0 christ-, thou lamb of god, that takest away : the sin of ......shrinking-is an ideal set before us...

VOL. I MARCH, 1957 NO. 3

t

0 Christ-, Thou Lamb Of God,

That Takest Away :

The Sin Of The World

Have Mercy Upon Us,

And Grant Us Thy Peace.

Vol. I March, 1957 No. 3

OFFICIAL ORGAN

OF THE CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CONFERENCE

This publication appears monthly at a subscription price of $2 per year.

Editor:

Rev. P. R. Bloedel 208 N. Ackerman Street Empire, Oregon

Send all artides to the editor no later than the last week before the month of intended publication. All letters of comment or criti- cism concerning an article or articles in this periodical should also be directed to the editor.

Business Manager: Mr. August Luft 1133 Oregon Street Coos Bay, Oregon

Address all subscriptions, renewals, and remittances to the business manager. A special notice of expiration will be inserted in the issue which terminates the subscription. Coupons for new subscriptions or renewals will be inserted in this publication every third month.

The address ‘label on your Concordia LA- eran shows the expiration date of your subscription.

OFFICERS OF THE CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CONFERENCE

President

Pastor E. L. Mehlberg 3354 North 21 st Street Milwaukee 6, Wisconsin

Vice President

Pastor E. C. Hallstein Box 355, Clark, So. Dak.

Secretary

Pastor 0. W. Schaefer Box 424, Wilmot, So. Dak.

ireasurer

Mr. E. P. Bloedel 4528 N. 68th Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE To set forth in simple and plain language

the pure doctrine of God’s Word as taught by the true Lutheran Church in ful accordance with the Book of Concord of 1580, the Brief Statement of 1932, and the Confession of Faith of 1950.

To show, on the basis of Scripture, what true Christians are to believe and how, out of love for their Savior Jesus Christ, they are to lead godly lives,

To furnish aids for BibIe study and articles for Scriptural devotion and meditation.

To demonstrate, by our Scriptural stand, that our Concotdia Lutheran Conference is not a sect or a false church body but that the congregations which form our Conference comprise the true risible chtrrch on earth, not denying, however, that there may be others unknown to us who truly share our Scriptural position in doctrine and practice and who also rightly belong to the true visible church of Christ.

To urge all who truly share our Scriptural posItion in doctrine and practice to acknowl- edge our position openly and publicly in order that we may recognize the blessed existence of such God-given unity and that we may then proceed to practice a God-pleasing church fellowship with them by supporting each other’s work with our prayers and personal service as mutually acknowledged brethren in the faith.

To show that we do not have among us a mixture of divergent teachings but that we are, by God’s grace, “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

To set forth pertinent historical information which has a bearing upon the Church and to expose modern philosophical thought and the so-called scientific theories which contradict the Word of God.

To expose particularly the false teaching and practice of the various so-called “Luth- eran” church bodies by comparing their teaching and practice with what is plainly recorded in the Word of God, in the Lutheran Con- fessions, and in the old orthodox Lutheran writings.

To expose false teaching and practice wherever it makes its appearance and to keep abreast of the current happenings in the church world and among the nations as signs of the times.

To be truthful and factual in our reporting and freely to correct any misinformation of which we are not aware and which has been called to our attention. Also to clarify any information or statement of doctrine or practice which may be unclear to our readers or which may create a wrong impression.

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To endure affliction without mur- muring, to suffer persecution without yielding, to face opponents without compromising, to meet death without shrinking-is an ideal set before us with many words of Scripture. “Be ye steadfast, unmovable” (I Cor. If: 58) . “Blessed is the man that en- dureth temptation” (James 1: 12). Yet our flesh rebels against this; our reason stumbles at it. Trials and tempta- tions appear unnecessary and intol- erable. To our old nature loyal en- durance is impossible. What, then, can make it possible? What can em- bolden us to be steadfast in adversity as well as in prosperity?

Look to the man who gloried in his infirmities-St. Paul, the Apostle who was “in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.” Refer- ence to his sufferings on behalf of the Gospel he makes also in his final letter to Timothy. Even while writing thjs Epistle, he lay in prison awaiting a martyr’s death, knowing that the time of his departure was at hand. But does he wail and moan? Does he look back upon life’s course with regret? Does he. now tremble, begin to vaccilate, and think of compromise? Not he. “1 am not ashamed,” he writes,

Not chagrined, not regretful, even though his executioner might be sharp- ening the ax. And why? Because, he explained in holy triumph, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (II Tim. 1: 12) . Oh, the power of Christian certainty! What triumphs over fear, what victories over cowardice, what boldness, firm- ness, steadfastness it gives!

Not long ago a youthful layman said: “Pastor, you hardly know the terrific pressure that is daily brought upon us to deny our faith!” The minister agreed, but at the same time h.e thought, I wonder how many members of the church realize what cun- ning and no less potent influences are at work to deter the pastors from faithful Scriptural teaching and practice? For both clergy and laity the pressure is increasing. Who is the man among them that can stand fast beneath the withering crossfire of mockery, ridicule, scorn, hatred and the countless other forms devised to shake their faith and riddle their character? Answer: It is the man who, like Paul, is sure of the salvation of his soul and its preservation to eternal Me! It is the man of certainty, who says in his inmost soul: “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.” Sure that his eternal destiny is lodged with the best Trustee, Christ Jesus, certain that he is a re- deemed, justified, elect child of God- wh.at does he care what men w’:ll do

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unto him? With his certainty of God’s grace, he is the one who is dwelling in the secret place of the tabernacle of the Most High; he, of a truth, is in the pavilion of the Almighty. And though all the world be in arms against him, he is in perfect peace. Though a host rise up against him, he is not dismayed. He is no cringing, fawning timeserver, who bends like the willow. He is an oak that can stand the storm. Do friends despise and forsake him, because of his quiet, but firm adher- ence to the truths of God, and does a universal hiss come up against him from the world about-he does not yield but says to himself: “1 compromise my principles ? I change my doc- trines? I lay aside my Biblical views? I hide what I believe to be true? No, never! Since I know and am sure God’s grace is upon me, His love is about me; His heaven reserved for me, in the teeth of all .men shall I speak and act God’s truth.” Indeed, nothing makes the Christian so bold, firm, and serene even amid dread opposition as this blessed certainty. (The Abiding World, Vol. I, pp. 244246) .

