Kindle'd!

I HAVE just heard that we has been Kindle'd... Yep! My new book is now also available on new-fangled whiz-bang Kindle! You can get it to read on yours, or first download a program to read it on YOUR computer from Amazon.com... Get the book by clicking here on:


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JNXBA2
 
or... you can check out the printed version announced here a day or so before this. If'n you buy one and offer to cook dinner for the missus and me... I may show up and sign it! :)
 
Blessings... TJ

Lackawanna Crossings!

IT JUST CAME out today! Another book is done. My long time pursuit of telling my families' historical faith story was finally put up as available from my publisher. Check it out by clicking on:

https://www.createspace.com/3805511

 

If you got the bucks, buy... and I hope you enjoy it!

Blessings,,, TJ

Striving Against God?

How often do we strive against the perfect will of God for us? Sinfully, I know that we do it everyday.

If you are baptized, you recieved the sign of the cross upon your head. Carry it faithfully in following Jesus.

Christian Apologetics...

WHEN IN seminary far too many years ago, I learned the term "Christian Apologetics". The term was rightly applied to efforts within the early church as it tried to explain (apologia) the message of salvation through Christ to the world in which it strived. However, today I think that we must apologize in truth about our words as required on another matter, that of naming transgression before the divine court. Though I and others, have sincerely been trying to have more than "one issue" in the new North American Lutheran Church (NALC), and not just focus on sexual error, the world does make this difficult. In the spirit of a Godfather movie character, I echo... "Each time I think I am out, they keeps pulling me back in."

 This feeling came over me when I was sent a memo by a congregant who had obtained information from a website that I'd visited in the past...

http://davidbarnhart.blogspot.com/

The memo notes that the capo de capo of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Bishop Mark Hanson, has made plans to be the keynote speaker for a conference of the Lutherans Concerned-North America (LC/NA). The latter group is one which centers its agenda for advancement of the GLBT (Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transexual) community.

 Recently, I had gathered that the ELCA was trying to deflect in that it promoted a kermit-like "green" agenda during its assembly, and did the same for a recently-scheduled summer seminar at Gettysburg Lutheran seminary in Pennsylvania. Thus, possibly to avoid the mire of single issue, the leadership seemingly steered the ELCA far from any meaningful theological conversation. This now proves to be a false assumption. The ELCA dons and donnets have apparently kept to their earlier "in-your-face" scripture assassinate posture. Thus it is that I truly apologize to my readers for my error. Who knew?

 In addition, the supplier of this former information, distributed some wonderful daily prayer guidance to me that came from colleagues in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). He off-handedly apologized a bit about the source. To that I must say, "No confession needed!". Not only do I read much material from the LCMS, and have hearty attachment therein having formerly been a LCMS member, I heartily echo their recent endorsement of Catholic arguments against our government's overstepping into religious anti-abortion and birth control issues.
 This latest ELCA salvo of liberal-progressive minions against our collective conservative-traditional religious values, truly gives revealing light on the lessons for this morning's worship. In the gospel reading our Lord Jesus tells Peter..."Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men."  So it is that even from its beginnings, the agenda of at least a portion of the church often gets in the path of our march to the foot of the cross. To God's beloved Son be our only agenda. And if ya wants to be green... click below!

 

Wilderness Wandering?

WE READ about Jesus walking into the wilderness. But are we ready to go with him?

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance, and go out to tell the good news... "For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall NOT perish, but have everlasting life." (John3:16)

Elitist, Ragamuffins or...?

IN RECENT ONLINE discourse with a group on the social media known as “Facebook”, I stood rightly accused of leveling a very strong term. The group, church-related, is affiliated with several expressions of the Lutheran faith walk, including my own North American Lutheran Church denomination. I asked pointedly whether the local expression of the group seemed “elitist”. In no time at all, the furor raised by that query led to my leaving the group. How dare any question the motives of such an august gathering?

 Even asking the question of what “seems” to be a possibility of elitism, whether true or not, was not well taken. During subsequent keyboard back-and-forth, I was challenged for my justification for using such a harsh term, even to the point that “official” dictionary language was cited. In more recent communications with group leadership, it was revealed that I had sinned against many. How dare I offend those who have historically and generously provided?

 The linguistic dictionary challenge, however, simply reinforced my interpretation. Elitism, verified in my own understanding, is defined as an attitude held wherein a person or corporate entity deems itself or acts as if... it is above others in its realm. Given this definition, whether the term is accomplished deliberately or accidentally, I think it a worthy effort for any Christian organization to do periodical examinations of its practices on an “elitist" scale. After due consideration, therefore, I feel that as our own congregation now celebrates our “First Anniversary”, we also need to ascertain that quotient.

 How do we rate according to true measure… according to scripture? How inclusive are we toward others who are sinful, indigent, addicted, afflicted, and otherwise heavy laden? How do we enable those who are physically, mentally and spiritually-challenged to receive the benefits of grace that we enjoy and together move beyond affliction? Are persons with whom we interact challenged by distances; geographically, theologically or socially, though they may desire worshipping and serving with us? If we fail this assessment, and do nothing, are we not blocking our Lord’s prayer for the church, that we may be one?

 Finally, if lacking in any quarter, what can be done about our condition? Do we corporately echo Jesus’ invitation toward others to come without cost?

 Let us be reminded, that our beloved Lord has said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

 If we are to model the behavior of our Lord, and I do ascribe to that course, what should our collective path be as we approach our second year of ministry together?

 Considering our recent past and present plans, I find that we are taking a pleasing course. Asking forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we start a new ministry that befits who we first truly are, and who we are called to be. On Monday, February 13th, we begin the “Ragamuffins” ecumenical Christian reading and discussion group. In keeping with the name, the gathering is beginning a study of the “Ragamuffin Gospel”, written by Brennan Manning. The initial meeting is slated to gather at 11:30AM in the Country Porch Restaurant, Smethport, PA. From there it is hoped that we may find a mutual gathering place that is free of cost. This ministry thus begins a new year by clearly stating our assessment. We are indeed “ragamuffins” before God. We are sinners sewed together by un-imaginable grace, and called to occasionally examine ourselves in light of both Law and Gospel. We are rightly called to do so, not claiming self-justifications, and challenge ourselves knowing that we are saved by grace through faith given by the Spirit. In faith and hope, therefore, in the coming year let us begin anew.

Healing Thoughts...

We who have been healed by baptism, what should our response be?

Our response to baptism should be... love God, love one another, and proclaim the good news!