JANUARY (2018) EDITION...  By Dr. Keith J. Wise... A New Year...

I. Digging Deeper... Facts Concerning the Bible...

    It has been said by many as a famous quote; "The Bible will keep one from sin, and sin will keep one from the Bible!"  This is a great truth to help us understand how we can grow and avoid the tactics of the enemy.  The Bible is indeed the "offensive" weapon in our spiritual arsenel.

     Consider, the Bible is written and spoken to be the "Sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17).  Therefore, if one desires to be a disciple of the Lord, they should spend time in  its study.  It will dramatically help to prepare them to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and discern and correct false teaching.  (II Tim. 2:15; 3:16; II Pet. 3:15). 

     The historical translation of the (KJV) contains 3,566,480 letters, 773,746 words, 31,102 verses, 1,189 chapters and 66 books.  There are 39 books  in the Old Testament and 27 in the New.  The Bible is composed of writings from about 40 men, writing over a period of some 1600 years, from 1500 B.C. until A.D. 100.  It is primarily written in Hebrew, Koine Greek and Aramaic.  

     The Bible holds the distinction of being the first book printed with movable type, in A.D. 1450.  The first Bible printed in America was in the Indian language, by John Eliot.  The King James Version was published in 1611.  The revised Version was published in 1885.  The American Standard Version was published in 1901.  Since then several excellent versions have appeared on the market.  The Bible was divided into chapters by Cardinal Hugo in 1250.  The New Testament was divided into verses by Sir Robert Stephens in 1551.  The entire Bible was divided into chapters and verses in the "Geneva Bible" which was translated in 1560.  This was also known as the "Breeches Bible" because it read, "They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves breeches." (Gen. 3:7)

     The Red Letter Edition Bible was a product of Louis Klopsch.  He was the first editor of the "Christian Herald" magazine.  He printed the Red Letter Edition in 1901.  He based this format from Luke 22:20, "This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you."  He reasoned that all blood is red, thus Christ's words should be in red, as a constant reminded to the reader of redemption.  

     The Bible has been translated into almost every language and dialect in the world.  It is the only book that gives a definitive answer to the question of man's origin, mission and destiny.  Above all else, the Bible is a textbook on salvation, and should be seriously examined and studied, then carefully accepted and obeyed.  Lastly, it should be religiously taught to all men.  It is to that end that we write this material for your interest and edification.

     After looking over the above facts, I would like to encourage our readers to accept the challenge to read the Bible on a regular basis.  If you do, you will be blessed and those within your reach will be positively changed.  Above all, your readers and listeners will be the recipients of the greatest gift to mankind, the living Christ.

II. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Sermon for the New Year.. "The Jesus Creed...What Can It Mean in the New Year?"

Text: Mark 12:28-31

Introduction: Jesus in his early ministry, said and did many memorable works. His words and example have had implications both then, now and in eternity.  To God in Christ the idea of love is overwhelming and demonstrated by His coming into the world.  David Gill writes of two kinds of love: table love, which is the love of fellowship and communion, and cross-love, which is the love seen in sacrifice and devotion.  As we enter the New Year of 2018 we need to consider the great response of Jesus (text above) to the inquire of one of the teachers of the law and our response to "The Jesus Creed."

A. Give God Your Heart- The heart is the center of one's affections. Think of what you love and what motivates you.  It may be your spouse, your children, your best friend, job etc.  Give what comes to mind right now and give it to God, by gently offering those affections and persons and ambitions to God through Christ today.  He will multiply all types of categories connect to your heart.

B. Give God Your Soul- The soul is the center of your spirituality.  Think of your relationship with God. It is what you deem most significant in your spiritual life and the core of your life's motivation.  Just begin to consider the God of the Bible.  It might begin with prayer or a personal time with God through mediating and Bible reading. If we partake of the "bread of life" (Jesus) daily it can cleanse us, wash us and prepare us to receive those truths that feed our souls.  Remember what Jesus said to Satan in his wilderness temptation.  "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God..."

C. Give God Your Mind- The mind is the center of your "rationality."  Consider what you think about every day.  Think of what you believe, and how you think.  Consider your logic and does it make sense.  As you read the Bible you thinking will become clearer and Christ will confirm this through what you read in His word. "...as a man thinks in his heart, so is he..."

D. Give God Your Strength- The word "strength" refers to our whole being.  It can encompass our physical, mental, spiritual and emotional resources. The point here is that we are to love God through Christ with all we've got!!  Without delineating too much, think of your body, your ambition, your dreams, and your bank account.  Consider your insurance policies and your talents.  Let God work through all of these to produce a much needed satisfying result.

Conclusion: To love is to give of ourselves; to love God is to give God all we are and all we have for He is the creator and manufacturer of all of us.  Please remember this; God can do more with what your give Him, than what your can do with what you have by yourself.  Consider Moses and his staff, the loaves and fishes of the young man who feed the five thousand.  Surrender to God in Christ is the key to life.

III. QUOTABLE QUOTES... 

1. But there are burdens heavier than a soldier's pack, declared President Eisenhower in his first inaugural address: "Americans, indeed, all free men, remember that in the final choice a soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner's chains."

2. I am the New Year.  I am here... but once past, I can never be recalled.  Make me your best. (selections from the Memorial Salesman.)

3. Emerson wrote: "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

4. Flight of Worry- a quotable poem: "Things are seldom quite as bad as our expectations.  Most of the facts that worry us are gross exaggerations.  Sage philosophers remind us, if we would but heed, all fears would fly away like birds we cease to feed." (Poem by Mary O'Connor.)

IV. A Bridge To The Future... Some Thoughts for 2018...

      Every generation of free people have had to face the daunting task of looking to the future.  We know from the study of history that it will span victories and defeats, crowns and crosses, gains and losses.  But as our forefathers did for us, so we must do for the generations that come after us.  Building a bridge to the future takes time as we think of others who will come behind us.  We must be unselfish in our task and focus.

     If you look at a well made bridges, you will see a combination of wires that once put together, form an almost impregnable bond.  As we think about our  bridge to the future we can use the wires of firmness of purpose, courage, creative ideas, hard conscientious work, patience, team work, loyalty, love of liberty, faith in God and our future- "...righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34)  

     Each of us can help build this bridge by casting off defective wires of thinking in the areas of personal prejudice, discord and bitterness.  Our lives will be made better or bitter by what we think and process every day in daily living.  Consider building into your souls the very best qualities of our minds, heats and spirits.  Thus, with a sense of community and togetherness we can be assured of success.  We can build a bridge as a nation and people that build a positive result.  This bridge to the future will stand in supreme strength against the destructive forces of our time.

A Word Of Thanks: This new year, 2018 begins our second year of publishing.  I could not have taken on this course without the help of Mr. Troy Graham.  Troy is young adult man who serves in the St. Louis congregation.  Also, all the readers from America and on mission fields around the world who have read this material.  We pray it has blessed you and helped you to excel in the Christian life.

Because of Him... Dr. Keith J. Wise- Happy New Year!

DECEMBER EDITION... 2017 (Dr. Keith J. Wise)

I. Introduction: The month of December is an active month as we end the year.  Some of us look back on the year with anxiety, some joy, some victory and some defeat.  However, as Christians we know that Jesus Christ has led us and brought us to a new vista.  With Him "...all things are possible."  This is the month of Christmas, New Years and for our Jewish friends Hanukkah.  The greatest gift of God the Father came in the most humblest and retiring form. He would come by way of a borrowed "womb" and leave us by way of  a borrowed "tomb."  So with lights, and music and great truth we proclaim Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God. 

II. DIGGING DEEPER: For the sake of the Christmas season we will bypass our study of denominations and focus on the Gospel of Luke's account of the coming of Jesus.  Luke as you know, was a gifted follower of Christ.  He was not an Apostle but collected his material from the Apostle Paul and sourced much of his material from Mark.  It is thought he wrote from Antioch (Syria) or Asia Minor (modern Turkey).  His chronology and writing was sometime in the A.D. 80's.  He was known as a Physician while traveling with Paul and comforted him as a young disciple; apparently offering his medical advise.  He is often referred to as "the beloved Physician." The writings of Luke will encompass the story of salvation from the fulfillment of God's redemption in Christ.  Cornerstone to this was through its perfect achievement in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Luke's second edition, The Acts of the Apostles will chronicle the rise and development of the church.  His research in both of these works is impeccable.  It will be noted that the major decisions and turning points given by the Apostolic leaders were guided by God to the Gentiles and the world at large.  In truth, it was in obedience to Jesus' command in the Great Commission, and shown as Peter will preach the first Gospel message on Pentecost. (Acts 2:38)  Before the ultimate salvational message could begin however, God created a foundation He prepared in history "in the fulness of time."  It was prepared Politically, Linguistically, and Religiously for that coming of Christ.  Let us see how Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and the record of other inspired writers helps us in our faith when we study the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

     Every proclaimer of the gospel message of good news delivered the information of salvation.  Each of the Gospel Evangelist projected this task through a personal relationship they had with Jesus according to their particular individual talents.  We have noted Luke's gifts of being a physician, but as countless honest historians have noted, he was a detailed researcher of historical information about Jesus and his times in the Gospel of Luke, and later in the Book of Acts.  There are several prominent themes in his gospel that emerge for a sound consideration to prepare us for God's "unspeakable gift."