In the February issue of the “Signs of the Times,” the monthly perio,dical of the Seventh-day Adventists, there appeared the following question and answer under the heading, “Are Un- christened Babies Lost?” “Question: For seventeen years I have worried about our little baby girl who was born to us and who died before I had

opportunity to have her christened Do you think God will deny her eternal life because of our neglect? I find it hard to believe that He will, but she is on my mind every day. Answer: The Bible teaches that God i.s a God of love, and, with you, I find it impossible to believe that His love would allow Him to destroy an infant just because a few drons of water were not placed upon matter of fact, the teaches th.e necessity of This is a custom which duced in the churches of the Bibmlical record.

its’ head. As a Bible nowhere infant baptism. has been intro- since the close Jesus Himself

was baptized when He was an adult, setting an example for all the rest of us. The word “baptize” means “to im- merse.” The only baptism taught in the Scriptures is immersion for those old enough to take this step for themselves. Baptism represents an indi- vidual’s burial of the old life of sin and his acceptance of Christ’s life covering his own. Your little baby could not have sinned, for she was not old enough to comprehend sin. She has not been forgotten by God, and if you are faithful, you will see her on the resurrection morning. Jesus’ great love went out to the children around Him, and He warned grown- ups to be more like them in their faith and innocence: “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. “Matthew 18: 3.”

Let us note some of the glaring heres,ies which are set forth in this rationalistic answer. First of all, the author places his puny reason above God’s Word and blasphemously insults

the Scriptural teachings on Holy Bap- tism. The author has evidently forgotten that the Lord has not called him or any one else to improve upon His Holy Word. “0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who bath known the mind of tk Lord? or who bath been E7is counselor?” (Rom. 11:33,34) .

God’s Word plainly teaches that all men are to be baptized. “Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) u/l nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matt. 28: 19) Here is GOD’S command! To say that infants are not included in “all nations” and thus also not included in this command is to set one- c.elf above God. We also hear the words of the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children.” (Acts 2: 38’39) And when we examine the 2nd chapter of Colossions we find that baptism has taken the place of circumcision. “In whom also ye are circumcised with the cimcumcision made with hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are r.%en with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.” (11, 12)

Moreover we also have numerous examples from the Holy Scriptures

which corroborate the baptism of infants and children. In the 16th chapter of Acts we are told of Lydia, “And when she was baptized, and h!er hozcsev bold.” (v. 15) In the same chapter we read of the Philippian jailor, ‘rAnd he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.” (v. 33) Nowhere does it say that infants are to be excluded from Bap- tism. Nor are w-e told in any of these examples that all were baptized except the little children and babes. If anyone claims that infants and little children were not included in these households, then it is up to him to prove it! It is also evident from the writings of many of the early Church Fathers from Justin Martyr (d. 179) to Augustine (d. 430) that the baptism of children was a common practice.

When the author claims that “the only baptism taught in the Scriptures is immersion,” he displays his woeful ignorance of God’s Word. The word “baptize” merely means to apply water. This can be performed by immersion, pouring, sprinkling, or washing. ff&q+ tizein” in Greek and cognate words mean any kind of cleansing by water. The immersionists assert that this cannot mean anything but immersion. It cannot be the meaning in Mark 7,4 (‘tables’) nor in Luke 11,38. Again Heb. 9’10 employs the wo’rd bdptis- mos (‘washing’) to designate also such ceremonial acts of purification as were performed by sprinkling, Num. 3.9’1.8; Heb. 9’13 (No immers,ion of the tent and the unclean!). Matt. 3’11 and Acts 2,17 shows th.at baptizein is used to express af fusion. It

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is used similarly I Cor. 10’2 (Not the Israelites, but the E.gyptians were im- mersed) . If it indicates immersioa in Acts 8’38 and Matt. 3’16, that would prove what is not at all denied: that baptizein may mean to wash by immersion. But even here it need not neces.sarily mean that. The statement that one went down into the water and came up from it holds good whether he stepped into or under the water. Furthermore, Mark 7,s uses niptein (‘wash’), which certainly indicates washing by any mode, as a syno- nym of baptizein, Luke 11’38; Mark 7,4 (baptismos) . Finally, since this use of baptizein obtains also in profane Greek, the use of a different word would have been called for in the baptismal co,mmand if Christ had meant to prescribe immersion. Insist- ing on immersion as the only valid mode of the application of the water, the immersionists are investing a man- made regulation with divine authority. Deut. 4’2; Matt. 15,9.” (Pop. Sym. pp. 86,87) Even the Didache, or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles-, (written about 110 years after Christ) ’ commands, “Pour water three times on the head,” that is, of the person to be baptized. Thus the particuh mode of baptizing is in itself a matter of Christian liberty.

(John 3: 5)) before they can enter into the Kingd0.m of God. And Holy Baptism is the means of grace whereby they are born again. (Titus 3 : 5) The Seventh-day Adventists, however, reject Baptism as a means of grace, namely, that it offers, gives, and seals unto us the forgiveness of sins gained by the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38; 22:16; I Peter 3:21) The Adventists declare, ctThere is no inherent efficacy in baptism to impart salvalation.” (Signs of the Times, Aug. 7, 1956, p. 11).

