ The Lutheran Student Union The Lutheran Student Union is an e-mail discussion list for college students. It is a gathering place of activity where college students can interconnect, discuss Lutheran theology, and talk about issues they face on campus.

To subscribe, send an e-mail to: LSU-on@lists.higherthings.org

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The Shat t is not required that Christians be readers: faith comes by hearing.

But it is often true that believers in Christ, born and reared by words of the utmost importance and beauty, will develop a love for literature that wants feeding.

So, when you are not reading the Good Book, where do you turn for a good read?

Turn to Howard Pyle’s Arthuriad.The tales of King Arthur and his knights "were never so finely told in prose before," wrote Mark Twain of his fellow American’s fourbook series.These are stories of knights and the famous round table, of queens and romance, of chivalry and courage.

But even beyond the plots and characters, the themes in the stories can point us toward Christ.

Lutheran readers accustomed to the liturgy and hymns of The Lutheran Hymnal will feel right at home with Pyle’s stately prose. Consider this excerpt from the first book:

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Then Merlin smiled upon the King, though not with cheerfulness, and said, "Lord, why art thou in such haste? Know that when this Round Table shall be entirely filled in all its seats, then shall thy glory be entirely achieved and then forthwith shall thy day begin for to decline. For when any man hath reached the crowning of his glory, then his work is done and God breaketh him as a man might break a chalice from which such perfect ichor hath been drunk that no baser wine may be allowed to defile it. So when thy work is done and ended shall God shatter the chalice of thy life."

Then did the King look very steadfastly into Merlin’s face, and said, "Old man, that which thou sayest is ever of great wonder, for thou speakest words of wisdom.Ne’theless, seeing that I am in God His hands, I do wish for my glory and for His good will to be accomplished even though He shall then entirely break me when I have served His purposes."

Lutherans find here not only familiar elegant diction, but also an arresting word picture that helps us meditate on the Passion of our Lord.The Gospel of John teaches us that Christ is glorified when He

Arthur and Christ in Howard Pyle

is lifted up on the cross (John 3:14-15; 8:28; 12:23-24, 32; 17:1-4). His crowning glory there is a crown of thorns.The blood Christ shed there is the perfect sacrifice for sin, acceptable to the heavenly Father as the perfect wine is offered to and accepted by the lord of a banquet. Christ drank the cup of God’s wrath (Mark 14:36; John 18:11). It pleased God to crush Him (Isaiah 53:10). By faith in our Savior, we are spared the death our sins deserve. We receive instead, from His Holy Chalice, forgiving, life-giving blood.

Pyle’s Arthuriad, like other books about Arthur published in the early twentieth century, was meant to teach young men chivalry and integrity. No Christian would quarrel with Pyle’s exhortations, placed here and there between compelling knightly adventures, to imitate good behavior and avoid temptation. But Lutheran readers will find most thrilling those glimpses of Christ that show forth in knightly deeds.

Our Lord suffered humiliation in order to work our redemption.Think of Christ when you read more of this episode from book three: In order to free the captive Queen Guinevere after his horse is slain,

noble Launcelot rides to the rescue in a fagotmaker’s cart.This was the mode of transport reserved for lawbreakers on their way to the gallows.Though he accomplishes the queen’s rescue, he is bitterly scorned by his kinsmen knights for choosing this humble way of travel.

In loyalty to his king, Sir Gawaine weds an ugly old hag to reward her for saving Arthur’s life. Read this story with a surprise ending in book one.Then ponder how Gawaine’s marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church.

Pyle’s Arthuriad is by no means the exclusive territory of young men.Young women will also find sympathetic, exemplary heroines.There is likely nowhere else in English fiction a more powerful picture of womanly dignity and grace than Elaine the Fair’s behavior when she finds her husband alone with the powerful, seductive Guinevere.

Fans of the popular Harry Potter books and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings will find similar attractions within the world of King Arthur.When the luminous Lady of the Lake appears, Rings fans will be sure they have wandered very near Tolkien’s Elvish forest.

The wizard Merlin, guardian and advisor to Arthur, is likely the model for Gandalf. And Morgana le Fay and the more-than-mischievous Vivien, out of envy and spite, work potent spells against good King Arthur.

Even better than discovering a good book is to find that its author has written several sequels. Pyle’s four books of Arthurian tales promise you many hours of reading pleasure, with moments that will quicken your understanding of Christ’s redeeming work for you.

Kathryn Ann Hill, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is wife of the Reverend Michael James Hill and copyeditor of Gottesdienst: A Quarterly Journal of the EvangelicalLutheran Liturgy.

By Kathryn Ann Hill

ttered Chalice: The four books composing Howard Pyles’s Arthuriad are The Story of King Arthur and His Knights,The Story of the Champions of the Round Table, The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions, and The Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur, all available as Dover reprints of Scribner originals. Each book is over 300 pages; prices range from $9.95 to $12.95.

Pyle was a gifted illustrator as well as writer. His detailed penand-ink drawings in the Arthur books are reminiscent of Albrecht Dürer. Never was illustration better wedded to text than in the works of Howard Pyle.

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Ex Cathedra From Advice to Absurdity Dear Ex Cathedra, My boyfriend wants to give me a promise ring, but my parents say I’m too young.

I believe he is my soul mate.

How old do I have to be?

Elisa, 17 Dear Elisa, The right age varies based on maturity, dating experience, emotional stability, and so on. Most people are probably old enough at thirty-five, give or take a little.

Seriously, if you boyfriend really is your soul mate, you have plenty of time to take it slow. If he isn’t, it’s only going to be more painful to breakup if you take the relationship further than you have to. Slow down and consider not even dating him exclusively.

Dating other people will allow you to learn about yourself and the kind of guy that is right for you.

Besides, he’ll be able to afford a nicer ring for you he is old enough to have a full-time job.You don’t have anything to lose by taking your time, and there is much to gain.

EC Dear Ex Cathedra, My youth group is basically non-existent.

What can we do to get it started?

Steve, 15 H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 14

Dear Steve, I feel a top ten list coming on.No wait, it was just acid-reflux.There is not pat answer for this question, but here are a couple suggestions.

1. Don’t expect your pastor or youth director to do everything.

Get involved yourself in inviting others, planning events, and participating in Bible Study discussions and activities.

2. Other youth are more likely to come to activities where they have friends. Even if the event is stupid, friends will have fun together.

So make friends with the other students in your group, and hang out with them at your activities.

3. If you have a small group, try networking with another LCMS congregation in your area. Schedule an activity together.

4.Talk with your youth leader about what works well and what doesn’t.Your input, and that of the others in the group, is critical.

5. Let your youth director get whatever he wants on his pizza.The reason is complicated, but trust me, okay?

EC Dear Ex Cathedra, What exactly is SPAM? Joe, (age withheld) Dear Joe, Do you mean the annoying emails we get or the meat that comes in a can? No matter, the answer is: "Evil in it’s purest form." Thanks for asking. Now get a life.

EC Ex Cathedra is a humor and advice column about youth, church, school or whatever. Email your question to ExCathedra@higherthings.org.

Confirmation

Gift Subscriptions Trying to decide what to give your brother, sister, cousin, friend, son, daughter, godson/ goddaughter/niece/ nephew/grandchild for confirmation. Look no further! Sign them up for Higher Things Magazine and know they’re getting well written, solid theological articles on timely topics. Religious education stops at confirmation, NOT! We offer plenty of subscription option (see below). Simply fill out the form and mail it to Higher Things Magazine, P.O. Box 8098, Fort Wayne IN 46898 with your check or credit info. We’ll do the rest.

Confirmation Gift Subscription Offer Yes! I want to subscribe _____________________ to HIGHER THINGS MAGAZINE n $6.50 per subscriber for one half year* n $13 one year* n $23 two years* n Please renew their current subscription Yes! I want to send ____________ a 1/2 Year subscription to HIGHER THINGS MAGAZINE n $6.50 per subscriber for one half year* n $13 one year* n $23 two years* Your Name _______________________________________________________________ Name of Recipient_________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________State _____ Zip ___________ E-mail ___________________________ Phone _______________ Fax _______________ n Bill my Credit Card Card #_______________________________________________ n Visa n MasterCard n Check Enclosed n Bill Me

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HIGHER THINGS

News & Notes Higher Things is fast becoming international.

The Swedish weekly magazine Kyrka och Folk (Church and People; www.crossnet.se/kfflt/kof.htm) is published by the conservative and biblical organization Kyrkliga Förbundet (The Churchly Federation). In its 80th year, it is a leading confessional voice in Sweden, reaching 3000 subscribers. It is edited by the Rev. Fredrik Sidenvall.

In a recent issue (13 Feb. 2003), the entire "youth page" is devoted to a review of Higher Things magazine. "In the American youth magazine Higher Things," writes Fredrik Hardt, "one has succeeded in combining a layout appealing to youth with solid Christian content.

The magazine is generally aimed at youth, but can also be warmly recommended to adults.The aim of the magazine is not only to teach and prepare the next generation of church leaders, but also to assist congregations in their work with youth and to establish a link between young students and solid preachers active in campus ministry" (12).The article also goes on to promote the upcoming "In His Face" HT youth gathering, encouraging Swedish youth to attend.

Higher Things: this is not just your (American) grandson’s Lutheran magazine!

Registration Still Open for IHF IN HIS FACE is the theme of the Annual Higher Things Youth Conference to be held in Arlington, TX (July 29 - Aug 1, 2003). Registration for In His Face opened on December 1, 2002, but there’s still plenty of time to register. Registration for the conference is $149, and it is open to confirmed youth. For more information, please go to www.higherthings.org or call (616) 469-0380 and ask for Pastor Woodring.

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Higher Things in Braille?

A new partnership between Higher Things and Lutheran Library for the Blind (part of LCMS World Missions) will soon result in Higher Things magazine being translated into Braille.The Lutheran Library for the Blind currently produces a number of Lutheran periodicals into Braille (Portals of Prayer, My Devotions, etc.).

