2012 Winter - Higher Things Magazine (with Bible Studies)

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A TOPICAL ISSUE:

W I N T E R

CHURCH AND STATE

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Seek Serve

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For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

luke 19:10

Get in the boat.

Become a missionary.

1 week, 2 months, 1 year, a career.

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www.lcms.org/service mission.recruitment@lcms.org facebook.com/LCMSMissionaries

Contents T A B L E O F

Higher Things is pleased to offer once again an issue of the magazine that is oriented around a single topic: Church and State. With bitter and divisive elections just past, the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade which legalized elective abortion, “Obamacare,” gay marriage, and so many other issues, what is a Christian to believe? How are Christ’s holy people to think and act? Do we stay out of it all? Do we get engaged in politics? We are citizens of God’s kingdom and of our earthly nations. How do the two relate? The articles in this issue of Higher Things will help you answer those questions while doing what Higher Things always does, pointing you to Christ. We live as Christians, trusting in Jesus, as well as being citizens of our countries, living out our callings in love and service to those around us. Thanks again to our awesome Editor, Katie Micilcavage, both for the topic idea as well as the hard work of putting together another great issue of Higher Things Magazine!

– Rev. Mark Buetow, Media Services Executive, Higher Things

4 The Only Christian Nation

By Rev. Mark Buetow So are we a “Christian” nation? Are we a “secular” nation?

Well, maybe there’s another choice. Rev. Buetow explains how we can Scripturally view America by understanding the two kingdoms.

6 What If My Guy Lost?

By Rev. George F. Borghardt No doubt about it: The results of the November 6th election managed to throw many people for a loop. Fear not! Rev. Borghardt brings his pastoral words of comfort and wisdom to bear and reminds us that the great news is God is still good and God is still in control.

8 Do Religion and Politics Mix?

By Rev. William Cwirla Normally religion and politics are taboo topics in our conversations. There are those who go further and believe those areas should never overlap in our daily living. Rev. Cwirla demonstrates how to manage and balance these two areas through the filter of Luther’s two kingdom theology.

10 Christian Activism?

By Maggie Karner Is there a place for activism in the life of the Christian?

That’s a resounding YES! Mrs. Karner carefully explains how Luther’s doctrine of the two kingdoms compels us that involvement in social activism is not just recommended, it’s vital as we live as Christians in, yet not of this world.

12 But It’s Not Fair!

By Sandra Ostapowich We live in a society that clamors around the concept of equal rights. Yet in the scheme of things and if we are truly honest with ourselves, Jesus got the short end of the stick in that game when He took on flesh and died for us.

Be encouraged in your vocations at church, at home or anywhere, as Ms. Ostapowich reminds us of the reality of equal rights for the Christian.

14 The Church and State and God’s Gifts

By Rev. Donavon Riley Rev. Riley cautions us against taking Scripture passages that were meant for the Old Testament nation of Israel and applying them to any other nation or time. Learn how such passages, specifically Psalm 85, apply to His people, the Church, no matter where or when they may be. God’s gift of the Gospel has been for His people throughout the ages.

22 Muhlenberg: How One Pastor Kept Politics out of the Pulpit

By Rick Ritchie Take a tour through the words of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg with Mr. Ritchie as your guide. You’ll soon see what a gifted pastor Muhlenberg was as he carefully navigated the dicey waters of the political climate of his time.

24 Islam: Mohammed and the Sword

By Rev. David Ramirez What makes Islam’s use of sharia law so diametrically opposed to Scripture? There is no Jesus there. Rev. Ramirez skillfully contrasts Islam’s twisting together of faith and government to God’s plan for church and state.

Regular Features

20 Christ on Campus Salvation and All That Cool Stuff

By Magdalena Teske Don’t public officials talk about God all the time? Sure they often do, but that doesn’t mean that they are necessarily spokespeople for God. Magdalena shows through her experience in a college course that this indeed not the case because they usually lack one very critical message: Our greatest blessing is the gift of salvation in Christ.

28 Catechism Three Orders

By Rev. William M. Cwirla What’s God plan for your life? It’s no mystery, according to Rev. Cwirla, who takes us once again into the heart of another solid catechism study and simplifies what life tries to make so very complicated.

30 Bible Study

“Only One Christian Nation” Be sure to check out this sample of one of our student Bible studies that links up with Rev. Buetow’s article on P. 4.

Correction: Author Barbara Helmkamp, Ph.D. wishes to issue the following technical correction to her article, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Part 2 (Fall 2012): The second sentence of the 7th paragraph should read: “First, it predicts too much matter and energy for the universe as a whole.”

Front Cover: Ecce Homo [Behold the Man] by Andrea Mantegna (1431–1506) tempera on canvas 54 × 72 cm (21.3 × 28.3 in) Musée Jacquemart-André, Paris, France

HigherThings

®

Volume 12/Number 4/Winter 2012 Bible Studies for these articles can be found at: higherthings.org/ magazine/biblestudies.html Editor

Katie Micilcavage Art Director

Steve Blakey Editorial Associates

Rev. Greg Alms Rev. Paul Beisel Rev. Bart Day Copy Editors

Lu Fischer Dana Niemi Bible Study Authors

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Sandra Ostapowich ___________

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Rev. William Cwirla Vice-President

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Rev. Mark Buetow Higher Things® Magazine ISSN 1539-8455 is published quarterly

by Higher Things, Inc., PO Box 156, Sheridan, WY 82801. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the executive editor of Higher Things Magazine. Copyright 2012. Higher Things® and Christ on Campus® are registered trademarks of Higher Things Inc.; All Rights Reserved.

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The

By Rev. Mark Buetow

Only

America

is not a Christian nation.

There. I said it. Because it’s not. It never has been. That’s because by “Christian” we can only mean what Christ means: a kingdom not of this world which He rules and in which He “daily and richly forgives all my sins.”

That’s the church.

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Now sure, the church exists alongside the state, most of the time in a particular state and nation.

Sometimes as a part of the state. Sometimes cooperating with the state.

Sometimes trying to avoid the state. Sometimes being persecuted by the state. But she’s always praying for the State and its leaders and citizens. Church and state are not the same things.

America was not founded on the idea that sinners are justified by grace through faith

Christian Nation for the sake of Jesus Christ. That’s the Gospel. The Good News. The center and substance of the Christian faith.

Some might argue that at least the United States was founded upon “Judeo-Christian” principles, except that lots of things, like adultery and trash-talking, are legal under the laws of our land. So, the United States isn’t even just founded on the Law. Think about it. Where does it say in the Constitution that you must love God and your neighbor as yourself? Do you see the point? Calling any particular nation a “Christian” one doesn’t really make sense.

Well, how about this? America was at least founded

by Christians. That’s debatable. The pilgrims who came in search of “religious freedom” as the story goes, were pretty hardcore strict and legalistic. There’s a lot in what they said and did and about how they lived but not so much about Jesus for sinners. And early Puritan settlements were a good example of what happens when you combine church and state: One person’s view of church runs everyone else’s life.

So that’s not really about Jesus either.

Another comparison that is made is that the United States is a new “Israel.” Like Israel in the Old Testament, the United States was to be a beacon of godliness for all nations. Often times, when disaster strikes, the Lord’s Word to King Solomon gets hauled out and plastered everywhere: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). But that’s not it either. The Lord chose Israel specifically and the Scriptures are clear that Israel’s purpose was to be a light for the nations in being the people from whom the Savior of

all nations would be born. The Israel of the Old Testament is a type and picture of the church as Paul makes clear in Romans 9-11. Israel is NOT a model for America to follow.

So that’s it, then? America’s not a Christian nation so just forget about trying to figure out church and state? Well, not quite. America, like every nation, has Christians. The church lives here. Those who are baptized dwell in this particular land as they dwell in particular lands everywhere. Christians live in the hope that because our sins are forgiven, we have, as Jesus promises, victory over death.“Our citizenship,” as St. Paul writes,“is in heaven, from which we eagerly await our Savior.” That means that no matter what earthly nation we were born in or live in, our real “country” is Christ’s kingdom.

That kingdom lasts long after the Roman Empire or the United States of America or any other nation will have ceased to exist. In fact, that kingdom shall outlast the earth which will go away and a new heaven and earth will be made.

But Christians do live in America. And we live by faith in the Son of God and He lives in us, carrying out those good works that benefit even our nation: praying for our leaders and for peace, and loving and serving those around us in our many different callings. America may not be a Christian nation but a part of the body of Christ is American and that means we who live by the mercy of God and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ here in America are to live godly lives as citizens of this particular country.

You wouldn’t go to the driver’s license office to receive absolution for your sins, just as you wouldn’t go to church to file your taxes. Church and state are not the same. It’s a good thing to remember this as we trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation in a world that is daily passing away. After all, our hope is never in “America” or “things getting better,” but in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, who promises to raise us to life everlasting with a great multitude from EVERY tribe, tongue and nation. So live as a citizen of America or in whatever country you live. And live as a citizen of heaven—the kingdom of Christ which is above all others and is forever.

Rev. Mark Buetow is pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in DuQuoin, Illinois and serves as Media Services Executive for Higher Things.

He can be reached at buetowmt@gmail.com.

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What Happens When Your Guy Loses?

By Rev. George F. Borghardt

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I voted for Mitt Romney. I didn’t like all of his policies, but the more I listened to him, the more I thought that he was the right man for the job. I even donated to his presidential campaign—something that I had never done before.

I pored over every article I could find.

I yelled at my TV during the debates like they were sporting events. I obsessed over the news shows. I started DVRing them. I know, really? Yeah, I was that guy.

As we got closer to Election Day, I couldn’t sleep. I wanted so much for Mitt Romney to win. I prayed for him. Prayed for our country. I prayed for everything but the Lord’s will to be done.

We elect our leaders in America. It’s one of the things that makes our country great.

We decide. We choose. We select every part of our government—from the city councilman to the president of the whole United States of America.

And so, I voted early. I would have voted often, if that were possible. I didn’t because that would have been wrong.

Then, election night was finally upon us and I was glued to the TV as the returns came in. And I was just stunned. My guy, my prayers, lost.

Our Lord gives us our leaders. He appoints them. He’s the One who puts them in their places as His servants. Sometimes He gives us what we want and what we would choose for ourselves. Other times, He evaluates us justly and places authorities over us to carry out His judgment.

The entire government, every leader— from the sheriff in our community to our congressman and our president—He gives to us as a gift. And because it’s a gift, that means that He’s going to work it all out for maximum Gospel-ness for us and those around us.

Our guy wins and it’s a gift. Our guy doesn’t and it’s a gift, too. How can it not be? The Father sent His Son to be crucified by the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, for our sins and the sins of all creation.

This is not some concession speech by someone who is trying to comfort himself in defeat, nor am I writing these things begrudgingly like a young child forced to eat his Brussels sprouts.

No, this is the rock-certain confession that God is good to us in all things. Good in victory. Good in defeat. Good when our guy wins. Good when he loses. Christ took the defeat of the Cross and used it to save us. He must work this out for our good and the good of our country.

We are given to receive these things from our Father as a gift. Pray for our country, our leaders, and for President Obama. Be good citizens and pay your taxes.

For no leader is our leader, no president is our president, no senator our senator apart from the Father’s putting them there.

Our guy loses in His love and mercy. Our guy wins in that same goodness. That’s the good news! The Father who didn’t spare His own Son in doing good for us certainly will work out all things for our good. He is working all of this out for the good of His people. You’ll see. I will, too.

Rev. George F. Borghardt is the senior pastor at Zion Ev. Lutheran Church in McHenry, Illinois, and serves as the Deputy and Conference Executives of Higher Things. His email address is revborghardt@higherthings.org.

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Religion P Do They Mix?

Do religion and politics mix?

Or are they like oil and water— two things that will always be separate no matter how hard you shake them up?

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Note: Lutheran Hour Ministries has a very good presentation on the intersection of church and state, religion and politics. You can watch and download it at: www. intersectionofchurchandstate.com.

There’s no doubt that religion and politics are two of the most sensitive topics we can talk about. Bring up either one in a crowded room, and there is sure to be an argument. Bring up both together, and there will likely be a brawl!

The reason for this is that these are two of the most important topics in our lives—much more important than sports and even the weather. Religion has to do with what we believe about God, life, morals, and eternity. The big picture stuff. Politics is the art of government, order, society, and community.

Religion deals primarily with eternal things, things “not of this world,” or at least things hidden “in, with, and under” the things of this world. Politics deals with temporal matters: roads, taxes, welfare, marriage, safety, protection. So on the surface, at least, they don’t seem to have anything to do with each other. But let’s delve into this a bit more deeply.

The church is in the world. It may not be “of the world” but it is definitely in this world. We occupy land, use electricity, water, and gas, and flush our toilets. And when the church is on fire, we call the fire department. We are very much in this world, and this world is a political world.

Christians are both religious and political people. We believe, teach and confess things about God from the Scriptures. And we participate in the world of government and politics, believing that this, too, is a gift from God. Our Lutheran Confessions teach that the political realm is a good gift of God’s fatherly goodness and mercy

Politics (Romans 13:1ff ). “It is taught among us that all government in the world and all established rule and laws were instituted and ordained by God for the sake of good order, and that Christians may without sin occupy civil offices or serve as princes and judges, render decisions and pass sentence according to imperial and other existing laws, punish evildoers with the sword, engage in just wars, serve as soldiers, buy and sell, take required oaths, possess property, be married, etc.” (Augsburg Confession XVI).

