Swearing: Using God's Name In Vain

 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20:7 KJV)

"The Second Commandment.

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.

What does this mean?-

-Answer.

We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks."

                                               (http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

I confess that every now and then my lips will release a word or maybe two or three that should not be spoken. I am very aware that I have sinned as soon as something slips out of my mouth that ought not to have.

It is troubling though, that so many do not even seem to recognize when they have taken God's name in vain. I know many love Him; but, for some reason they don't always recognize when they are speaking against Him. Sometimes, it needs to be brought to their attention.

Yes, sometimes I find myself asking others not to be swearing. No, I do not always ignore it when people take God's name in vain; when they blaspheme His Holy Name. I will ask them to please not take my God's name in vain; to not blaspheme against my God. I usually stress "my God" in attempts to make it clear that because of their language they have made it evident to me and others who might be around us that He is not their God; that they do not worship Him. If He were their God, they would not be using His name in such a manner and so very often.

There have been times when I've been in discussions (usually with younger people) and I've gotten responses like "OMG" or "Oh My G_ _!" (Father, forgive me for even writing it as an example.) My response to that is usually "I am not your God" and I walk away.

I find the language today atrocious. There is very little respect for one another and definitely not for God in many conversations. His name is thrown around like it was something cheap and disposable. It is even called upon when used to bully others; to persecute them.

I have also been known to use the phrase "speak with integrity" on rare occasions. Admittedly, the lies have to be pretty bad before I do that. Sometimes you have to let people know that if they want me others to understand what exactly is going on they will have to get their stories straight. Sometimes stories get so twisted, in order to justify one's own actions, that it can be difficult to glean the truth from the tale. This lack of truth-telling also blasphemes the Name of God when the one who is speaking claims to bear the name of Christ.

His Name is above all names and it is eternal. It ought not be used in rampages meant to hurt others or to justify our own sinful ways. It can and should be called upon for the healing of the nations. Use it wisely. 

May the Lord our God bless the words of our lips that we might glorify His Holy Name in all that we say and think and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Respect Civil Authorities

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Rom 13:1-4 NIV)

Concerning Civil Government.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For the power which exists anywhere is ordained of God. Whosoever resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For he beareth not the sword in vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Rom. 13:1-4.

Book of Concord; Luther's Small Catechism/Table of Duties

 

We see more and more disrespect for our elected officials and public servants as each year passes. Unless, it clearly goes against the word and the will of God there is no excuse for the public to persecute these men and women so unjustly. I am old enough to remember a time when whether we particularly liked our president or not, we still respected the office of the President of the United States and we showed it. It's not all that apparent today. There are peaceful means in place to replace them. If the majority wants someone out of office they will use those means. We do not have to become so ugly that we look like bullies to do it.

 

A person gets stopped because of a possible traffic violation and instead of cooperating they choose to disrespect the person stopping them by refusing to cooperate. A neighbor reports unruly behavior and instead of responding calmly to the officers or possibly protective service workers who show up at your door; they are met by all sorts of disrespectful attitudes and behavior. That is surely not God's will. Those men and women who are responding to the call are there to ensure that you and all of your household are safe and well.

 

It is not God's will that we should set ourselves in such a high place that we think that we are above the law of the land. The law of the land is not just for everyone else. It is for all people. It is not God's will that we should act like uncooperative bullies; but, to use the system that has been set in place for the good of all people. Use the system to try to change the system if it needs changing. Violence against others is not the way to get what you might want. Those who would encourage other than peaceful protests that result in harm to others as well as the property of others go against the will of God. He is the provider of all. We don't get to destroy the property of others and still say that we are doing God's will.

 

God's will is for the good of all people; not just for you; not just for the few.

 

May God help us to live peacefully in the land.

 

Pr. J

The Holy Spirit Grows The Church

The Holy Spirit; the Spirit of Christ, grows and edifies the church

in heaven and on earth; which is the Body of Christ.

Apostle's Creed
The Third Article.

Of Sanctification.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; one holy Christian Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?--Answer.
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

  http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

This past week, I felt the Holy Spirit moving in a very powerful way. Now, when the Holy Spirit moves it is good thing to go wherever the Spirit leads you; do whatever the Spirit is inspiring you to do. 