As Dr. Pieper says, “At the bottom of the opposition to Infant Baptism is usually the singular notion that adults indeed can believe, but not children.” (Christ. Dog. Vol.. 3, p. 277) Note well the words of our S avior, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which beZievic in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his< neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matt. 18:6) J esus also told His disciples, “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and suck- lings thou hast perfected praise?”

The proof is simply overwhelming. The baptism of children is the teach-

Every child is by nature sinful and unclean .The Psalmist confesses, “Be- hold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (5 I : 5) Jesus. declares, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh.” (John 3:6) Children, being sinners, must be born again of water and of the Spirit

ing of the Holy Scriptures, and, whoever denies it, contradicts GOD. And so, Yas,ting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Cor. lO:5) we shall, by God’s grace, con- tinue to baptize infants in obedience to His command and trusting in His promise. -M.L.N.

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B&# Jeddwsd LESSON 14

WHAT GOD SAYS OF ALL THESE COMMANDMENTS

What does God say of all these commandments? “He says thus: ‘I: the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me, and showing mercy unto tb,ous- ands of them that love Me and keep My commandments.’ ”

What does this mean? “God threat- ens to punish all that transgress these commandments. Therefore we should fear His wrath and not act contrary to them. But He promises grace and every blessing to all that keep these commandments. Tberef ore we should also love and trust in Him, and willingly do according to His commandments.”

not in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them.” And again, Rom. 6:23: rrThe wages of sin is death,” spiritual death, temporal death, eternal death. And when the children of men hate God and con- tinue in the sins of their fathers (parents), God visits them not only with the consequences of their own sins, but of those of their fathers (and mothers) too. Ex. 20:5: rc Visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth gelzeration of them that bate Me.”

Gen. 9: 24,25: “And h70ab knew what his younger son (probably Ca- naan) bad done unto him. And be said, ‘Cursed be Canaan’ ” Also in a later generation (900 years later) when the iniquity of Canaan’s descendants was full (G en. 15: 16) , God led th.e children of Israel to destroy them.

.Jas. 4: 12: ‘?Tbere is one Lawgiver Who is able to save and to destroy;” namely the jealous God Who gave these Ten Commandments to men. Ex. 24: 17: “The sight of the GLORY of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of tb;p mount.” Deut. 4:24:. “The Lord Thy God is a Consuming Fire, even a Jealous God.” Ex. 34: 14: “For the Lord Whose ATame is JEALOUS, is a Jealous God.” Jeal- ousy is one of His attributes, just as love and wisdom and holiness are. He reveals His them that hate mercy to them

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God visits the iniquities of the fathers upon the children of them that hate Him, that persist in transgress- ing His commandments. Yet H,e does not visit anyone with eternal punish- ment for the sins of another. Ezek. 18:20: ‘?Tbe soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the soil;

the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.”

jealousy in punishing Him, and in showing that love Him.

‘.l * 1 God will visit men witn pumsnment because of their sins. Gal. 3: 10: CCCursed is everyone that continuetb

There are many example’s of God’s wrath, such as the great Flood (Gen. 7)) the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. lo) the destruction of the Canaanites (Josh. 6ff) , the Babylonian captivity of the Jews (II Kings 24, 25)) and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans (L 1. U.-p

19: 43,44) . And they are to serve as merciful warnings; for (II Pet. 3 : 9) “The Lord is--not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” And II Pet. 219: “TTbe Lord knoweth bow to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the Day of Judgment to be punished.” THERE- FORE WE SHOULD FEAR HIS WRATH AND NOT ACT CON- TRARY TO HIS CO.MMAND- MENTS.

Jeeing evil; be shall dwell on high (places) : his place of defence shall bc the munitions (strongholds) of rocks: bread sbull be given, him; his waters shall be sure.”

BUT HE PROMISES GRACE AND EVERY BLESSING TO ALL THAT KEEP THE SE. COM- MENTS. He blesses in this life both the godly and. their children. Psa. 37: 25: “1 have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (children) beg- ging bread.” The Lord tells us, however, that all. such blessings are un- deserved and may not be claimed as rewards. Luke 17: 10: “When you have done all those things that were com- manded you, say, We are-unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do,” we have only done our duty.

Indeed godliness, that is, loving God and. ke.eping His commandments, has a promise also for the life to c0m.e. Luke 10:28: “This do and thou shalt live.” 1 Tim. 4:s: “Godli- rless is profitable f or all things, having promise of the life that now is and of &at which is to come.” But this promise o,f eternal life is conditioned upon the perfect keeping of the whole Law from the heart; not in a mercen- ary spirit that looks for gain and reward, as the self-righteous do, who think they can ‘earn heaven; but pure- ly and alone from love toward God and our neighbor; for (Rom. 13:lO) ‘rlove is the fulfilling of the Law.”

But God would encourage us with His promises to willingly do according to His commandments. He rewards even the civil (outward) righteousness of unbelievers with blessings in this life. Prov. 14:34: “Righteousness ex- nlteth a nation.” Isa. 33:15,16: rrHe that walketh righteously and speak- eth uprightly; h,e that dcspiseth the gain of oppressions, that sbaketh his band from holding of bribes, that rtoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from

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But our dear Lord’ Jesus Christ is the only One Who has kept the whole Law perfectly from the heart. He came into the world in ‘deep humility to redeem us who are condemned by the L,aw. Gal 4:4,5: rrGod. sent forth His Son, madlc of a woman, made under the Law, ,to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.‘5 And the Kingdom of heaven with all its blessings i.s a free gift to’ us from Him. Rom. 6: 23: ‘?The gift of God 7s eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Heb. 12:28,29: CrWberefore we re- ceiving a Kingdom that cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby wc4 may se.rve God acceptably, with rever- en *e and. godly fear.; for our God is 2 Consuming Fire.” J.E.S.

RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS I No religion is to be taught in the public school.

A. Church and State are to be kept stri.ctly separate. 1. The State has nothing to do with religion and Christian education. 2. The Church is not to meddle in the affairs of the State.

B. The Constitution of our beloved country tells us- 1. “No religious test sh.all ever be required as a qualification to any

office or public trust under the United States.” (Under Art. VI.) 2. Yongress shall make no law respecting an es,tablishment of religio,n,

or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” (1st Amendment) C. The children who attend the public school have different beliefs;

they come from the various denominations and some are even unbelievers.

D. No church body dare elevate its religiun to be the State re1igio.n. 1. This m,eans that the public schools are not to be opened with prayer. 2. This means that at public school functions,, such as school gradu-

ations, etc., religion is to have no part.‘ 3. This means that no pastor from any d,enominatibn has a right to

speak on a religious topic in the public school. 4. This means that the State is not to appropriate any funds for the

religious education of the children in the public school. E. The public schools are supported by taxpayers from all denominations,

from believers and unbelievers alike. II There are those who would like to introduce a “common” religion which

would consist of fundamental truths which everyone could confess, such as A. B.

faith in God and eternity. This is a mixing of Church and State, and Who is to decide which are the common religion?

contrary to the 1st Amend. principles of the Christian

C.

1. The State does not have the authority 2. There. is no such thing as a “common”

faith, for example, in the Triune God,

to do this . ( 1st Amend.) religion. The Christian has the true God of the Bible:

whereas, the Jews, Christian Scientists, Jehovah Witnesses, etc., do not.

Discuss the matter of Bible reading in public schools, the singing of hymns or spiritual songs, released time classes, baccalaureate services, etc.

111 Hi.story shows L’S the disastrous consequences of mixing Church and State. A.. Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the

state in the 3rd century. He was the absolute head of the Church and exercised arbitrary authority over the Church. He first persecuted

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B.

C.

Arius and later Athanasius. Think of the terrible religious persecutions under the various kings and queens of Europe who disregarded the principle of separation of Church and State. What about the attitude of the early colonies in our country concerning religious liberty ? In the 1600’s Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts; he taught that the State should have nothing to do with religion.

IV The principle of separation of Church and State is plainly set forth in the Holy Scriptures. John 18: 36; Matt. 22:21; Luke 23:2,3; Phil. 3: 20.

V The State cannot and should not be ruled with the Word of God, but should be organized and ruled according to natural reason (common sense) ; the Church cannot and should not be built with force and coercion; but only with the Word of God. John 18:36; II Cor. 10:4; Matt. 26:52.

M.L.N.

HUMILITY

“Humility is the highest of all the virtues, and no one could boast of possessing it except the very proudest of mortals. It is God alone Who knows humility; He alone judges it and brings it to light; so that no one knows less about humility than he who is truly humble.”

-Volume 21; page 3 13, Luther’s Works (in English)

No matter where we look, in the world as well as in outward ChristendoLm. we see a repetition of the days of Noah in which the people ate, drank, etc., and lived entirely according to the lusts of their flesh. Our time is a drea,dful time! The conditions which exist today are similar to the time before the Flood. And according to the prophecy of the Apostle Paul it is evident that we are living in the latter days. He writes, “This know also, that in the last days perilous Eimes shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, hi,ghminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof .” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Since the days of the Apustle there have been godless men such as are described in this text. But here the Apostle Paul says that in the last days the human race in general will be characterized by this vivid description. “For men shall be Zoverr of their own selves..” They will be selfish, seeking only

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their own welfare. They will care naught for their neighbor, but live according to the saying: Each one for himself. And so it is today. We have already heard, that the generation of our day is a selfish and loveless one.- “Covetous.” Money-loving. Is this not a characteristic of our day? How many strive after the almighty dollar without giving any’ thou,ght to God! “Money talks” is the common language of the world. - Voastm, proud.” People who boast about what they have accomplished and haughtily look down upon others, even though they themselves have nothing of which to boast. - “Blasphemers.” People who speak evil of God and their neighbor. “Disobedient to parents.” Where among the youth of our day do we find respect for parents, teachers, and elders. ? The Fourth Commandment is impudently disregarded. - rc Unthankful.” 0 how parents, pastors, teachers and other benefactors must bewail the unthankfulness of our day! Genuine thankfulness is rare. - “Unholy.” Godless people to whom nothing is holy and sacred.-

“Without natural affection.” People who are calloused and hard, devoid of feeling, having lost the natural love for those to whom they are bound by blood-relationship. Do we not find the teari.ng asunder of the natural bonds which God has protected with th,e Fourth and Sixth Commandments? - cPTrucebreakers.” Those who live in enmity and hatred, refusing to make and keep peace. - r’%l~e accusers.” Slanderers who rob the neighbor of his good reputation by dragging it down into the mire. Does that not take place again and again, especially in political and public life? - Pclncontinent.” Such as lack of self-control. They do not restrain their fleshly lusts, but openly indulge in them. - CrFierce.” Wild. Even though they do not stalk about like some of the half-naked cannibals i.n the wild sections of darkest Africa, nevertheless, the people of today are to a large extent fierce. Think of the gruesome and horrible murders which are practically an every day occurrence in our day. Think 1 a so of the wild gang wars among the teen-agers. And what about some of the terrible strikes where property is destroyed and lives are placed in jeopardy. - “Despisers of those that are good.” Those who hate everything which is good and pleasing to God, and love only that which pleases their sinful flesh. -

“Traitors.” People who will betray everything, friends, members of the family and even their own country, for money and other material advantages. “Every man has his price” is the common saying. Unfortunately, there is much truth in this saying. - “Heady.” Rashly and recklessly such people will hastily seek to achieve their goal. Think of those who will gamble their property and honor, yea, even their very life, in some reckless undertaking. - “Highminded.” Puffed up. People who think themselves to be very wise, but are actually fools. We are reminded of the so-called enlightened people of our day who contradict the truths of Holy Scripture by claiming superior knowledge. - "Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Is the world