There are some who would like to sweep the public square clean of all religion and create a kind of “naked, public square” where no religious ideas are expressed.

Of course, this would favor the religious views of atheists, agnostics, and skeptics who believe that religion has no place in a rational society.

As Christians, and especially as Lutherans, we think that what we believe shapes our view of the world and of society and therefore it can’t be left out of our public life. We would rather have an open public square where everyone is free to speak one’s mind based on one’s beliefs even if we disagree (yes, even atheists!) than have a “naked public square” stripped bare of all religion. We believe this makes for a much better political discussion and a better representation of all the various people who live in our country.

I’ve been talking here about the individual believer as a citizen, not the institutions of “church” and “state.” Church and state are two of the three “estates” or “orders” of the temporal kingdom, i.e. this life. The third order is the home.

(See the catechism article about the Table of Duties on page 28.)

Church and state are distinct orders established by God for two distinct purposes. The church’s work is to proclaim the kingdom of Christ through Word and sacrament. The state’s work is to

By Rev. William M. Cwirla

restrain evil, reward good, and maintain order through the sword—that is, the use of coercive power.

The church’s job is not to govern or redeem society; the state’s job is not to preach the Gospel. That’s why it doesn’t matter if the president or other heads of state are Christians. It’s also why Christians should not try to establish a “Christian government” or a “Christian nation.” The rule of law is not uniquely Christian, but is shared by every organized society. We would identify this with the work of the law hardwired in our hearts (Romans 2:14-15), which is known even without any written law.

The church should not tell people how to vote. Nor should the state tell people how to pray or worship.

Each needs to be busy with its own vocation. The church needs to proclaim the kingdom of Christ, baptize, preach, teach, administer the Body and Blood, forgive and retain sin. The state needs to protect its citizens and enforce the rule of law. But the individual Christian, who lives in church, state, and home, is always mixing religion and politics. Martin Luther was well known for bending the ear of his elector regarding taxation, war, social welfare, the church, marriage, and education. Luther’s faith and knowledge of the Word shaped his political views and thinking.

The mix of politics and religion is really a oneway mixture, however. Our faith shapes our political thinking, but our politics should never influence our faith. Faith relies solely on the Word of God, while politics involves the use of reason. Reason is always a minister to the Word, never its master.

It’s very important to keep in mind one last thing: Politics is temporal; faith in Christ is eternal. The kingdoms of this world, including our own, will all pass away and are destined for destruction. But the kingdom of Christ will never pass away. As a baptized believer in Christ, that is your citizenship and your destiny, even as you live, move, and have your being in this political world.

Rev. William M. Cwirla is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, and President of Higher Things. He can be reached at wcwirla@gmail.com.

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Christian ActivisM H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 10

By Maggie Karner

Photo courtesy The Lutheran Church­—Missouri Synod/Frank Kohn

I vividly remember my first time in the voting booth.

Even to this day I still get a little choked up with patriotism as I wait in line to vote every Election Day. Like me, most Christians understand the blessing of our representative form of government and exercise their God-given responsibility as citizens to vote. But many Christians feel there should be a clear separation between their secular life and their Christian life. They were told never to discuss the controversial topics of religion or politics at the dinner table and, if one was socially considerate, never to tackle the two topics together. They see passages such as John 17:16 and Romans 12:2, which tell us that Christians are in this world, but not of this world, as a signal that Christians, and likewise the Church, need to butt out of the public arena. In light of these passages, what role, if any, should the Church and individuals play in the political arena?

Dr. Robert Benne, author and Director of the Roanoke College Center for Religion and Society, argues in his book Good and Bad Ways to Think About Religion and Politics, that our founding fathers determined that the free exercise of religion was our “first freedom” because they recognized that true and active religious practice would shape our culture with good morals and virtuous citizens. In fact, this “free exercise” has been a catalyst for Christian activism throughout American history; religiously motivated people and churches fueled the fight for the abolition of slavery, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and our contemporary pro-life movement.

In today’s society, Christians are faced with serious issues that require our utmost attention— and sometimes our activism. Unfortunately, our government has created legislation that threatens the church’s ability to preach the Gospel. Consider the following: 1) The repeal of “Don’t ask, Don’t Tell” puts our military chaplains in difficult positions. 2) The U.S. Department of Justice is refusing to uphold DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act, a U.S. federal law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman). 3) Religious organizations and employers are being forced to comply with a U.S. Health and Human Services mandate on supplying abortifacient contraceptives to employees or face a steep fine if they refuse. If the church doesn’t speak out on these issues today, we may not have the ability to do so tomorrow.

Martin Luther brought a unique clarity to this discussion which was just as volatile a topic in his world as it is today. As both a theologian and a student of the law, Luther was uniquely qualified to understand and explain God’s providential purpose for both the secular and the religious functions of our society through his doctrine of the two kingdoms (or realms). Luther explained that God works through the kingdom of the left (or civic and government functions) to maintain civil order and a just society so that the kingdom of the right (the body of Christ and His church) can operate more effectively in a free society where the freedom to proclaim the Gospel is maintained. Likewise, when the Church is given the freedom to demonstrate Christian compassion toward our neighbor (mercy work), it supports and promotes a just and effective social society.

This teaching stands in sharp contrast to other Christian groups who either shun civic work altogether or believe that their purpose is to “Christianize” our government and political system. To the contrary, Luther says that we should not confuse the two kingdoms and that each kingdom has been ordained by God for a specific purpose on earth.

So can a Lutheran Christian be active in both kingdoms? “Absolutely,” says Rev. Bart Day, Executive Director of LCMS Office of National Mission,“as long as we recognize and understand within which kingdom we are working.” He notes that the Scriptures speak clearly on moral issues, which fall under the left-hand kingdom of the law. Civil society and the government should help put parameters on morality in a civil society. However, in a sinful world our society often fails to do so. Abortion, euthanasia and same-sex marriage are examples. The church encounters these questions frequently and must have the freedom to speak on them within the church and society. Pastor Day explains that when politics shape and form or change the moral fiber and ethos of the society in which the church lives, then the church has a clear responsibility to speak out.

In fact, Luther would advocate for Christians to be very involved in the moral discussions found within the civic realm. “Though we be active in the battle,” Luther said, “if we are not fighting where the battle is the hottest, we are traitors to the cause.” He understood that Christians must exercise bold leadership in bringing about a just and compassionate order to society. Luther recognized that in such a moral and just society, the church is best able to provide mercy and care for our neighbor and enjoy the freedom to preach the saving and forgiving Gospel of the forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake. To be sure, both of these can be done when the culture is hostile to Christ’s church, but it is a great joy and blessing when the church can do so in peace.

Maggie Karner is the Director of Life and Health Ministries at the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Her work with the LCMS involves directing the church body’s strategy for international and national health and pro-life projects.She can be reached at maggie.karner@lcms.org

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Fair

By Sandra Ostapowich

T

here is no such thing as equal rights before God. Really, we have no rights, none at all. Not one of us has the right to stand on our own two feet before the throne of God, full of (self-) righteous indignation, and demand that He give us a single thing.

Antonio Ciseri’s ‘’Ecce Homo’’ 1871

The only thing God has for us sinners is eternal condemnation and horrific punishment. I don’t know about you, but I’m not all that eager to march my arrogantly sinful self up to the holy throne of God and insist that He give me what I’m, in all fairness, entitled to get from Him. Thank God, He does not treat us fairly. He doesn’t give us what we have a “right” to claim for ourselves.

In fact, that was the whole purpose of the Son becoming man, so that He could take our place before God and spare us from the eternal damnation our sin has earned us.

The Father took all the wrath and anger we deserve for our sins and threw it at His Son, who hadn’t even sinned once. Ever!

And, as if that weren’t enough, He took all that the Son of God, the Heir of the Kingdom of Heaven, has the right to claim as His own, and He gave it to us. For free! In Christ (and only in Christ), we have the right to approach God and ask Him for things as dear children ask their dear Father. We now inherit heaven, too. In Him, we are even as perfect and holy before God as Jesus Christ Himself is.

Now, we live in a country where we have the right to participate in the civic life of our nation and to expect equal protection under the law. We believe that everyone should have a chance to succeed, and the person with the most ability, regardless of sex, race, religion, etc. should get to do the job. That’s just how it works in the regular world.

It’s easy to continue that way of thinking into our new lives as Christians. We start to think that the best singer in church should lead the liturgy, the most skilled public speaker should be the one to read the lessons and maybe even preach the sermon, and the best communion hander-outer should distribute the Lord’s Supper. Why should pastor get to hog all those jobs for himself? There are all sorts

of people (like us) who are perfectly capable of doing them at least as well he does and, sometimes, maybe even better. I mean, what if someone else wants to participate in the worship instead of just sitting there?

Don’t the rest of us have a right to use our God-given gifts, too?

As we’ve already established above (go back and read it again if necessary), our Christian lives are hardly based on any semblance of fairness, and they’re certainly not about asserting our rights—equal or otherwise. Our new lives in Christ are full of gifts!

But our sinful nature doesn’t even like gifts. Gifts are out of our control. We don’t want surprises. We drop hints. We make lists. We register.

And even then, people still give us “presents” we didn’t want and don’t like. Christmas and birthdays would be so much nicer if people just gave us gift cards and we could pick out what we want on our own.

It works the same way with vocations. Those are also gifts. No matter how much you want a certain vocation, no matter how hard you try to earn it and do everything just right to get it, it’s still a gift from God. And sometimes that means we don’t get the vocations we want, and we get vocations we don’t want.

Our sinful nature would have us believe that we’re not participating in church if we’re “just sitting there.” As if singing and speaking the congregational parts of the liturgy, confessing our sins, hearing absolution, hearing the God’s Word read, taught, and proclaimed to us, and receiving Christ’s body and blood for the forgiveness of our sins were all a big fat nothing. Because we’re not the one up front. Because

we’re not getting what we want.

If we’re truly, deep-down honest with ourselves, we’ll eventually admit that what we really think should happen is that we should just always get to do what we want.

Exactly what we want. Only what we want. When and where we want. At home, at school, at work, at church.

You name it. We want what we want.

And we actually complain that life isn’t fair when we don’t get it.

Vocations aren’t about our wants or our rights. They’re the ways we’re given to serve the people around us. They’re not about what we want; they’re about what our neighbors need. Sometimes we don’t even get to use those wonderful abilities we pride ourselves on; we have to serve people we don’t even like.

Sometimes we are even served by people who aren’t as skilled at doing the tasks of their vocations as we would be.

Thank God that we’ve been freed from having to continually think that way; freed from constantly comparing our gifts to those of others; freed from feeling compelled to stand up for ourselves to make sure everyone treats us fairly; freed from slavery to our incessant, selfish desires, and freed in Christ to serve others through the vocations we have been given, and to be freely served by others.

All have sinned; all have been shown mercy in Christ. It doesn’t get more equal than that.

Sandra Ostapowich is the Conference and Retreat Coordinator for Higher Things and served for 9 years on the Higher Things Board of Directors. She lives with her son in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she is also studying for her PhD in Missiology at Concordia Theological Seminary.

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I will hear what God, the LORD, will proclaim – for He promises peace to His people and to His saints; Only do not let them fall again into folly.

His Salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land.

Faithful loving kindness and Truth will meet together, Righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

Truth will spring out of the earth, and Righteousness will look down from heaven.

The LORD will give every good thing, and our land will again give its increase.

Righteousness will go before Him as he sets out on His Way. (Psalm 85:8-13)

The Church, the State and God’s Gifts

By Rev. Donavon Riley

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T

his psalm holds up the great gifts of God. In these six verses we are shown all the spiritual blessings of salvation. First, there is salvation itself. Then there is God’s faithful loving kindness and Truth. Next, righteousness and grace. Finally, glory and prosperity—with the LORD blessing all these gifts by delivering them to us Himself.

However, this psalm is not about earthly gifts. This is not a message for use as a patriotic national anthem.

As Jesus says, “ ... this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations; and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Here the function of the Church and the churches is clearly defined. Yet, many have tried to establish a church that dominates the state. Most of these state churches have crumbled. Why? Because Christ’s kingdom is spiritual and will remain that way. Even when the churches are a blessing to the state, they continue to be distinct from the state.

So we decline attempts to translate God’s gifts by earthly definitions of power, glory, success, and so on. Men will never establish a heaven on earth.

We cannot build a “Christian nation.” History rolls on toward the resurrection and there’s nothing anybody can do to speed it up or sidetrack it.

This psalm stands out as an example. God had favored His people in past times with His Word and good governance. Now, as the Psalmist writes, He is angry. God has given them over to false preaching in the congregations, wicked counselors surrounding the throne, and the people are grumbling. The Psalmist sees all this, so he prays for the return of God’s favor. These verses are the sum of his prayer: a description of God’s gifts to His believing and faithful people...if they will only listen to Him. But they won’t listen. They have mixed up heavenly and earthly things: government, peace, authority, the cause of good harvests, even their worship. Therefore, they are afflicted by God. He’s withdrawn His favor. He doesn’t speak to them anymore, because they won’t listen to Him. The affliction and their unfaithfulness hang together.

