Northwoods Table Talk

T rinity XVII - Devotion in semi-Exile Deuteronomy 4:21-40           Matthew 8:1-17 I could talk about the next article a bit, but I am going to refrain from any sort of introduction. I will simply let it stand as is, so that you may read it. I mean, you have already gathered with the Body of Christ for the Divine Service, so an abbreviated devotional time is acceptable.   X. Church Rites Which are [Commonly] Called Adiaphora or Matters of Indifference. 1]  Concerning ceremonies or church rites which are neither commanded nor forbidden in God's Word, but have been introduced into the Church for the sake of good order and propriety, a dissension has also occurred among the theologians of the Augsburg Confession. Status Controversiae. Chief Controversy concerning This Article. 2]  The chief question, however, has been, whether, in time of persecution and in case of confession, even if the enemies of the Gospel have not reached an agreement with...

Saturday after T rinity XVI - Devotion in semi-Exile Deuteronomy 4:1-20           Matthew 7:13-29 I have often declared that there are things of God which we cannot understand with our finite and faulty human minds, it is simply beyond us. In such cases, what God has revealed to us in His Holy Scripture is all that He desires us to know. So what Scripture, God’s Word declares, is all that we can say – we should say no more, nor any less.   Unfortunately, when people try to make some sort of explanation so that the mysterious is now comprehensible, too often such explanations have drifted into speculation and become tainted with error.   Article VIII on The Lord’s Supper is just such a problem. Look at the simple words of the Scriptural text. In regard to the bread, Jesus said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” In regard to the wine (cup), Jesus said, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for fo...

Friday after T rinity XVI - Devotion in semi-Exile Deuteronomy 3:1-29          Matthew 7:1-12 Who would think that there are those who disagree on who Jesus is, yet it happens – it happens today. Reading this response to the controversy that arose in the late 1500s, it is obvious that some things never change. What follows is what we believe, teach, and confess about ‘The Person of Christ’ as Confession/Evangelical/Orthodox Lutherans. This is also what we condemn, for what is taught contrary to the clear Word of Scripture, and it becomes obvious why we have no fellowship with those who falsely teach such things.   VIII. The Person of Christ. 1]  From the controversy concerning the Holy Supper a disagreement has arisen between the pure theologians of the Augsburg Confession and the Calvinists, who also have confused some other theologians, concerning the person of Christ and the two natures in Christ and their properties. Status Controversiae. Chief Con...

Tuesday after T rinity XVI - Devotion in semi-Exile Deuteronomy 2:16-37           Matthew 6:16-24 The ‘Breaking of the Bread’ was celebrated very early in the church, Acts 2 proclaims that after Christ’s ascension they were celebrating it in their gathering. What did they receive? The same thing we receive, the very body of Christ sacramentally united to the bread eaten; the very blood of Christ sacramentally united to the wine that is drunk. How can this be? Christ proclaimed that is what is being eaten and drunk when He instituted that last will and testament on the night when He was betrayed. Yes, it does not make sense! Does that mean we can play with what Christ said? Are we allowed to clarify/interpret what Jesus meant, as if He was speaking indistinctly?   This is what we believe, as Confession/Evangelical/Orthodox Lutherans.   This is also what we condemn, for what is taught contrary to the clear Word of Christ has serious consequences. It...

Tuesday after T rinity XVI - Devotion in semi-Exile Deuteronomy 1:37-2:15         Matthew 6:1-15 Intimately related to Law and Gospel is the teaching of the ‘Third Use of the Law.’ Is it required of Christians to follow the Law? Or, now that we are freed from sin by the work of Christ, applied to us who believe, we are now free to do as we please? Personally, I think these interesting questions because most people believe that Christianity is all about the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts,’ whether we are ‘good enough’ to earn a place in God’s kingdom or not. Those who think Christianity is about being ‘good enough’ (or not), are not only the non-believers who claim we are trying to push our version of morality on them, but many who claim to be Christians. Either Christ has accomplished my salvation or He hasn’t. But, are good works required of Christians?   This is what we believe, as Confession/Evangelical/Orthodox Lutherans.   VI. The Third Use of the Law. Status Cont...

Tuesday after T rinity XVI - Devotion in semi-Exile Deuteronomy 1:19-36           Matthew 5:21-48 You often hear Lutheran pastors (at least in the LCMS) talk about Law and Gospel. What exactly is the distinction? Why the distinction? This is a great article that hopefully clears up the question.   V. Law and Gospel Status Controversiae. The Principal Question In This Controversy. 1]  Whether the preaching of the Holy Gospel is properly not only a preaching of grace, which announces the forgiveness of sins, but also a preaching of repentance and reproof, rebuking unbelief, which, they say, is rebuked not in the Law, but alone through the Gospel. Affirmative Theses. Pure Doctrine of God's Word. 2]  1. We believe, teach, and confess that the distinction between the Law and the Gospel is to be maintained in the Church with great diligence as an especially brilliant light, by which, according to the admonition of St. Paul, the Word of God is rightly d...