Northwoods Table Talk

Monday after Trinity XV - Devotion in semi-Exile   Nehemiah 5:1-16; 6:1-9, 15-16           1 Timothy 4:1-16 As we continue reading ‘Part III’ of Luther’s Smalkald Articles, we now come to Articles IX, X, XI, and XII which treat also things of which there is some concern because these also seem to obfuscate the Gospel. As you read them, you will understand why Luther is concerned, and these practices need to be corrected for the good of Christ’s Church, and the salvation of souls.   Part III, Article IX. Of Excommunication. The greater excommunication, as the Pope calls it, we regard only as a civil penalty, and it does not concern us ministers of the Church. But the lesser, that is, the true Christian excommunication, consists in this, that manifest and obstinate sinners are not admitted to the Sacrament and other communion of the Church until they amend their lives and avoid sin. And ministers ought not to mingle secular punishments with this ecclesia...

Lection for Trinity XV Nehemiah 4:7-23            1 Timothy 3:1-16 Article IV of Part III of the  Smalkald Articles,  written by Martin Luther, immediately follows. Article IV has to do with ‘the Gospel’ – and the four articles following it are all tied together. Of course, as you read these five articles, you will see that they are intimately tied to the article, ‘Of Repentance,’ and also the two article preceding it (‘Of Sin’ and ‘Of the Law’)   What a wonderful God we have, gracious and merciful, who would give us such gifts that build and nourish faith, granting forgiveness and eternal life.   Part III, Article IV. Of the Gospel. We will now return to the Gospel, which not merely in one way gives us counsel and aid against sin; for God is superabundantly rich [and liberal] in His grace [and goodness]. First, through the spoken Word by which the forgiveness of sins is preached [He commands to be preached] in the whole world; which is ...

  Lection for Saturday after Trinity XIV Nehemiah 2:11-20; 4:1-6          1 Timothy 2:1-15 Article III of Part III of the  Smalkald Articles,  written by Martin Luther. Article II had to do with “the Law” and the purpose of it. Having read that one yesterday, you will see how it is woven into this next Article, “Of Repentance.”   Please not that while this article speaks “of Repentance,” it also addresses what is false repentance. This is a truly informative article.   Part III, Article III. Of Repentance. 1] This office [of the Law] the New Testament retains and urges, as St. Paul, Rom. 1:18 does, saying: The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Again, Rom 3:19: All the world is guilty before God. No man is righteous before Him. And Christ says, John 16:8: The Holy Ghost will reprove the world of sin.   2] This, then, is the thunderbolt of God by which He strikes in a heap [hurls ...

Lection for Friday after Trinity XIV Nehemiah 1:1-2:10          1 Timothy 1:1-20   Article II of Part III of the Smalkald Articles, written by Martin Luther, is what we read today. He introduced this third part by saying: Concerning the following articles we may [will be able to] treat with learned and reasonable men, or among ourselves. The Pope and his [the Papal] government do not care much about these. For with them conscience is nothing, but money, [glory] honors, power are [to them] everything.   Article II has to do with “the Law” and what the purpose if for it. While the next Article, “Of Repentance” is tied to this one, I am not including it here for it is rather extensive. Just make sure that you return tomorrow to continue reading. While we are reading one article at a time for sake of brevity, they are meant as a whole, oftentimes building on the article that went before.   Part III, Article II. Of the Law 1] Here we hold that the La...

  Lection for Thursday after Trinity XIV 2 Chronicles 36:1-23          Colossians 4:1-18   We have now gotten to the "Third Part" of the Smalkald Articles. These are teachings concerning the Christian faith about which there was confusion, in fact error was being taught. In fact, such was Luther's concern (and rightly so) that the eternal well-being of people was at stake if they believed the errors. So, the errors needed to be corrected. THE THIRD PART OF THE ARTICLES. Concerning the following articles we may [will be able to] treat with learned and reasonable men, or among ourselves. The Pope and his [the Papal] government do not care much about these. For with them conscience is nothing, but money, [glory] honors, power are [to them] everything.   Part III, Article I. Of Sin 1] Here we must confess, as Paul says in Rom. 5:12, that sin originated [and entered the world] from one man Adam, by whose disobedience all men were made sinners, [an...