The Psalmist then prays that God will speak [again] so his people will not fall [again] into destruction. They are impatient, so they blaspheme God’s Name. They are ignorant, so they go searching for other gods to worship. They are upset, so they look for peace, unity, truth, and love elsewhere: the national pulse, homespun wisdom, smooth-talking priests and sweet-talking prophets.

The real issue is that they choose idolatry, which is death, and they rebel against the call to faithfulness: participation in the life of God. There is no third way. Mixing up heavenly and earthly things turns them toward idolatry—the ceaseless attempt to save their life from death by earthly means. They try to carve meaning out of earthly things—food and drink, clothing and life. These are the things which captivate them. With them they dig for a real life which never turns up.

At their root, all of these ideas are mistaken. God sends no prophets to bend the national ear. He is not about to rehabilitate their homes. Patriotic sermons are a sign of faithless preachers. Idol

worship is always about God, but never delivers His gifts “for you.” Listen to the words of the Psalmist.

He prays his people will turn from their foolishness and be saved. He exhorts them to listen to God’s promises that are always “for you.” Look at God’s holy hill. Look at whom He’s set on the heavenly throne. Listen to what He says to you today: Therefore, “Kiss the Son so that He will not be angry and you will not be destroyed ... because His anger burns easily. Blessed is everyone who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 2:12) The Psalmist points them to the source of all God’s gifts: His holy hill. Calvary. Calvary is for them, from Him—a gift. There, and nowhere else, they are shown all the spiritual blessings of salvation.

Therefore, blessed are those who are given eyes to see God’s blessings at Calvary. They are God’s saints, “the poor in spirit” of the first Beatitude. If there is any hope of salvation it can only come from God. The poor in spirit wait on the Lord. His giving to them is not hindered by the false hopes they have crammed together and would use for bargaining.

Blessed are those who are given to by God. Blessed are those who receive gifts, even affliction and death, as a gift from His hands. Nothing slips out of His nail-pierced hands. This is the Good News of the kingdom of the Gospel that stretches through Israel’s history to the present and on to the Last Day. By His affliction and death you are blessed.

In affliction and death you are glad.

God’s kingdom is for “the poor in spirit,” “His saints,” and, “those who fear Him.” This is its limitation. Whether a nation is godly in part or wholly ungodly this psalm still applies. Political prosperity doesn’t determine when God’s promises will be fulfilled. History shows wonderful nations who never knew God or feared Him. Their earthly power and greatness was unequaled. God’s saints dwelt in that land, too. They were most often politically insignificant, and far inferior to their neighbors in wealth and power. However, their glory consisted of God’s mercy, truth, righteousness, and peace. Their comfort, then, as it is for Christians today, is that the church does not exist for the sake of glorifying the state. Rather, the state is established by God to hold back His disfavor, and protect the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom. This is a great gift of God. Rev. Donavon Riley was born and raised in Minnesota and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Rev. Riley and his wife recently celebrated the birth of their fourth child.

He can be reached at elleon713@gmail.com

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Purdue University July 9-12, 2013

West Lafayette, IN

Pacific Lutheran University July 16-19, 2013

Tacoma, WA

Jesus answered Nicodemus, “...unless one is born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God.� (John 3:3)

University of Scranton June 25-28, 2013

Scranton, PA

Higher Things Conferences 2013

FROM

Visit

www.fromabove2013.org or email conferences@higherthings.org for more details.

You have been born of water. You have been born of the Spirit. You have been born From Above!

You were born of God, born anew, born from above in the Baptismal Font. You are alive now, eternally alive, never to die ever again for you already died in Christ. As surely as He is risen from the dead, you will rise from the dead. In fact, you already have risen from the dead, by faith. Now, you live eternally From Above, in service to others, just as God in Christ has saved you.

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FROM

Higher Things Conferences 2013 Scranton, PA

University of Scranton June 25-28, 2013

West Lafayette, IN Purdue University July 9-12, 2013

Why Higher Things?

We live in a culture of blurry religious distinctions and doit-yourself spirituality. Youth, especially, need solid ground that will nurture lasting Christian faith. Rather than treating youth as an adolescent subculture and confusing them with religious experiences that cannot be replicated at home, Higher Things believes in challenging youth to learn the pure doctrine of the Christian faith. By teaching them the same message that they hear at home, youth grow in the fullness of the Christian faith as they come to appreciate historic liturgical practice and its unique focus on God’s gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation for us delivered in Word and Sacrament.

Jesus answered Nicodemus, “...unless one is born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (St. John 3:3) You have been born of water. You have been born of the Spirit.

You have been born From Above! You were born of God, born anew, born from above in the Baptismal Font. You are alive now, eternally alive, never to die ever again for you already died in Christ. As surely as He is risen from the dead, you will rise from the dead. In fact, you already have risen from the dead, by faith. Now, you live eternally From Above, in service to others, just as God in Christ has saved you.

At the 2013 Higher Things Conferences, we’ll be rejoicing in who you are in Christ: You are born From Above!

Registration

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Registration will open on November 1, 2012 and close as each site reaches capacity. We work very diligently to keep costs as low as possible while providing the best conferences we can – every year!

The per-person rates below are based on the date your group’s registration fees are paid in full.

Additional fees may apply for registrations and changes made after March 1, 2013. Balances paid after June 1, 2013 may be subject to a per-person late fee.

Scranton, PA (June 25-28, 2013) West Lafayette, IN (July 9-12, 2013) Tacoma, WA (July 16-19, 2013)

Your Registration Fee includes: • Conference Programming (Planning, Catechesis,Worship, Entertainment) • Three (3) Nights of Housing (double capacity) • Nine (9) Meals • Conference Handbook • Daily Services Book • Conference T-Shirt Not only can you register your group online at fromabove2013. org, you can pay deposits and your balance online too! All you need is a valid HT Online account. If you don’t have one yet, you can sign up for one at www.higherthings.org.

Age Requirements

The Theme: From Above

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Nov. 1 to Dec. 31

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on or after March 1

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$375

Higher Things conferences are generally planned for highschool-aged youth, but registrants may be any youth who have been confirmed prior to the conference, including college students. We recognize that the ages of confirmed youth vary from congregation to congregation, and just ask that if a group is bringing young people who are not yet in high school, the group leaders be prepared to provide additional supervision accordingly.

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Higher Things requires a minimum of one (1) chaperone for every seven (7) youth in your group. Each group must be accompanied by at least one chaperone – one male adult for the male youth and/ or one female adult for the female youth in your group. Chaperones must be at least 21 years old at the time of registration and must also be approved by the group’s pastor for their role. All chaperones and other adults in a group must complete the registration process.

If you are unable to recruit the necessary number of chaperones from your congregation for your youth to attend a conference, Higher Things is happy to help you find other groups from your area who might be willing to share their chaperones with you.

Conference Capacities

The Higher Things conference at the the University of Scranton has a capacity of 600 registrants. The conference at Purdue University has a capacity of 1,200 and the conference at Pacific Lutheran University has a capacity of 500 registrants.

More information will be available to you very soon! But if you just can’t contain your curiousity and excitement, you may visit fromabove2013.org or email conferences@higherthings.org to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

Winter 2013 HT Retreats “Here I Stand”

When: January 11-12, 2013

When: February 15-17, 2013 Where: Trinity Lutheran Church 824 Wisconsin Avenue, Sheboygan, WI

Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church 1100 Market Street, Carlisle, IA Cost: $30/person

Cost: $50/person - through 12/31/12 $60/person - 1/1/12 - 1/31/13 $70/person - after 1/31/13

Teacher: Rev. Scott Schilbe

Teacher: Rev. William Cwirla

Contact Person: Pastor Kevin Johnson (515) 989-3841 or johnsonknc@aol.com

Contact Person: Pastor John Berg (920) 458-8246 or berg@trinitysheboygan.org

When: Friday, March 15, 2013 Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church 146 Sligo Road West, Mount Forest, ON Cost: $20/person Teacher: Rev. Mark Buetow Contact Person: Pastor David Saar (519) 323-4844 or prsaar@wightman.ca

Science Serving God’s Word

Something About Baptism God Dwells with His People

More information and online registration for these retreats is at www.higherthings.org/retreats!

When: April 12-14, 2013 Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church 5433 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH Cost: $60/person (includes Creation Museum admission) Teacher: Rev. Charles St-Onge Contact Person: Sara Smith, Director of Human Care (513) 271-4147 or humancare@stpaulcinci.org

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Salvation Christ On Campus

and Cool Stuff Like That

By Magdalena Teske

Class began at 9:30, and I rushed into the room at about 9:27, feeling slightly panicked because biology had gone a few minutes late, as usual, and because the effects of my coffee had worn off. The class was Religion and Politics in America, which I was taking mainly to fulfill my requirement to take an honor’s course that semester, although I had been more than a little nervous to take a religion course at my Methodist-affiliated college.

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Before we began class that day, my professor handed back my first essay, which he had just graded. The topic was civil religion. We were supposed to describe and discuss how politicians and other public figures refer to God and religion in their speeches, and how God is depicted in patriotic contexts.

Glancing at my paper, I was pleased to see that on the first page, the professor had made only three comments, two of which simply said ”good,” and the third said ”yes.” As class started, I shoved the paper in my folder to look at later. After class, when I had a chance to turn to the second page, I saw a slightly longer remark.

The professor had underlined one of my sentences in which I had said that while politicians frequently mention God in their speeches, civil religion is necessarily vague and generic, because public figures never say anything

theologically significant. The phrase I had used was that politicians don’t talk about “the important subject of salvation and eternal life.”

It was this phrase that my professor didn’t like. He told me in his comments that he felt I exaggerated the insignificance of civil religion’s theology. His note on that particular phrase pointed out that civil religion did include messages of justice, mercy, blessing, and providence.

If he had still been there when I read his remarks, I would have had a few things to say to him.

Justice,

mercy, providence and blessings sound nice and are certainly valid religious topics, but I fail to comprehend what significance they have outside of the concept of forgiveness and salvation.

The Bible certainly tells us that God is just and refers to justice as a good thing, and it’s a virtue for rulers. But I can think of one important case where God Himself seems completely unjust and unfair. If God gave us what we deserved, we would all be condemned and Jesus would never have died, but instead, God chose to send Jesus to live a perfect life on Earth, to suffer and die in our place, so that we could be saved and have eternal life. Rather than justice, God chose to give us justification, and for us, this unfairness is certainly

2020

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only blessings that God gives us. The greatest blessings He gives us are forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.

Christ came and lived among us, He led a sinless life, died, and was raised, and besides all this, He gave us even more. He gave us the Bible so that we would have access to His word in our daily lives. He gave us saving faith, and He gave us His sacraments of Baptism and Communion by which He strengthens this faith and assures us of our salvation.

I am not interested in hearing about a generic God who gives us justice, mercy, and blessings. I go to a confessional Lutheran church because I want to hear about the true Triune God who gives us justice, mercy, blessings, forgiveness, salvation, His word and sacraments, and eternal life.

And coffee, too.

Magdalena Teske is a senior at BirminghamSouthern College and attends Hope Lutheran Church in Birmingham, Alabama. She can be reached at magdalenateske@yahoo.com

Christ On Campus Is: @ The campus ministry arm of Higher Things @ Pastors and laity interested in confessional Lutheran campus ministry @ A growing and developing network of 113 campus ministry chapters @ A great source for campus ministry resources @ Discussion forums for college students and campus ministry workers @ College retreats and service opportunities

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There will not be a 2012 Christ on Campus Conference in order to support attendance at the National LCMS Campus Ministry Conference held at St. Louis University, 3-5 January 2013.

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better than the fair alternative.

As for mercy, I’m not sure what mercy even means apart from salvation. Referring to my handy copy of Webster’s New World Dictionary, I find that the official definition of mercy is ”a refraining from harming offenders, enemies, etc.” Doesn’t this mean that talking about God’s mercy towards us necessarily requires us to acknowledge that we are sinners and enemies of God, but that He has graciously forgiven us our sins through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ? Incidentally, this sounds to me like the message of grace and salvation (Romans 5:6-11).

Providence and blessings are likewise vague and fairly meaningless when not taken in the context of our salvation. Undeniably, God gives us many blessings—not only spiritual, but sometimes material and worldly blessings as well. But when a politician or public figure talks about providence and blessings, they generally only mean material and worldly wealth. I certainly am glad to live in a country and society where necessities like food and shelter are abundant. I am glad to have access to things like the internet, coffee, and duct tape, which are technically luxuries, although I admittedly take them for granted much of the time. But these are not the

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Muhlenberg How One Pastor Kept Politics out of His Pulpit

By Rick Ritchie

You probably don’t often hear Lutheran pastors preaching politics from the pulpit.