Positions Open at Higher Things We have several positions open at Higher Things: Dare to Be Lutheran.

If you are interested in applying for any of these positions, please call Pastor Peperkorn at (262)551-8182 or email Peperkorn@ higherthings.org. Some of these are volunteer positions; others are paid staff position.The positions which are open are as follows:

Managing Editor

@ Direct the staff of a 32-page, four-color youth magazine, and published four times a year. @ Assign, edit and proof all magazine copy. @ Write magazine copy when needed. @ Assist, when needed, generating magazine stories and writers. @ Serve as contact person for local, national and international media. @ Assist with advertising direction. @ Maintain media contact list for local and national print and electronic media. @ Report to the editor-in-chief.

Advertising Director

@ Secure advertising for Higher Things magazine. @ Place Higher Things ads in other publications. @ Maintain advertising contact list for local, national and international publications. @ Report to the editor-in-chief.

Higher Things Webpage Gets New Look When checking out the information about IHF on our webpage, you will notice that we have totally redesigned our webpage! This will make it easier for us to get information posted as quickly as possible, and hopefully, it will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for.

Check it out, and if you find any bugs let us know! www.higherthings.org

C h r i s t o n C a m p u s • J u l y 1 7 - 1 9 , 2 0 0 3 • S t . A n d r e w ’s L u t h e r a n C h u r c h , L a r a m i e , W Y

A Higher Things Conference on Campus Ministry

Are you involved in college ministry?

Would you like to be?

Then this conference is for you! Christ on Campus is the first event in a collaborative effort between Higher Things and those of us working in campus ministry. Whether you are already doing campus ministry, or just getting started a pastor of a full or part time campus ministry, a town & gown pastor, a DCE, a DCO, or a layperson involved in campus missions, this conference is for you. With two excellent keynote speakers, outstanding worship, and opportunities to share resources and discuss the ins and outs of campus work with others at the forefront of campus ministry, Christ on Campus is a conference you will not want to miss.

When? July 17-19, 2003 Where? St Andrew’s Lutheran Church and Campus Center, Laramie, WY Cost? Registration is $65 (Early bird special before May 1 = $55).

Dr. Gene Edward Veith,“Christianity and the Current Scene on Campus” Professor of English at Concordia University, Mequon, WI; Director of the Cranach Institute; Cultural Editor of World Magazine; author of Post-Modern Times and The Spirituality of the Cross.

Rev. Prof. John T. Pless,“Shepherding in the College Context” Asst. Professor of Pastoral Theology and Missions and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN; former campus pastor of 17 years at University Lutheran Chapel, Minneapolis, MN. @ For more information, contact Rev. Marcus Zill at 307.745-5892 or pastor@standrewslcms.org. @ Downloadable brochures and registration forms can be found at www.higherthings.org @ This conference will be held immediately following the 5th Annual Consortium on Classical and Lutheran Education Conference, also in Laramie, WY. Learn more at www.ccle.org.

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FAT

By Adriane Dorr

F-A-T. With a sharp, glistening razor blade, my friend carved that word into the flesh of her bony thigh, leaving scars that will last forever. In an effort to deal with both anorexia and bulimia, she mutilated herself with a razor blade to try to relieve her problems, abusing herself in a vain effort to find acceptance and self-worth.

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Pushing her body to the limit, she ate massive amounts of food and then purged her body of all that she ate. She exercised constantly, lifting weights and running for miles. Her search for acceptance and love has resulted in years of pain, discomfort, and agony. Obviously, her eating disorder took a hard toll on her body. Even as my friend has begun to heal from her disorder, her stomach is still extremely sensitive. She also loses chunks of hair and is constantly cold. My friend, along with eight million other people in the United States, suffers from an eating disorder.

At first glance, food seems her most obvious problem.

Yet she struggles immensely in her heart and mind. For her, as in most cases, bulimia was not centered on the desire to look trim and feel fit. A poor relationship with her parents, a troubled childhood, and a poor self-image contributed to her problems. During the time she lived with me, I realized that the only way she knew how to relieve the emotional pain was to physically take it out on her body. Essentially, her quest for perfection

had come down to a search for peace and control.

As Lutherans, we know that there is only one Person in whom that calming peace can be found. "The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blessed his people with peace" (Psalm 29:11).

As a confused and questioning Catholic, my friend saw little comfort in the gifts given to her by Christ.

She has wrestled viciously with her faith for quite some time. When she would attend the Lutheran church with me, she would slump down in the pew, flip restlessly through the hymnal, heave frustrated sighs, and do her best not to look in the pastor’s direction. Although she heard Christ’s Word, her ears heard only the Law, and that made her extremely uncomfortable.

She knew that abusing her body was wrong, and yet she did not change.The hard thing about sin is that it wraps itself into the midst of medical and potential chemical imbalances in her body, so that it is hard to see right from wrong sometimes. The simple answer is to simply say it is either her fault for this mess she’s in, or that it is simply a medical condition where she has no fault at all. But the Small Catechism reads, "The devil, the world, and our sinful nature try to mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great sins." Sin is never so simple. There are always multiple causes, which draw us into the messes of life, both big and small.

However, as she has begun to heal and has started to come to terms with her disorder, my friend is beginning to realize that her only source of comfort and stability is in Christ. Although she was raised a Catholic, she has begun to attend a Lutheran church where Christ’s forgiveness has been dumped by the truckload upon her. The Law shows her the sin she has tried to ignore and hide, but now she has begun to rejoice in the Gospel as well, hearing words of forgiveness and peace. While she cannot depend upon her earthly parents, she has begun to realize that she can rely whole-heartedly upon her heavenly Father. While she cannot find comfort or relief in earthly food such as pizza or chicken salad, she can find life and forgiveness in the Body and Blood of the Lord’s Supper. While she understands that her physical body on earth will be impaired for life, she knows that her body in heaven will be perfect.

God aches when He sees His children hurting because of the sin in their lives and sent His Son to forgive those sins and provide healing and life. Lutherans rejoice in the forgiveness found in our Lord’s free gifts of Word and Sacrament. All people, even those who are struggling with an eating disorder, may find release in His words. "He said to her,‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering’" (Mark 5:34).

Adriane Dorr is an English Student at Concordia University Wisconsin.

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Girl H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 20

Steve and I

aren’t exactly "steady,"but we have been on a couple of group dates. I also talk to him on the phone almost every day. He listens to me and seems to understand me. Most importantly, though, he laughs at my jokes. It is NOT, as I have explained to my friends at least a thousand times, that I am seeing him exclusively. It is just that I don’t happen to be seeing anyone else. Anyway, I like him. A lot.

And he likes me even more, which is very cool.

One Friday night, my friend Molly and I met at a freshman dance. We were fast dancing in a group of about ten people, including Steve. Every time a slow dance would come up, Steve and I danced together. We danced the way my grandmother taught me: my right hand in his left and my left hand on his waist up high. We didn’t just sway back and forth.

We actually danced. We waltzed and fox-trotted. Sure, I had to teach him, but he was game for it and it was a blast. We laughed like mad and ignored everyone but each other.

I was really having a great time. He was very attentive and complimentary. And I suppose that is what got to me. I can’t recall anyone but my parents and other relatives ever telling me that I was pretty. In all of our hours of conversation, Steve had certainly never said that before. He had said I was smart; I was funny; I was nice; I was a good friend. He had said a lot of nice things. But he had never before said: "You are pretty." Trust me. I would have remembered. So when he said it that night, my heart melted. I couldn’t wait to tell Molly. It felt so good to be liked, to be popular, to be desirable.

As the night wore on, we danced closer and closer. I was content. Everything was right in the world. I laid my head on Steve’s shoulder, felt his heartbeat through my chest and his breath in my hair. He held my hand to his chest nestled between us and was lightly rubbing my back in time with the music with his other hand.The waltzing had ended. So had the jokes. Like the cheerleaders and football players all around us, we just swayed, lost in the music and each other.

Power

by Kathy Luder Then his hand slipped a bit low. He brushed my backside below the waist. It sent a tingle through me like electricity. I could feel every inch of my body. I had never before been so conscious of another person’s physical presence and every move. I hesitated in our swaying for maybe a millisecond. But I wasn’t sure he knew what had happened. It could have been an accident. His circling hand probably just slipped. So, I ignored it. But within seconds it happened again and this time lower. If I was on fire, then he was too. I realized it was no accident. Steve had just touched my butt!

I stood straight up, pushed him away, and stomped into the girls’ room. I went into a stall, locked the door, and sat down. I realized by then that it wasn’t all Steve’s fault and it was hardly the crime of the century.To some degree, I was guilty, too. I had pulled him close and put my head on his shoulder. I wanted him. I was frustrated and tired of fighting.

I was angry and feeling defiled and more than a little guilty. I started to cry.

I heard someone shuffle into the restroom and saw Molly’s shoes stop in front of my stall. I lifted my feet but she said, "I know you’re in there, Kathy. I saw you stomp off the dance floor. What happened?"

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I didn’t say a word. I thought maybe she’d get embarrassed and go away. I should’ve known that Molly doesn’t get embarrassed and go away.

"I saw your feet. I know you’re in there. I am not leaving until you tell me what is wrong.

You’d better hurry up while we have the place to ourselves."

Little did she know how patient I am. I could wait until morning. But then the door swung open.Those stupid doors all hang crooked and never latch right.Tears were on Molly’s cheeks, too. "Come on," she said. "You’re scaring me. What's wrong? I thought everything was going great. We were finally having fun at a school dance! We finally have boyfriends!"

"He is not my boyfriend!" I protested. "And besides, he touched my butt."

"What?"

"We were dancing and Steve touched my butt.Twice. I let him the first time. I thought it was an accident.Then he did it again. So I left."

"Wow." "I thought he was different. I thought he really liked me. . . Oh, Molly, I am going to be the Frost Queen forever! I am so tired of fighting it. Aren’t there any decent boys out there? Even Steve is a jerk."

"He is not a jerk, Kathy. He is just a boy. He is nice, but he got carried away."