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not filled with such sensual, pleasure-seeking people who only want to enjoy life? Their own pleasures always come before God and His Word. -

“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” Such people have the outward semblance of Christianity, but actually renounce the power of it. Very often, however, such people are exposed as false Christians. It must be sadly acknowl.edged that many who claim membership in so-called Christian congregations have on.ly the appearance of piety, whereas, in reality they are children of the world. The many “dead Christians” of our day are a shocking picture of the time wherein we should lift up our heads and know that our Lord’s coming is near. 7 The fanatics, with which the sects are filled, also belong to these people who have a form of godliness but deny the power

of it. They even go far beyond the Word of God and declare it to be a sin

when a person drinks a glass of beer or wine, smokes a cigar, plays baseball

on Sunday afternoon, etc., etc. Such even organize clubs and political organ-

izations to drive out a devil which they themselves have s;et up. Yes, such are

even convinced that a person can enter into heaven without Christ as long as he

does not drink any alcoholic beverages, does not smoke, conforms to the

“American Sabbath,” is a good patriot, and willing to offer his life for his

country. That is a piety which has only an outward semblance!

Just as in the last days before the Flood the Word of God was preached

by Noah, the preacher of righteousness, so also in the last dreadful days of the

world the Word of God will be pro~claimed. The Lord Jesus says, “And this

gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all

nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24: 14) Has not the light

of the Holy Scriptures shone throughout the world? And yet, the darkness

of sin becomes ever thicker, and materialism holds sway in the world as never

before. 0 how dreadful is this po wer of darkness which seek to cover us!

How comforting and encouraging that th.e Lord allows the bright light of His

Holy Word to shine in this sin-darkened world.

It is a very dreadful and horrifying picture and this picture has not been

exaggerated and overdrawn. On all side.s we behold a falling away from God

and His Word, hatred and stubborn resistance against God’s Word, and an

ever increasing flood of materialism and moral corruption. Indeed, our day

is a true picture of the time of Noah before the Flood. We must confess with

Dr. Walther, “Whoever does not see from all this, that we have now arrived

at the very last dregs of the world, surely, such a one must have drunk of the

cup of these last shameful times and become intoxicated.” -M.L.N.

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Volumes IV and V January, 1955 - December, 1956

Adiaphora: A

Defined, vo!. IV, p. 123. Advent:

Meaning of A. season, vol. IV, p. 170. Adventists:

7th Day A, resume of their heresies, vol. IV, p. 72.

Ambiguity: ‘An Unclear Clarification‘, vol. V, p. 37.

American Luth. Church: Auuroves oarts I and II of Common Con- fession, vol. IV, p. 7.

Angels: The guardian a, vol. V, p. 10.

Antichrist: Luth. Confessions teach that thiz Pope the A, vol. V, p. 151.

Apostasy:

iS

Significance of Christ’s a, vol. V, p. 66. B

;Gq;efat Falling Away’ of Rome, vol. IV,

Apties, The: Bible Study, vol. V, p. 140.

Ascension:

P.

Eaccalaureate Services: OLC postion on b, vol. IV, p. 75.

Baptism: Objections to infant b. answered, vol. p. 91.

Baptists: Uphold sovereignty of congregation, vol.

,%,‘I% J. W l

Guilty if doubl’e’ talk on unionism, vol. p. 107.

Bible:

IV,

IV,

B. reading, vol. IV, p. 95; Laymen should study the B, vol. V, p. 42; Truth of the B. proved by f ulfillcd prophesies, vol. IV, p. 5; highest authority on earth, vol. IV, p. 114; B. and Christ inseparable, vol. IV, p. 127; B. and Rome, vol. IV, p. 131; B. and Chili- asm, vol. IV, p. 133; What to do with so- called dark passages, vol. IV, p. 164; Make- up, content, purpose & use of B, vol. V, p. 24; God will not fail those who cling to the B, vol. V, p. 163; Study Outlines (1) covetousness, vol. V, p. 74; (2) our sinful flesh, vol. V, p. 90; (3) the twelve Apostles, vol. V, p. 140; (4) thankfulness, vol. V, p. 164; (5) the care of the poor, vol. V, p. 183; God requires unqualified obedience, vol. V, p. 117; B. and Catechism, vol. V, p. 24; Brief Lessons on the 10 Commandments, vol. V, pp. 38, 55, 71, 87, 105, 186 ,135.

Bingo: Why is it. sinful, vol. IV, p. 27.

Biographies: Paul Gerhardt, vol. V, pp. 40, 58.

Birth Control: Contrary to Scripture, vol. IV, p. 163.

Book Reviews: Stories of Jesus and Stories from Other Lands for Boys and Girls, vol. IV, p. 96.

Boy Scouts: OLC position on Scouting, vol. IV, pp. 90, 102, 119; Old Missouri and New Missouri on Scouting, vol. V, p. 30.

Brief Statement: Its thesis on Unionism, vol. V, p. 73.

Burial: How Christians should dispose of their dead, vol. IV, p. 134.

C Carnal Security:

The work of Satan, vol. IV p,. 19. Casuistry:

Brief, comprehensive definition of c, vol. IV, p. 123.

Certainty: Chrictian c. founded only on Bible, vol. IV, p. 71.

Chaplaincy, Military: Contrary to Scripture, vol. IV, p, 64.

Chiliosm: And the Bible, vol. IV, p. 133.

Children: Why God gives ch, vol. IV, p .163; ch. are to honor parents, vol. V, p. 68.

Choir: Should be heard and not seen, vol. IV, p. 32.