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Why not? Lutheran pastors have a long tradition of keeping politics out of the pulpit. This is because the pulpit is the place from which to preach the gospel to sinners. One example of why this is so comes from early American history, from a pastor who has often been called the Father of American Lutheranism: Henry Melchior Muhlenberg. On August 22, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was just a little more than a month old, and war was still raging. Muhlenberg wrote in his journals about being asked to address a battalion in German and English. This request was made at a time when pastors were held in especially high regard as they were often the most— if not only—educated men in their communities. He was invited to give a “word of

admonition,” or, his best moral advice. What was he, as a pastor, to say? Should he tell these American revolutionaries that they are disobedient to God by fighting the British? Or should he pray that their muskets will kill as many British as possible?

Most pastors give into the temptation of deciding who is right.

Muhlenberg doesn’t, even if his own opinion is not hidden: Since I could not with good conscience refuse, I acceded to their request, for one should in charity be impartial and emulate the heavenly Father, who makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. I have not been charged with the task of investigating and comprehending the matter in controversy, nor is it possible for me to determine which party has the highest and best right, whether the one has a better right

Image: Courtesy of Special Collections Muhlenberg College. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg preaching in a barn at Trappe shortly after his arrival in Philadelphia in November 1742.

to make serfs of the inhabitants of America by force and to reap what they have neither plowed nor sowed, or whether the Americans have as good or even better right to defend the rights and privileges granted and stipulated to them by the highest God and by former crowned heads.

This is rather funny. On the one hand he tries to be impartial.

On the other, we can see that if the British are making serfs, or slaves, of people, and the Americans are defending rights and privileges given to them by God, then the Americans are probably in the right. But Muhlenberg is serious about staying out of the judging business. He goes on: Contending parties cannot be their own judges, and private persons possess no infallible scales to weigh without error the preponderant arguments of both sides.

This is evident in this controversy in the many writings pro and contra, indeed, even in the speeches made on both sides of the conflict in parliament.

Even in England, some in the government wrote persuasive arguments for and against the American cause. If it was not clear to those educated persons whose business it was to figure this out, then how would it be clear to a busy pastor? A citizen may well choose one side over the other, but a minister who speaks for God is expected to deliver God’s view of the subject.

Muhlenberg knows he cannot read God’s intentions in the mess of history. But God has revealed sure commands, even if they are sometimes complex in their application to the day’s questions: Therefore, since the ministers neither can nor should be arbiters in such a conflict, they do best if they commit the whole thing to the only and highest Judge of heaven and earth and follow the rule of the Spirit of God given through the Apostle Paul, Romans 13, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers,” etc. If God’s governance ordains or suffers that a king or a parliament or a congress should have power over me, then I must be subject to and serve two discordant masters at the same time.

This is really a startling idea. Rather than telling people that they have to decide which government to listen to, Muhlenberg sees Scripture as teaching that sometimes we might have two masters over us. Perhaps these men will have to obey both the English and American authorities at given times. But I suspect that maybe there is a little more here than meets the eye. This talk of “two discordant masters” reminds us of what Jesus taught. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). There is probably a suggestion here that the revolutionaries will outwardly obey whoever is over them at

a given time. But their true loyalty will be with the masters they love, the Americans.

Muhlenberg is an example of a wise pastor. His job is to feed his flock with the gifts of the forgiveness of sins given

by Christ’s Word and Sacraments, not to advance a war cause.

He speaks carefully. He makes sure his own opinions are kept distinct from the Word of God, so that people are not led astray. Speaking like this tells people that if the British are ordering them around under threat, they are free to obey without sinning. (Imagine living in an area that goes back and forth between British and American hands several times!) But they will probably also hope this is temporary and that they can be back under American rule quickly, where they serve in love. He also speaks in such a way that his loyalties are hidden and his words don’t come back to haunt him later, should the British prevail. Those who do not know the Scriptures are likely to miss them. (The talk of discordant masters passed me by several times before I saw the parallel to the Gospel of Matthew.) Muhlenberg reminds us that while we might have to obey a cruel taskmaster for a time, our true loyalty will always be with the one we love. More than that, our true King will always be the Lord Jesus who rescued us from the tyrannical rule of the devil and sin.

Jesus Christ, the highest judge of heaven and earth, is worthy of even more love than the American generals. He fought a fight when we were happy to be the slaves of His enemy. His death and resurrection have assured that we have already won the war. Muhlenberg’s counsel is given in such a way that our thoughts are brought back to the fact that the political questions of the day, as pressing as they are, are secondary. After all, we have a King in heaven whom we will one day serve in “everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,” whatever today’s conflicts may bring. In Jesus, we have that true King who, despite our rebellion, has come to save us and bring us back into His kingdom forever.

[Citations from Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Notebook of a Colonial Clergyman ed. by Tappert and Doberstein (Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press, 1959), pp. 161-164.]

Rick Ritchie earned his bachelor’s degree at Concordia University Irvine in 1988, and graduated with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1990, after which he became Lutheran. He has written for Modern Reformation magazine, been a callscreener and guest for the radio show The White Horse Inn, a guest on Issues, Etc. and contributed to the books Christ the Lord (edited by Mike Horton), Let Christ be Christ (edited by Dan Harmelink) and Theologia et Apologia (edited by Adam Francisco, Korey Maas, and Steven Mueller). He can be reached at teacher@reflutheran.org

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Islam: Mohammed and the Sword

By Rev. David Ramirez

Islam is one of the largest religions in the world and is often spoken about in the news media. What do Muslims teach about their faith and its relationship to the government? How does Christ teach differently about the roles of the church and the state? Let’s start with some history to answer these questions:

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Mohammed and Mecca According to Muslims, Mohammed was born about 570 A.D. in the city of Mecca, an important trading center and caravan stop in the Arabian Peninsula.

After being orphaned as a young child, he was raised by his uncle. At the age of 25, his fortune changed when he married a wealthy widow 15 years his senior With wealth came comfort and leisure. Mohammed would take time to meditate, often away from Mecca in the hills. On one of these trips in 610 A.D., he claimed that he had a vision of the angel Gabriel, who spoke to him the words of “Allah.”1 Mohammed devoted the rest of his life to spreading the message and teachings of Allah, whom he believed was guiding and speaking to him.2 His early attempts to win followers in Mecca failed miserably. Most Arabs at this time were polytheists. Mecca was a center for idolatry and was made rich by the festivals and trade surrounding idols. Since Mohammed condemned polytheism, he came to be viewed as a nuisance by the Meccans—even his own tribe. Mohammed also tried to reach out to “the people of the book,” as he called Christians and Jews. But they were unimpressed by his teachings.

Consequently, Mohammed relied on persuasion to gain followers and influence while his political strength was weak. He modeled, however, a very different approach when given the opportunity.

Medina and Conquest: Power and Conversion by the Sword After struggling to gain converts in Mecca and increasingly looked down upon by the leaders of the town, Mohammed accepted an invitation to relocate to the nearby city of Medina. As a neutral outsider, he was asked to be an arbitrator between the competing tribes of Medina. With his newfound power and authority, Mohammed began to draw more followers to his religion.

Once he had the ability and strength, he began conducting raids and attacks on caravans (with supposedly divine approval). After taking his own share, Mohammed distributed the loot and booty to his followers, which in turn drew more followers eager for riches.

Mohammed tightened his grip on Medina. He ruthlessly crushed opposition, supporting the assassination of his rivals and the murder of groups who challenged his authority. Eventually, Mohammed defeated even the Meccans in battle. The promise of riches and conquest enticed even former enemies to follow him. Before he died, Mohammed and the Muslims controlled not only Medina and Mecca, but all of the Arabian Peninsula.

After the death of Mohammed, the Muslims continued their wars of conquest. Those who were conquered faced a choice: 1. death; 2. conversion; or 3. submission to their new Muslim rulers that included a special tax for being non-Muslims.

Sharia Law Where Muslims ruled, they sought to establish sharia law. Sharia law is a code of rules and regulations designed to inform every part of life. Sharia law has two sources: 1. the Quran, which contains the messages that Mohammed supposedly received from Allah; and 2. the “traditions” describing the life of Mohammed that his followers later collected. Muslims believe that sharia law is not just to be enforced among Muslims, but also around the entire world.

Muslims who take their faith seriously believe that it is their duty to support the spread of Islam. This includes more than just “Muslim evangelism.” An essential part of spreading Islam is that sharia law is spread by political dominance.

The example of Mohammed clearly teaches Muslims to say and do what is necessary to gain power, including an unrestrained use of the sword.

Two Kingdoms A key difference between Islam and Christianity is that Islam does not recognize the distinction between church and state, or as Lutherans would put it, the two kingdoms.3 We believe that our Lord rules over all things, and that the government as well as the church is a way our Lord rules and blesses us. But we make a distinction between what God has called

the government to do and what He has called the Church to do. He has given earthly government the duty to “bear the sword” and to “carry out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4 ESV) The government should uphold the “natural law” that all men know. (Romans 1-2) The civil government flows from the fundamental unit of society, the family, and the calling of fathers to rule over and protect their families.

On the other hand, our Lord teaches us that His kingdom of grace, that is His Church, is not of this world. He tells Pilate that,“If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” (John 18:36 ESV) The Church is to be concerned with preaching Christ crucified. It is not to be leading armies, conquering nations, or getting wrapped up in politics.

The reason why Islam cannot recognize this distinction is because it rejects Jesus. There is no Gospel in Islam; it is a religion of law. Mohammed rejected the way to the Father because he rejected the beloved Son of the Father, offered up for us and for our salvation. Islam rejects the one and only true God, who actually descended, lived, died, and rose again—for us and for our salvation. Praise God for sending us the Truth, our Savior Jesus Christ, who still pours out forgiveness through His Church. May He help us be model citizens, resisting evil in the world while we wait for His return.

1 “Allah” is the Arabic word for God. 2 The essence of Islam is: “There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet.”

3 This is not to say that we believe in an absolute separation between church and state like secularists do. For instance, sometimes the church must preach against what the state is doing.

Pastor David Ramirez is assistant pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln, IL. A significant part of his time is devoted to ministry to the youth of the two LCMS churches in Lincoln, Zion and Faith, which have a joint youth group. He is married to Lisa (nee Albury) and has four children. The Zion-Faith youth group enjoys going to HT conferences and reading HT Magazine.

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Catechism

THREE ORDERS I

remember when I was in high school. I couldn’t wait until I was in college. I thought life would be all fun and I could do whatever I wanted. But college classes were harder and more demanding, the workload was heavier, and the responsibilities were greater.

When I lived at home under the rule of my parents, I couldn’t wait until I was out of the house, on my own, and FREE. I thought I could do anything I pleased. But there were rent, food, clothes and books to buy. Then a job, a family, a congregation. More responsibilities and duties. Two things I learned: You’re never without responsibilities. And you’re never out from under authority.

We’re going to spend some time now on The Table of Duties. It’s the eighth and last part of the Small Catechism and deals with responsibilities and authorities. This part probably wasn’t prepared by Luther, but was later taken up into the Small Catechism and became a part of it.

The Table of Duties is a collection of Scripture passages dealing with various aspects of our temporal life in this world under the categories of Home, Church, and State. These are the three realms or “orders” in which all of us, as baptized believers, live. We are born or adopted into a family and home. We are members of a congregation. We are citizens of a state.

A simple Venn diagram of these three orders would look something like this:

H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 28

It’s really all about the 4th commandment and the gift of “parents and other authorities.” God is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33) who sets everything in His creation in order and under His authority. Without order and authority, there would be only chaos and anarchy, which may sound like fun until you have to live in it. Just ask anyone who has lived in a country whose government has collapsed. Our old Adam needs to be kept in line.

In each order—home, church, state—there is office and authority which are God’s representatives under the 4th commandment.

In the home, husbands are the heads of their wives and their households, and fathers and mothers are over their children. This is not to boss them around and make their lives miserable but for their blessing and protection. Also included here are bosses and workers, since the original workplace was the home.

In the state or civil society, God has ordered things so that there are those who govern and those who are governed. In our country, we participate in the selection of those who govern, and by means of elections God places them in authority above us. This, too, is for our blessing and benefit, both to restrain the evils of sin and our sinful natures and for the promotion of the general good.

In the church, God has established that there are those who preach and those who

hear: pastors and people. While every Christian is a priest in Christ’s royal priesthood, not all Christians are pastors.

Priests are born in Baptism; ministers are made through call and ordination.

As baptized believers in Christ, we live at the intersection of all three orders in family, society, and congregation. This is where God has located us to serve our neighbor with His goodness and mercy. Each of us has a place and purpose in each of these orders. Lutherans call that “vocation,” or “calling.” Where God has placed you and gifted you defines your vocation, your calling—that is, the way in which you serve your neighbor, whether as a teacher, fireman, father, mother, pastor, plumber, etc.

Our old Adam hates order. He’s a natural-born anarchist who wants to be a god in place of God and doesn’t like to be told what to do. Our natural inclination when confronted with a “table of duties” is to let out a big sigh, give an eye roll and say, “Do I have to?” And the answer from God is, “Yes, you have to!

Repent!” Of course, this ultimately kills the old Adam, which is

precisely what the Law is supposed to do. But in the meantime, it forces the old Anarchist to get with the program and keeps him in line.