"He is too a jerk! He is a total, absolute, grade-A jerk face! He is the worst kind of jerk, a sneak-jerk, a pseudo-nice guy, a jerk in trustworthy clothing. He is the Benedict Arnold of the Boy Scouts!" Now we were both laughing. "I should not have had to stop him. He shouldn’t have tried!"

"Yeah, you're right. He shouldn’t have tried. But I don’t think he has to be hanged for treason just yet."

"Maybe not yet, but he is pretty close."

"So what are you going to do? He screwed up, but I think you can recover—both of you. Go tell him that he is to never touch you—anywhere—even on your hand—ever again without your explicit permission. Go out there and say:‘Touch my butt and DIE, pig!’" Then we both cracked up. It got even cornier as we made up and practiced speeches for me to tell Steve much to the dismay and confusion of others who came into the restroom.

Finally, Molly said, "Seriously, tell him that if he is polite and behaves, you might still hang around him and let him call you, but that you demand to be treated with respect and decency. Remember, you are the queen, and he is a peon supplicant. Isn’t that the speech you are always giving me?"

"Yeah, you're right." I said, still laughing a little, and wiping away the tears. "I’ll give him another chance. But I have terms!"

When we finally came out, Steve was standing apart from our little group and looked pretty scared. Even though Molly was with me, he came right up to me and started apologizing. He said he was ashamed and promised never to do anything like that again. So I didn’t tell him off completely. But I did use my queen line.

All in all, it was a pretty mild incident. But it shook me up. I realize now that I have to be constantly on my guard and that even a friend like Steve can be weak at times. It would have been easy to give in. I’m glad I didn’t because I know it wouldn't have stopped there. And I’m glad that I have Molly. It’d be harder alone.

Who knows? Maybe someday she’ll be the maid of honor at my wedding. I’ll walk down the aisle in a pure, white gown as God joins me to the man that He has already chosen for me. Don’t tell my friends, but part of me wonders if maybe it won’t be Steve. His apology made me think he’d make a pretty good husband.

Kathy Luder attends Midwest Lutheran Church in Middleville, Indiana. She imagines herself quite stunning and extraordinarily clever but, alas, no photo is available. In fact, no photo exists.

PRO CHOICE BIBLE STORIES?

by Rev. Klemet Preus

What if people in the Bible were pro-choice? What if certain Bible stories took place today? What would have happened if the inconvenient or unwanted pregnancies of Bible times took place now in a time when abortion is legal?

Who is the woman past her years?

Sarah is pregnant, full of fears.

Quick—kill the seed so it can't grow; Isaac the child need never know.

(Gen. 18:1-5; Gen. 21:1-8) Rachel is struggling, going fast.

Her son is born; she breathes her last.

Jacob the father, had he learned, Would not have had her come to term.

(Gen. 35:16-20) Judah is shocked—what has he done?

Gone to a whore, wife of his son.

Now she's with child and who's to blame?

Murder the unborn, save the shame.

(Gen. 38:1-30) Mary is pregnant and unwed— A teenage mom, no hope ahead.

Have some compassion, mercy mild— Save her the scorn and kill the child.

(Matthew 1:18-5; Luke 2:1-20)

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The Question

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Max and Robbie and I were stretching out before soccer practice, talking music with the team. Robbie’s definition of "good music" was easy: loud and usually about a girl who didn’t wear much.Typical Robbie.

I had a good way of sorting music between good and bad: if it was Christian, it was good. If not, it was bad.That’s why I only listened to Christian radio.That’s why, in four years of high school, I'd dropped about a thousand dollars into Christian music cassettes.

Perversely, all of this encouraged Robbie to sing every nasty song he knew in order to embarrass me.

But my definition was easy to work with: Christian music good, non-Christian music bad. I’d have been a great monk in the Middle Ages, living inside a monastery: within the wall good, outside the wall bad. Simple.

It was Max who got me thinking. Ever the cool keeper, he looked around, spat and said, "I got a tape by a new group called U2." He glanced at me and said, "It’s okay because the band is three-fourths Christian."

"Three-fourths Christian"? I was puzzled.Three in the band believed, one didn’t. What did that do to the music? Was every fourth song secular? Every fourth word? Did one non-Christian de-purify the music? Would one believer make a quartet "Christian"? I pondered these questions through the rest of practice. I thought about them so much that I let Robbie by for an easy goal during the scrimmage.

I stopped thinking about them while Max had me doing push-ups in the mud for being such a doof during a game. But I was still wondering: what made music "good"?

A few days later, the debate grew. "Didja hear the news on the radio?" asked Liz at lunch. "Amy Grant’s going secular." This was bigger news than you might think. When I was in high school, there were two kinds of Christian artists: Amy Grant and everyone else. Now Amy was going over the wall, and I wasn’t sure what to think.

"Sell-out," said Jay between bites of his sandwich.

"She’s joined the world." Cheryl had a different opinion: "It’s not a sell-out.This way she can reach a whole new audience and tell them about Jesus." The debate went on, and the local opinion seemed to be

disappointment in Amy. I was confused. If a secular singer mentioned Jesus in a song, we called it a "courageous witness." If a Christian singer cut a secular album, it was wrong. So what made music good or bad?

So I put the question to you:What makes music good or bad? How about books? Movies? Magazines?

Food? Stop for moment before you read on: What makes these things good or bad?

The Answer To find the answer, consider the following options. Only one of them is a good idea.

"Anything called ‘Christian’ is good and blessed

by God, and anything secular is bad and of this world." This means that you should isolate yourself from anything non-Christian. Christian music good, secular music bad. Christian books good, secular books bad. Christian potato chips good, secular potato chips bad. Job at church good, job not at church bad. It’s a bad idea, as illustrated in Martin Luther’s time. A man would say, "Those monks over there are blessed because they’re doing Christian things.Therefore, I’m going to leave the farm and family and become a monk. Once I’ve abandoned my wife and children, then I’ll be more godly!" Huh?

1

A variation of #1 is this: "You must ‘Christianize’ the world before it’s good." You must fill the whole government with Christians before God can use it.You must convert your mechanic before he’s ready to fix your car.This means that God is powerless to use us if we don’t believe in Him.This gives us entirely too much credit.

2

"It’s all good, and this whole discussion is stupid.

You’re a Christian and you’re in the world, so do Christian things and do worldly things." This means that music that glorifies sin is just as Godpleasing as the liturgy.When this idea wins, the Church always loses. It melts into the world and disappears.

So try this one…

3

By the Rev.Tim Pauls You live in the Church and you live in the world, and God created both.That’s what you say in the Apostles’ Creed. He created the world, including you. He provides you with food, clothing, shelter, all sorts of things; they are to be used for good. While you live in this world, God has also brought you into His Church. Jesus has died to redeem you, and the Holy Spirit gives you that forgiveness in His Word and Sacraments. So, as Luther would say, you live in two kingdoms:You’re a part of the body of Christ, and you’re a part of this world.

All of these are good gifts from God, though sinners will abuse them. My car isn’t good or evil, but my use of it is. If I use it to drive a friend to school, that’s good; if I use it to run down the guy next door, that’s evil. Milk is nutritious, whether or not it comes from a Christian cow. A new worship song needs to be examined; if it teaches false stuff, avoid it. A network may have some good TV shows and some bad.

Music and magazines are not all good or all evil; their good is determined by what they say, and this might vary from track to track, from page to page. It’s up to you to listen and watch with discretion, not based on

4

what you think, but on what God’s Word says. "Test all things," writes St. Paul; "hold fast what is good.

Abstain from every form of evil" (I Thess. 5:21-22).

(By the way, you’ll find an exercise of this each month in the "Pulse" column of Higher Things, where Pastor Andrae courageously takes on the ticklish task of reviewing magazines, videos, etc. Some is good, some is bad; and sorting them out daily is a task of the Christian.)

Option #4 is what we call Luther’s "Two-Kingdom Doctrine." It’s what the Bible teaches. It’s also the only one of the four that works. It’s not as easy to practice as the others, because you can’t just label things without studying them.You’ve got to be on guard all the time. On the other hand, you have the privilege of enjoying all of God’s gifts for you—both in the Church and in the world.

The Rev.Tim Pauls is Associate Pastor/Acting School Administrator at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, Idaho.

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Christina Aguilera "Beautiful" Stripped Director: Jonas Akerlund Style: (Self-) Love Ballad Theme: Self-affirmation, self-esteem Objectionable Material: Girl (an anorexic?) in underwear, cross-dressing (male to female), sodomite (male homosexual) kissing World-View: Beauty is internal, not external; beauty is found in everyone Critique/Summary: The basically positive aim of the lyrics (the inherent value of each day and each individual) is overshadowed by the affirmation that everything and everyone is good, regardless of certain perversions.The video doesn't help people overcome their problems (e.g., homosexuality, cross-dressing), but rather celebrates/promotes the sins. Aguilera still has a fantastic voice and presence, but if she continues on this chosen path of "sex and sin sells," she'll never be the diva she could have been.With her new (permissive) attitude and her new (trashy) look, she's lost at least one fan.

Thus says the Lord: Genesis 1:27, 31; 2 Cor. 5:16-17; Galatians 2:20; Romans 1:24-27, 3:21-25a Eminem "Lose Yourself" Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture 8 Mile Director: Eminem/Paul Rosenberg/Philip G. Atwell Style: Theme: Objectionable Material: World-View: Critique/Summary:

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Hard Rap Opportunity may only knock once, so go for it; self-confidence Very brief violence; brief, mild sexual innuendo; bleeped out curses "You can do anything you set your mind to, man."

The music and high-energy, intense rhymes take you to previously non-experienced heights in hip-hop. Eminem's mad genius gives you chills and goose bumps, at the same time as it may anger you. However, this particular video/song/motivational speech is actually inspiring.The video begins by showing us sun-bathed Detroit from above, but then takes us down to earth to the dark inner city. Eminem powerfully urges you to take advantage of opportunity, to use your ability to do the best job possible, to do something positive with your life. He admits the reality of possible failure (his and yours), but simply exhorts you to try again; you may get knocked down, but just get back up then and work hard and harder. Meanwhile, he laments (and thus sounds a wise warning regarding) fame and stardom, and their effects on family relations and trust.