Christ Jesus: C. and the Bible are inseparable, vol. IV, p. 127; Our suffering Savior, vol. IV, p. 34; Our living Savior, vol. IV, p. 51; He died for all, vol. V, p. 34; His ascension, vol. V, p. 66; The Way, vol. V, p. 98; The Truth, vol. V, p. 114; The Life, vol. V, p. 130.

Christian, The: C. is not a worIdling, vol. IV, p 122; How the C. disposes of his dead, vol. IV, .p. 134; spiritual life of the C, vol. IV, pp. 10, 28, 60, 77, 105, 124, 148, 164, 181; vol. V, p. 13; The light of the world, vol. V, p.. 4; His earthly life is one of contrasts, vol. V,

94; renders unqualified obedience to Eib!e, vol. V, p. 117; is obedient to Christ vol. V, p. 128; The C. and spiritual death: vol. V, p. 134; a missionary, vol. V, p. P 16.

Christmas: The reception granted Christ, vol. IV, p. 171; editorial on C. II Cor. 8:9, vol. V, p. 179.

Church: True visible Ch, vol. V, pp. 103, 127; sub- ject to Christ, vol. V, p. 128; Picture of base- ment ch. of Trinity Ev. Luth. Cong., Clark S.D., vol. IV, p. 1.

Commondments, Ten: Brief Lessons, (1) Summary of both tables of the Law, vol. V, p. 38; (2) First Command- ment, vol. V, pp. 55, 71, 87; (3) Second Commandment, vol. V, p. 105; (4) Third Commandment, vol. V, p. 119; (5) Fourth Commandment, vol. V, p. 135; (6) Fifth Commandment, vol. V, p. 169; (7) Sixth Commandment, vol. V, p. 186.

Commissionina: C. of Rev. D&id Daniels to Seattle, Wash., vol. Iv. D. 156.

Common ‘Confession: Parts I and II approved unanimously by ALC, vol. IV, p. 7.

Compromise: How MO. Synod compromises on church suppers, etc., vol. V, p. 28; Once staunch pastor guilty of c, vol. V, p. 191.

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Confessing Christ: In our lives, vol. IV, p. 173; Duty of Christian as light of world, vol. V, p .4; Obligation of true confessional fellowship, vol. V, p. 5; Christians confess Christ’s resurrection, vol. v, p. 57.

Confessional Fellowship: What it reauires, vol. IV, p. 176; Its objiga- tions, vol. V, p.-5; vol. Vj p. 75.

Confession, True State of: OLC position restated by Pres. McLaughlin, vol. IV, p. 87; What it requires, vol. IV, p. 176; Defined, vol. IV, p. 123.

Conventions: OLC Fifth, vol. IV, p. 116f; Sixth, vol. V, p. 131.

Court Trial: Minnesota court ruling wrongs Ponsford congregation, vol. IV, p. 59.

Covetousness: C. for honor, vol. V, p. 74.

Dance: D

Why it is sinful, vol. IV, p. 63; Translation of Walther’s “Dance and Theater,” vol. IV, pp. 145, 157, 178, vol. V, pp. 10, 42.

Death: How Christians respect their departed dead, vol. IV, p. 134.

Devotional Articles: For Advent, vol. IV, p. 123; for Christmas, vol. V, p. 179; for New Year, vol. V, p. 2; for Epiphany, vol. IV, p. 3; for Lent, vol. IV, pp. 22, 34, vol. V, p. 34; for Easter, vol. IV, p. 51; vol. V, pp. 54, 57; for Pente- cost, vol. IV, p. 66; for Ascension, vol. V, p. 66; for Trinity, vol. IV, p. 82, vol. V, p. 82) for Thanksgiving, vol. IV, p. 154, vol. V, 162; Meaning of “Lord” in 2nd Article, vol. IV, p. 76; ‘Now are We the Sons of God’, vol. IV, p. 93; True and Lasting Peace, vol. IV, p. 98; The Word of Christ, vol. IV, p. 127; God’s declaration of righteousness, vol. IV, p. 138; The narrow path, vol. IV, p. 151; God will not fail those who hear and keep His Word, vol. V, p. 163; ‘Thou host made summer,’ vol. V, p. 86; I am the Way, vol. V, p. 98; the Truth, vol. V, p. 115; the Life, vol. V, p. 130; God’s redeeming love at work, vol. V ,p. 181.

Directory: Of OLC congregations, vol. V, pp. 47, 127; of officers, vol. V, pp. 50, 146.

E Easter:

Jesus lives, vol. IV, p. 51. Epiphany:

Lesson from the Magi, vol. IV, p. 3. Evangelism:

Critique on evangelistic movements, vol. IV, p. 27.

F Faieh: Faieh:

How f. regards dark (?) passages of Bible, How f. regards dark (?) passages of Bible, vol. IV, p. 164; Saving f. defined and con- vol. IV, p. 164; Saving f. defined and contrasted with false f., vol. V, p. 9. trasted with false f., vol. V, p. 9.

Faith Healing: What about it, vol. V, p. 148; divine? vol. V, p. 167.

Fear of Men: Sad demonstration by MO. Synod pastor, vol. IV, p. 134.

Fellowship: Obligations of confessionaf f, vol. V, pp. 5, 75; How about such who “follow not wit\ us “? vol. V, p. 102; as practised by two OLC congregations, vol. V, p. 112; OLC not in f. with the Synodical Conference, vol. V, p. 126; false position of Minneapolis faction on f, vol. V, p. 173; false position of Wise. Synod on f, vol. V, p. 190; Unity and f, vol. V, p. 36.

Finnish Lutherans: Historical sketch of their old position, vol. IV, p. 39.

Flood, The: Times before the f. furnish a picture of the present time, vol. V, pp. 108, 124.