A. Salvation for all: The realization that God wants to save all people is hinted and noted from the very earliest Biblical references. (Gen. 3:15)  He chose a people (the Hebrews) and the record of that preservation is found throughout the scriptures of Israel that the Christians call the Old Testament.  In short, the whole purpose of Israel was to prepared for a deliverer like Joseph, like Moses, like Daniel and others.  This was a profound issue for the Jews, that Luke will deal with in his second volume of Acts.  I think it is also instructive that the early leaders were in most part Jewish.  Because of universal salvation offered in Jesus who is the Christ, there is no more "Jew or Gentile, slave or free..."  Luke is interested in echoing the message of Joy "that shall be for all people."

B. A Message of Joy: We will say more about his below, but Luke's Gospel radiates from a confidence in God's love and mercy as demonstrated in the teachings and actions of Jesus himself. The births of John the Baptist and Jesus are announced as causes of great joy.(Luke 1:14; 2:10)  The repentance of a sinner is a source of great joy in heaven (Luke 15:7-10).  The end of the Gospel of Luke pictures the disciples returning to Jerusalem filled with joy after Jesus' ascension. (Luke 24:52)

C. The Journey: All three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) begin the account of Jesus' public ministry with John the Baptist preaching from Isaiah: "Make ready the way of the Lord..." (Isa.40:3).  The mission of Jesus is presented as the continuation and culmination of the "way of the Lord" when Abraham left his homeland, and continued by faith to a land God had prepared.  The Exodus of Egypt led by Moses and, later, the return from Babylonian captivity shows a God in history guiding and preserving His people for the coming of the Christ.  Luke capitalizes on the journey theme to organize the central section of his Gospel(Lk. 19:51 &19:44).  Also, look at Luke 24:44 when Jesus has a shore lunch of fish with his Apostles in a post resurrection appearance and special message of fulfillment.  

D. Corollary to Christian Living: Luke is as much a transitional gospel in presenting Jesus as applicable to people, not only in the rural agricultural lands of Israel, but the cosmopolitan society of the first century and today. He indicates that good citizenship is compatible and expected with Christianity.  Luke will deal with the sub-themes of persecution, and possessions. (6:20,24)  In quoting Jesus about possessions one must not be enslaved by attachments to our possessions. Our focus as Christians is to use our possessions as a means of helping others. 

E. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' mission of salvation had been prepared from ages past.  Luke incorporates a surprising  amount of Old Testament teaching for his Greek readers, though not as much as Matthew will do.  One of Luke's favorite usages is "it must happen" or "it had to happen" (Luke 2:49;4:43; 9:22). Ironically, the cross, the way of suffering, was a puzzle to his Greek readers- how revolting that the Savior, Son of God and King, should be treated so shamefully.  Luke repeats again and again that the suffering had to be: it is the way of glory.(18:31-33; 24:26)

F. Ascension: One of the goals Luke pictures is Jesus' mission "to be taken up from this world." (9:51; 24:51).  The ascension comes after the resurrection; it is the act of glorification whereby Jesus takes his place at the right hand of the Father.  The Ascension is crucial to Jesus' saving work, because it is through this "glorification" that the Spirit is released on the Church to empower His kingdom.  This in turn continued to advance the universal message of salvation to the world as he now"intercedes for us" as the victorious savior and Lord.

III. A LITTLE CHRISTMAS INFORMATION...

God's perspective on great words of the Bible is amazing and wonderful.  One of the words so often associated with Christmas is "joy."  It is surprising to discover that scriptural references to "joy" are mostly found either at the very beginning, or a the very end of the early ministry of Jesus and His coming.

    The angel proclaimed "Good tidings of great joy...to all people" (Luke 2:10).  Mary "rejoiced" (Luke 1:47).  Elisabeth's kinfolks came to rejoice with her in the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:58).  Simeon and Anna were almost beside themselves with joy when Jesus was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:25ff.).  Matthew gets into the referencing here when he notes the Magi "rejoiced with exceeding great joy" when they saw the Star (Matthew 2:10)  

    A further look at the passion of Christ at the end of His life will add to this joyous triumph and for the ultimate reason for His coming.  The Apostles and early Church will increase the volume of this great word increasing this eternal truth.  Study the comments of Paul, which we don't have time to note, concerning the joy of suffering and knowing and completing the task of spreading the "Good News."

    So what of the advent meaning of joy?  It is more than Shepherds, Rome and Wise Men.  It is, without sounding too profound, the coming of God into the world. It is His coming into history and in a form that we can grasp and understand that is so epic.  Charles Wesley in one of his hymns simply says, "...he laid His glory by, He wrapped Him in our clay."  This should be sufficient grounds for rejoicing that inspires our hearts and minds. 

     Apart from the message of Bethlehem, our Christmas festivities just barley touch the hem of His garment, as one writer has said "as a pressed flower" to the living one.  As you cannot have light and warmth without the sun, so you cannot have meaningful joy unless your life is rooted in God- as the Father revealed it in Jesus.  He is the LIFE!!  This is the theology of the angelic declaration.  The message is one of joy because it declares God's act. "God has visited and redeemed his people" (Luke 1:68).

    In Luke's second treatise of Acts of the Apostles, he continues the story.  Luke expands this message of "good tidings of great joy" would be carried from Jerusalem to "Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth" (Acts 1:8)  Yes, my readers, "to all people."  We can following the story as it is received by Jews, Scythians, Romans, Greeks, Ethiopians, Egyptians, barbarians, magistrates, centurions, soldiers, scholars, eunuchs, prisoners, freemen, women, children, slaves, fugitives, and the most honor and the depraved of every culture in time and space.  The message of this and every Christmas is, "There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)  "Hallelujah! The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth."

IV. Nuggets of Nourishment: A Christmas Sermon Outline-  "It was a Dark Day when the Son of God Came..."

Text: Luke 2:1-20

I. Introduction: Most of the people of the world that have heard the message, love the Christmas story.  We in America and the West love to decorate our homes with pastoral scenes and mangers with happy shepherds looking over the baby Jesus with the smiling faces of Mary and Joseph.  But as one thinks about this and compares it with the Biblical passages, one is struck with a very different atmosphere in the world at the time Jesus was born.  Let us consider some reality!

• Big government in Rome was assessing its taxes.
• Abortion was available at the time, while not easily obtainable for a poor couple, it could have been done to preserve the couple's integrity considering the surface circumstances.
• The crime rate was high from Roman sources of the period, and the prisons were full. These were violent days, and human flesh was cheap!!
• Tensions in the Middle East kept the whole world on edge.
• Religion had become formal and impersonal, worship  had become mechanical and without purpose or meaning.

It is in this climate that God decides it is time to send His son into the world and begins "in the fullness of time" to make a major announcement.

I. A Dark Time Requires a Bright Light- (Luke 2:1-8)

     A. A Grand Mess! (Luke 2:1-7)

     B. A Great Mistake? In the eyes of the world, the King was announced to the very lowest in their society of the first century. (Luke 2:8)  In Matthew 2, the "highest" are introduced to the King a year or so later. "God's inclusion, obliterates man's exclusion."

II. A Dark Time Experiences the Brightest Light- (Luke 2:9-20)

     A. God's Grand Message- (Luke 2:9-16)- His message is always needed!!

     B. God's Grand Mission- (Luke 2:17-20) Beyond the norm.

Conclusion: Both the Wise Men and the Shepherds came and bowed down and worshiped Him at different times.  I ask you today as I ask myself, are you as wise as the wise men or as humble as the shepherds to obey this great message?  Christ has come to save the world.  We must point to and encourage, in a dark hour of our lives, the greatest light to be shed and honored to our world. Beloved, "Let the Light Shine In..."

VI. Christmas Quotes:

1. "He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree."

2. "...For a good conscience is a continual Christmas." (Ben Franklin)

3. "The joy of brightening others lives, bearing others' burdens, easing others' loads, and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." (W.C. Jones)

4. "Our tokens of compliment and love are for the most part barbarous.  Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts.  The only gift is a portion of thyself." (Emerson)

NOVEMBER EDITION... 2017   (Dr. Keith J. Wise) 

I. Introduction: The month of November has been historically a month of reflection.  In agricultural areas of our country people have begun to see the result of the harvest. The old hymn, "Come, Ye Thankful People Come" reflects in the lyrics of the hymn the place of harvests home before the winter storms begin.  I will attempt to inform and place in proper perspective how this country has been abundantly blessed and how in these days of turmoil, we can rediscover peace of mind and heart.  We will continue with another denomination study and its history and legacy while providing a sermon outline concerning outline. 

II. DIGGING DEEPER: The Methodist Church denomination has been on the American landscape from the beginning of our nation.  But their genesis was in Europe, through a number of interesting developments that were a result of the need of revival in the Church of England. The religious atmosphere in the British Isles in the 17th and 18th century has been described by historians and theologians as "sterile."  The worship of the Protestant Churches were gear exclusively in intellectual language of the day.  Common people where often excluded or seated in special areas of the sanctuary on Sunday.  In the Catholic Churches the Mass was almost forgotten as within the British Isles many churches were abandoned and many closed.  

In this atmosphere, a populist movement of piety reasserted itself in what became known as "Praying Societies."  In 1729 four students at Oxford University by the names of Charles Wesley, Robert Kirkham, William Morgan and John Wesley determined to study Koine Greek, the Greek of the New Testament and the Septuagint.  The secularist pushed by to this piety movement by calling these men names.  They were called Bible Bigots, Bible Moths and a recurring title of "Methodist" because they studied the Bible "methodically."  By 1735 other such groups joined together by a later notable his name was George Whitfield.(1714-1770).