The video is really a shorter version of 8 Mile (R-rated).The film was a bit slow; the video is much better.

Finally, keep in mind, that this video is not a commentary on how we are saved: that is by Christ's work and person alone. It is, rather unintentionally I'm sure, a commentary on how we use the abilities and opportunities God has given us in our various callings.

Thus says the Lord: 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

By the Rev. Eric R. Andrae

Justin Timberlake "Cry Me a River" Justified Director: Francis Lawrence Style: Radio-friendly pop/R&B Theme: Jilted, hurt, (even pathetic?) revenge Objectionable Material: Some relatively mild sexual content: e.g., briefly, "the new cleavage" (female); bareback female in shower World-View: All's fair in love & war Critique/Summary: Right from the somber, rainy beginning, the music is cool & catchy; the sometimes Matrix-like dance moves are reminiscent of Timberlake's idol: Michael Jackson, early 80s and pre ultra-weird.

Obviously going autobiographical in regard to his break-up with Britney Spears, Timberlake shows honest pain in his words ("lonely...I already cried; don't wanna cry no more") and eyes. Nonetheless, or maybe as a result, his character in the video is intent on getting his revenge on a Britney look-alike by video-taping a make-out session with another girl in Britney's bedroom while she's away; the video is left to play for Britney as she returns home. Fellas, this is not the best way (practically or morally) to win the girl back!

Thus says the Lord: Romans 12:14, 17-21; Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:31; Ephesians 4:31-5:2

Avril Lavigne "I'm With You" Let Go Director: David LaChapelle Style: Theme: Objectionable Material: World-View:

Top 40 pensive pop Strength in self, and in others Profanity; slam-dancing It's a tough and confusing life, but I am (can be?) strong enough "with you" to find my way in this world.

Critique/Summary: Lavigne's character is at a crucial point: she's on a bridge in the dark and rain. "Isn't anyone going to find me?!" She's getting knocked around, but not down, at a party.

She's lost and alone: lost at a party, alone in a crowd. "No one likes to be alone:" she needs/wants to leave/escape to be with "you" (You?), to go "home." But where (and who) is "you"? And where is "home"? Lavinge's got a nice voice; this is a nice song: you feel for the lost girl, and hope that she finds "you/You" and the meaning for which she is searching. Readers might identify with both the lyrics and the age of the heroine. If so, hopefully, they'll find the answers in...

Thus says the Lord: Psalm 23; John 10:3-4, 14; Isaiah 43:1-3a; John 10:10b; "By Grace I’m Saved" (Lutheran Worship #352)

The Rev. Eric R. Andrae is campus pastor at First Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

July 29-August 1, 2003 Arlington Convention Center Arlington, Texas It’s not too late to register for the In His Face conference. Registration information and forms are available at www.higherthings.org. For those who have already registered, or are in the process, here are a few items that may interest you.

Student Volunteers If you are in college and are interested in attending In His Face as a volunteer, an application is available on our web page or by contacting Rev. Marcus Zill (307-745-5892).Your cost includes: Getting there, two meals, and $60 registration. Hotel accommodations will even be provided.The catch, you must be a college student and expect on working about 8 hours per day. Positions are limited. We will not be able to take all applicants.

In His Face Choir As at past conferences, we are organizing a choir to sing at various services at In His Face. A schedule of rehearsals and services is also available on our webpage and will be mailed to all registered groups.

Please join us. Directing the choir will be Rev. Brian Hamer, who directed the Making Waves choir.

In His Face – Getting There We have set up an email list for those planning on attending IHF. Discuss ideas for travel, fundraising, or ask one of the organizers a question.To subscribe, send any message to InHisFace-on@lists.HigherThings.org.

In His Face is a

National Lutheran Youth Conference focused on helping youth face the uncompromising Truth of God’s Word and understanding Biblical Spirituality.

Join us for four days of learning, worship, making new friends, and having fun. Don’t miss it.

In His Face is the place to be!

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S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 __ 29

Called by Name Thomas

By the Rev. David Petersen

Paula Alexander Douglas Emily C

hildren everywhere are fond of reciting: "Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me." The rhyme claims that only physical damage is hurtful, that words do not have the power of sticks and stones to damage their victims.The rhyme is wrong. Words are more powerful.Teasing sarcasm and name-calling are more damaging, more hurtful than sticks and stones. Denying or belittling the reality of pain does little to remove it. It is like saying: "Bombs and guns may scratch my buns, but flames will never burn me."

We all want words to go away sometimes, and it’s easier to act as if they don’t matter.

But words have power; names have meaning. But even as they can hurt, words and names can also give strength and even heal.

Your parents gave you a name on purpose. Maybe you are named after someone they admire and respect.They named you as such in the hope of inspiring you to similar greatness of character and achievement. Perhaps you are "Thomas" for St.Thomas, who confessed "My Lord and My God" or "Paula" for St. Paul who was blinded by the light of the Gospel and received new sight by Grace.Those are good names for that, but not the only ones. Family names and historical names serve a similar function.You might be "Alexander" for Alexander the Great, "Douglas" for General Douglas MacArthur, or "Emily" for your grandmother. Or maybe your parents wanted your name to confess something.

You are "Jonathan" which is "Gift of God" in Hebrew, "Anastasia" which is "Resurrection" in Greek, or "Ian" which is a derivative of the Hebrew for "God is Gracious" (like "John" in English and "Johann" in German.) Ian, though, demonstrates a more complex richness. It also shows an Irish heritage. Most names are like that.

God gave your parents the privilege of naming you with the name that He knew before He formed you in the womb. Whatever they chose is who you are. Even if they aren’t everything you want them to be, when they named you they had aspirations and hope for you. Ask them.You might be surprised to hear how carefully your name was chosen and what it means to them. It is almost always more complicated than they liked the sound of it.That is part of the reason false names hurt so badly. But you can take back your name.You can rest secure in who you really are according to those who love you.

You can find yourself and your identity in your name. It will not stop all the pain. But it will help, because it is the truth. It is who you are.You are Mark, Bethany, Rachael, Sarah, or Winston.You are precious and special to people who count.You have a name. And it is a good name, a defining name.

You have a compassionate Father also in heaven. He, too, has given you a Name, a Name above all other names. His is a Name better than Washington, Caesar, or Napoleon, and better also than David, Abraham, or Peter, and He has placed It upon you. It is the Name of love, acceptance, and forgiveness. It is salvation. By It, in the waters of Holy Baptism, He has claimed you as His own.You are "Christian," marked with and redeemed by the Blood of Christ, an heir of the royal family, a chosen, adopted child of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Here is your identity in the midst of chaos, your security in the face of hostility, your hope on the brink of death. And no matter what those bullies say it is just so much air.They can’t take away your real name, the one recorded in the Book of Life for all eternity.That is the name by which the Shepherd will call you forth from the grave.

The Rev. David Petersen is pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Jonathan

P: David Herskind, I baptize you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Anastasia C: Amen!

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Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Robin Fish The question at hand is about cloning, but that really isn’t the issue. Cloning is technology. The question of whether or not we should take advantage of technology – or even pursue it – depends on the position we take on deeper issues that underlie the question of cloning.

A.

Make a list of some of the Scriptural questions you can think of that stand behind the question of cloning. (This is a suggested list, but certainly not exhaustive!) What does it mean to be a man or a woman? What is the meaning and purpose of two sexes?

What value is there in child-bearing? How does the issue of “faithfulness” work in here? What is the value of the individual human life? Who has the right to make decisions about fertility? Is child-bearing merely a natural phenomenon? What shifts in the concepts of marriage and family will accompany cloning technology?

B.

God created man as a sexual being. Read Genesis 1:27-28. Does it appear that the existence of two sexes is accidental?

No. God appears to have had a plan in mind.

1.

Notice the odd wording of verse 27: He created “man”, He created “him”, He created “them”. What does this suggest concerning the issues of sexes and gender? It suggests that neither male nor female is complete alone – and that “man” is a two-gendered creation. Any attempt to separate them, or make one unnecessary will stand contrary to God’s design. Does adding Genesis 3:16 in add anything to your understanding? Part of what God said suggests that God made childbearing work the way it does to keep man and woman together, and therefore keep “man” whole.

2.

How would cloning alter these relationships? Obviously, a clone does not need two parents. As technology advances, it could make men independent of women as much as it might make women independent of men. Why did God set man and woman in this relationship? For their mutual benefit and blessing. How does the child-bearing dimension work as a good thing for the relationship of the sexes? The process of creating a child is pleasurable, to some extent. Both parents need the other to create children, and it make sustaining the child easier as well to have two parents. We benefit from our different skills and blessings.

What Gospel connection is there in this relationship (look at Ephesians 5:21 and following)? The relationship of husband and wife is to be a mirror of the relationship of Christ and the Church. How we deal with one another as husband and wife teaches us about God’s dealings with us, and schools us in Christian behavior toward our fellow believers.

C.

Mr. DiMauro wrote about two kinds of cloning. “Reproductive Cloning” steps in between the relationship of man and woman and the divine design for families. Somewhat more difficult to address is the question of “Therapeutic Cloning.” Some of the issues are the same – and yet this “therapeutic” cloning is done to harvest cells and, potentially, organs and such. One of the issues here is the death of the cloned person. How would you answer that? God forbids murder. Is Exodus 20:13 sufficient? Should be. Does verse 12 have any application? Since cloning abandons the parent - child relationship, it would throw the order of God into question. It would seem that cloning would abandon, and therefore violate, the fourth commandment as well. How about verse 17?

If coveting a person’s things, or the significant players in their life is evil, would not coveting their cells, or their organs, or their very life also be forbidden? What does that say to the issue of therapeutic cloning? Therapeutic cloning would appear to be contrary to the will of God on a number of grounds.

D.