G Greed:

For honor, vol. V, p. 74

H Healing:

‘Faith’ h. forbidden by God, vol. V, p. 148; Oral Roberts exposed, vol. V, p. 167.

Hierarchy: Missouri Synod tyranically deposes another pastor, vol. IV, p. 177.

Holy Ghost: Sin against the .H.G., vol. IV, p, 43.

Hymnology: Hymns of Paul Gerhardt, vol. V, p. 41; a Trinity hymn, vol. V, p. 85.

I Index:

To volumes I and II of the Orthodox Luth- eran (Nov. 1951 to Dec. 1953), vol. V, p. 141; to volume Ill of the Orthodox Lutheran (1954), vol. IV, p. 13.

installations: Empire, Oregon, vol. IV, p. 59; Wilmot, S.D., voi. IV, p. 80.

Judging: J

Bible teaching on j, vol. IV, p. 42;, Christian has right and duty to judge doctrine, vol. V, p. 126; How to j. true visible church, vol. V. D. 127.

Judg.ment Day: To be preceded by times like those before the flood, vol. V, pp. 108, 124, 137; Our times (1956) indrcate its nearness, vol. V, pp. 174, 188.

Justification: Objective j. explained, vol. IV, p. 138.

L Laymen:

Duty of I. in matters of doctrine, vol. IV, p. 48; voice of a I, vol. V, p. 42.

Legalism: Brief, comprehensive definition of I, vol. IV, p. 123.

Lent: Our suffering Savior, vof. IV, p. 34; Season of our Savior’s passion, vol. V, p. 22; Acros- tic on ‘In The Cross of Christ I Glory’, vol. V, p. 23.

Lord’s Supper: Luther’s exhortation regarding L.S., vol. IV, p. 162; Its proper use, vol. IV, p. 161.

Lutker, Dr. Martin: L’s exhortation regarding Lord’s Supper, vol. IV, p. 162; How L. contended for the faith, vol. IV, p. 143; on guardian angels, vol. V, p. 10; Quotations from .L., vol. IV, pp. 42, 48, 71, vol. V, pp. 10, 126, 147.

- 46 -

Lutheranism: Romanizing tendencies in outer L., vol. IV, p. 92; Sketch of Former Finnish L., vol. IV, p. 39; Why I belong to the Luth. Church (Walther), vol. V, p. 121.

Lutheran Church: Not a new church, vol. IV, p. 142.

M Memorial Day:

;t(h;; to honor most on M. Day, vol. V,

Mdthobists: Insist on mixing church and state, vol. V, p. 76.

Millenium: (see Chifiasm): M. and the Bible, vol. IV, p. 133.

Minneapolis Faction: Upholds Wise. Synod as orthodox, vol. V, p. 37; appeals to Luke 9:49,50 to support their false views on confessional fellowship, vol. V, p. 102; Misuse doctrine of true visible church, vol. V, p. 103; peculiar position of the M.F., vol. V, p. 173.

Miracles: How to distinguish between true and false m., vol. V, p. 59.

EJCissions: New m. established at Fridley, Minn., vol. IV, p. 32.

Missouri Synod: Another pastor resigns, vol. IV, p. 85; Looks to union with all ‘Lutherans,’ vol. IV, p. 95; Seminary students teach false doctrine in student pubfication, vol. IV, p. 25; Unionism still prevails in MO. Synod, vol. IV, p. 107; controlled by liberals, vol. IV, p. 167; practices hierarchy in Indiana, vol. IV, p. 177; compromises on church suppers, etc., vol. V, p. 28; old and new positions on Scouting, vol. V, p. 30; difference between ‘new’ and ‘old’ MO. Synod, vol. V, pp. 73, 89, 123, 155; ‘a house divided,’ vol. V, p. 122.

Money Making Schemes: MO. Synod is neither for or against, vol. V, D. 28; Harmful to restraurants, vol. V, p. 77.

New Year: N

A time to seek the Lord, vol. V, p. 2. Norwegian Synod:

Resolves to ‘suspend’ relations with MO. Synod, vol. IV, p. 101; president interprets resolution to ‘suspend,’ vol. IV, p. 118; 1956 resolution concerning the MO. Synod, Vol. V, p* 171; a unionistic body, vol. V, p. 171.

0 affice of Keys:

Defined, vol. V, p. 157; false and correct use, vol. V, pp. 165, 184.

Orthodox Lutheran Conference: ‘Our Declaration’ vs. the faction group, vol. V, pp. 18, 100; directory of OLC congregations, Vol. V, pp. 47, 127; of officers, vol. V, pp. 50, 146; Pastor Luther Hallstein subscribes to ‘Our Declaration,’ vol. V, p. 99; postion of OLC toward such “who follow not with us,” vol. V, p. 102; not in fellowship with the Syn. Conference, vol. V, p. 126; digest of 1956 convention, vol. V, p. 131 i officers elected for 1956-57, vol. V, p. 133; our confessional position, vol. IV, pp. 20, 36, 52, 68; news from Ponsford, Minn., vol. IV, p. 59; OLC position (1) on Scouting, vol. IV, pp. 90, 102, 119; (2) on Baccalaureate services, Vol. IV, p. 75; (3) on state of confession, vol. IV, pp. 87 ,123, 176; (4) on

polemics, vol. IV, p. 8; Digest of fifth an- nual convention, vol. IV, p. 116; resolution concerning Norwegian Synod in 1956, vol. V, p. 132; renewed invitation to those who desire to be our true brethren, vol. IV, p. 87.

Parsonage: P

Wilmot, S.D. erects p., vol. IV, p. 135. Peace:

That which is true and permanent, vol. IV, p. 98.

Pentecost: Its blessed meaning, vol. IV, p. 66.

