ELCA Church Wide Assembly response...

Rev. Paul McCain wrote this gospel-centered response to the vote this morning by the ELCA to endorse same sex relationships as acceptable by the Word of God. This is a wondeful response that is not judgmental, but focuses on the cross.

At its Churchwide Assembly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted a "social statement" on human sexuality that includes an endorsement of same-sex relationships that are "chaste, monogamous and lifelong." This is, of course, contrary to Holy Scripture which teaches us that God, in His creation, created man and woman to live together as man and wife in a chaste, monogamous and lifelong relationship. This is the natural order of things which is inherent in God's good creation itself. Deviation from this natural order, and natural law, are a consequence of the fall into sin. There is no middle ground on this issue. The ELCA has, again, demonstrated that it is outside the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church to the extent that it has embraced this false teaching.What then are we Lutherans to do who do not share this view? While much could be, and needs to be written, on the enormous implications of this action for a whole host of issues and relationships we have with the ELCA, for now it is important for our pastors and all the faithful to do the following:Be clear about what we stand for as Lutherans who do not share the ELCA's opinions on this issue. To do this, it is good once more to familiarize ourselves with the basic truths of God's Word regarding homosexuality. The pamphlet What About Homosexuality offers an excellent brief overview. Here is a link to this pamphlet on The LCMS web site: http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/LCMS/wa_homosexuality.pdfWe also need to make it clear that we, in no way, are "excluding" homosexuals from the Church. We exclude nobody, but welcome all to join us as repentant sinners before the throne of a loving and merciful God. We reach out with God's word of Law and God's Gospel. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod produced a very helpful Plan for Ministry to Homosexuals and Their Families, which you may download here: http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/CIC/minhomfam.pdfWe must remember that even as much as we deeply disagree with this action on the part of the ELCA, and while it causes us great grief, anguish and, yes, even anger, we must be careful to remember that this is an opportunity to demonstrate loving care and concern for those caught up in this error and for those who are striving to resist this false teaching. Let us make our witness constructive and take care that in our zeal to condemn error we not bruise the bent reed and snuff out the flickering flame. We witness to the truth, speaking that truth in love. The truth is that this action, while dramatic and a "flash point" for man, is simply a very visible symbol of the profoundly deep theological error that has the ELCA in what can only be described as a death-grip. What has happened is very much akin to seeing a large, old, beautiful tree suddenly break and fall, and upon examination, we see that inside, at its core, there set in years ago a rot that could not be overcome.In a gentle, caring and loving manner, we can use this situation to lead people to recognize that this is by no means something that is really shocking or surprising. The ELCA was formed by three liberal Lutheran church bodies that had already long before walked away from a faithful Lutheran doctrinal position on the authority of the Bible. The many "full communion" agreements over the years have signaled, time and time again, that the ELCA has lost sight of what it is to be a faithful, Biblical Lutheran church body. We should use this situation to help people understand how things reached this point. We must do so humbly and without any hint of triumphalism or "good thing we are not like *those* Lutherans." We are all sinners before our God and we must now bear one another's burdens, in love, truthfully and faithfully.

Rev. Paul McCain

Taking service to one's neighbor serious....

Last week the mayor of Milwaukee, WI was terribly attacked by a man on the street. However, it was not an intentional beating to the mayor due to frustration of policies. Mayor Tom Barrett was about to get in his car when a woman yelled for help in a domestic issue from her boyfriend. He heard the cry and tried to calm the situation, however, the boyfriend attacked him and hit him with a pipe in the back of his head. Truly a sacrifice for his neighbor.

The disturbing part is that the family members of the boyfriend all said that Mayor Barrett should have not interevened. What? Someone is yelling help and not help? What kind of service is that? What is going on?

I commend Mayor Barrett for his help and I pray it points all of us to the high command of Jesus, "Love one another." Even if it might mean a pipe to the head, may we be there for one another.

Seeing my niece for the first time

I am on my way to see my niece and goddaughter in Vermont. This is my first "official" niece, if official means from the Finnern side of the family. She was recently claimed by Christ in Baptism and I look forward to praying with her and telling her some stories (Biblical and otherwise). My big sister lives in Burlington, VT and what beautiful country it is. Look forward to the Green mountains and time just to gaze upon God's creation.

May the peace of Christ be with Lux Fione and our time together as a family.

Focus on the ELCA assembly in MN is now overshadowed...

Until early this afternoon, the biggest news in Minneapolis was the gay clergy vote. Thankfully, now bigger and better news has come: "The great Brett Favre is now a Viking." What will be the results? Who knows. All I know is that it sure will be fun this fall in Wisconsin as a Vikings fan!

Even more so, the liberal agenda of the ELCA will not have ALL the news. When a church only receives news due to extreme views, the true focus of Christ is always lost. Of course, when Brett Favre is the big news in church, we have the same problem. Lord have mercy.

Confessional Study groups in Wisconsin?

Anybody know about any Confessional study groups in Southern Wisconsin? I have kind of slacked in the realm of the confessions. Anybody have any information?

Pray for the ELCA this week...

We pray for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) this week as they gather for their chuch wide assembly. A few things on the agenda concern a human sexuality social statement that condones homosexual behavior, the ordination of practicing homosexuals, and a statement on gay marriage.

These are major issues that if passed will furthur separate the LCMS from the ELCA. We pray for the truth to be known at this assembly and Christ and Him crucified may be the focus.

Check out the proceedings at www.elca.org

Steward, IL-No services

Today our family got back from Champaign, IL from visiting our son's godparents (Go U of I!). On our trip back, as I was ready to be home and the kids were getting anxious, I saw a sign on Highway 39 for the village of Steward, IL. Below the sign for the village said with big letters, NO SERVICES (no gas, no food, no bathroom)!

Probably not the best sign up for a village named Steward. As Christians we would define steward as a "manager" of the gifts God has given. Our role as His children is to use of our possessions and people surrounding according to God's purpose. Most importantly to serve others as Christ has served us.

Unfortunately, we are not much different than the sign on the highway. We have the identity as God's steward through the baptismal waters in Christ, but most people can not help but see the big letters by our actions, "NO SERVICES TO OTHERS." I serve myself, no one else, just walk bye!

As His children, may we remember the great sacrifice on the cross for us. He has claimed us to be His stewards and to serve others that they may see with big bold letters: "SERVICE TO ALL BY THE MERCY OF CHRIST."