John Wesley (1793-1791) was the fifteenth child of a family of nineteen children.  His mother was so busy with child rearing that often to pray she would put her apron over her head for a period of quiet and meditation.  John became an Anglican Priest and was a graduate of Oxford.  He also received a Masters degree from Oxford.(1727)  John and his brother Charles decided to come to America in 1735.  In the southern part of the colonies, General Oglethorpe, founder of the colony of Georgia, set up the Wesley brothers to evangelize the growing population. Here, they collaborated with another pietistic  movement called the Moravians.  This group was much older and had been founded in Europe in the 15th century by Jon Hus the early reformer.  In 1736 Charles Wesley returned to England to write hymns while John Wesley sought to return in 1738 with certain Moravians.  During their return, they were in a shipwreck, and John counts this crisis experience as to date of a true conversion.  On May 24, 1738 he begins his preaching ministry.  With his enriched connections with the Moravians he traveled to Germany to the estate of Nicholas Louis (1700-1760) the Count of Zinzendorf.  Eventually returning to England to fellowship with the Moravians, he decides to break with them and found the Methodist Church. (1740)

Calvinism eventually found its way into Methodism and its various forms.  There were the Wesleyan Methodist who believed in "Universal Salvation" while the Methodist movement under George Whitfield became Calvinist and saw a "Limited Salvation" for those who were called as the "elect." These Calvinist Methodist in turn divided again in Whitfield Methodist, Lady Huntingdon's Connection, and the Welsh Methodist.(from the Westminster Confession of 1647).  The established Anglican Church frowned on Methodism in its various forms, but were powerless to deal with their good works among the poor, and their piety in daily life. 

The Methodist in North America were much more prolific.  They establish themselves in the New York area by 1760 but found a lack of ministers to post in their churches.  They were much more successful in the South.  Francis Asbury (1745-1816) was sent by Wesley to remedy the situation. This is done in the systematic method of the Methodist tradition.  The American Revolution hurt the Methodist movement in America.  Wesley and other European Methodist were Pro-Torrie, while Asbury stayed until the end of the American Revolution.(1783)  Francis Asbury and Thomas Coke decided to set up a new governing body, no so connected to their English roots.  On Christmas December 24, 1884 a conference was set in Baltimore, Maryland.  Known as the "Christmas Conference" they incorporated a creed of the 24 Articles of the 39 Articles of the Anglican Church.  By 1804 they added one more Article now called the "25 Articles."  The Methodist from this point seem to grow rapidly in the American soil. In 1784 they had 15,000 members, while by 1850 they had grown to one million members. They will grow rapidly on the American frontier by adjusting to Camp Meetings and Circuit Riding Preachers. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, there developed in the Methodist camp continued divisions for various reasons in America. Here are a few examples: (1793) O'Kelly's Succession who called themselves the "Republican Methodist," (1816) African Methodist Episcopal Church, (1821) African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, (1830) Methodist Protestant Church.  (1845) Methodist Episcopal Church. All of these the strongest in the South to the mid-south region and the frontier.  By 1963 there were twenty two different groups under the Methodist tent through various mergers.  Eventually they unite in what is called The United Methodist Church.

III. DID YOU KNOW?

The Rule of Three... 

Three things to govern: temper, tongue, conduct.

Three things to love: courage, gentleness, affection.

Three things to hate: cruelty, prejudice, racism.

Three things to wish for: health, friends, a cheerful spirit.

Three things to fight for: honor, country, home.

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When Martin Rinkart, a German minister, penned a poem with these lines, "Now Thank We All Our God," in 1636, he had no thought of it ever being used as a song. It was designed as a prayer before a meal as grace which was the custom at the time.  It was not long that this poem was known outside Germany.  Ironically, Rinkart wrote it during the Thirty Years War when his pastoral duties were quit difficult.  He conducted as many as forty funerals a day, including that for his own wife; yet he wrote those beautiful word as a table grace for his family.  In spite of war and plague around him and sorrow within him, he was able to give thanks to God from a grateful heart.  For over three hundred years it was recited as the "Te Deum" of the Germans.  In 1858 it was translated into English by Catherine Winkworth, and now it is in most hymnals in the Churches around the world. 

The Mother of Thanksgiving- by Emma M. Campbell- The Overlook Magazine

It is generally thought that William Bradford, Governor of the Plymouth Colony, was the Father of Thanksgiving.  It was he who called the people of his colony together in 1621 for a service of thanksgiving.  At the close of the Revolutionary War, George Washington issued a proclamation for the observance of a day of thanksgiving. Again, this was noted at the end of the War of 1812 as a day of thanksgiving by then President James Madison.

But it was not until 1864 that President Abraham Lincoln, declared that by annual proclamation, the last Thursday of November ought to be a national day of Thanksgiving.  And it was Sarah Josepha Hale who persuaded President Lincoln to issue this Thanksgiving proclamation.

Mrs. Hale had an interesting background. She is remembered as the editor of Godey's Lady's Book.  She was remarkable for her time.  Left a widow with five young children to support, she wrote stories and poems that led her into the editorial office of the Ladies Magazine of Boston, which, in 1837, was merged with Godey's Lady's Book, of Philadelphia. 

Godey's Ladies Book in 1850 had a circulation of 80,000; in 1860, 98,500.  Under the editorship of Mrs. Hale, the women of the United States were helped to remodel their cottages and homes and to select their furnishings.  In 1859 Mr. Godey sent artist abroad to describe and picture the fashions in England and France.  These fashion plates are still cherished today for their quaint styles and coloring.  Furthermore, the magazine published verses and stories by the best writers in America. Edgar Allan Poe,Washington Irving, and Nathaniel Hawthorne often found their works published and read.  

In summary, Mrs Hale continued her editorial duties until she was nearly ninety years old. Her portrait shows a bright-eyed pretty women with natural curls and smile.  She had inspired our President and help to influence the idea of Thanksgiving to an Almighty God for blessings he has bestowed upon our nation through the years.

IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT-  Four Words that Capture the Spirit of Thanksgiving- 

Text: Psalm 100

Introduction:  The book of Psalms is a book of Songs.  These have encompassed every emotion, petitioning God in every way.  Any number of the Psalms seek to increase and describe the thanksgiving of the human heart, and the almost impossible tasks in which we express our thanks. Before you take this Psalm verse by verse, read it several times quietly and then speak as you read it out loud.  We and the commentators do not often capture one unique aspect of this Psalm, but it is designed to "evoke" a sluggish mind to a level of thanksgiving.  You will see four words that pull us out of our seats to an upward glace to Yahweh who is Elohim. (LORD who is God).  Let us look at these four words that are found in the first four verses of the five verses of this Psalm.

   A. Shout- For joy to the LORD, all the earth. 

We live in Michigan.  There is no time of the year you can peer out your door and not see the glory and complexity of God's creation.  I am writing this in the fall of the year.  We have had an unusually warm fall.  The rains and the cooler temperatures have arrived late.  However, the beauty of colors and stark contrast of frost on fallen leaves can leave you breathless.  It shouts for joy as it ends its season of life and purpose. We can "shout for joy" because of the creators handiwork.

    B. Worship-  The LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

In our modern era we have whole books written about worship.  Definitions abound; but this English word comes from an old Anglo Saxon word meaning to "give worth to something."  I don't give much worth to those "dust bunnies" that appear under my couch in the living room.  However, I give much worth to my wife and children.  Because God has placed within me a quality of being able to establish worth to certain items in my life, I can exceedingly look to him with gladness and express it with "joyful songs."  Sometime these are songs from a praise band on Sunday, or an old hymn found on my bookshelf of hymnbooks read during my devotions. It may be when I am driving my car and the tune is not so great, the feelings of my heart of wonderful.  Anyway, knowing what makes me joyful makes me sing for such a wonderful father and loving savior.  

    C. Know-  that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

One of the reasons the Psalms are so loved and enduring is that it seeks to engage the whole mind and spirit of the human being.  Here, after drawing us through "joyful songs" in emotion, he beckons us to focus our minds on "Knowing."  Knowing means study and detailed thought.  Yes, he is the creator, we and this world did not come about by some hap-harassed means.  The KJV version in this sections translates: "It is he who has made us, and not we ourselves."  He made us and knows us and loves us.  How about that for a joyful song?  The greatest travesty is not that man has place some pseudo-scientific idea of evolution on our tables, but that that this moves us to attempting to say "we are god!  No, he is the shepherd and we are sheep of his pasture.  He leads, he provides, he instills, he knows, and we celebrate that knowing.

    D. Enter-  his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the LORD (YHWH) is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

The Psalmist now moves us into the holy city to the temple, the gathering of the people of God.  This encompasses both the old city and now the new Jerusalem. We have now been so completely surrounded by God's goodness and grace that we enter his gates with a new sense of thanksgiving, because of all the areas of our sensory systems have been engaged.   In fact, the Psalmist includes the eternal qualities of God that illuminate still further, our volume of thanksgiving.  Notice: The Lord is "good" so much so that "his love endures forever."  Think about it.  He is so permeating that his "faithfulness" is not wavering or capricious, but it "continues through all generations."

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit, indwelling the Christian today is so powerful and without comprehension that we can sing songs of thanksgiving in a jail of persecution like the Apostle Paul, or waiting in a dungeon like Joseph of old when we have been accused unjustly.  We can look beyond the darkness of the moment to his light, his hope and his coming glorified kingdom.  Sing with thanksgiving with joy in mind and heart and spirit, because "we are more than conquerors through him who loves us."