“The Word became Flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). And in dwelling among us, Jesus came into all three of these orders and lived under their authority. He was obedient to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:51). As a boy, He sat at the feet of the teachers of the synagogue and the temple (Luke 2:46). He was subject to the religious and civil governments of His day—the same authorities who would eventually sentence Him to death and crucify Him. Jesus did the Table of Duties to His death for you.

You do them, too. They are your duties and responsibilities, the holy orders of your priesthood.

You do them not to earn God’s favor or reward. Christ has already done all that for you. You do them to offer your bodies as a living thank offering to God (Romans 12:1) in loving service of the people God put around you: your family, your community, your congregation. God is “hiddenly” working through you to do His goodness and mercy to those around you. You have a vocation, a calling.

At the moment, you are exploring and discovering how God has gifted you. You’re learning in classroom and laboratory. You’re developing skills and honing talents and testing your abilities. You’re apprenticing adults, preparing to take up adult-sized responsibilities and authorities. You’re preparing to be husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, workers and citizens, members of congregations. Priestly servants.

There isn’t any secret plan for your life in the mind of God. There’s no waiting for God to reveal some special “plan” He has in mind for you. He’s left you free to design one for yourself. How will you thank God for His saving you in His Son? How will you serve those around you in the love of Christ? The Table of Duties will be your guide.

Rev. William M. Cwirla is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, and President of Higher Things. He can be reached at wcwirla@gmail.com.

By Rev. William M. Cwirla

- The Table of Duties

W I N T E R 2 0 1 2 _ 29

The

Only Christian Nation A Higher Things Bible Study • Winter 2012

Introduction: This Bible Study debunks the notion of America being a “Christian” nation as Christ has only one kingdom of grace and forgiveness and it is not a particular nationality on earth, but the Kingdom of God which is righteousness and peace in Christ. But the Lord does establish our earthly rulers so that we are to obey them and pray for them.

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8

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9

What do you think people mean by the phrase, “America is a Christian nation?” Do you think America is a “Christian Nation?”

Read Matthew 22:15-22. What question do the Pharisees ask Jesus and how does He answer? What does this teach us about the two different ways in which the Lord works? What does the government get from us?

What does Jesus get from us?

3

Jesus Himself comes face to face with Caesar’s representative. Read John 18:31-19:15. What does Jesus tell Pilate about His kingdom? What is the purpose of Jesus’ kingdom?

4

How does Jesus respond to Pilate’s assertion that he has authority to crucify or release Him?

5

How might Jesus’ distinction of “the greater sin” relate to our thinking of Church and State?

6 H I G H E R T H I N G S __ 30

Read Romans 13:1-7. How does Paul tell us to regard the authorities? What does this mean practically speaking for us today? What if a government is clearly evil and ungodly?

7

What reason does Paul give for our prayers for authority in 1 Timothy 2:1-4?

Christians live in the world, and the passages above have shown us how to regard our earthly rulers. But where is our true citizenship?

See Philippians 3:20-21.

Read Revelation 7:9-10. What do these words teach us about the kingdoms of this world and Christ’s kingdom?

10

Close by praying or singing LSB #672, “Jerusalem the Golden.”

To access the Leader’s Guide for this study, as well as Bible studies for articles in this and previous issues as a part of an HTOnline subscription, point your browser to: http://higherthings.org/magazine/ biblestudies.html.

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Christian Activism Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 1. Maggie Karner directs our attention to John 17:16 and Romans 12:2. What is the significance of Jesus and His kingdom not being “of the world?” What challenges are there for you in not becoming conformed to this world? How does God transform you so that God's will is tested-approved in you?

Jesus and His kingdom are very different from those of planet earth. Worldly kings rule with an iron fist, yet Jesus rules, not with rules, but with love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness. You are tempted to strive to be a good “rule keeper” as this world operates. But God has given you a new heart in your baptism—the very heart of Jesus! His Spirit keeps on renewing your mind, to catch it up to where your heart already is. In this way, God transforms you to be an instrument of His love toward others, doing works which God makes good, pleasing, and perfect.

2. How is it that you are able to accomplish the works of God within this ever-so-godless world? See Hebrews 11:6. So how does God enable you to please Him? What is the connection of your faith to the good works God does through you?

The only truly “good works” are done out of faith. Unbelievers show kindnesses to others at times, but these are their own works tainted by sin. Christians are enabled to please God because their works come from faith in God. The resulting works God accomplishes through believers are called “faithfulness.” As only God is good, the only true good works (which are God's pleasure to accomplish) stem from faith alone.

3. Ms. Karner distinguishes between the two kingdoms: Read Psalm 127:1. What “ordinances” does God establish within the kingdom of this world? In what way is the church also an ordinance of God in the world?

What “holy orders” does God establish within each of these ordinances?

God establishes households, and He establishes societies (cities, states, nations) in this world. He also establishes His church as an institution in this world, incorporated under worldly laws, and functioning within structures of this world. So God is quite active even within the civil realm of this world. Within each of these three ordinances (household, government, church) God Himself ordains people (married-couples, political leaders, Ministers) to serve according to His good and gracious will.

4. How are believers in Christ to act when we are bombarded with so many temptations in this world? Compare Luke 16:10-11 with Matthew 10:16. What exactly is “mammon”? How should we use it if it is “unrighteous?”

How are we to be wise, shrewd, and prudent like serpents as the Twelve were when Jesus sent them out to this world's wolves?

Because we are strangers and pilgrims on this earth for a short time, we must be extremely cautious with all the various temptations that snake-from-the-garden, Satan, throws our way. The devil uses the “things of this world” or “mammon” (roughly translated “stuff”) to tempt us. There is no righteousness in these things, but we might just find a righteous use for our money and other resources. This calls for an even greater wisdom than that Serpent of Eden showed in tempting our earthly parents. We rely upon the wisdom that is a fruit of God's own Holy Spirit to survive in this world.

5. Read Acts 17:22-32. How did St. Paul approach a crowd of non-Christians in Athens? What use does he make of unrighteous mammon in attempt to dialogue with these unbelievers? What doesn't Paul do? What was the result of Paul's efforts?

Paul used wisdom, taking from their own words, hoping for opportunities to proclaim Christ. He referenced their inscription to an “unknown god,” which gave Paul an opportunity to make Jesus known to them. He also quoted one of their own poets, “in Him we live, move, and have our being,” in order to direct them to the God of creation who sustains all. There were mixed reviews. Some dismissed Paul's words entirely, but others were open to listening to him again. After a few became believers, Paul went on to greener pastures.

6. Does God only care for our spiritual needs of the heavenly realm, and not so much for our needs in this world? Read Isaiah 9:2-7. What blessings of heaven does God promise in this familiar Christmas passage?

What worldly blessings does God also promise in verses 4-5?

The Lord cares about those first article of the Creed blessings (clothing, shoes, food, drink, house, home, etc.) as much as He cares about those 2nd article blessings (redemption, salvation) and 3rd article blessings (faith, sanctification). God promises that the Christ will bring light, joy and peace in His kingdom. But the Lord also promises that our worldly burdens, oppressions, and warfare will also come to an end.

7. Read Galatians 2:20. How does the life you live within this world change once you become a Christian?

What has happened to your sinful flesh with all its worldly desires? Who now lives within you? How does your life lived now in the flesh manifest itself once you become a believer in Christ?

You are no longer your own when you become a Christian, for Jesus has purchased you as His Own, at the price of His shed blood and innocent suffering and death for you at Calvary. At your baptism, sinful you was crucified with Jesus, dead and buried with Him forever. Now it's not you who lives anymore, but Christ lives in you! The worldly desires of your sinful flesh are dead & buried with Jesus. Now Jesus has made you a new creation in Him, to walk in newness of life—a live lived now by faith in the Son of God who loved you so much as to deliver Himself up to death for you!

8. Close with the following prayer.

Almighty and eternal God, Governor of all things in heaven and on earth, grant to Your servants soundness of mind and body, so that they may love you with their whole strength and with their whole heart do those things which are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Christian Activism Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 1. Maggie Karner directs our attention to John 17:16 and Romans 12:2. What is the significance of Jesus and His kingdom not being “of the world?” What challenges are there for you in not becoming conformed to this world? How does God transform you so that God's will is testedapproved in you?

2. How is it that you are able to accomplish the works of God within this ever-so-godless world?

See Hebrews 11:6. So how does God enable you to please Him? What is the connection of your faith to the good works God does through you?

3. Ms. Karner distinguishes between the two kingdoms: Read Psalm 127:1. What “ordinances” does God establish within the kingdom of this world? In what way is the church also an ordinance of God in the world? What “holy orders” does God establish within each of these ordinances?

4. How are believers in Christ to act when we are bombarded with so many temptations in this world? Compare Luke 16:10-11 with Matthew 10:16. What exactly is “mammon”? How should we use it if it is “unrighteous?” How are we to be wise, shrewd, and prudent like serpents as the Twelve were when Jesus sent them out to this world's wolves?

5. Read Acts 17:22-32. How did St. Paul approach a crowd of non-Christians in Athens? What use does he make of unrighteous mammon in attempt to dialogue with these unbelievers? What doesn't Paul do? What was the result of Paul's efforts?

6. Does God only care for our spiritual needs of the heavenly realm, and not so much for our needs in this world? Read Isaiah 9:2-7. What blessings of heaven does God promise in this familiar Christmas passage? What worldly blessings does God also promise in verses 4-5?

7. Read Galatians 2:20. How does the life you live within this world change once you become a Christian? What has happened to your sinful flesh with all its worldly desires? Who now lives within you? How does your life lived now in the flesh manifest itself once you become a believer in Christ?

8. Close with the following prayer.

Almighty and eternal God, Governor of all things in heaven and on earth, grant to Your servants soundness of mind and body, so that they may love you with their whole strength and with their whole heart do those things which are pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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But It’s Not Fair A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: Ms. Ostapowich has written and spoken frequently for Higher Things and the church at large on the topic of women serving in the church, recognizing that the Lord has not called women to the vocation of pastor. This article reminds us that there are many vocations to which the Lord calls us and many to which He does not call us. This Bible Study emphasizes, as her article does, that any vocation we have is a gift from God and to be used for the service of our neighbor.

1. What do you think of when you hear the phrase “equal rights?” What do we mean by “rights” with respect to our country?

“Equal rights” is a phrase often associated with women and minorities but has been applied to other groups (such as children, the unborn, homosexuals, etc.) Under the United States Constitution, a “right” is some privilege that is guaranteed by virtue of a person's being a citizen. Of course, equal pay for equal work and the same treatment of all people with regards to voting, and participation in the political process have always been areas of conflict in the United States' history. Discuss what sorts of “rights” our country guarantees us and whether certain rights (for example, the right to marry) should in fact be equal for all groups. The purpose of this question is to set up the contrast with how things work in God's kingdom.

2. Read Romans 3:10-26. What is the basis for God's dealing with us? Is it “inalienable rights?” Is it something else? What is our standing before God and on what basis?

Paul makes it clear that no one has any “rights” before God or any claim on God. All people have sinned, either with or apart from the Law. Everyone is a sinner before God. But He does not deal with us on the basis of our sins but of His grace to us in and through Jesus Christ. This establishes that when we talk about our lives in Christ, we don’t do so on the basis of some inherent “right” that we have but by what God has given to us in Jesus. By all “rights” God could and should punish us for our sins but instead gives us what is not “fair” but what is mercy and grace.

3. Read Matthew 20:1-16. What does the landowner agree to pay the men who are hired later in the day? What does he pay them and why do those first hired object? What does this tell us about how the Lord deals with us in His kingdom?

The landowner tells those he hires that he will pay them what is “right.” The Greek word is “dikaios” which is the same word used when we talk about “just” and justify.” In other words, the Lord does not say He will give what is “fair” but what is “just.” And what is “just” in the kingdom of God is that He

gives us what is not fair. What is fair is to be punished for our sins—to get what we have earned. What is “just” is to be given what Christ has accomplished and achieved for us: forgiveness, life, salvation, eternal life, etc.

4. Some people claim that because Jesus has come, everyone is equal now. As the basis for this statement they use Galatians 3:28. Is that what this passage is talking about? What does it mean that there is “neither male nor female; neither slave nor free?”

This passage has nothing to do with our earthly vocations at all. Many use this verse to claim that there is no distinction between men and women and therefore women should be able to be pastors. But Paul is talking here about the way in which the Galatians were misled into thinking that circumcised people were better than uncircumcised; many people had the impression that women were less than men in God's sight, and so on. The point Paul is making is that Christ's salvation is based on nothing in us but that when it is given to us, it makes us all heirs of Abraham and children of God. 5. What does Paul say about how God calls us in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31? How does this differ from the way things are viewed in the world?

The world does things by merit or by unfair criteria (such as preferring one group over another or discriminating against a particular group). The Lord chooses by nothing in us but by His grace, which is given to all people through the Gospel of Christ. In the world, people boast in what they have achieved and accomplished (ask the youth about how their college application resumes and transcripts are going!) In Christ's kingdom, things are done and given by grace which is the goodness of God, not because we earn or deserve something in particular.

6. What sorts of callings (vocations) has the Lord given you? Discuss what sorts of responsibilities these callings.

Answers will vary but may include such things as son or daughter, brother or sister, student, employee at a job, member of a congregation, etc. Ask how these vocations are given by God? Some are by choice (like a particular job) and some are given by God without any choice (like being someone's son or daughter).