My congregation, as hopefully all congregations, has been more seriously focusing on evangelism (and ultimately church growth) for the past few months. I have been around for awhile. I have seen many church growth programs. Church growth programs tend to be one of my pet peeves. There really is no one church growth program that fits all congregations. There is not one church growth program that will have any lasting effect unless it is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

We can use all the power and might; all the reason; all the energy that we can muster, and it will not avail us. It is the Holy Spirit that calls and gathers; enlightens; brings us to; and, keeps us in the one true faith. Without the Spirit of Christ we can do nothing! All the programs in the world will accomplish nothing without the Spirit of Christ. It is only Christ who saves! It is the Spirit of Christ; the Holy Spirit; who for 2000 years has brought growth to the Body of Christ. If we claim any of that for ourselves we are denying the power of the Holy Spirit. We are denying the power of God and lifting ourselves up in the place of God. Very, very, bad idea! Not only is that blasphemy, it would be a very fruitless effort.

I am not saying that we should not reach out to the world with the Good News. I am saying that we need to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit that works in and through us to do that. Jesus said that he would send the helper to guide us in the truth. It would greatly behoove us to listen to the Spirit of Truth rather than the world.

May the Lord our God fill His whole church on earth with the power of the Holy Spirit that we might live and reach out to others in His truth and in His love.

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Descended Into Hell

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits — to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. (1 Peter 3:14-20a NIV)

He descended into hell...  After being put to death in the body, Peter tells us that, he was made alive in the Spirit and went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits. As Lutherans, we believe and affirm that: “We simply believe that the entire person [Jesus Christ], God and man, descended into hell after the burial, conquered the devil, destroyed hell’s power, and took from the devil all his might” (Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Art. IX).

He conquered the power of death and the power of the devil for you. There is no reason to fear anything in this world or in the spiritual realms for Christ has authority over all. No matter what this world attempts to throw at us, we can be at peace knowing that nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Take comfort and do not fear when the evil one and his minions attempt to destroy you. Jesus Christ has prevailed for you.

God grant you the peace of heart and mind knowing that Jesus lived and died and lives for you!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Study The Word

Christ Lutheran Church Adult Sunday School

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:14-17 NIV)

We can never know everything. We can read the Holy Scriptures front to back many times and still not know it all. Therefore; we continue to study the word given to us. We continue to teach it.

When I was young, I was told that when we stop learning, we die. I have always enjoyed reading. But, as I have gotten older two things have happened. I do a lot of reading on my computer as I can enlarge the print and see it much easier. Books can be purchased and downloaded. There are also many free sites that one can go to. I usually read an online Bible for my devotions. And, when I need or want to go to the Book of Concord (Yes, I am Lutheran) I use an online one of that, as well, as I can find things much easier by doing a search in the book. 

The second thing that has happened as I have aged, is that I am more selective in my choices of reading material. While, at one time I read a lot of fiction, what I read now is mostly for learning or study purposes. There is enough fantasy in the world around me to make me not desire any more drama. Although, I have to say that I am finding a lot of what is being presented today as non-fiction to be very fictitious. I am more interested in truth and that is what I find in the Holy Scriptures. Therefore; the Holy Scriptures are what I read and study over and over again.

Every Sunday morning our adult Sunday School meets at Christ Lutheran prior to worship. It is an awesome group! We are presently studying Paul's letter to the Romans. We don't always care for some of the things that Paul's writings relay to us. We debate it. We even try to justify our own take on his words, at times. But, in the end, we usually come to the conclusion that we don't know it all. We don't understand it all. We must continue on studying the Holy Scriptures for whether we "get it" all or not these words we read are God-breathed and useful for teaching and training even us older children of God so that we may be more equipped to serve our God.

We would love to have you join us so that you with us we might all gain a better understanding of our salvation through faith in Jesus the Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Confess And Be Forgiven

CONFESSION

How Christians should be taught to confess.

What is Confession?

Confession embraces two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the confessor, as from God Himself, and in no wise doubt, but firmly believe, that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.

What sins should we confess?

Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even of those which we do not know, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But before the confessor we should confess those sins alone which we know and feel in our hearts.

Which are these?