Lection for Wednesday after Trinity XIV 2 Chronicles 35:1-7, 16-25          Colossians 3:1-25   Who has the higher office, the more important role in life, a monk secluded in a monastery, or a mother caring for four children at home, or a butcher, or a housekeeper, or… That is what the 3 rd article of Part II deals with.   Article IV of this second part speaks to consider the office of the papacy. It is highly enlightening. Well worth the read!   I leave you to Luther’s writing in these two articles.   Part II, Article III: Of Chapters and Cloisters. 1] That chapters and cloisters [colleges of canons and communistic dwellings], which were formerly founded with the good intention [of our forefathers] to educate learned men and chaste [and modest] women, ought again to be turned to such use, in order that pastors, preachers, and other ministers of the churches may be had, and likewise other necessary persons [fitted] for [the political ad...

Lection for Tuesday after Trinity XIV 2 Chronicles 34:1-4, 8-11, 14-33       Colossians 2:8-23 While Article II of 2 nd Part of these Smalkald Articles is titled, “Of the Mass,” this next section has it’s own ‘title’ but falls under the Article on the Mass. It really does say all that needs to be said about abuses in regard to those who have died and gone before us.   Part II, Article II: Of the Invocation of Saints. 25] The invocation of saints is also one of the abuses of Antichrist conflicting with the chief article, and destroys the knowledge of Christ. Neither is it commanded nor counseled, nor has it any example [or testimony] in Scripture, and even though it were a precious thing, as it is not [while, on the contrary, it is a most harmful thing], in Christ we have everything a thousandfold better [and surer, so that we are not in need of calling upon the saints].   26] And although the angels in heaven pray for us (as Christ Himself also does), as also ...

Lection for Monday after Trinity XIV 2 Chronicles 33:1-25        Colossians 1:24-2:7 In this 2 nd Part of these Smalkald Articles, we arrive at one which has a name that will raise the hackles of some people as it talks “Of the Mass.” That word ‘Mass’ is an offence to some for it smacks of Roman Catholicism. But it is my hope that you will read it and discern that what is here labeled ‘the Mass’ is exactly what we call it the ‘Divine Service.’   It is my hope that you will read to the end of this Article, there are some truly revealing things here.   Part II, Article II: Of the Mass. 1] That the Mass in the Papacy must be the greatest and most horrible abomination, as it directly and powerfully conflicts with this chief article, and yet above and before all other popish idolatries it has been the chief and most specious. For it has been held that this sacrifice or work of the Mass, even though it be rendered by a wicked [and abandoned] scoundrel, frees men...

Lection for Trinity XIV 2 Chronicles 32:1-22       Colossians 1:1-23   We are now on to the 2 nd Part of these articles.   This first article of the second part has often been called, “The article upon which the church stands or falls.” This is indeed rightly so! In fact, this is the heart of Christianity. All other religions…and all false versions of Christianity…believe that man’s works assist with his salvation. If I am trusting even a little bit in Todd for my salvation, I am in deep trouble.   But let us read how Dr. Luther explains it.   THE SECOND PART Treats of the Articles which Refer to the Office and Work of Jesus Christ, or Our Redemption.   Part II, Article I: The first and chief article. 1] That Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification, Rom. 4:25.   2] And He alone is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world, John 1:29; and God has laid upon Him the iniquities ...

    Lection for Saturday after Trinity XIII 2 Chronicles 31:1-21        Philippians 4:1-23   On Thursday we began a look at the Smalkald Articles. The church has always had to defend truth against error, so these articles were written to defend that truth against those who would teach falsehood in the Church, and if possible, lead some astray. Of course, there are some who teach falsehood and lead others astray, doing so in a well-intentioned manner, never realizing that their teachings are in error.   There are times however, when subtle error is more dangerous that blatant and obvious error. Obvious falsehoods are easily recognized. If Satan were to stand before you displaying his evil (as is often depicted in places); flames licking up and down his body, pitchfork in his hand, horns upon his head, and a spiked tail, you would flee immediately.   Subtle falsehood however is actually how the father of lies tries to creep into the church, try...

  Lection for Friday after Trinity XIII 2 Chronicles 29:1-24        Philippians 3:1-21 Today is 19 years after the events of 9/11 (yeah, that one in 2001). Most people remember where they were and what they were doing. It was a time of turmoil and confusion. There were many who were scared, wondering what was coming next. As we remember that day, I remember a memorial service at which I preached a few weeks later.  I conducted that service with Rev. Steve Hyvonen three weeks after the horrific events of September 11, 2001, at St. James Lutheran Church. Both of us were serving as chaplains to the Shawano County Sheriff Department, and planned this special service for the emergency personnel of Shawano County. While this sermon I wrote was for a specific purpose, it has been requested by many as they deal with other traumatic life situations. It is placed here today as the devotion for this day. There are those who found comfort in these words then, and there...