Poetry: Absent, yet Present, vol. IV, p. 3; Gist of Bth Commandment, vol. IV, p. 19; When Christ was Brought to Calvary, vol. IV, p. 35; Easter Trust, vol. IV, p. 51; Seek that Ye may Excel, vol. IV, p. 67; Lord, Leave Me Not Alone, vol. IV, p. 84; Like Enoch, vol. IV, p. 100; The Fire of Love, vol. IV, p. 136; Reformation Prayer, vol. IV, p. 152; Thanksgiving, vol. IV, p. 156; The Church, vol. IV, p. 168; Ye Children, Whither Leads your Way?, vol. IV, p. 175; The Unchanging Challenge, vol. V, p. 4; A New Year’s Hymn, vol. V, p. 16; Christ the Life of all the Liv- ing, vol. V, p. 22; Fuller Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer, vol. V, p. 35; 0, Saered Head, vol. V, p. 48; Awake My Heart with Glad- ness, VOI. V, p. 64; God Bless Faithful Mothers, vol. V, p. 79; Come Holy Ghost, vol. V, p. 80; Trinity Hymn, vol. V, p. 85; We all Believe in One True God, vol. V, p. 96; Praise to the Lord, vol.- V, p. 175; 0, Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is, vol. V, p. 182; From every Spire on Christmas Eve, vol. V, p. 192.

Polemics: OLC position on p., vol. IV, p. 8.

Poe:. The: Ho; Christians are to care for the p., vol. V, p. 183.

Prayer: Luther’s paraphrase of Lord’s Prayer, vol. IV, p. 162; Fuller meaning of the Lord’s Ptayer, vol. V, p. 35; P. before and after meals, vol. V, p. 39; P. for 1956 convention, vol. V, p. 116; promiscuous p., vol. V, p. 133.

Prophesies: Fulfilled p. prove the truth of the Bible, vol. IV, p. 5.

Proselytizing: Wherein it consists, vol. IV, p. 74.

R Redemption:.

How God wroght our r., vol. V, pp. 63, 180. Reformation-:

Its real blessings, vol. IV, p. 139; Editorial on the R., vol. V, p. 146.

Repentance: And forgiveness, vol. IV, p. 110.

Resignations: Rev. 0. W. Schaefer from MO. Synod, vol. IV, p. 85; Congregation in ULC resigns from that body, vol. IV, p. 23.

Resolutions: 1955 r. of Norw. Synod vs. MO. Synod, vol. IV, p. 101 i president’s interpretation of Norw. Synod resolution, vol. IV, p. 118; Resolution of OLC toward Norw. Synod, vol. V, p. 132.

Resurrection: Meaning of Christ’s r., vol. V, pp. 54, 57.

Roman Catholicism: Has not changed, vol. IV, p. 108; Position toward Bible, vol. IV, p. 131; Great falling away, vol. IV, p. 141; Antichrist, vol. V, p. 151.

- 47 -

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S Sanctification:

(narrow sense) The narrow path, vol. IV, D. 151.

S&mons: On the Trinity (Luther), vol. V, p. 82.

Sick.ness: $ szn410f God’s love for the Christian, voi.

I. l

Sin: Original sin, vol. IV, p. 128; vol. V, p. 90; Against the Holy Ghost, vol. IV, p. 43.

Staiement, A: r;rl;;lry of its unscriptural theses, vol. IV,

Sta’tem&arians: In control of MO. Synod, vol. IV, p. 167.

Stewardship: Wherein true giving consists, vol. IV, p. 56; Campaign to study the Scriptural plan of proportunate giving, vol. IV, p. 31.

Synodical Conference: Newspaper report of 1954 meeting, vol. IV, p. 7.

T Thanksgiving:

Reasons for t., vol. IV, p. 154; vol. V, p. 164. Trinity:

Doctrine of T. expounded, vol. IV, p. 82; Extract of sermon on T. by Luther, vol. V, p. 82.

U Union:

The only basis on which church bodies can Scripturally unite, vol. V, p. 52.

Unionism: As practiced in MO. Synod (1) in Debuquc, la., vol. IV, p. 107; (2) at St. Louis Seminary, vol. IV, pp. 112, 151; (3) at ‘all-Lutheran’ Free Conference, vol. IV, p. 24; (4) in

Minnesota, vol. IV, pp. 31, 134; (5) in Ohio, vol. IV, p. 47; (6) in Indiana, vol. IV, p. 47; (7) in Oregon, vol. IV, p. 62; (8) at CTC River Forest, Ill., vol. IV, p. 151; Posi- tion of Old Missouri on u., vol. IV, p. 25; U. a mockery of true unity, vol. IV, p. 63; De- fined, vol. IV, p. 123; The sin of u., vol. V, p. 25; Examples of u., vol. V, pp. 73, 89.

Union Committees: .

Must be watched carefully, vol. V, p, 52. United Lutheran Church:

Congregation in New Jersey withdraws from ULC, vol. IV, p. 23; Usurps power of congregations, vol. IV, p. 26.

Unity: And fellowship, vol. V, p. 36; Consists in heeding l Cor. 1 :lO, vol. V, p. 76.

w Wafther, C.F.W.:

W’s thesis on confessional fellowship, vol. V, p. 5; treatise on the dance, vol. V, pp. 10, 42, 60.

Worfore, Christian: How Luther contended for the faith,. vol. IV, p. 143.

Will and Testament: Paul Gerhardt’s w. & t. a fine example, vol. V, p. 58.

Wisconsin Synod: History of its fall from orthodoxy, vol. IV, p. 4; OLC reiterates that Wise. Synod is het- eTodax, vol. V, p. 37; Continues to compromise, vol. V, p. 190.

Woman: On covering head in church, vol. IV, p. 55.

World: - Contrasted with Christianity, vol. V, p. 94; The Last Days of the w., vol. V, pp. 108, 124, 137, 174, 188.

-compiled by E. C. Hallstein

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