Another question DiMauro suggests that the cloning debate raises is ownership of the cloned. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. What does the Bible say about ownership? We are owned by God. What does that contribute to the discussion? We cannot rightfully set up circumstances in which people become property. They belong to God as we do, for they have been bought with the same price. What does it mean to us that we “have been bought with a price”? This is the redemption from sin and death by Jesus’ death in our place on the cross. To what end have we been purchased? “That I may be His own, and live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness.” What is the price paid? The suffering and death of the very Son of God. Is it a good thing? Yes, it is our salvation. Do you think that it would also apply to any being conceived by cloning? If anyone is produced by cloning and lives, that person is also a sinner - being cloned from one - and in need of a Savior, and Jesus died for that one also. Why or why not? Same reason we are all conceived and born in sin – start with corrupt stock, you produce corrupt offspring.

E.

Read Psalm 139:13-18. How are people formed? By the direct work of God within the womb. Is it a natural process or a supernatural process? Natural, in as much as this is how God always works it. Supernatural because God is attending to the process. It doesn’t just happen. What does this say about our lives - length, etc.? Our lives are, from start to finish, a work of God. He has the whole thing in sight from before the beginning of it. How wonderful to have such divine attention! Can we create a human being ‘on our own’? No. We just think we can. Why would the thoughts of God toward someone be precious? Because they are thoughts of love and forgiveness and salvation. Is this passage Law or Gospel? Gospel. Explain. The only time it is good to have God paying attention is when it is love and forgiveness. If He were wrathful, it would not be good to have Him thinking toward us, let alone “precious”. This is a Gospel Psalm from one end to another.

Bible Study Rev. Robin Fish The question at hand is about cloning, but that really isn’t the issue. Cloning is technology. The question of whether or not we should take advantage of technology – or even pursue it — depends on the position we take on deeper issues that underlie the question of cloning.

A.

Make a list of some of the Scriptural questions you can think of that stand behind the question of cloning.

B.

God created man as a sexual being. Read Genesis 1:27-28. Does it appear that the existence of two sexes is accidental?

1.

Notice the odd wording of verse 27: He created “man”, He created “him”, He created “them”. What does this suggest concerning the issues of sexes and gender? Does adding Genesis 3:16 in add anything to your understanding?

2.

How would cloning alter these relationships? Why did God set man and woman in this relationship? How does the childbearing dimension work as a good thing for the relationship of the sexes? What Gospel connection is there in this relationship (hint: look at Galatians 5:21 and following)

C.

Mr. DiMauro wrote about two kinds of cloning. “Reproductive Cloning” steps in between the relationship of man and woman and the divine design for families. Somewhat more difficult to address is the question of “Therapeutic Cloning.” Some of the issues are the same – and yet this cloning is done to harvest cells and, potentially, organs and such. One of the issues here is the death of the cloned person. How would you answer that? Is Exodus 20:13 sufficient?

Does verse 12 have any application? How about verse 17? What does that say to the issue of therapeutic cloning?

D.

Another question DiMauro suggests that the cloning debate raises is ownership of the cloned. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

What does the Bible say about ownership? What does that contribute to the discussion?

What does it mean to us that we “have been bought with a price”? To what end have we been purchased? What is the price paid? Is it a good thing? Do you think that it would also apply to any being conceived by cloning? Why or why not?

E.

Read Psalm 139:13-18. How are people formed? Is it a natural process or a supernatural process? What does this say about our lives - length, etc.? an we create a human being ‘on our own’? Why would the thoughts of God toward someone be precious? Is this passage Law or Gospel? Explain.

“F-A-T” Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Leonard Poppe 1.

Let’s call Adriane’s friend “Jane,” as in “Jane Doe.” Doctors describe Jane’s condition using the words anorexia and bulimia. She gorges on huge amounts of food, and then immediately purges (by vomiting) what she had eaten. But why does Jane gorge and purge?

Jane had a poor relationship with her parents, a troubled childhood, and a poor self- image. At the heart of her problems, though, was that she was separated from the love of God in Christ. She eats because food gives a quick feeling of comfort. Then she purges because she feels guilty about gluttony and because she realizes that food will not make her problems go away.

2.

Why doesn’t Jane love herself?

Jane thinks that no one loves her, and that she is not lovable. Satan has pushed her to despair.

3.

When separated from Christ, some people see death as a means of escape from suffering. But according to the Scriptures, why is death present in the world? See Romans 5:12. Along with death, what are some other examples of the way sin creates suffering in peoples’ lives? See Genesis 2:17 and 3:13-19 for some ideas.

Death came because of sin, according to the Romans passage. Other suffering includes pain, sadness, toil, despair, hate, jealousy, etc. All suffering comes from sin and results in death. Death is not the solution to suffering, however—suffering and death are teammates.

4.

According to Adriane, Jane has “begun to heal from her disorder,” and yet she still suffers. Even if we do not struggle in the same way as Jane, we all want to feel better about something—even pastors and teachers. But in this world, does “feeling better” ever seem permanent?

In this world, we will never be completely free from suffering. Everyone carries their own cross.

5.

Adriane wrote, “the only way [Jane] knew to relieve the emotional pain was to physically take it out on her body.” In what way do these words illustrate the connection between punishment and sin? Is there also a relationship between sacrifice and sin?

Sin must be punished. How much punishment is enough? The sinner, or something more precious than the sinner, must die to pay the debt of sin. God offered His beloved Son Jesus as a sacrifice for the entire world’s sin—including Jane’s sin and including your sin. Jesus made Himself your sacrifice, and in Him your sin-debt is paid in full.

6.

Adriane said that when she took Jane to church, Jane would “heave frustrated signs, and do her best not to look in the pastor’s direction.” What was Jane being required to face in Church, that made her so agitated?

Jane’s sin, her problems, and the hurt inflicted upon her by others were all beyond her ability to control or solve. She was helpless, and that is difficult to admit. It is also hard to believe that anyone — God — could love her when she could not love herself. This is Jane’s monumental struggle for control: “You may not love me because I cannot love me!”

7.

“Sin is never simple.” While there might be some benefit to analyzing the causes of destructive behavior, does such analysis free us from sin? Read Romans 7:15, 18, 24-25. Sin includes not only the wrong we do, but the wrong done to us. But what hope does Romans 8:1 proclaim?

We all admit that sin is wrong, but we keep doing it. We are enslaved to sin, and Christ is our one and only hope for deliverance from it. Yet this hope is secure and certain, for the deliverance has already been accomplished for us and we are no longer condemned.

8.

God feeds people through farmers. He heals through doctors. In what way does He deliver His love and care to inwardly hurting people?

God’s love and care is made known to other people through you and me. Pastors publicly proclaim the Word of forgiveness and administer God’s gifts of forgiveness. You make a similar proclamation within the sphere of your own life.

9.

Jane carved her guilt into her leg with the letters, F-A-T. In your Baptism, God has permanently placed His name on you, in a much gentler and more loving way. What personal implications do you see in that fact that God’s name has been placed on you?

I belong to Jesus. I am His. His love and identity will not be taken away from me. God’s forgiveness and salvation are permanently mine through faith in His unfailing promises.

10. “The Law shows her the sin she has tried to ignore and hide.” But when sin is exposed to Christ, what does He do? See 1 John 1:8-9. By comparison to Jane’s struggle with her earthly parents, how good is her heavenly Father (and yours!)? See Luke 11:1113 and Hebrews 12:7-11.

Thanks be to God! Christ forgives us and purifies us from all sins.

“F-A-T” Bible Study Rev. Leonard Poppe 1.

Let’s call Adriane’s friend “Jane,” as in “Jane Doe.” Doctors describe Jane’s condition using the words anorexia and bulimia.

She gorges on huge amounts of food, and then immediately purges (by vomiting) what she had eaten. But why does Jane gorge and purge?

2.

Why doesn’t Jane love herself?

3.

When separated from Christ, some people see death as a means of escape from suffering. But according to the Scriptures, why is death present in the world? See Romans 5:12. Along with death, what are some other examples of the way sin creates suffering in peoples’ lives? See Genesis 2:17 and 3:13-19 for some ideas.

4.

According to Adriane, Jane has “begun to heal from her disorder,” and yet she still suffers. Even if we do not struggle in the same way as Jane, we all want to feel better about something—even pastors and teachers. But in this world, does “feeling better” ever seem permanent?

5.

Adriane wrote, “the only way [Jane] knew to relieve the emotional pain was to physically take it out on her body.” In what way do these words illustrate the connection between punishment and sin? Is there also a relationship between sacrifice and sin?

6.

Adriane said that when she took Jane to church, Jane would “heave frustrated signs, and do her best not to look in the pastor’s direction.” What was Jane being required to face in Church, that made her so agitated?

7.

“Sin is never simple.” While there might be some benefit to analyzing the causes of destructive behavior, does such analysis free us from sin? Read Romans 7:15, 18, 24-25. Sin includes not only the wrong we do, but the wrong done to us. But what hope does Romans 8:1 proclaim?

8.

God feeds people through farmers. He heals through doctors. In what way does He deliver His love and care to inwardly hurting people?

9.

Jane carved her guilt into her leg with the letters, F-A-T. In your Baptism, God has permanently placed His name on you, in a much gentler and more loving way. What personal implications do you see in that fact that God’s name has been placed on you?

10. “The Law shows her the sin she has tried to ignore and hide.” But when sin is exposed to Christ, what does He do? See 1 John 1:8-9. By comparison to Jane’s struggle with her earthly parents, how good is her heavenly Father (and yours!)?

See Luke 11:11-13 and Hebrews 12:7-11.

Girl Power Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Timothy Miille 1.

2.

3.

As we read “Girl Power”, we are confronted with the writer’s struggle to remain obedient to the Sixth Commandment. In the final paragraph the writer says, “I’ll walk down the aisle in a pure, white gown as God joins me to the man that He has already chosen for me.” For her, marriage is the reason for “saving herself.” The Scriptural reasons for marriage become very important to our discussion. Begin by reading Genesis 1:26-28. Though it doesn’t use the word marriage here, what do these verses say about the reason God created us “male and female”? Procreation: God made us male and female in order that we might have children. The words “be fruitful and multiply” are the key to this unders tanding. a.