IV. Great Thoughts on Thanksgiving- 

1. The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart.(Plutarch)

2. Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. (Henry Ward Beecher)

3. O Lord, who lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.(Shakespeare)

4. A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.(Cicero)

OCTOBER EDITION... 2017

INTRODUCTION: The month of October is an interesting month in may ways. In most of the continental United States the leaves are or have reached their full color of fall.  Furthermore, the temperatures have changed enough to let us know cooler whether is coming.  There are some interesting facts about October that we can share in this issue.  By far these just scratch the surface of all the many important facts and trivia of this interesting month.  Here are a few:
1. The birth flower of October is the calendula.
2. On October 4, 1957 the first artificial satellite was launched by the Soviet Union.
3. On October 5, 1947 the first presidential telecast address from the White House was made by President Harry S. Truman.
4. On October 12, 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in America.
5. On October 18, 1867 The U.S. flag was formally raised over Alaska.
   
    This month has several national month designations.
1. National Cookie Month.
2. National Chilli Month.
3. National Pizza Month.
4. Lupus Awareness Month.
5. National Seafood Month.

I. Digging-Deeper:  (Origins of the Congregational Church in North America).

    In our month study of denominations, especially in the United States, we find as time goes on a mark difference in their counterparts in Europe.  The American experience and experiment changed everything on this side of the Atlantic.  An excellent example of this will be the Congregational Churches.  They are a part of the earliest colonial experience in North America.  The first noted congregation is found in Leyden, Massachusetts.  On Christmas day 1620 the Pilgrims leave for North America with William Brewster as leader.  It will not be until 1629 that a Congregational minister by the name of Ralph Smith will come and serve the congregants the Lord Supper.
    Eventually a noted colony is established known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  They represent a large migration of approximately twenty thousand people between decades of the 1630's and 1640's. One quarter of these colonist are Puritan of congregational belief.  Uniquely, in New England there are strong ties between Church and State.  Not until 1834 due we see a change in this situation.  Since their inception, the minister's salaries were paid by public taxes.  In this perceived uniformity there were two noted dissenters, Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams.
    The Congregational tradition were interested in education of their people and those among whom they lived.  This was true in America by founding the University at Harvard (1636), Yale (1701) and Dartmouth (1769).  As migration west continued into the nineteenth century Congregationalist could be found in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.  Their churches were interested in a "Plan of Union" in which churches of similar tradition could share resources.  They did this in 1801. Later we will see a uniting of Congregationalist, Liberals, and Unitarians into one camp.  Eventually we will see a union between Univeralist and Unitarians.  By 1825 the Unitarians organize the "American Unitarian Association"  eventually becoming the "Unitarian Univeralist Association"(1960).  As the pressure to unite with various groups, the remaining Congregationalist who considered themselves trinitarian(believing in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) joined with other like traditions on the American landscape.  In New England and in other sections of America, representatives of the early Restoration Movement including the O'Kelly Succession (Virginia), New England groups composed of Elias Smith, Abner Jones Freewill Baptists, plus the Christian Connection of Barton W. Stone merged as the Christian Church (1820's).  Eventually, they will merge with the Congregational Churches in 1931 calling themselves the Congregational Christian Churches.  These will unite again with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches in 1959 to become The United Church of Christ.

II. Did You Know? (Communion or the Lord's Supper as a Sunday Observance)

     I have noticed that many institutions in our culture have strict rules of procedure which guide that company, university, college or even military protocol.  How much more should we seek the Biblical protocol of  Apostolic Precedent in regards to the Lord's Supper.  When the early Christians met they did so to remember the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for the sins of the world.  Thus, the example of the Lord's Day, or the day that belongs to or is signified special in remembrance to the Lord. The indications of Biblical example would be, (Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:2; and Rev. 1:10).  Moreover, besides the precedent of Biblical examples, we see secular and Early Church Fathers noting that the Christian Community in their exercise of worship around the Lord's Table was on a fixed day as well established. Here are a few examples:

1. Governor Gaius Pliny: In his writing to the Roman Emperor Trajan regarding criminal elements in the empire and those who do not exhibit these traits.  Christians were among the latter.  In A.D. 112 he wrote: "...It was their custom to meet on a fixed day before daylight."

2. Justin Martyr: In writing in defense of the faith, dating about A.D. 110-138, recorded: "...On the day named after the sun, we hold a meeting on one place for all who live in the cities or the country near by...We all choose Sunday for our communal gathering because it the first day...and because Jesus, our Healing Savior, rose from the dead on the same day..." (First Apology: pp. 224-25).
3. Ignatius of Antioch: Wrote from A.D.100-105.  He noted "...Those who have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observe the Sabbath, but living in the Observance of the Lord's Day... Let every friend of Christ keep the Lord's Day as a festival, the resurrection day, queen and chief of all days..."
    So let us who "hold forth the Word of Life" find ourselves in unity with our spiritual fathers who found the Lord's Day and the observance of the Lord's Table a special week observance weekly.

III. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT: (A Sermon Outline- "Seven Secrets To Spiritual Success)  

Text: Luke 5: 1-11

Introduction: All of us in our lives want to be successful.  If you doubt this, look at the business section in any bookstore and see all the self-help sources. When we examine scripture we see God through His Church bring a whole new definition to what may entail success.  Let us look at this early miracle by Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Gallilee and see some significant principles that will give us spiritual success in Biblical terms.

I. Accept the Reality of the Limitations of Human Efforts and Plans.

    The familiar surroundings of these Galilean fishermen gave them the steady confidence to do their work.  However, on this occasion Peter,  Andrew, James and John did all they knew to do and still came up empty in their fishing venture.  In our lives we soon learn that our best efforts may fall far short. In fact, God may and often uses our failures to mold and teach us in His classroom. We must learn to trust Him in those private moments and ask, "Lord, what are you trying to teach me through this situation?"  See struggles as a learning experience and opportunity to see God at work.

II. Trust the Word of Jesus Even If It Doesn't Make Sense. Even If you Feel Like a Failure-
    How do you think these fishermen felt, taking advice from a carpenter turned preacher?  They knew fishing and that was their business.  However, there was something already in his manner and teaching that Peter replied, "...at your word..."  At this point in the story it did not make sense to him, but they obeyed.   Just like us, some things in life do no always make sense when it comes to the spiritual dimension, but we are wise to obey the word of the Lord.  "All things work together for our good..."

III. Be Willing To Take Risks. Step out in Faith and Make Faith the Verb That It Is.-
    When Jesus asked them to go, he told them into "deeper water."  Yes, every great enterprise requires that we take risks.  I have been a preacher and educator for many years now and when we have had to move, we sought the Lord and it was not always a clear path, but it was a known, prayerful path. There is an old hymn we used to sing in the Church, "If Jesus Goes With Me I'll Go, Anywhere."

IV. Persevere Even Through Disappointment and Fatigue.-
    These fishermen were tired, they had fished all night.  Think about it.  They anticipated, focused in the dark but only to see empty nets.  They were discouraged but were willing by faith in the words of Jesus to try one more time.

V.  Remember the Importance of Teamwork.-
    When success came, they all had to share in the burden that nearly sink their boat.  Since Jesus was the ultimate focus, it did not matter who received the glory.  The old acrostic worked again, TEAM-Together, Everyone, Achieves, More.

VI. Observe, God Can Give Us More Than We Ask Or Imagine.
     This fishing expedition was "Epic."  I am sure long after the Apostles were gone and may of their ancestors inherited the fishing business, stories were still being told about this and God's Grace through Jesus Christ.  Yes, remember, our God delights in surprising us. (Read Ephesians 3:20)

VII. In All Else, Be Humble in Your Success.-
    Peter did not take credit for this success, but was in awe and overwhelmed by Jesus.  Because he knew the fishing business, he knew that there was and would never be another day like this.  Peter came face to face with his own unworthiness.  We to, realize this the more we work in the kingdom of God.  Paul noted a team effort and success in I Corinthians when he said, "God gave the increase."

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IV. QUOTES AND NOTES...      ( Fourteen Blessings From Waiting On God)

1. Salvation- (Gen. 49:18; Ps. 62:1) Always more in scripture-
2. Daily Provision and Necessities- (Ps. 104:18-27;  145:14-15)
3. Instruction in His Word for Wisdom- (Ps. 25:2-4); 106: 13)
4. Answers to prayer- (Ps. 25:21; 40: 1-3)
5. Courage- (Ps. 27:14; 31:24)
6. Protection and Help- (Ps. 33:18-22)
7. Inheritance- (Ps. 37:7-9; 34)
8. Hope- (Ps. 130: 5-6)
9. Justice- (Isa. 26:8-9; 30:18)
10. Renewed Strength- (Isa. 40:31)
11. Blessings- (Isa. 30: 18; 64:4)
12. Boldness- (Isa. 49:23)
13. Goodness of God- (Lam. 3:25)
14. Power from the Holy Spirit- (John 16: 8-15; Acts 1; Acts 2:38 ff.)

Note: The fruit of the spirit provides all of these and more.  Allow Christ to be LORD and you will be surprised how your life and mine will fall together in Peace and Joy and Blessing.

Here is a great Benediction from II Thessalonians 2:16-17: "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." (NIV)  Have a great and God blessed October!!

SEPTEMBER EDITION... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE-  

                                                                                                                                 by Dr. Keith J. Wise

Introduction: Here we go again, September.  Now this is a visible month of transitions in that a real series of changes can be seen in the flora and fauna of our environments throughout most of the continental United States. Many of our population are home from vacations and excepting that first weekend of September when families take their last fling, the entirety of the country is either in school or getting ready to enter school.  On the recreational side we see football, jackets and routines. Special events on the calendar include, Labor Day in which we celebrate the labor of an industrious population. Some obscure but important days in September are Grandparents Day and Patriot Day as we begin the month in visible motion. Later the calendar notes the Autumnal equinox(Sept.22) or the day before the Jewish Feast of Rosh Hashanah or literally the day of shouting or blasting.  Christians will sometimes note this as the "Feast of Trumpets" or the beginning of the Jewish New Year.  Yom Kippur comes a week later on September 30.  This is noted in Judaism as the "day of atonement."