Here consider your station according to the Ten Commandments, whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, master, mistress, a man-servant or maid-servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful; whether you have grieved any one by words or deeds; whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or done other injury.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

No, the confessional has not been done away with in the Lutheran church. Yes, we confess our sins corporately and receive absolution every Sunday morning at Christ Lutheran Church. Yes, I am available to hear private confessions whenever you feel the need. I assume that all Christians are aware that they are able to confess their sins directly to God. However, I am also aware that many Lutherans are not aware that private confession with their pastors is also available. I do not hear many private confessions. Mostly, the ones I have heard from younger people.

Some of us are so troubled by our consciences that we need to be able to put voice to our sins and hear with our ears and believe these words: "You are forgiven. God forgives you all your sins." There is no need to be burdened by the sins that trouble your conscience in such a way that it disrupts your ability to serve God or neighbor. Confess your sins so that you might be reassured that you have been forgiven and reconciled to God our Father, through Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Deliver Us From Evil

THE LORD'S PRAYER
The Seventh Petition.

But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean?--Answer.
We pray in this petition, as in a summary, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from all manner of evil, of body and soul, property and honor, and at last, when our last hour shall come, grant us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this vale of tears to Himself into heaven. Amen.

What does this mean?--Answer.
That I should be certain that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven and heard; for He Himself has commanded us so to pray, and has promised that He will hear us. Amen, Amen; that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

 

In this petition we pray that we be kept from all evils that plague this world. Martin Luther in the Large Catechism wrote: "But this petition he has put last, for if we are to be protected and delivered from all evil, his name must be hallowed in us, his kingdom come among us, and his will be done. Then he will preserve us from sin and shame and from everything else that harms or injures us."

 

Therefore; all of the petitions in the Lord's Prayer must be prayed with a sincere faith that God hears our prayers and answers. We cannot expect to be kept from evil if we do not revere God's name which is who and what He is; if we do not desire to live in his kingdom; or if we do not desire that his will be done among us here on earth. His will is for our good. If we do not desire his will to be done, how are we to expect that we are to kept safe from the evil one? It would be tantamount to jumping into a bonfire and expect not to get burned. Of course, all things are possible with God. But, it's probably not the best idea to be testing him. Jesus wouldn't, why would we think we can or should?

 

So we pray the Lord's prayer with faith and all God's people say Amen; that's the way it is. We give thanks for in His mercy He has heard our prayers and answered.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy Is His Name

The Lord's Prayer

The First Petition.

Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean?--Answer.
God's name is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may become holy among us also.

How is this done?--Answer.
When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God also lead holy lives in accordance with it. To this end help us, dear Father in heaven. But he that teaches and lives otherwise than God's Word teaches profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, Heavenly Father.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

His name is holy. It was so revered by the Israelites that they would not even speak it.

His name is holy and those who worship Him and profess His Holy Name pray and strive to ensure that nothing unholy is done among us that would cheapen and profane His Name.

"Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."  Psalm 27:12

God's Peace - Pr. J

What Is Baptism?

Lately, I have found myself explaining what baptism is on more than one occasion; that it is not just a symbolic ritual. Baptism is not something that we do; rather, it is a precious gift from God. I was going to use this blog to explain it more clearly and realized that I should probably just go to the Small Catechism found in the Book of Concord for a more concise explanation. So here it is, a reminder from the Book of Concord as we ought to teach it to our children.

IV. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

First.

What is Baptism?--Answer.

Baptism is not simple water only, but it is the water comprehended in God's command and connected with God's Word.

Which is that word of God?--Answer.

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: Go ye into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Secondly.

What does Baptism give or profit?--Answer.

It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are such words and promises of God? Answer.

Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Thirdly.

How can water do such great things?--Answer.

It is not the water indeed that does them, but the word of God which is in and with the water, and faith, which trusts such word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is simple water and no baptism. But with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a gracious water of life and a washing of regeneration in the Holy Ghost, as St. Paul says, Titus, chapter three: By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying.

Fourthly.

What does such baptizing with water signify?--Answer.

It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily contrition and repentance, be drowned and die with all sins and evil lusts, and, again, a new man daily come forth and arise; who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?--Answer.

St. Paul says Romans, chapter 6: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

As Lutherans, this is what we believe.

God's Peace - Pr. J