How is this view supported by the meaning of the Sixth Commandment in the Small Catechism? This is probably the easiest point to make from the Catechism.

b.

If procreation is one of the purposes of marriage, how should Christians view their sexuality? Answers that point toward abstinence outside the bonds of marriage are desired. The Catechism words “pure and decent” can be used to direct the discussion.

Procreation is not, however, the only Scriptural purpose of marriage. There is another, equally important, Biblical reason for marriage. a. Read Genesis 2:18-25. What is the second Biblical reason for marriage? The word “companionship” may or may not be immediately given. Direct discussion by pointing out that Adam was alone or that a suitable helper was not found. Remember that God said it was not good for Adam to be alone. b.

What does God’s creation of Eve out of Adam’s rib imply for such a relationship? The answer to this question should lead very easily into the answer to the next question. Point out the location of the ribs: Eve was not made from Adam’s feet or from Adam’s head, but from his rib. Talk about Eve’s position as helper. Look at Adam’s words “flesh of my flesh” and “bone of my bones.”

c.

Look carefully at verse 24. Just how deep does this companionship run? No longer two but one. Jesus will refer to these words in His discourse with the Pharisees over marriage. This can also play rather well into questions 4 and 5 as the one flesh can be readily seen in the infant produced by the union.

d.

How does our sexuality fit in the framework of such a deep and abiding companionship? The caring and committed relationship of husband and wife are perfect (as near as we can get and that only by God’s design and work) for the raising of children. Such intimacy requires trust and openness which cannot be achieved outside of the marital relationship.

e.

How can premarital or extramarital sex destroy the trust this kind of relationship requires? Many answers are possible.

Particularly use “the two become one flesh” as a guide for discussion. God made man to be monogamous. Two means one man and one woman. Other “options” confuse and destroy what God has made and set apart. This always happens in relationships where there have been premarital or extramarital sexual relations. Though relationships can survive and trust can be rebuilt, damage to trust is always the result.

The last Scriptural purpose of marriage we want to look at is the most important. Procreation and companionship are necessary and beneficial and by no means should we make light of them, but the reason we consider last is of great comfort and strength for us spiritually. a. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. What comparison is made in these verses? Husbands to whom? Wives to whom? The comparison is husbands to Christ and wives to the Church. Wives submit as to the Lord. Husbands love as Christ loved. b.

In verse 32, Paul speaks of a “profound mystery” (NIV) or “great truth” (AAT). The Scriptural purpose of marriage spoken of here is that the relationship between husband and wife gives us a picture of the relationship between __Christ__ and the __Church__. How does this picture help to give us a proper understanding of marriage? Marriage is an intimate relationship on all levels, not just sexually. God desires a very intimate relationship with His people (God is a personal god). That relationship is founded in His forgiveness of us by His grace and His deep and undying love for us. Marriage will likewise center around Christ, and also around husband and wife forgiving each other and serving each other.

c.

How important is it for us to have a very high view of marriage, according to this passage? This and many other passages require a very high view of marriage (Hebrews 13:4; Matthew 19:1-9; and others). The Order of Holy Marriage states that marriage is not to be entered into lightly or inadvisedly. Jesus says in Matthew 19:6 “Now what God has joined together man must not separate.”

d.

From whence does the strength for marriage come, if we are to hold marriage in its proper place? In the end, we will have to turn to God, our heavenly Father and to Jesus Christ, our Lord. We will need to recognize our “hard hearts” in dealing with marriage and the 6 th Commandment. And we need to look to the Holy Spirit and God’s gifts of Baptism, Absolution and the Lord’s Supper, for the precious forgiveness offered there and the strength and will to do better which are also offered in these gifts.

Girl Power Bible Study Rev. Timothy Miille 1.

2.

3.

As we read “Girl Power”, we are confronted with the writer’s struggle to remain obedient to the Sixth Commandment. In the final paragraph the writer says, “I’ll walk down the aisle in a pure, white gown as God joins me to the man that He has already chosen for me.” For her, marriage is the reason for “saving herself.” The Scriptural reasons for marriage become very important to our discussion. a.

Begin by reading Genesis 1:26-28. Though it doesn’t use the word marriage here, what do these verses say about the reason God created us “male and female”?

b.

How is this view supported by the meaning of the Sixth Commandment in the Small Catechism?

c.

If procreation is one of the purposes of marriage, how should Christians view their sexuality?

Procreation is not, however, the only Scriptural purpose of marriage. There is another, equally important, Biblical reason for marriage. a.

Read Genesis 2:18-25. What is the second Biblical reason for marriage?

b.

What does God’s creation of Eve out of Adam’s rib imply for such a relationship?

c.

Look carefully at verse 24. Just how deep does this companionship run?

d.

How does our sexuality fit in the framework of such a deep and abiding companionship?

e.

How can premarital or extramarital sex destroy the trust this kind of relationship requires?

The last Scriptural purpose of marriage we want to look at is the most important. Procreation and companionship are necessary and beneficial and by no means should we make light of them, but the reason we consider last is of great comfort and strength for us spiritually. a.

Read Ephesians 5:22-33. What comparison is made in these verses? Husbands to whom? Wives to whom?

b.

In verse 32, Paul speaks of a “profound mystery” (NIV) or “great truth” (AAT). The Scriptural purpose of marriage spoken of here is that the relationship between husband and wife gives us a picture of the relationship between __________ and the __________. How does this picture help to give us a proper understanding of marriage?

c.

How important is it for us to have a very high view of marriage, according to this passage?

d.

From whence does the strength for marriage come, if we are to hold marriage in its proper place?

Pro-Choice Bible Stories Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Rick Cody 1.

What if certain Bible stories took place today? What if people in the Bible were pro-choice? Consider God’s servants Abraham and Sarah. a. Why was God waiting so long to grant Abraham and Sarah a son? (Consider the meaning of the 1 st Article of the Apostles’ Creed.) (Hebrews 6:12-15) (Romans 4-5) God was teaching Abraham and Sarah patience. And through their patience God blessed them with a child in their “old age.”

God was also exercising Abraham’s faith. St. Paul makes this clear in Romans 4-5, as we hear that “Abraham believed God’s promise of a son and it was credited to him as righteousness.” We, too, must practice patience and faith as we wait on the Lord. This is something important from God’s holy Word to share with couples who are having difficulty conceiving children.

“I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.”

Luther reminds us that God provides for us everything that we need to support our bodies and lives —even the gift of children.

We must look to God when we desire to have children and know that if He desires that we have them, He will give them to us in due time.

Hebrews 6:12-15, “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." {Gen. 22:17} And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. b.

What lessons could a “couple” who gets pregnant today (i.e. someone in her 40’s or 50’s) learn from Abraham and Sarah? (cf.

Rom. 8:28) We must remember that with God nothing is impossible. If a woman who considers herself to be beyond her childbearing years and ends up pregnant, it is to be considered a blessing from God. This should not grieve that individual but she should look upon that child as a gift from God, knowing that God works everything out according to His divine plan.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

c.

Why was it important for Sarah to conceive? What “seed” was at stake here? (cf. Genesis 3:15) God was teaching Abraham and Sarah patience so that they would recognize that it was God who was making all this happen and not Abraham and Sarah. This conception and birth were necessary because Isaac would help to carry on the line of Christ. Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring {Or seed} and hers; He will crush {Or strike} your head, and you will strike his heel."

The grace of God is very present in the story of Abraham and Sarah, because God promised Abraham in chapter 22 of Genesis, that “his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.”

d.

2.

How is this story from Scripture a witness against abortion? (Expect subjective answers here.)

What call should the Christian make in pregnancy if the mother’s life is at risk in carrying the baby full-term? Consider God’s servant Rachael, who died giving birth (Genesis 35:18). a. What does the Small Catechism say on the topic of abortion when life is at risk? (See 5 th Commandment—on Abortion) “The living but unborn are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception. Since abortion takes a human life, it is not a moral option except to prevent the death of another person, the mother.”

This is a very difficult topic to discuss because of the emotional aspect of the persons involved. In one respect, you don’t want the child not to come full-term because of abortion; yet at the same time you don’t want your wife to die delivering that child either. We must remember in a situation like this again, that with God all things are possible. b.

Death during childbirth is not something strange in Scripture (cf. Gen. 35:18; 1 Sam. 4:20). How do we respond to a situation like this? (Eph. 1:11) The above passages show us that all throughout history; women have died giving birth to children. We must remember that if something like this happens, we must always look to God in His divine mercy and wisdom and know that He always works everything out according to His divine will. We must accept His decision and proclaim, “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” We must also remember that for thos e who die in Jesus Christ, it is not an end in itself, but rather it is just the beginning. It is deliverance from this life and transference into eternal life with Christ. We

Pro-Choice Bible Stories Bible Study Leaders’ Guide need to remember that those who are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection are sealed for the day of resurrection and we can rest in the certain hope of happy reunion in heaven with those who have preceded us in death.

3.

When man attempts to be in control of his future, how does God many times foil those plans? Consider God’s servants Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38. a. How was Judah being disobedient in this story? (Proverbs 21:30) Proverbs 21:30, “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.” Judah did not want to give his last son to Tamar because he was afraid that he, too, would die like his other two sons who did evil in God’s eyes. So Judah decided to take matters into his own hands and in doing so was thwarting God’s plan for the line of Christ. We must remember that we can never change God’s plans, no matter how much we may not like the results. b.

Why was it necessary for Tamar to conceive? (cf. Heb. 7:14a; Rev. 5:5) It was necessary for Tamar to conceive because she was to give birth to a son who would carry on the line of Christ. Jesus was to descend from the tribe of Judah and in order to do so, she would have to conceive a son by a son in Judah’s family (or

by Judah himself). We need to keep in mind what God had to work with in this situation. Matthew recognized the importance of the story of Judah and Tamar that she be included in the lineage of Christ. Through a channel of iniquity— “Judah…Perez…Tamar”—the Savior, according to His human nature, was willing to pass on His way from the glories of heaven to the Incarnation and to crucifixion in His people’s stead. If this be recognized, even the study of the genealogy can become a blessing to mind and heart.

c.