Digging Deeper- (Origins of the Baptist Church- A History of Denominations)

As we have already noted in our various studies, churches repelling off of the Protestant Reformation began to take various forms in describing themselves.  The Baptist Church in Europe finds its origins in the 16th and 17th centuries.  Basically speaking, they emerge from three groups and primarily in England and the Netherlands.  First, there were the "Separatist" who spoke out against the Anglican Church in England in the late 16th century.  Second, were the "Anabaptist."  By 1525 they had rejected "infant baptism" and many of their splinter groups that expressed eccentric worship services had become marginalized or disappeared. They were known to the reformers as "radical reformers."  Finally, the last group that will comprise the Baptist denomination will be the Mennonites.  They emerge from the Roman Catholic Priest, Menno Simons.)  He dissented major Catholic teaching and withdrew from the Roman Church.  By 1536 he came in contact with Anabaptist but wasn't as dogmatic in his viewpoints as the Anabaptist.
The First Baptist Congregation: A "Separatist" congregation in Gainsborough in Lincolnshire England found itself led by John Smythe (1570-1612).  A graduate of Cambridge University, he became a minister during the reign of James I who was pro-Catholic.  In 1608 to avoid persecution, Smythe and the congregation migrated to Amsterdam in the Netherlands.  Here they came in contact with similar minded Mennonites.  Furthermore, Smythe and 37 others, influenced by Anabaptist and Mennonites had himself and his flock baptized by "affusion" or "pouring."  In 1609 the first Baptist congregation was organized.  Its theology was "Arminian" from Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) who opposed the Calvinist theology of "Predestination."  Those who embraced this view in the Baptist circle were known as "General Baptist."
    The Baptist were at a period of consolidation and dissension in their theology and their views in a number of areas. For instance, there were the already described "General Baptist" who held that the sacrifice of Christ was universal and available to all men.  Another branch of the Baptist were known as "Particular Baptist."  This group said the atonement of Christ was for a limited and select "chosen" persons or group of "the elect."  By 1611 in the group think of the Baptist, two leaders emerged in the discussions.  First, John Smythe and Thomas Helwys (1575-1616) in their profession of faith as "General Baptist" drew up a systematic "confession" called A Declaration of Faith of English People Remaining At Amsterdam in Holland."  With the changes in monarchy in England, Helwys will take a small group back to England. In a timeline we see several interesting developments: 1638- The first "Particular Baptist" congregation is started with a subsequent controversy over Calvinism and Predestination.  They will split and be lead by a Calvinist leader by the name of John Spilsbury.  1641- Baptist congregations in various places begin to practice "immersion" as their form of baptism and consequently receive the name "Immersion Baptist."  Between 1640-1660   the Baptist will have considerable growth in England.  They come under direct persecution between 1660 -1689 until the Act of Toleration (1689) in England.
As an overview, the Baptist in England and elsewhere processed and developed three confessions of Faith. 1.) "A Confession of Faith of Seven Congregations or Churches of Christ in London." (1644) 2.) The "Confession of Somerset"  held by sixteen congregations of the Baptist in 1656. 3.) Finally in 1688 a confession simply called several names that had a trans-Atlantic flair emerged: "Confession of 1688" "London Confession" or the "Philadelphia Confession of Faith."   By 1693 a Catechism  was prepared by two scholars among the Baptist:  they were William Collins and Benjamin Keats which reflected a kinship with the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  In America, we are familiar with Roger Williams who established himself in Rhode Island, originally a colony but finally became a state in later times of the American Revolution.
In America as the United States progressed, the Baptist were torn asunder by other issues of the times as were other groups.   For instance they were divided by the issue of Slavery and their Structural Organization.  In 1845 the Baptist in eight southern states organized the Southern Baptist Convention.  In 1907 the Northern Baptist organized with the name the Northern Baptist Convention.  By 1950 the Northern Baptist called themselves the American Baptist Convention.  As we will see with other groups in America, a proliferation of groups and conventions will emerge on the American Continent reflecting the ardent independence and ideas of these groups, shaped by the frontier.
The Baptist in American today are basically composed of: Southern Baptist, National Baptist Convention of America, National Baptist Convention of the USA Inc., American Baptist Convention, General and Freewill Baptist, and the Baptist Alliance of North America.  There may be more organized groups at this writing from Independents Baptist onward, but I have no documentation.

Did You Know? (answers at the bottom of page)
1. Who erected his own gravestone?(II Samuel 18:18)
2. Who made lime from a king's skeleton? (Amos 2:1)
3. Who put a wet blanket on a king and killed him? (II Kings 8:15 RV)
4. What two Hebrews were embalmed by Egyptians? (Gen. 50:2 and Gen. 50:26)
5. Who was the first of the twelve disciples to be murdered? (Acts 12:1-2)

Nuggets of Nourishment: A Sermon- Giving LivingG
Text: Luke 6:38

Introduction: One of the greatest accomplishments of any human life is to develop a "giving" attitude in every dimension of living.  An attitude that sees God able and ready to do more than we can ask or think is abundant in scripture.   We have a limited attitude in every aspect of life, but God does not. (Illust: There was a time when man believed he could not go any faster than 35 mph. or the air would be sucked out of his lungs and he would die.  This seems strange to us today).  Look at Paul's benediction to the church at Ephesus in Ephesians 3:20: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever...Amen."  I personally believe that there are at least three principles if developed and cultivated that will bring an abundance of blessing in life, attitude and peace of mind.

I. RECOGNIZE GOD AS OUR SOURCE- If we will see God as our source both materially and spiritually we will prosper.  (Illust.) In the second century of the church there developed a heresy known as "dualism."  It taught that there was a difference between the physical and spiritual realms.  It proudly proclaimed that all things physical were evil and only spiritual entities were good. (Gnostic heresy)  Jesus and his disciples never taught this.  The first century church taught there was a danger of allowing the material realm to become more important by placing it first. But Jesus and His disciples taught the principle of "balance" in all things. Money is not wrong, but the "love" of money make us "imbalanced" before God.  The Bible would have us see material objects as controlled by a spiritual mind with balance. In Luke 12:15, Jesus told the disciples to take heed that "...for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."  Therefore, as Christians we are to practice "verticalism" or looking to God, while living out our life in service to man in "horizontalism."  Man is to see our good works, "but glorify the father in heaven."

II. WE MUST GIVE TO GET OR PLANT TO GROW-  God illustrates this in the ecosystem of planet earth.  Rain falls to earth bringing nourishment and sustenance to the planet.  Then it evaporates and moves along in the weather systems to recycle again.  Even in the death of animals and plants it is recycled.  Are you lonely?  Help someone...you will not be lonely any longer.  Volunteer at your church or community agency and you will find true friends in most cases.  Gives your tithes and offerings to the local church, the "storehouse" of the New Testament.  All this and more will return to you in due time.  Notice again, that we give to get to give again.  James hits the nail on the head for the Christian in our age when he tells us the reason we don't receive is because to fail to ask then when we receive we selfishly use our seed and "heep it on ourselves."  (Illust. Jesus tell us in scripture that  "corn" can not multiply until it dies.  When it is planted that kernel or as we see it in America corn on the cob,(it was different in the New Testament times), in a sense dies to allow its "germ" to "germinate."  That one kernel produces a stalk which in turn produces many ears of corn to feed many more people.)  We can keep our wealth to ourselves but it will produce less than if we sow it to the Lord, give it to missions, help someone in the church or community without their knowledge etc.  Only in Christ can death bring LIFE.

III. EXPECT GOD TO DO SOME GREAT THINGS WITH OUR GIVING LIVING -  If we believe God's Word is true we can put these principles into practice and see great results.  Why don't  we practice them?
1. As human beings we have a hard time waiting on the Lord and His economy.  We only structure our thinking in terms of blessing materially.  Ironically, we face two dangers in  this regard as we sow and reap.
     a) Covetousness and Worry- The various versions have a number of things to say to us.  The Jews taught that defilement came from "without" ourselves.  Jesus however, said that one is defile from "within." (Mark 7)  An illustration of this is the Rich Young Ruler who had "many possessions" and he wanted material wealth more than eternal life. Besides being a sly sin, covetousness is idolatry.(Col. 3:5)  The Apostle John warns the early Christians, "...keep yourselves from idols." (I John 5)

     b) Covetousness tends to cloud the uncertainty of life and certainty of death.

2. Covetousness tends to cause disobedience which fosters defeat. (Illust.) Remember the story of Achan in Joshua 7:20-21.  The children of Israel were commanded not to take anything our of the city of Jericho.  Achan did and it cause defeat for Joshua at Ai.  In the New Testament Paul instructs Timothy to the Christian community, "...People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." (I Tim. 6:9)

3. Covetousness is a tactic denial of God's care. (Job 31:24-28)  Paul again to the Hebrew Christians will simply say "...Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have..." (Hebrews 13:5)

CONCLUSION: Read the lyrics to the old hymn..."God Will Take Care of You"

A FEW THOUGHTS:

   "...Just because things go wrong is no indication that you must go with them."