7. Read Philippians 2:3-4. What attitude does the Apostle tell us to have toward others? How does this apply to life with others and the callings God gives to us?

Vocations are a gift. When we consider what callings we have, we are given those callings by God in order to love and serve our neighbor, not ourselves. Usually in the world, people want to do something because it benefits them. They don't want responsibilities they haven't chosen. Yet the Lord gives us callings we may not want or didn't expect. By His grace, the one who gives us those callings will also forgive us when we fail in those callings. After all, Christ faithfully carried out His calling as Savior, not to be an example, but that thereby He might make holy all the work that we do in our various vocations.

8. Close by singing or praying LSB #853, “How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord.”

But It’s Not Fair A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: Ms. Ostapowich has written and spoken frequently for Higher Things and the church at large on the topic of women serving in the church, recognizing that the Lord has not called women to the vocation of pastor. This article reminds us that there are many vocations to which the Lord calls us and many to which He does not call us. This Bible Study emphasizes, as her article does, that any vocation we have is a gift from God and to be used for the service of our neighbor.

1. What do you think of when you hear the phrase “equal rights?” What do we mean by “rights” with respect to our country?

2. Read Romans 3:10-26. What is the basis for God's dealing with us? Is it “inalienable rights?” Is it something else? What is our standing before God and on what basis?

3. Read Matthew 20:1-16. What does the landowner agree to pay the men who are hired later in the day? What does he pay them and why do those first hired object? What does this tell us about how the Lord deals with us in His kingdom?

4. Some people claim that because Jesus has come, everyone is equal now. As the basis for this statement they use Galatians 3:28. Is that what this passage is talking about? What does it mean that there is “neither male nor female; neither slave nor free?”

5. What does Paul say about how God calls us in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31? How does this differ from the way things are viewed in the world?

6. What sorts of callings (vocations) has the Lord given you? Discuss what sorts of responsibilities these callings.

7. Read Philippians 2:3-4. What attitude does the Apostle tell us to have toward others? How does this apply to life with others and the callings God gives to us?

8. Close by singing or praying LSB #853, “How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord.�

www.higherthings.org

Islam: Mohammed and the Sword A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: The distinction between earthly kingdoms and the kingdom of God is not made in the Muslim religion. From its beginnings, Islam has assumed that church and state should be one and the same. The application of religious laws to secular society is known as “Sharia Law” and is the goal of the Muslim religion. The Bible teaches us that the Lord works through earthly rulers but that they are not the same as the church. The state is a gift of God but is not above God. This distinction is important as it reminds us that the real purpose of the Christian faith is not the changing of sinful society but the preaching of repentance and faith in Jesus' name.

1. Discuss what you know about Islam and “sharia law.”

Read the article as part of the Bible Study of have students read it before hand. Islam was founded by Mohammed about 600 years after Jesus' ascension. It included Christians and Jewish elements but also brought a new spin on “monotheism” (one god) over against the many gods and spirits worshipped in Arabia during Mohammed's time. The Muslim religion began with an almost militaristic and controlseeking movement begun by Mohammed. Sharia Law is the making of secular law run by the religion.

A country with sharia law follows the rules of Islam rather than rules separate from the religion. For the briefest refutation of the nature of Islam, see Hebrews 1:1-2 which reminds us that God's revelation to us is complete in Christ.

2. Do you think a particular religion should control the laws and government of a country? Why or why not?

Answers will vary but have the students consider what it would be like if our country were run based on the Ten Commandments (or the whole Old Testament Law) and what it would be like if it were controlled by Islam or some other religion. Very quickly it should become obvious that having our lives controlled by one particular set of religious principles is a bad and even oppressive idea.

3. Read Luke 20:21-25. How are they trying to trap Jesus? What does Jesus teach about there being two kingdoms?

If Jesus says they should pay taxes, He will sound like He is supporting the Romans, thus making him an enemy of the Jews. If He says not to pay taxes, they can bring Him up on charges to the Romans of subverting the government. His answer, on the other hand, teaches that there is such a thing as earthly government and their coins and taxes are their business. He teaches that God has a kingdom and that kingdom isn't concerned with such things as taxes but grace, mercy and the forgiveness of sins. (What to give to God? Our sins!)

4. Now read John 18:33-7; 19:10-11. What does Jesus say about His kingdom? What does He say about Pilate's authority to crucify or release Him? In what does Jesus show us how we relate to the earthly kingdoms while being citizens of His kingdom?

Jesus declares simply that His kingdom is not an earthly one, though He does not deny having a kingdom. His refusal to fight or have His followers fight shows that His kingdom is not like the kingdoms of the world. In fact, in an earthly kingdom, the army fights to save the king. In Christ's kingdom, the King dies to save the people! Jesus recognizes Pilate's authority to put Him to death (even when it's wrong!) but points out to Pilate that the authority he has, has been given to him. So Christians recognize that we are in Christ's kingdom yet we still submit to the authority of the earthly rulers.

5. What does St. Paul teach us about earthly government (even the government that would eventually put him to death!)? See Romans 13:1-7.

Government is given and established by God, even when it appears not to be or acts in an evil way.

Paul teaches us that we should obey the government (as Jesus did) and to submit to its authority. Paul says that governments are given to punish evil and reward good but not for religious purposes.

6. For what reason do we want the government to be successful in maintaining peace? See 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

When the government fosters peace, it makes it easier to preach the Gospel without fear of persecution and interference. Notice that the two are not mixed. Paul doesn't say that we should pray for the government so that they can convert people. That's not the government's job.

7. Read Philippians 3:20-21. What is the nature of our citizenship? How does this differ from the Muslim view?

Presuming a religion should run the state presumes that God's kingdom is about this earth ultimately.

While the Lord does indeed work in this world through secular governments and authorities, His true kingdom of grace and mercy will be here long after this heaven and earth passes away. Christ's church lives in this world, declaring His kingdom to all people. The Muslim religion seeks to establish its view of God's kingdom in this world and impose that view on others. That's because Islam (like all false religions) is ultimately about how we live and not about what God does for us.

8. How would you respond to someone who thinks sharia law or a religious government is a good idea?

Answers will vary but our witness as Christians is to preach Christ and repentance and the forgiveness of sins in His name, regardless of what sort of nation we inhabit. While citizens might certainly take a role in their government and thus have the influence of their convictions, the kingdom of God is not about improving this world but declaring to this world that there is a greater kingdom of forgiveness, life and salvation. A kingdom of grace, which itself differs from Islam's view, is never a kingdom which imposes itself upon others but in which we live by the forgiveness of sins and in love serve and care for our neighbors.

9. To close, sing or pray LSB #646, “Church of God, Elect and Glorious.�

Islam: Mohammed and the Sword A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: The distinction between earthly kingdoms and the kingdom of God is not made in the Muslim religion. From its beginnings, Islam has assumed that church and state should be one and the same. The application of religious laws to secular society is known as “Sharia Law” and is the goal of the Muslim religion. The Bible teaches us that the Lord works through earthly rulers but that they are not the same as the church. The state is a gift of God but is not above God. This distinction is important as it reminds us that the real purpose of the Christian faith is not the changing of sinful society but the preaching of repentance and faith in Jesus' name.

1. Discuss what you know about Islam and “sharia law.”

2. Do you think a particular religion should control the laws and government of a country? Why or why not?

3. Read Luke 20:21-25. How are they trying to trap Jesus? What does Jesus teach about there being two kingdoms?

4. Now read John 18:33-7; 19:10-11. What does Jesus say about His kingdom? What does He say about Pilate's authority to crucify or release Him? In what does Jesus show us how we relate to the earthly kingdoms while being citizens of His kingdom?

5. What does St. Paul teach us about earthly government (even the government that would eventually put him to death!)? See Romans 13:1-7.

6. For what reason do we want the government to be successful in maintaining peace? See 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

7. Read Philippians 3:20-21. What is the nature of our citizenship? How does this differ from the Muslim view?

8. How would you respond to someone who thinks sharia law or a religious government is a good idea?

9. To close, sing or pray LSB #646, “Church of God, Elect and Glorious.�

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What Happens When Your Guy Loses A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 1. People have a wide variety of opinions about politics. What is your interest level when it comes to political discussion? Why do you think people get so excited and involved in the American political process?

Clearly answers to the first question will depend on each individual. The second question will also yield a wide array of answers contingent upon the degree of political involvement and awareness. Political enthusiasm is, in part, woven into the fabric of society since the early days of the nation’s founding. Not only that, the constitution and laws of the land necessitate a close and educated political involvement in order to succeed. On an emotional level, many get “wound up” in political discussion precisely because they invest themselves emotionally and existentially in the political discourse.

This, of course, can be both positive and negative as well. Careful intellectual discussion of the issues is also part and parcel of the process.

2. Discuss ways that Christians can, and should, be involved in the political process.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, however, Christians are to pray for their leaders, participate in the political process as citizens, vote, educate themselves on the issues of the day, run for office and a host of other ideas that the participants will undoubtedly come up with.

3. In his article, Pastor Borghardt says, “I prayed for everything but the Lord’s will to be done.” Why is this not only the most important thing to pray for, but also the hardest?

Read the 3rd Petition of the Lord’s Prayer and its explanation.

Although the authority of government is exercised by humans, we are God’s means in the secular realm for accomplishing His will. No matter who the candidates or what the issues are, it is never my will or the politician’s will that ultimately matters, but the Lord’s. And we pray that His will would be done among us, especially during election

cycles. And that’s precisely what makes this one of the hardest petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. Here we must pray against ourselves, the sinful world and the devil’s wily ways.

We pray that our Lord would break our will and anyone’s who opposes His, in order to bring about His will for the good of all people. For above all, His is a good and gracious will that wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

4. When Pastor Borghardt says, “God gives us our leaders,” he is echoing what we learn from Scripture. Read Romans 13:1-7 and John 19:1-11. Where does the government’s authority come from? What are the purposes and responsibilities of this temporal authority?

Both John and Paul remind us that temporal authority comes from God for there is no higher authority. Jesus truly is King of kings in both realms. However, God exercises His authority very differently and for different purposes in each realm, or kingdom, as they are often called. See the table below for a more thorough list of compare and contrasting in terms of purpose, means, goals, etc. Briefly though, the secular realm is given the authority to maintain justice and order, punish evil doers and maintain safety for all people, especially the Church. The secular realm cannot forgive sin. This is the authority that God has given to His church: the forgiveness of sins. The Church uses the means Christ has given her, Word and Sacrament, to fulfill her calling in faithful service to her Lord and His good and gracious will.

5. What commandment best teaches us about God’s gift of authority? How is this authority a gift of God?

The 4th Commandment. It would appear at first that this commandment is only about parental authority. Yet, in Luther’s brilliant explanation, he expounds the full weight of this commandment’s explanation, namely, it is for the protection of God’s gift of authority.

This means the 4th commandment includes all who are in authority over us and this depends on what our vocation(s) are at any given moment. Although authority causes our Old Adam to chafe and writhe, it is a gift for us. It protects us from chaos and disorder in the home, the church and the world. Using illustrations of home, society and church life will reveal how this is both good and necessary.

6. What are some examples, both past and present, of how the temporal authorities have served the Gospel?

Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate as we confess in the Creeds every Sunday.

Luther and the Reformation were protected by temporal authorities. Other historical examples abound. Today in America we have the 1st Amendment that guarantees the

freedom of speech, including the free exercise of religion, which means that we are free to declare and defend the Gospel, not only in our churches, but in the public square as well.

Through these and other examples we see how God protects and provides for his church and the proclamation of the Gospel even in the secular realm.

7. Pastor Borghardt reminds us that no matter who wins or loses any given political election, the outcome of our salvation is not dependent upon the authority granted to the government. Why is this comforting? To whom has God given the authority to forgive sin? Who has God given the authority to oversee temporal affairs in government?

Thankfully salvation and forgiveness do not depend on the left-hand kingdom. Can you imagine if the wait for forgiveness and communion was anything like waiting for Congress to pass a bill? The outcome would be deadly. And we wouldn’t want criminals let loose simply with forgiveness; they should be punished. And we wouldn’t want the church to be in charge of handling the tax code or endorsing elections, this would obscure the Gospel. Hence, the left-hand kingdom is charged to exercise the sword while the church has the sword of the Spirit, both Law and Gospel: two very different gifts for two very different purposes. We can be thankful that the church does not make forgiveness of sins contingent upon merit and recognition the way the temporal authorities do.

8. In the midst of political, economic, and temporal uncertainty, the Church stands as a herald of a sure and certain hope in Christ. Read Romans 8:18-28. According to St. Paul, how do we know God is good? What eternal hope does St. Paul point us to that the temporal authorities can never provide?

The way we know God is good is the same way we know of God in any meaningful way: through Christ’s death and resurrection. And because He has sacrificed everything for us, lived, died and risen for us, there is nothing to fear, not elections, not temporal authorities, nor powers invisible nor world events beyond our control. Christ has promised to work all things together for good for those whom He has called and justified

by His grace. Our election in Christ is not up for a vote! In Christ’s death and resurrection we can rest secure, our citizenship in heaven as His baptized children is more certain than death and taxes.