Was Tamar wrong for acting as a prostitute?

Yes. Tamar was wrong in doing what she did. She was not trusting in God to take care of the situation in His own good time.

She therefore took matters into her own hands and brought disgrace upon herself and upon Judah.

d.

What lesson is God teaching us in this story? (Job 42:1-2) Job 42:1-2, “Then Job replied to the LORD: ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.’”

Again, God in His grace will always provide a way for His plans to be worked out. God, unfortunately, has to work with what He’s got—sinful human beings. We humans think that we know a better way than God’s way and we many times suffer for it.

We learn in this lesson to trust in the Lord and demonstrate great faith that He knows what He is doing.

4.

Pregnancy is a real issue among our young people today. What can we learn from the story of Mary that will help other young women who find themselves pregnant with no where to turn? a. Why did God choose Mary to be the virgin mother of our Lord Christ? (cf. Luke 1:28, 30) God chose Mary because she was righteous and highly favored by God. Mary was chosen because she recognized God’s grace in working with those of low and high degree. She recognized the ability of God to accomplish that which He says He will do. God was able to bring forth a beautiful flower out of the dead tree stump of Jesse.

God also knew that she would be able to handle the pressure that would come along with the divine conception because she was humble and lowly in mind and heart and she confessed that. She believed God’s Word that He uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. She was chosen above other daughters of the high priest and those of greater position to be the mother of our Lord, because she boasted in her humility; for humility, as Luther would say, is the highest of all virtues. She would be looked at by her family, and Joseph, as a disgrace and her “being pregnant” could mean her own death. However, Mary demonstrated great faith and she trusted in God with all her heart. b.

How did Mary respond to the angel Gabriel’s announcement that she would be with Child and that she would give birth to the Son of God? (See Luke 1:38) “I am the servant of the Lord; may it be to me as you have said,” We, too, can learn from Mary that in any given situation we can say “I am the servant of the Lord; may it be to me as you have said.” Mary had faith in the Word, even when it was contrary to what she should expect; that is key! We need to trust God more and rely on His promises for our lives, knowing, as we have already stated above, that He will work out everything according to His divine plan.

“Where Eve and Adam had tried to create life without God, here we see in the person of Mary the perfect example of humility and obedience to God in creating life with God. In the interaction between God and Mary, we see the entire OT begin again, and we see in the person of her Son, the means for the healing of Israel’s skewing of the will of God” (Arthur Just, Commentary on Luke 1:38.)

c.

Knowing that Mary’s situation is quite different from a “regular” teen pregnancy, what can be learned from Mary’s response, even when the situation could potentially be embarrassing and shameful for one’s family?

Pregnancy before marriage is never desirable. However, it happens! We must look beyond the embarrassment of the situation and look to God’s Word for the answers. Abortion is never an option! This child exists because God saw fit that it would be conceived. We cannot take matters into our own hands and violate the Fifth Commandment to bring about a seemingly easier solution to the “problem” than doing the right thing.

Mary did the right thing by trusting in the Lord. We can also trust God to take care of us in all of life’s situations.

d.

How is Mary’s from Scripture a witness against abortion? (Expect subjective answers here.)

Pro-Choice Bible Stories Bible Study Rev. Rick Cody 1.

2.

What if certain Bible stories took place today? What if people in the Bible were pro-choice? Consider God’s servants Abraham and Sarah. a. Why was God waiting so long to grant Abraham and Sarah a son? (Consider the meaning of the 1 st Article of the Apostles’ Creed.) (Hebrews 6:12-15) (Romans 4-5) b.

What lessons could a “couple” who gets pregnant today (i.e. someone in her 40’s or 50’s) learn from Abraham and Sarah? (cf.

Rom. 8:28)

c.

Why was it important for Sarah to conceive? What “seed” was at stake here? (cf. Genesis 3:15)

d.

How is this story from Scripture a witness against abortion?

What call should the Christian make in pregnancy if the mother’s life is at risk in carrying the baby full-term? Consider God’s servant Rachael, who died giving birth (Genesis 35:18). a. What does the Small Catechism say on the topic of abortion when life is at risk? (See 5 th Commandment) b.

3.

4.

Dying in childbirth is not something strange for us to see in Scripture (cf. Gen. 35:18; 1 Sam. 4:20). How do we respond to a situation like this? (Eph. 1:11)

When man attempts to be in control of his future, how does God many times foil those plans? Consider God’s servants Judah and Tamar. a. How was Judah being disobedient in this story? (Proverbs 21:30) b.

Why was it necessary for Tamar to conceive? (cf. Heb. 7:14a; Rev. 5:5)

c.

Was Tamar wrong for acting as a prostitute?

d.

What lesson is God teaching us in this story? (Job 42:1-2)

Pregnancy is a real issue among our young people today. What can we learn from the story of Mary that will help other young women who find themselves pregnant with no where to turn? a. Why did God choose Mary to be the virgin mother of our Lord Christ? (cf. Luke 1:28, 30) b.

How did Mary respond to the angel Gabriel’s announcement that she would be with Child and that she would give birth to the Son of God? (See Luke 1:38)

c.

Knowing that Mary’s situation is quite different from a “regular” teen pregnancy, what can be learned from Mary’s response, even when the situation could potentially be embarrassing and shameful for one’s family?

d.

How is Mary’s story from Scripture a witness against abortion?

The Shattered Chalice: Arthur and Christ in Howard Pyle Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Randy Asburry 1.

Kathryn Hill says, “…it is often true that believers in Christ, born and reared by words of the utmost importance and beauty, will develop a love for literature that wants feeding.” How does Philippians 4:8 support and encourage this?

Philippians 4:8 says: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” St. Paul is writing to Christians already saved by God’s grace. As a result – or fruit – of faith in God’s salvation, Christians desire to meditate on all things good, because all things good come from God (see James 1:17).

2.

“But even beyond the plots and the characters, the themes in the stories can point us toward Christ.” How does the Bible do this very same thing and teach us to look for themes that point to Christ? a.

Read Genesis 22:1-14. What themes from this story of Abraham almost sacrificing Isaac points us toward Christ?

Instead of Isaac being sacrificed, God provides a substitute sacrifice, the ram caught in the thicket. This points us to Christ because Jesus is the sacrifice that God gives to be sacrificed on the cross in our place. See 1 John 2:2; 4:10. Read what Luther says about our Substitute Sacrifice, that is, Christ: “For Christ existed before the creation, as Paul says (Titus 1:2): ‘God, who never lies, promised ages ago.’ Hence before the ages, from eternity, Christ was destined by divine providence to crush the head of the serpent, to become the sacrifice for the human race, to kill sins, and to give us life. But He waited until the predetermined time of His appearance arrived.” (Luther, M. 1999, c1964. Luther's works, vol. 4 : Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 21-25 (J. J. Pelikan, H. C. Oswald & H. T. Lehmann, Ed.). Luther's Works. Vol. 4 (Ge 22:14). Concordia Publishing House: Saint Louis)

A second theme that points us to Christ is the sacrifice of a son. God told Abraham to sacrifice his “only son Isaac,” but then stopped him from going through with it. God, however, did go through with sacrificing His own only Son, Jesus to rescue us and set us free from sin, death, and hell. See John 3:16.

3.

b.

In the Old Testament (Exodus 17:1-6) God’s people cried out for water in the wilderness. God gave them water from the rock.

How does St. Paul show us that this is a theme that points us to Christ? Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.

St. Paul talks about God’s Old Testament people being baptized into Moses, eating the same spiritual food, and drinking the same spiritual drink. He teaches us the spiritual realities behind these ordinary events. These are the very realities we have in Holy Baptism and Holy Communion with their ordinary elements. St. Paul goes on to say, “For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” The source of water in the wilderness was Christ Himself. The source of our Baptism and spiritual eating and drinking in Communion is Christ Himself.

c.

In 2 Samuel God makes David the greatest king of Israel. In 2 Samuel 7:11-13 God gives a promise to David: “Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” How does this point us to Christ? See John 19:14, 19. How does Jesus show His royalty? What is His throne?

John 19:14, 19: “Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And [Pilate] said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’… Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Jesus is our King as He hangs lifeless on the cross, sacrificing Himself for us and for our salvation. He shows us His royalty not by lording it over us, His subjects, but by serving us. His cross is His throne.

The article is titled “The Shattered Chalice.” Actually, the author talks about two Scriptural chalices, one containing bitter drink and the other holding sweet wine. Discuss these two chalices: a.

Read Isaiah 51:22. What cup was Jesus Christ prepared to drink to the bitter end? How is this “good news” for us?

In Mark 14:36 and John 18:11 Jesus talks about drinking the cup of suffering that His Father was giving Him. Isaiah had prophesied this. Isaiah 51:22: “Thus says your Lord, the LORD and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people: ‘See, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it.’” Isaiah’s prophecy indicates that God takes away the cup of His wrath and fury from His people. The “good news” is that Jesus has drunk this cup to the bottom. Because of Jesus’ bitter suffering and death, there is no bitterness – no wrath and fury from God – for those who trust Christ.

The Shattered Chalice: Arthur and Christ in Howard Pyle Bible Study Leaders’ Guide, page 2 b.

4.

Instead of the bitter cup of God’s wrath, we receive the sweet, refreshing cup of God’s blessing, forgiveness, and favor. Read 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. What does St. Paul call the cup and what does it do for us?

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 says: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.” St. Paul calls the cup (the chalice) of the Lord’s Supper “the cup of blessing.” It is our source of God’s blessing of salvation. This cup, along with the bread, unites us with Christ Jesus and joins us with our fellow believers.