   Attitude: "Selfishness makes Christianity a burden; love makes it a delight." Amen

(Answers to "Did You Know?" above.)

1. Absalom-

2. Moab, Amos 2:1- That is, the Moabites did, see chapters one and two as Amos personifies the neighboring tribes in order to make vivid his condemnation of them.

3. Hazael killed king Ben-hadad.

4. Jacob (Israel) and Joseph-

5. James- 

AUGUST EDITION... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...   by Dr. Keith Wise

                                                                                                            

I. Introduction: The month of August is another one of those transitions months.  In America the month is full of last opportunities for family vacations, cleaning up from family projects around the house, and getting most families ready for school in the fall.  Household gardens are usually harvested and in rural areas of the country the agrarian machine will begin to look at its bottom line.  Soon, the fall harvest will be coming.  However, lets not get ahead of ourselves.  August is still the time to relax and enjoy those warm summer evenings with the family and friends and reflect without a time schedule hanging over your head.

II. Digging Deeper... (History of Denominations) Presbyterianism
    We have been looking at the history of various denominations in Christendom.  Our July issue dealt with the Reformed Movement.  One of the new expressions of this movement of the Reformation was the Presbyterian Church.  Generally speaking, its theology is "Reformed" but its character is different as expressed in its founding by John Knox (1505-1572).  Most historical theologians see its various tentacles of influence being addressed to give a proper "context."
    By the early part of the 16th century Luther's reformation ideas began to enter Scotland.  It influenced the lower nobility which was in a struggle with the monarchy.  The controversies were at first and foremost over the landed control.  The monarchy was stridently Roman Catholic while the lower nobility began to embrace the new Reformation ideas and theology.  James V(1513-1542) King of Scotland, tied himself to the French Monarchy which was strongly Roman Catholic.  There came about by the 16th century a  move to ban Luther's writings.  It was however too late.  By 1528, a reformed preacher by the name of Patrick Hamilton preached a series of fiery sermons full of reformation ideas which had mass appeal.  Subsequently, he was tried as a heretic and burned at the stake.  But another, some say more articulate voice, came from a man by the name of George Wishart.(1513-1546)  He was Scottish but had studied in Geneva under Calvin.  In 1533-34, he returned to Scotland and like Hamilton was tried as a heretic and burned at the stake in 1546. Now enters John Knox.  Let us consider his background and drama.
    In short, Knox was a disciple of Wishart.  He was born of peasant stock and studied theology at Glasgow.  He was ordained as a Catholic Priest and also taught from that perspective.  As time went on, he was heavily influenced by Reformation Theology.  In reprisal for Wishart's execution, Knox and a number of his friends captured and killed Cardinal Beaton in 1547.  The result of this was that Knox and the others were captured and spent nineteen months on a French galley ship.  They were eventually released and go to England.  Here under Mary (Catholic Queen) Knox is appointed as Chaplin of the Royal Court.  Eventually, Queen Mary is expelled and Knox becomes a part of those English Catholics known as "Marian Exiles."  As an exile, Knox will travel to Frankfort, Germany then to Geneva to study Greek and Hebrew.  Reconciled to the Reformation theology, he will by 1559, return to Scotland and become a leader of Scottish Reformation.  With the consolidation of other countries attune with the reformation ideas, John Knox encourages an alliance of Scotland and England with their now similar majority Protestant views.  By August of 1560 the Roman Catholic Church was abolished and there was a general acceptance of the Presbyterian Faith.  Knox will produce along with five others the first book of discipline.  Significantly, Knox will be the only reformer to write a history of this aspect of the reformation as it was taking place.  This work was called, History of the Reformation of Religion Within the Realm of Scotland.
     Without noting all the transactions of historical content, Scotland in the 17th century was caught up in the widening controversies of Church Government.  The conflict between the Episcopal and Presbyterian form of Church government led to many unnecessary political and religious bouts. By the 18th century, the Scottish church found itself in numerous divisions within itself.  As Scots moved to the North America and other areas of the British Empire they influenced any number of religious and social movements.  By 1969 they were the fifth largest denomination in the United States encompassing ten different groups who embraced the Presbyterian tradition.  Today in the early part of the 21st century, this major denomination is much diminished and is less white in ethnicity and outreach.

III. Comic Relief-    (SIGNS ON VARIOUS DOORS AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS)

1. In a Podiatrist's Office: "Time Wounds all Heels."

2. On a Plumber's Truck: "Don't Sleep with a Drip... Call Your Plumber."

3. At a Towing Company: "We Don't Charge an Arm and a Leg... We Want Tows!"

4. On a Taxidermist's Window: "We Really Know Our Stuff."

5. In a Veterinarian's Waiting Room: "Be Back In Five Minutes... Sit!  Stay!"

6. In the Front Yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive Carefully... We'll Wait."


IV. Nuggets of Nourishment- A Sermon from Acts-
   
     A. Title: A Sermon Worth Waiting For...

          Text: Acts 2:14-41

          Introduction: Newness is always exciting.  We all like new shoes, new cars, new whatever we survey or purchase.  However, with "newness" comes new realities.  So it was with the beginnings of the New Covenant begun by Jesus and the purchase price of His blood. Peter had been told he would be given the "keys" to the kingdom which we call the Church.  It was over the preparation of centuries by God Himself and completed in the gospel by Christ's death,burial and resurrection.  Now it needed transmitted supernaturally. Here on the Jewish day of Pentecost, Peter will use the first key by the power of the Holy Spirit to preach a new reality in the new covenant to bless the world with the Church, founded by Christ and build upon Him alone. Lets look into this great revelation of Peter, a sermon worth waiting. What then did he preach?

I. Peter Preached a Powerful Message- (vs.14-35)
      -He told them Plainly who Jesus was from scripture: This list included Son of God, God in the flesh, Heaven's promise, the Savior of mankind.
      -He was the Promised Messiah of Old Testament.
      -He told them Powerfully who Jesus was eternally. (Lord and Christ) vs.36

II. He Preached a Prominent Message- (see cross references)
      -It was a message of Prophecy- (Isaiah 53:4-5)
      -It was a message of Promise- (Rom.15:8, Acts 13:23)
      -It was a message of Purpose- (Heb. 9:11-14)

III. He Preached a Plain Message- (vs.37-41)
      -He preached Christ Crucified-
      -He preached Christ Sanctified-
      -He preached Christ Glorified-

Conclusion: This message produced the body of Christ the Church.  This community since then can be seen through at least seven functions: 1. Spiritual Formation- 2. Evangelism- 3. Recreation- 4. Volunteerism- 5. International Mission Efforts- 6. A Caring Community- 7. Extended Compassion

V. Quotes of Quality...

1. "The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a noble purpose."

2. "Conceit is a closer companion of ignorance than of learning..."

3. A preacher's sayings: "Subtract from another's unhappiness...Multiply the joy of sharing and Divide the good things that come your way..."

4. How to stay ignorant: Be satisfied with your own opinions and content with your own knowledge. (Elbert Hubbard)

5. 'Tis looking downward that makes one dizzy..." (Robert Browning)

6. "When men speak ill of thee, live so that nobody will believe them..." (Plato)

7. An old Proverb: "Swallowing angry words is much easier than having to eat them..."
       

JULY EDITION... (2017)

I. Month of Freedom... July

    July is the month of "summer vitality" as the poets call it.  Crops are growing in the field, families are vacationing, and people are generally enjoying the summer with no school for the children.  But as a nation, it is time for us to celebrate the 4th of July.  It has been noted in many ways, but it is celebrated with the date, July 4, 1776, when the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the thirteen colonies broke their colonial relationship with Great Britain.   Later, after the American Revolution,  it would note the inauguration of George Washington as our first President, which some have said we acknowledge as America our "Our American Birthright."

II. THE CHURCH'S JOURNEY ... THE REFORMED TRADITION...

   We have have been talking about the journey of the Church in a rather limited but informational framework.  Since we are in the west, we tend to see it from our own perspective of "denominations," and this is the path we have taken.  We have reflected on the Roman Catholic tradition, the Lutheran Church as documenting the Protestant Reformation, and now we will see the ripples of Luther's writings and commentary, produce yet another version of the Reformation.

    Church historians look to Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin as the founders and leaders of the Reformed Movement within the Protestant Reformation.  Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) was born in Switzerland.  He graduated from the University of Vienna and the University of Basel.  He was interested in classic languages, music, and theology.  In 1506 he graduated with a Masters degree and entered the priesthood the same year. Eventually he will become a Chaplin in the Swiss Guard who were assigned to the Pope and the Papal Court.  The politics of this religio-military unit proved too much for Ulrich, since they were at this point, rented out to other monarchs of Europe.  Being disillusioned by such actions, Ulrich denounced the Pope and became ever increasingly critical of the church.
    By 1519 he was reassigned as the parish priest in Zurich, Switzerland.  Technically, the government of Switzerland at this time was called, "The League of Upper Germany."  There were by this period, thirteen Cantons or states in this confederation.
    While Ulrich was in Zurich, he observed the selling of indulgences and denounced the practice.  Interestingly, with his influence, he encouraged the government to stop the sale.  At some time in this period, he hears and reads the works and writings of Luther.  Consequently, he became more outspoken in such areas as fasting, private confession, monasticism, and boldly rejects celibacy.  He became obsessed with influences on the laity by the church.  He therefore, denounces the use of images, and pictures and is opposed to the use of instruments in worship.  He continued to broaden and extend his influence and the government supported his various moves.  Through the government he furthermore was able to take action by the removal of all pictures, statutes, candles and organs.  Altars were removed in the churches with their ornamental structures and replaced by a simple table, to be used as the Lord's Table.  He ordered the bones of the "saints" to be buried and changed the use of communion by permitting the congregants to partake in "both kinds"; meaning the bread and the cup. Scripture was translated into the language of the common people.  These ideas, being spread governmentally, were seen as a more official activity of the church as it combined its interest with the state. Therefore, they were spread into other Cantons in  Switzerland and southern Germany.
    By 1530, Charles V, monarch of the Holy Roman Empire, orders these reformers to present a document presenting their "beliefs."  Zwingli and a board of scholars responded with what was called the "Confessio Tetrapolitana" or a defense in three parts.
    As the Protestant Reformation progressed, its leaders among Luther and Zwingli brought about a strident number of differences.  Here are listing of a few of these differences:
1. Zwingli would use government to enact reforms, while Luther, seeing the state as a legitimate force, felt the propagation of ideas would bring reform through reason.
2. Zwingli felt the church should be active in political affairs as he will illustrate by eventually dying while leading an army against catholic forces.  Luther on the other hand, was not active in politics or government.
3. Their major difference was in the area of a "Sacramental Controversy."  Zwingli saw the Lord's Supper as simply "symbolic" in its significance, while Luther and his followers produced the now noted "Consubstantiation," that stated the Lord was present in, under, and with the elements of communion or the Lord's Supper.