9. Why is it important to pray for our leaders? Where are some appropriate places in the Divine Service and at home to pray for those in authority over us? Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7.

In the way of the Law, we are commanded to pray for them. However, it is ultimately for the sake of the Gospel that we pray for our leaders. Prayer is the voice of faith and we

pray for our leaders to continue to be faithful to their calling even as we pray that God would keep us faithful in our many callings. In addition to this, our leaders provide order and secular authority that gives the church the freedom to continue to proclaim the gospel and help those in need in our communities. Thus, we pray for our leaders in the Prayer of the Church during the Divine Service as well as during family devotions. Other prayers such as the Litany include petitions for the left-hand kingdom as well.

Closing Prayer: Lord, keep this nation under your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve you faithfully in our generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Further Resources for Leaders’ Reading and Study: •

Lutheran Service Book, page 313 lists numerous prayers for matters of the civil realm.

•

The Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals. Gene E. Veith, Concordia Publishing House.

•

The Anonymous God: The Church Confronts Civil Religion and American Society. Edited

by David L. Adams and Ken Schurb, Concordia Publishing House.

•

The Temporal Authorities to What Extent They Should be Obeyed and Whether Soldiers Too Can be Saved. Martin Luther. Luther’s Works, volume 45. Concordia Publishing House.

God’s Left-Hand Rule  Scripture: Romans 3:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17  Catechism: 4th Commandment, 1st Article, 4th Petition  Purpose: civil justice/order  Goal: curb evil; an orderly, just society– not “Christianize”  Means: Reason/natural law  Civil righteousness (before man)  Law  “Lesser of two evils”  Rewards good / punishes evil  Active in vocation  Temporal authority (God’s gift)  The fisted sword of steel

God’s Right-Hand Rule  Scripture: Ephesians 1:22; Col. 1:13-14  Catechism: 2nd & 3rd Article, Means of Grace, Lord’s Prayer  Purpose: forgive sin  Goal: salvation through preaching sin and grace  Means: Word/Sacraments  Spiritual Righteousness (before God)  Law & Gospel  Calls sin, sin  Works: not merit, fruit of faith  Passive recipients  Spiritual authority (God’s gift)  The sword of the Spirit

What Happens When Your Guy Loses A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 1. People have a wide variety of opinions about politics. What is your interest level when it comes to political discussion? Why do you think people get so excited and involved in the American political process?

2. Discuss ways that Christians can, and should, be involved in the political process.

3. In his article, Pastor Borghardt says, “I prayed for everything but the Lord’s will to be done.” Why is this not only the most important thing to pray for, but also the hardest?

Read the 3rd Petition of the Lord’s Prayer and its explanation.

4. When Pastor Borghardt says, “God gives us our leaders,” he is echoing what we learn from Scripture. Read Romans 13:1-7 and John 19:1-11. Where does the government’s authority come from? What are the purposes and responsibilities of this temporal authority?

5. What commandment best teaches us about God’s gift of authority? How is this authority a gift of God?

6. What are some examples, both past and present, of how the temporal authorities have served the Gospel?

7. Pastor Borghardt reminds us that no matter who wins or loses any given political election, the outcome of our salvation is not dependent upon the authority granted to the government. Why is this comforting? To whom has God given the authority to forgive sin? Who has God given the authority to oversee temporal affairs in government?

8. In the midst of political, economic, and temporal uncertainty, the Church stands as a herald of a sure and certain hope in Christ. Read Romans 8:18-28. According to St. Paul, how do we know God is good? What eternal hope does St. Paul point us to that the temporal authorities can never provide?

9. Why is it important to pray for our leaders? Where are some appropriate places in the Divine Service and at home to pray for those in authority over us? Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7.

Closing Prayer: Lord, keep this nation under your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve you faithfully in our generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Muhlenberg” A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Winter 2012 1. Read Romans 13:1-7. Who has placed governing authorities over you? For what purposes?

What is your God-given obligation toward your government, then? What if you don’t agree with your leaders?

Since all governing authorities exist only by God’s will, it is He who establishes them, and even at times allows for poor rulers to be in power over you. God’s plan for these rulers is for them to be useful to Him as agents of His Law, to punish wrong-doers, and to reward those who do well.

So you are obliged to render unto the government whatever the laws of the land require, even if you don’t agree with everything your rulers do.

2. Read Matthew 16:19 and John 20:22-23. What authority has God given to the church? How is this special church power enacted in the church? What is the purpose of this Office of the Keys?

God has given the authority of the Keys of the kingdom of heaven to the church on earth. The called Ministers of Christ hold the “Office” in the church which publicly utilizes these keys.

These keys either open the door of heaven for someone when he/she repents, or lock it for a person if he/she persists in refusing to repent of a sin.

3. Read Luke 12:14 and John 18:36. Why is Jesus reluctant to act as a secular judge or arbiter?

How does Jesus describe His kingdom before Pilate? How does this show that the rule of Jesus over His kingdom—the church—differs greatly from worldly authorities?

Jesus did not come to this world to deal with earthly matters of authority. In fact, the Kingdom Jesus rules over is not of this world or from here at all. It is the kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is concerned about spiritual matters, those with eternal ramifications, where His church is concerned.

4. Read Matthew 5:38-48. How are people expected to act in this world? Yet how does Jesus tell us that we ought to behave differently than those of this world? What is the purpose of living by this higher standard?

Defending yourself, looking out for #1, and hating your enemy are all expected ways of this world. But Jesus speaks against such things for Christians. You turn the other cheek when

attacked, you consider the needs of others first, and you even have love for your worst enemy.

This “perfection” is not so that you merit God‘s favor, but instead it reminds you of Jesus Himself, who like a lamb led to the slaughter was silent as He went to the cross, concerned not about His own anguish, but your salvation instead. Though you had made yourself to be His enemy by your continual sinning, He loved you anyway and died in your stead at Calvary to save you!

5. Mr. Ritchie points out the impossible challenge of trying to serve two masters here on this earth. Read Matthew 6:24-30. Who is your best Lord and Master? How is He far superior to what we are so very tempted to serve in this world?

Christ Jesus is your Lord whom you trust to provide for all your needs, in this world and the next. While He may use earthly means like governments to supply some of your temporal, 1st Article blessings, they still come from His providence. So, rather than turn the worldly means into idols to serve as though they are your masters, by faith God directs you to Him as the oOne who gives good gifts to you.

6. Read Matthew 7:1-5. To whom is judgment given in the secular realm? To whom is judgment given in the church? What are you given to judge as a Christian? What judgment is not given to you?

In this world, judgment is given to those elected to or appointed to positions of authority in our government. In the church, much judgment is given to pastors and other church leaders. (The sheep always reserve the right to judge their shepherds according to God‘s Word, however.) As a Christian, you are to judge actions (logs and specks) according to your vocation (as a mother does for her child), so as to determine which are in accordance with God‘s will, and which are sinful. But you are not given to judge people, their hearts and consciences, or their motives. Such judging is for God alone.

7. Read Romans 12:17-21. What is the popular response in this world, when one is confronted by evil? What very different counsel does St. Paul give to you through His words to the church in Rome? How does this show the very different perspectives of the secular realm and the Kingdom of God? This world seeks revenge. It wants an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. When confronted with evil, this world fights fire with fire. Christians are more like firemen. They fight fire with water. They are to overcome evil with its opposite—good. Only God is good, so He alone can triumph over evil. That is why vengeance is the Lord’s alone. At the cross, Jesus, (who is goodness incarnate) overcame evil once and for all. He bore all the evilness of sin in His own body on the tree. The wrath of God was poured out in full on Jesus, forsaken by His heavenly Father there, for you and for the whole world. So you see how the way of God’s church is mercy, love and forgiveness, while the way of this world is revenge, wrath, and returning evil with evil.

8. Close with the following prayer.

Merciful and everlasting God the Father, Who did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross, grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in our Savior that we may not fear the power of any adversaries; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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“Muhlenberg” A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Winter 2012 1. Read Romans 13:1-7. Who has placed governing authorities over you? For what purposes?

What is your God-given obligation toward your government, then? What if you don’t agree with your leaders?

2. Read Matthew 16:19 and John 20:22-23. What authority has God given to the church? How is this special church power enacted in the church? What is the purpose of this Office of the Keys?

3. Read Luke 12:14 and John 18:36. Why is Jesus reluctant to act as a secular judge or arbiter?

How does Jesus describe His kingdom before Pilate? How does this show that the rule of Jesus over His kingdom—the church—differs greatly from worldly authorities?

4. Read Matthew 5:38-48. How are people expected to act in this world? Yet how does Jesus tell us that we ought to behave differently than those of this world? What is the purpose of living by this higher standard?

5. Mr. Ritchie points out the impossible challenge of trying to serve two masters here on this earth. Read Matthew 6:24-30. Who is your best Lord and Master? How is He far superior to what we are so very tempted to serve in this world?

6. Read Matthew 7:1-5. To whom is judgment given in the secular realm? To whom is judgment given in the church? What are you given to judge as a Christian? What judgment is not given to you?

7. Read Romans 12:17-21. What is the popular response in this world, when one is confronted by evil? What very different counsel does St. Paul give to you through His words to the church in Rome? How does this show the very different perspectives of the secular realm and the Kingdom of God?

8. Close with the following prayer.

Merciful and everlasting God the Father, Who did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross, grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in our Savior that we may not fear the power of any adversaries; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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Only One Christian Nation A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: This Bible Study debunks the notion of America being a “Christian” nation as Christ has only one kingdom of grace and forgiveness and it is not a particular nationality on earth, but the Kingdom of God which is righteousness and peace in Christ. But the Lord does establish our earthly rulers so that we are to obey them and pray for them.

1. What do you think people mean by the phrase, “America is a Christian nation?” Do you think America is a “Christian Nation?”

People generally mean by this statement that America was founded on Christian (or Judeo-Christian) “principles” or that it was founded by Christians to promote religious freedom. It is often used by preachers and politicians who want to exercise a particular sort of control in the law over the behavior of others, for example, condemning homosexuality or abortion. The problem, however, is that “Christian” doesn't mean “do good” or “moral” but the forgiveness of sins for Christ's sake, a message no secular country has even been established to proclaim.

2. Read Matthew 22:15-22. What question do the Pharisees ask Jesus and how does He answer? What does this teach us about the two different ways in which the Lord works? What does the government get from us? What does Jesus get from us?

Jesus' words are an excellent distinction that demonstrate that the Lord and the government don't have the same purpose. The main thing we give the government is taxes (also honor and respect). What we give to God is our sins. Notice that Jesus does not teach the theme of many stewardship programs that “it all belongs to God but we manage it.” He simply assumes the money belongs to Caesar because he printed it. By talking this way, Jesus is demonstrating that the kingdom of God isn't at all about the things we think it is, like money or political power.

3. Jesus Himself comes face to face with Caesar's representative. Read John 18:31-19:15. What does Jesus tell Pilate about His kingdom? What is the purpose of Jesus' kingdom?

Jesus admits to being a King but His kingdom is not of this world as is demonstrated by the fact that His disciples don't come and fight for Him. Jesus' kingdom is for a witness to the truth, which means the truth of what we are before God—sinners and the truth of what God does for sinners—saves them.

Contrast that with Pilate's authority to release a prisoner. There is an irony here in that Pilate has power to release a guilty prisoner whereas Christ's power is to also free those who are guilty of all sins.

4. How does Jesus respond to Pilate's assertion that he has authority to crucify or release Him? Jesus tells Pilate that his authority has been given to him by God. He points out that Pilate condemning an innocent man (breaking the 5th commandment) is not as bad a sin as the high priest rejecting the Messiah (the 1st commandment). Notice that these words of Jesus also rid us of the notion that all sins are the same.

5. How might Jesus distinction of “the greater sin” relate to our thinking of Church and State?

First Table sins which reject Christ, which include unbelief and idolatry, are worse than sins against the neighbor. This is important in distinguishing how the State and Church are different. The State may in fact punish or penalize certain Second Table sins but it has no authority to punish First Table sins (what you believe). When the State seeks to interfere in what we believe, that is a type of persecution.

The intersection of Church and State becomes difficult and may be a matter f conscience for Christians who want to live or do things in the way that is in accord with their beliefs. It is one thing if the government were to say, “Deny Christ.” Clearly we could not do so. But it is more complicated when the State says, “We'll use your tax dollars to pay for abortions.” What then? These are the sort of cases which trouble the church in our country in this day and age.

6. Read Romans 13:1-7. How does Paul tell us to regard the authorities? What does this mean practically speaking for us today? What if a government is clearly evil and ungodly?

Paul told the Romans that the government was established by God to punish evildoers and that Christians are obligated to pay their taxes. This, coming from a man who would be beheaded by that same government! This doesn't change the fact that we owe the government our obedience unless such obedience would cause us to break God's commandments.

7. What reason does Paul give for our prayers for authority in 1 Timothy 2:1-4?

The main desire the church has is to lead a quiet and peaceable life so that the Gospel can be preached and people will be saved. It is not the government that preaches the Gospel and calls people to repentance and faith but in providing peace and security, the church can go about her life without fear of persecution and suffering harm. Still, even in times of persecution, the church carries out her mission, though it may suffer much even at the hands of the government.