This is a most intimate joining with Christ and each other. Thus the chalice (“common cup”) is the best way to confess the reality of the Lord’s Supper, namely, that the Lord Jesus unites us with Himself and with each other. The hymn verse expresses this truth quite well: “One bread, one cup, one body, we, / Rejoicing in our unity, / Proclaim your love until you come / To bring your scattered loved ones home.” (Lutheran Worship, 250:4)

Kathryn Hill says, “Our Lord suffered humiliation in order to work our redemption.” She then tells the story of noble Lancelot, who chooses a humble mode of transport to save his queen. Mrs. Hill compares Lancelot with Christ. a.

How did Christ humble Himself to save us? Read Philippians 2:5-11.

As you read Philippians 2:5-8, notice how St. Paul stresses Jesus emptying, or humbling, Himself. First, Jesus is “equal with God,” but then He “made Himself of no reputation” as He took on “the form of a bondservant” and came “in the likeness of men.” His humiliation (lowering Himself) continues as “He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death.” And Jesus did not die just any death, but the lowest, most despicable death: “even death on the cross.” In verses 9-11 God exalts Jesus.

Also use this opportunity to trace Jesus’ humiliation as expressed and confessed in the Apostles’ Creed. Each phrase is a “step down” in Jesus’ humiliation. Note the six (6) steps of Jesus’ humiliation: “conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.” The phrase “He descended into hell” actually begins Jesus’ exaltation, which rounds out the Second Article.

b.

5.

As a result of Jesus’ humiliation and sacrifice, what does He make us? See 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:5b-6. Discuss what that means for us.

1 Peter 2:9 says: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Revelation 1:5b-6 says: “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Because of Jesus’ humiliation and sacrifice (His atoning work on the cross), He makes us the royalty! When Jesus makes us royalty – kings and queens – we have a new and different identity. Jesus’ gift of royalty for us frees us to live life not in s elf-service, but to His glory and honor and for the benefit of our neighbor.

The author suggests that we “ponder how Gawaine’s marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church.” Read Ephesians 5:22-33 and discuss how Christ makes His Church a beautiful bride. How does it comfort you to be cleansed and made beautiful by Christ?

Jesus “loved the church and gave Himself for her” (His crucifixion). He sanctifies and cleanses her “with the washing of water by the word” (Holy Baptism). He presents her to Himself “a glorious church” free from “spot or wrinkle.” In Jesus’ eyes we – His Church – are “holy and without blemish.” Jesus also “nourishes and cherishes” His Church. Think of the Lord’s Supper! This is very comforting to know and trust that despite our personal warts and flaws, and the warts and flaws of the Church, Jesus still makes us and sees us as beautiful. He adores His bride, the Church, and we are privileged to be part of her.

“The Shattered Chalice: Arthur and Christ in Howard Pyle” Bible Study Rev. Randy Asburry 1.

Kathryn Hill says, “…it is often true that believers in Christ, born and reared by words of the utmost importance and beauty, will develop a love for literature that wants feeding.” How does Philippians 4:8 support and encourage this?

2.

“But even beyond the plots and the characters, the themes in the stories can point us toward Christ.” How does the Bible do this very same thing and teach us to look for themes that point to Christ?

3.

Read Genesis 22:1-14. What themes from this story of Abraham almost sacrificing Isaac points us toward Christ?

4.

5.

6.

a.

In the Old Testament (Exodus 17:1-6) God’s people cried out for water in the wilderness. God gave them water from the rock.

How does St. Paul show us that this is a theme that points us to Christ? Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.

c.

In 2 Samuel God makes David the greatest king of Israel. In 2 Samuel 7:11-13 God gives a promise to David: “Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” How does this point us to Christ? See John 19:14, 19. How does Jesus show His royalty? What is His throne?

The article is titled “The Shattered Chalice.” Actually, the author talks about two Scriptural chalices, one containing bitter drink and the other holding sweet wine. Discuss these two chalices: a.

Read Isaiah 51:22. What cup was Jesus Christ prepared to drink to the bitter end? How is this “good news” for us?

b.

Instead of the bitter cup of God’s wrath, we receive the sweet, refreshing cup of God’s blessing, forgiveness, and favor. Read 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. What does St. Paul call the cup and what does it do for us?

Kathryn Hill says, “Our Lord suffered humiliation in order to work our redemption.” She then tells the story of noble Lancelot, who chooses a humble mode of transport to save his queen. Mrs. Hill compares Lancelot with Christ. a.

How did Christ humble Himself to save us? Read Philippians 2:5-11.

b.

As a result of Jesus’ humiliation and sacrifice, what does He make us? See 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:5b-6. Discuss what that means for us.

The author suggests that we “ponder how Gawaine’s marriage is a picture of Christ and His Church.” Read Ephesians 5:22-33 and discuss how Christ makes His Church a beautiful bride. How does it comfort you to be cleansed and made beautiful by Christ?

Silent No More Bible Study Leaders’ Guide Rev. Darrin L. Kohrt Begin your study of God’s word by singing or praying, “Today Your Mercy Calls Us.” (Lutheran Worship, 347) “Sin’s Grip Broken: Forgiveness Personalized” 1. The Very Personal Reality of Sin. Sin is not an abstract concept. It has real affects on real people. This becomes painfully clear to us when we find ourselves at the center of crises caused by our own actions. In her article, Terry Meckes said that she prayed for many weeks that her problem would just “disappear.” Of course, such a response amounts to nothing more than burying one’s head in the sand. We can never wish sin away or justify it. a.

Read Romans 7:15-23. How do these verses emphasize the very personal nature of sin?

St. Paul struggles with the issue that sin is inextricably part of our very persons. Sin itself is not a substance, nevertheless it is a corruption that does not exist apart from our very beings. Sin is inescapable because it resides in our very nature.

b.

How do the words of 1 Corinthians 6:18 help us to see that some sins are even more “personal” than others?

Like all sins, sexual sins are sins against God, but they are especially damaging to individuals. Sexual sins are intimately associated with our physical bodies.

c.

Terri Meckes received this advice, “You need to think of your future, sweetie.” How can such advice be used as an excuse to propagate even more unrighteousness? See Philippians 2:3-4.

Such advice leads one towards both idolatry and the breaking of the Second Table of the Law. By focusing on our own desires, the lives of others can be damaged or destroyed.

2. The Very Personal Consequences of Sin. Sin ALWAYS has consequences. Some are imperceptible to us. Some are not realized until much later. Sin compromises us, separates us and burdens us. Sin’s consequences are not avoidable, but thanks be to God, they are resolvable. a.

After the abortion, what kind of “coping” activities did Terri engage in?

In order to cope, Terri participated in promiscuity and drinking. Both could be signs of hopelessness and/or low self-worth.

b.

Terri suffered from post-abortion syndrome. What was this symptomatic of? See Psalm 32:3-5.

Guilt! When left unresolved, guilt will fester. Guilt can cripple someone to the point of incapacitation.

3. The Very Personal Application of Christ’s Forgiveness. The power of sin and guilt can never be broken by psychological therapy or positive thinking. Our “addiction” to it requires intervention. Our restoration requires the actions of an infinitely forgiving God who has the will and power to revive His people. a.

Read Colossians 1:19-22, and note the emphasis of verse 22.

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was THE event of intervention for the world. We are reconciled to God by Christ’s PHYSICAL BODY. The death of His body is the source of life for us, body and soul.

b.

What very personal connections between the believer and Christ does St. Paul make in Romans 6:3-11?

The Bible essentially says that the baptized are co-crucified, co-buried and co-resurrected. It is a very organic and personal connection. Forgiveness is not a general platitude. Forgiveness is a specific gift. No believers excepted.

c.

Read the second part of Luther’s Small Catechism on the Sacrament of the Altar. Who was the blood of Christ shed for?

Luther rightly emphasizes that Christ’s blood was shed for YOU. The blood consumed in Holy Communion is the blood personally shed for the believer on the cross.

d.

Read Romans 8:31-39, what is the limit of Christ’s forgiveness?

Neither Satan, his minions nor anyone nor anything else can accuse us before God. Our sins are removed from us as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) The magnitude of Christ’s forgiveness, love and salvation is limitless right on through eternity.

Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).

Lutheran Worship (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1982).

Silent No More Bible Study Rev. Darrin L. Kohrt Begin your study of God’s word by singing or praying, “Today Your Mercy Calls Us.” (Lutheran Worship, 347) “Sin’s Grip Broken: Forgiveness Personalized” 1. The Very Personal Reality of Sin. Sin is not an abstract concept. It has real affects on real people. This becomes painfully clear to us when we find ourselves at the center of crises caused by our own actions. In her article, Terry Meckes said that she prayed for many weeks that her problem would just “disappear.” Of course, such a response amounts to nothing more than burying one’s head in the sand. We can never wish sin away or justify it. a.

Read Romans 7:15-23. How do these passages emphasize the very personal nature of sin?

b.

How do the words of 1 Corinthians 6:18 help us to see that some sins are even more “personal” than others?

c.

Terri Meckes received this advice, “You need to think of your future, sweetie.” How can such advice be used as an excuse to propagate even more unrighteousness? See Philippians 2:3-4

2. The Very Personal Consequences of Sin. Sin ALWAYS has consequences. Some are imperceptible to us. Some are not realized until much later. Sin compromises us, separates us and burdens us. Sin’s consequences are not avoidable, but thanks be to God, they are resolvable. a.

After the abortion, what kind of “coping” activities did Terri engage in?

b.

Terri suffered from post-abortion syndrome. What was this symptomatic of? See Psalm 32:3-5.

3. The Very Personal Application of Christ’s Forgiveness. The power of sin and guilt can never be broken by psychological therapy or positive thinking. Our “addiction” to it requires intervention. Our restoration requires the actions of an infinitely forgiving God who has the will and power to revive His people. a.

Read Colossians 1:19-22, and note the emphasis of verse 22.

b.

What very personal connections between the believer and Christ does St. Paul make in Romans 6:3-11?

c.

Read the second part of Luther’s Small Catechism on the Sacrament of the Altar. Who was the blood of Christ shed for?

d.

Read Romans 8:31-39, what is the limit of Christ’s forgiveness?