John Calvin: (Jean Cauvin)- (1509-1564)-  The other noted figure of  the reformed movement of the Protestant Reformation was John Calvin.  He was born in Paris and his father was a secretary to one of the Bishops of the Roman Church.  At age twelve John received a "benefice" or a grant to further his education, eventually being obligated to enter the priesthood.  The chronology of his life seems to move quickly at this point.  In 1523 he enter the University of Paris to enter the priesthood. In 1528 he changes his major to study law with a decided propensity to argue positions and the validity of these positions.  In 1533  a new Rector by the name of Nicholas Cop came to the university.  As was customary at this time, gifted students helped the Rector in his inauguration speech.  Calvin fills this speech at a Catholic University, with "reformation ideas" especially the concept of "grace."  This would not do for the standing of the university. Due to this controversy Calvin leaves in 1534.  By 1535 he is drawn to Basel, Switzerland a hotbed of reformation communities.  Here he is influenced by Luther's ideas and writings. In 1536 he writes his first version of the now famous, Institutes of the Christian Religion.  It will later be revised in 1556 and 1559.
    Without too much detail, this work was defined in four areas: God the Father, God the Redeemer, God the Holy Spirit, the Church.  Generally speaking, Calvin will view the gospels as a set of laws and actively proclaim a lack of distinction between the Old and New Covenants.  Man is "totally depraved" said Calvin, and he can do nothing to respond to God's grace.  Faith must be put "in him" and that response by faith is known as "election" according to John Calvin.
     By 1536 Calvin leaves Basel and moves to Geneva in the Canton of Vaud.  Between the years 1538 and 1541 Calvin will travel to Strasbourg, serve as a pastor to a congregation and returns to Geneva when the government becomes more lenient.  With his now noted reformation writings and ideas he is asked to specifically lead in the reformation government in Geneva. As a leader, Calvin will compose a series of laws to regulate the church by 1541.  These "Ecclesiastical Ordinances" as he called them, divided Geneva in twelve parts, one for each Elder which were to visit, as shepherds, each family in their area at least once a year.  The twelve Elders plus the pastors made up the "Consistory" of the church.
     By 1549 the western and eastern reformers merged in Switzerland with a concept of proper "propagation" of this Reformed version of the reformation.  Calvin believed profoundly that the ministers of the reformed movement should have a "formal" education.  To this end he will establish in Geneva the Genevan  Academy.  Here the curriculum consisted of Classical Languages, French, Logic, Theology, and Philosophy.  Accordingly then, the reformation faith of Calvin, distinguished by the concept of "Predestination" went forth and spread. The Reformed Church then spread into southern Germany and became the German Reformed Church, to the east into Bohemia and Hungary they became known as the Hungarian Reformed Church, and into France as groups began to title themselves as Huguenots.  In the Netherlands these Reformed Churches took the title of Dutch Reformed Churches.
John Knox a noted reform leader would leave Geneva and move to Scotland where he founded the Presbyterian Churches, with a reformed tradition.  All of these churches of the Reformed tradition will establish nuances of the theology of Predestination and Election as noted by Calvin and later leaders in this denominational tradition.

III. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Liberation Sermon for the 4th...

Title: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom-

Text: II Corinthians 3: 17

Introduction: We tend as Americans to think of liberty and liberation as a series of political movements.  That may be a narrow perspective, but the foundation of true liberation comes from the soul being set free from sin and its consequences. John will declare, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (Jn. 8:36) So let us consider this "Liberty" as King James puts it, or Freedom in other translations.  

I. A Declaration of It's Source-  Paul as an inspired Apostle was careful with his theology.  He believed in the full Godship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and their place in the life of the believer. Here he boldly proclaims, "Now the Lord is the Spirit..."  In other words, the Holy Spirit as it works and does its important function of conviction, correction and sealing us in our salvation produces power is God. Theologians throughout history have attempted to give to the Godhead certain characteristics.  These of course, fall short of explaining the work and natural presence of God in the world and in the universe. God just is...and the Holy Spirit as Lord is... beyond definition. We see its result and effect by looking through spiritual eyes.  Thus our praise and thanksgiving.

II. A Durability of It's Quality-  With the Holy Spirit coming into the world with power on the day of Pentecost and the birth of the Church, new horizons are and have been present for two thousand years. One of the most durable truths and realities of this eternal "liberation" of man from sin is through Christ's death, burial and resurrection which is the certified true "Freedom."   Illust: My mother use to tell the story of the ecstasy of relief at the end of WWII.  We see it in old black and white newsreels today, the famous kissing of the sailor and nurse in Time Square and so on.  But my mother said this was such a relief for the whole country that words could not express it.  The men and women would be returning, death on a  wholesale level would end.  Although this was temporary, our freedom and liberation from sin is eternal because of Christ.  We see great dividends in the lives of people every day.  This liberation or liberty of the soul is grand and glorious and has eternal consequences.

...We have been set free from A. The Penalty of Sin...
B. The Curse of Sin...
C. The Power of Sin...
... We have been Freed to... A. Serve the Lord in Freedom...
B. Share the Gospel in Love...
C. Free Ourselves from Ourselves... because He is Lord and we are His servants in Freedom.
WHY?  "...where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

IV. QUOTE FOR FREEDOM... RELYING ON GOD...

        A Prayer for the United States of America... (by Peter Marshall(1902-1949) Former Chaplin of the Congress of the United States.

God our Father, we pray that the people of America, who have made such progress in material things, may now seek to grow in spiritual understanding.  For we have improved means, but have not improved ends.  We have better ways of getting there, but we have no better places to go.  We can save more time, but are not making any better use of the time we save. 

We need Thy help to do something about the world's true problems--- the problem of lying, which is called propaganda; the problem of selfishness, which is called self-interest; the problem of greed, which is often called profit; the problem of license, disguising itself as liberty; the problem of lust, masquerading as love; the problem of materialism, the hook which is baited with security.

Hear our prayers, O Lord, for the spiritual understanding which is better than political wisdom, that we may see our problems for what they are.  This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

JUNE EDITION... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...

                                                    by Dr. Keith J. Wise

INTRODUCTION: June is the month of Father's Day, Flag Day and historically the month of weddings and graduations.  We won't cover all these in this issue but will attempt to give some interesting trivia on Father's Day and Flag Day. We will continue some insights into Church History and some apologetic material to help you "give an answer to those who ask." The sermon outline will enhance the preaching and teaching for individuals who choose to use them. As we enter a busy month of planting, nurturing and anticipation of the harvest, may God bless us.  This cycle is not only applicable to the physical world but also to the spiritual world. Introspection is always welcome at this juncture.What is the seed in your hand? What are you doing in daily life to enhance your future harvest and ultimately, eternity?  The intention of this blog is to help you to understand your impact as an individual Christian in light of the fleeting days of your life.. Beloved, make every day count for the Lord..."work for the night is coming, when men work no more."

DIGGING DEEPER... Some Insights to Church History...(Denominations)

This Post provides some overviews to Church history. It is an intentional desire to foster understanding of how we have arrived at this current stance in the western Church.  Please understand, the church in the world is much larger and  equally significant as the church which exists in the United States or Europe.  The imperative then, is to look at major developments and consider their impact on both of these facets of the Church universal. This blog has  briefly covered the rise of the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox tradition in light of their varied views.  Now  consideration will be given to the historical context in which the Lutheran Church  emerges from the larger study of the Protestant Reformation.  Long before the 16th century, there were already anti-clerical and anti-organized church protests.  These forms of protest centered around church doctrines that had transmuted themselves from the simplicity of the New Testament teaching, and the corruption of the clergy(or church government).  

    Historians and theologians have focused their activity on the 16th century in several movements designated as the Protestant Reformation. This has been primarily noted and documented in the life and impact of German friar and scholar Martin Luther. (1483-1546)  Furthermore, a new dynamic of "new technologies" will spread and energize ideas of the Reformation along with an insatiable hunger for learning.  This phenomina is the scholastic movements of Europe for the common man.