8. Christians live in the world, and the passages above have shown us how to regard our earthly rulers.

But where is our true citizenship? See Philippians 3:20-21.

Our heavenly citizenship is reminder of what is given to us in Baptism, namely, a place with God forever even when the kingdoms of this world pass away.

9. Read Revelation 7:9-10. What do these words teach us about the kingdoms of this world and Christ's kingdom?

In everlasting life, there will be no more nations. Those who are saved and who rejoice in what the

Lamb has done for them are from every nation. While being patriotic in this life is often noble, it is good to remember that even the United States, with a all its blessings, will pass away. And it's good to be reminded that Christ's church does not exist just in America but all around the world and it is full of Christians from all countries and peoples. While the kingdoms and governments of this world are gifts from God, they are only for this world. The kingdom of Christ, however, is an everlasting kingdom.

10. Close by praying or singing LSB #672, “Jerusalem the Golden.�

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Only One Christian Nation A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: This Bible Study debunks the notion of America being a “Christian” nation as Christ has only one kingdom of grace and forgiveness and it is not a particular nationality on earth, but the Kingdom of God which is righteousness and peace in Christ. But the Lord does establish our earthly rulers so that we are to obey them and pray for them.

1. What do you think people mean by the phrase, “America is a Christian nation?” Do you think America is a “Christian Nation?”

2. Read Matthew 22:15-22. What question do the Pharisees ask Jesus and how does He answer? What does this teach us about the two different ways in which the Lord works? What does the government get from us? What does Jesus get from us?

3. Jesus Himself comes face to face with Caesar's representative. Read John 18:31-19:15. What does Jesus tell Pilate about His kingdom? What is the purpose of Jesus' kingdom?

4. How does Jesus respond to Pilate's assertion that he has authority to crucify or release Him?

5. How might Jesus distinction of “the greater sin” relate to our thinking of Church and State?

6. Read Romans 13:1-7. How does Paul tell us to regard the authorities? What does this mean practically speaking for us today? What if a government is clearly evil and ungodly?

7. What reason does Paul give for our prayers for authority in 1 Timothy 2:1-4?

8. Christians live in the world, and the passages above have shown us how to regard our earthly rulers.

But where is our true citizenship? See Philippians 3:20-21.

9. Read Revelation 7:9-10. What do these words teach us about the kingdoms of this world and Christ's kingdom?

10. Close by praying or singing LSB #672, “Jerusalem the Golden.”

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THREE ORDERS-THE TABLE OF DUTIES A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: Have handy some copies of the Catechism and the Table of Duties (it is found in Lutheran Service Book, p.328.) The Table of Duties itself is nothing more than a collection of Scripture passages that was compiled to give “practical advice” on how the Lord teaches us to love and serve our neighbor in our various callings. This Bible study will serve as an introduction ito the purpose of the Table of Duties.

1. Look at the Table of Duties. What is its purpose? Which vocations apply to you?

The Table of Duties is introduced this way: “Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their duties and responsibilities.” Its purpose, therefore, is to instruct us in our various “orders” and how we are to serve our neighbor in each of these orders of life. Answers will vary but certainly individuals will recognize themselves as Hearers, Children, possibly Workers and probably Youth.

2. According to Pastor Cwirla's article, there are three Orders in which God exercises authority over us. What are the three Orders and what authorities has God given us under each?

Home, in which the Lord places our parents, grandparents, older siblings, etc. over us; Church, in which the Lord provides pastors over us; State, in which the Lord gives us government, teachers, police, bosses, etc.

3. Review the Fourth Commandment and Meaning from the Small Catechism. What does it mean to have and/or be an authority? According to the world? In Christ?

The Fourth Commandment meaning teaches us that we are to obey not just our parents but “other authorities.” Most people associate “authority” with being “in charge.” That is, those in authority have the job of telling the people under them what to do. This view is reinforced by the abuse of that authority. Just ask any of the kids who have jobs how their bosses may treat them. Hopefully they are treated well but often times they are treated badly and with little respect. Genuine authority is to be given a place by God in which you care for others in a certain way. In this sense, authority isn't about “being in charge” but about “serving.” This really turns the worldly view on its head.

4. Read Romans 13:9-10 and 1 Timothy 2:1. What is the basis for respecting and honoring authority?

The basis for all of the Table of Duties is love of neighbor. It is important to emphasize that when we speak of “good works” we (1) don't mean things we do that earn forgiveness and (2) do mean the everyday things we do to live in our vocations, submitting to those over us in the three Orders, and all ways in which we love and care for others. Therefore we don't think about our callings as ways to boss others around but to serve those under us and respect those over us.

5. Read Luke 2:46, Luke 2:51, and John 19:10-11. How does Jesus fulfill the Table of Duties in each of the three Orders? What does this mean for us?

Jesus is obedient to His parents, honors the religious authorities who teach the Word, and submits to the authority of the governor. While the Table of Duties shows us God's Word for each of our callings, since we fail at them, we are accused by the Table of our sins. (The Table of Duties is the Law, not the Gospel after all). Therefore it matters that we see examples of Jesus keeping the Law for us. Where we fall short and fail, He lives and does what the Law says. Where we shirk our duties, He fulfills all of His. This “active obedience” counts for us and is a part of the way Jesus saves us (the other part being His being punished for our sins, which is called "passive obedience").

6. How are we given our vocations/callings? Is there some way to figure out which vocations we should have?

We recognize that all callings are a gift from God. Some callings we have without a choice, such as being a child or hearer of the Word. Other callings may involve our selecting one thing over another, such as becoming an engineer instead of lawyer or working at a factory instead of a restaurant.

These sorts of callings are chosen as we have the advice and guiding of our parents and those who watch over us. But these are not necessarily set in stone and therefore we don't need to seek some “master plan” but rather, as Pastor Cwirla says in the article: “He's left you free to design a plan for yourself. How will you thank God for His saving you in His Son? How will you serve those around you with the love of Christ.?”

7. Discuss your future plans and possible callings. How will you choose? What considerations will you have? Where will Christ be in all of that?

Answers will vary but this is a good time for the youth to think about and encourage each other in their future plans. Regardless of what they do or where they end up, they will always be hearers of the Word and therefore everything they do will be sanctified by the Savior who has washed away all their sin and makes all of their works good and perfect in God's sight.

8. Close by singing or praying LSB #853, “How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord”

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THREE ORDERS-THE TABLE OF DUTIES A Higher Things Bible Study Winter 2012 Introduction: Have handy some copies of the Catechism and the Table of Duties (it is found in Lutheran Service Book, p.328.) The Table of Duties itself is nothing more than a collection of Scripture passages that was compiled to give “practical advice� on how the Lord teaches us to love and serve our neighbor in our various callings. This Bible study will serve as an introduction ito the purpose of the Table of Duties.

1. Look at the Table of Duties. What is its purpose? Which vocations apply to you?

2. According to Pastor Cwirla's article, there are three Orders in which God exercises authority over us.

What are the three Orders and what authorities has God given us under each?

3. Review the Fourth Commandment and Meaning from the Small Catechism. What does it mean to have and/or be an authority? According to the world? In Christ?

4. Read Romans 13:9-10 and 1 Timothy 2:1. What is the basis for respecting and honoring authority?

5. Read Luke 2:46, Luke 2:51, and John 19:10-11. How does Jesus fulfill the Table of Duties in each of the three Orders? What does this mean for us?

6. How are we given our vocations/callings? Is there some way to figure out which vocations we should have?

7. Discuss your future plans and possible callings. How will you choose? What considerations will you have? Where will Christ be in all of that?

8. Close by singing or praying LSB #853, “How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord�

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“Religion and Politics” Winter 2012 1. Read Romans 13:1-4. Who ordains all authorities that rule over you? Who, exactly, are you rebelling against if you disobey laws or show disrespect for government officials? How are you to have a healthy respect for the authorities of this world?

It is only in accordance with God‘s will that any authority in this world is placed into governance. In other words, if you disrespect someone in authority, or rebel against the laws you are under, you are really sinning against God Himself! So, as a Christian, you should respect all earthly authorities placed over you, with a healthy dose of fear of punishments if you disobey, and some hope of reward for following the laws.

2. Pastor Cwirla writes about the challenge of living in two kingdoms at the same time. Read Matthew 22:21. Whom does Jesus direct us to serve in the kingdom of this world? Whom would this be for you today? Whom does Jesus direct us to serve in the heavenly kingdom?

In this world, we are to “render unto Caesar” what belongs to Caesar. For us this means we give to the government whatever we are obligated to give: paying taxes, serving on a jury, etc. As Christians, we are to “render unto God” those things that belong to God. We pray, praise and give Him thanks for His blessings. We are to love Him with our whole heart and likewise love our neighbors as ourselves, as He has commanded.

3. Within this world, temporarily, we are to submit to earthly authorities. Read Romans 13:5-7.

Why should we be subject to our government? What earthly authorities does this include?

The primary reason (call it the “Law reason” if you will) that we submit to the authorities placed over us in this world is fear of punishment and negative consequences if we don’t! But Christians also obey those in the government for the sake of conscience, recognizing that God has placed these authorities over us for our good, and knowing that it is His will that we respect such authorities. This includes teachers, police officers, local, state, and national officials in the government.

4. Read John 18:36. Pastor Cwirla reminds us that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, but that it does remain in the world. How does it help us to remember that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world? How does the kingdom of God remain in this world? How is it helpful to remember that Christ’s kingdom is in the world for a time?

God deals with things in His kingdom much differently than this world does. The world punishes

crime, while God absolves sin through Jesus’ death for you on the cross. The world offers certain privileges you can earn, while God offers the free gifts of grace. But the kingdom of God manifests itself within this world in the estate of the church. Being in the world means that the church will face all kinds of challenges, from small speed bumps along the road to full-fledged persecutions at times.

5. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-3. What does the Lord require of you with respect to rulers and those in authority? For what kinds of things should you ask, as you pray for the government? Why does God desire you to pray for worldly authorities in this manner?

God desires you to pray for earthly authorities, thanking Him for them, and interceding on their behalf, for their health, welfare, and good governing. You should ask God to use them to provide peace, and relative ease of life for all citizens, especially so that Christians like yourself can more readily live holy and godly lives. God requires this of you because it promotes the general welfare of all, and because it seeks the good and gracious will of your Savior, Jesus.

6. Read 1 Peter 2:13-14. Why should you submit yourself to every authority instituted for people? What reasons does God give here for believers to respect the authority God has given to others?

You are given to submit to earthly authorities, not for your own sake, but for the Lord’s sake. For He Himself has placed these rulers over you for your good. This good they do might not always feel good though, for if you do wrong, you can expect punishments from those in authority; yet you know this is really for your ultimate good, right? In addition, the authorities God has ordained may well also commend you when you do the right thing.

7. Read Romans 2:14-15. Do only Christians show such respect for the laws and rules administered by authorities? How is it that unbelievers also may submit to the authorities of this world? How are you, as a believer in Christ, even more so equipped to live out your life in this world?

Heathens also showed themselves to be good, law-abiding citizens, because God had written His law in their hearts. They would follow their God-given consciences in respecting the earthly authorities over them. But you know that you are also in another kingdom, reigning with Christ even now in the heavenly realms! So you have even more reason to show respect in this world, knowing that your place in the world to come is secure in your Savior, Jesus!

8. Close with the following prayer.

Almighty God, gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on your faithful people in this world. Keep them steadfast in your grace and truth, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all enemies of your Word, and bestow to the Church on earth your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

“Religion and Politics” A HIGHER THINGS BIBLE STUDY Winter 2012 1. Read Romans 13:1-4. Who ordains all authorities that rule over you? Who, exactly, are you rebelling against if you disobey laws or show disrespect for government officials? How are you to have a healthy respect for the authorities of this world?

2. Pastor Cwirla writes about the challenge of living in two kingdoms at the same time. Read Matthew 22:21. Whom does Jesus direct us to serve in the kingdom of this world? Whom would this be for you today? Whom does Jesus direct us to serve in the heavenly kingdom?

3. Within this world, temporarily, we are to submit to earthly authorities. Read Romans 13:5-7.

Why should we be subject to our government? What earthly authorities does this include?

4. Read John 18:36. Pastor Cwirla reminds us that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, but that it does remain in the world. How does it help us to remember that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world? How does the kingdom of God remain in this world? How is it helpful to remember that Christ’s kingdom is in the world for a time?

5. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-3. What does the Lord require of you with respect to rulers and those in

authority? For what kinds of things should you ask, as you pray for the government? Why does God desire you to pray for worldly authorities in this manner?

6. Read 1 Peter 2:13-14. Why should you submit yourself to every authority instituted for people? What reasons does God give here for believers to respect the authority God has given to others?

7. Read Romans 2:14-15. Do only Christians show such respect for the laws and rules administered by authorities? How is it that unbelievers also may submit to the authorities of this world? How are you, as a believer in Christ, even more so equipped to live out your life in this world?

8. Close with the following prayer.

Almighty God, gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on your faithful people in this world. Keep them steadfast in your grace and truth, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all enemies of your Word, and bestow to the Church on earth your saving peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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