    Martin Luther was born a Roman Catholic. He planned and realized a law career, receiving an A.B. degree in 1502  and a Masters Degree from the University of Erfurt in 1505.  As he returned home from his studies he and his horse traveled through a violent thunder storm. At some point, lightening struck near him and threw him off his horse. For Martin Luther,  this was a monumental event in which he saw a sign from God to preserve and to redirect his life.  This new self evaluation prompts him in 1505 to enter a monastery in the tradition of the Augustinian Order that was considered regular clergy.  Martin Luther became an ordained priest in 1507 and becomes intensely convicted about his sins.  In the Catholic thinking and practice of the time, he fasted often, offered many prayers, and sought to punish his body to abstain from sexual temptation. Wittenberg University was his first appointment where he taught in 1508, In 1510 he was sent to Rome for further teaching and instruction.  While in Rome Luther was shocked by the worldliness and practices of the Roman Church and Papacy.  Luther returned to Germany in 1513 and taught at the University of Erfurt. He later moves on to a vacancy at the University of Wittenberg. Here Luther spent the next decade teaching in particular books of the Bible. During this decade Luther taught the book of Psalms,  the book of Romans, and also the books of Galatians, Hebrews, and Titus.  This is the period in which Martin Luther develops his theology, notably, his profound discovery of Romans 1:17 and Romans 5:1 which he believed taught salvation by Faith alone.  This was a departure from biblical teaching and also came about by his reaction yo the "works" salvation of the Roman Church.

In the flow of significant historical events, other equally significant issues often influence the primary perspective of  a brief study.  During this juncture of Martin Luther's life, a larger series of catalysts emerged which accelerated the development of a profile that would become known as the Protestant Reformation.  First, during this period there was a drive by the Papacy to repair and enlarge St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Archaeologist note that the first building was in A.D. 319.  However, during this period  a larger construction project was started under Pope Julius II (1503-1513) and completed by Pope Leo X (1513-1521). Another considerable influence was the "Black Plague" of the 15th century.  The Roman Church had been in a clergy crisis to fill hierarchical positions in various cities of the Holy Roman Empire. These influences and events come together in our second reason of discord by this following illustration.  Albert of Brandenburg who was the Archbishop of Magdeburg was also the Bishop of Halberstadt; thus holding two offices at once.  This practice of holding two ecclesiastical offices at once was known as "Pluralism."  It was not considered ethical because it tended to corrupt the system of clergy oversight as it was played out in the Roman Church of the day.

In 1514, the Archbishop of Mainz, one of the most prestigious positions to hold in Europe suddenly dies.  In an interesting series of negotiations, Albert of Brandenburg noted above, made it known that he desired this open position as the Archbishop of Mainz.  However, the Pope in the midst of raising money for the new Basilica in Rome told him he would have to "pay" for the office and for the position. Albert suggested 7,000 ducats for the seven sacraments.  The Pope replied that 12,000 ducats was much more appropriate for the twelve Apostles.  They finally reached an agreement for the office of Archbishop of Mainz of 10,000 ducats for the ten commandments of Decalogue.  Albert did not have the monies on hand for the purchase, but was directed to the Papacies primary banking family of the time called the Fuggers.  With permission of the Pope, Albert needed to pay back the loan by selling "Indulgences."  Half of the loan went to help pay toward the building of St. Peter's Basilica and half to repay the Fugger family of Augsburg.  The practice of charging for "Indulgences" had been a minor practice in the Roman Church, but was not considered controversial until this period by its wide and broad use.  An "Indulgence" was the payment of monies for relief of "temporal" sin from Purgatory. Purgatory was the temporary holding place, taught by the Roman Church, for punishment until a person could be released.  An Indulgence "released" the repentent Catholic early because of this donation. The famous "Indulgence Personality" of the day was a priest by the name of Johann Tetzel. He was of the Dominican Order. When Tetzel came to Wittenberg to sell the Indulgences, the people came to Martin Luther to complain.  In October 31, 1517, Luther posted his now famous 95 Theses. In this document he did not directly oppose "Indulgences" but faintly criticized such a practice.  He expressed through this document which he posted on the Wittenberg door, a series of "debatable" practices which he felt needed public exposure. The immediate outcome of this "posting" was to charge Luther as a "Heretic."

In 1518 Luther went on trial in Augsburg under Cardinal Cajetan.  Cajetan after putting Luther under questioning was quoted  saying that "...Luther is irreconcilable to the Church." With all this discussion, numbers of intellectuals within the Roman Church were seeking to find a uniform policy in these controversial matters. Honest scholasticism which had been growing over several centuries stimulated interest in learning and expanding the discussion of ideas. The main vehicle which became a pathway of reaching conclusions in a logical fashion was the model of the debate. In 1519 a famous debate takes place between Johannes von Eck a famous Catholic scholar and Andreas Bodenstein of Karlstadt. This was known as the Debate of Leipzig.  The debate ran from June 27 until July 14 when Luther, who was much more familiar with the language and style of debate, now became the main opponent of  von Eck. Without getting too much into the weeds of this debate, von Eck goaded Luther into saying that the Council of Constance (1414-1418) or the 16th Ecumenical Council  made several decisions that were in error. Among these was the burning at the stake of John Hus the Bohemian protester, an early critic of Roman Catholic teaching and tradition. This debate was won, as history notes, by neither scholar, but aired the new and controversial ideas of Luther.

By 1520, the next year, nothing was still concluded concerning Martin Luther.  Luther on the other hand has become more dynamic in his approach, by the use of publishing his ideas through the new technology of the printing press.  One can not express how important this was to gaining a larger audience of supporters and powerful interests.  He will produce three pamphlets in which he states that the Pope is hiding behind three great walls.  The title of the first pamphlet was Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation.  In this pamphlet he enumerates the following three walls which had been confidently expressed by Rome in the debates and his rebuttal as follows: 1.) Spiritual Powers are Greater than Secular Powers- Luther's counter to this position was that governments were of God and punishments should be carried out by these secular powers. 2.) Only the Pope can properly interpret scripture. Luther responded that if that were purely true, only the Pope should speak and no on else.  Furthermore, this will develop into Luther's instruction on the "Priesthood of all believers." 3.) The third wall proclaimed that "only the Pope could call a church council."  Luther retorted that if one looks at Acts 15 and the Council of Jerusalem, it was called by the Elders and Apostles of the Church.

In likely fashion, Luther aggressively makes twenty seven recommendations to the nobility of Germany to reform the church.  He continued his publishing by producing a pamphlet entitled, The Babylonian Captivity of the Church.  He also wrote a third work called, Freedom of the Christian Man. Following these works a Papal Bull was issued by Pope Leo X which set in motion the later excommunication of Luther from the Roman Catholic Church on October 10, 1520.  He is given sixty days to repent.  On December 10, 1520, Luther publicly burns the Papal Bull along with the canon law.  This he did in the presence of the Wittenberg faculty and students.  Leo X formally excommunicates Luther on January 3, 1521.  Later on April 18, 1521 Luther is ordered to appear before the German Diet of Worms by Charles V the Holy Roman Emperor.  Here he will make his great statement of not recanting his positions unless persuaded by argument from scripture. Charles V denounces Luther "as a true and convicted heretic."  As Luther returned to Wittenberg, he was "abducted" by one of the nobility of the German nation, Prince Frederick the Wise, one of Luther's protectors.  Prince Frederick will take him to an obscure castle called the Wartburg.  There Luther will remain from May 1521 to March 1522, devoting himself to translating the Greek New Testament into German.  Another great player in the Lutheran movement by the name of  Phillip Melanchthon, also known as "the quiet reformer," carried on the principles of Luther's reformation into other parts of Europe.  Again, the proliferation of published material informed a hungry population.

DID YOU KNOW... A FATHER'S DAY LEGACY... A DAY FOR DADS

The impact of fathers has been known for centuries.  Traditionally the backbone and pocketbook of families. Healthy fathers are there in times of crisis to support wives and children.  Recent studies over the last ten years has noted the significant contributions of fathers. 

With these thoughts in mind, and having a wonderful father of her own, Mrs. John Bruce of Spokane, Washington, in 1909 proposed to the Ministerial Association of her city that a day be proclaimed on which to honor fathers.  The association liked the idea and suggested June 6, 1910, a Sunday, as the first official Father's Day.

During Woodrow Wilson's term as President, he gave special recognition to the Spokane observance by pressing a button in Washington which unfurled a great American flag to Spokane, flown on that day especially honoring dads. 

in 1911, Chicago began observing Father's Day, and sincerely believed that the idea was original with the "Windy City."  Two years later, Vancouver, Washington never having heard, apparently, of Spokane's observance, began paying an annual tribute to fathers. 

In 1920, President Calvin Coolidge congratulated Harry Meek, president of the Uptown Lions Club of Chicago, for his "original" idea of honoring fathers each year.  Coolidge wrote that such an observance would "create more interesting relationships between fathers and their children and impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations."

With other cities taking up the idea from time to time, the sentiment for a national Father's Day began to grow.  Twice bills were introduced into Congress, and defeated; but the third time such a bill was successful, and on June 17, 1934, Father's Day was officially proclaimed as a national observance.

Roses remain the appropriate flower for the day except in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, where the dandelion is the Father's Day flower, because "the more it is trampled on, the more it grows."

QUOTES FOR OUR FLAG...

   "Many have laid down their lives for the red, white and blue without thought or hesitation..."

   "When Prussia hurried to the field, and snatched the spear, but left the shield!" (Walter Scott's statement in Marmion:

   "It speaks of equal rights; of the inspiration of free institutions exemplified and vindicated; of liberty under law intelligently conceived and impartially administered..." from What Means This Flag? by Charles Evans Hughes

  "Its a grand old flag its a high flyin flag..." George M. Cohen