1. Unit III

2. Christ’s Resurrection: the Source of Our HOPE
Jesus lives and is present among us today
New life is the promise of the risen Lord
Christ’s resurrection foreshadows the future

3. HOPE As the Basis for the Christian Life of Obedience

4. A “Little Christ” Every Day
Motivations—God who has given his life for us. It is "because" not "so that."
Structures—The 3rd use of the Law.

5. A “Little Christ” Every Day
Adiaphora—those things that are neither commanded nor forbidden in the Bible

6. The “Cruciform” Lifestyle
To be a Christ-bearer means that we must also be a cross-bearer.
Bearing the cross refers to the unique suffering and persecution we deal with as Christian people.

7. The “Cruciform” Lifestyle
The other side of the cross deals with self- denial.
The strength for bearing the cross comes from the Gospel. In that Christ Jesus has born the cross for us, we can bear the cross for him.
He died for us; we'll live for him.

8. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
Prayer is the conversation of the heart, a heart of grace found in Jesus Christ.

9. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
Luther: Where there is a Christian, there is the Holy Spirit, who is always engaged in prayer. Even though the Christian does not continually move his lips to utter words, nevertheless the heart is beating, like arteries and that heart in the body, unceasingly sighing, "O dear Father…".

10. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
As the attacks, trials, and troubles press and crowd harder, also such sighing and begging becomes more urgent, even audible. So, then, you cannot find a Christian who is not always praying, as little as a living person is without a pulse, which never rests, but beats continuously, though the person be sleeping or preoccupied otherwise, so that he is not aware of its beating.

11. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
You don't even need to worry about having the words to pray.

12. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
Tom Rogers: My six year old daughter says, "Dad, I'm thirsty," I know what she wants. I pour her a glass of milk. If she says, "O dearest Father, head of the house and owner of all, who has wonderfully and thoughtfully provided for all my needs these past, providing raiment for my body and food for my stomach, although I am rarely grateful

13. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
wouldst thou, in thy mercy, consider traversing to the rectangular appliance filled with Freon and retrieving the plastic container filled with the fruit of the cow so that I might enjoy it as a libation?" I would still pour her a glass of milk. In fact, if my daughter says "Moo" I pour her a glass of milk.

14. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
I know what my daughter requires. She doesn't need to ask for it in perfect English. It's the same way with our heavenly Father. Our words don’t need to be perfectly anything. We just need to speak and he will hear it.

15. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
Paul uses four different words for prayer:
Requests: Really isn't a strong enough word. The Greek word refers to needing help—now!
Prayers: Highlights to whom we pray and emphasizes the sacred nature of prayer.

16. Prayer and Ministries of Prayer
Paul uses four different words for prayer:
Intercession: Two meanings. Coming to God with the needs of others. Also emphasize the idea of praying with boldness.
Thanksgiving: Appreciation is an essential ingredient of our communication with God. Thanksgiving is a confession of our faith and glorifies God.

17. Mutual Conversation and Consolation

18. Witnessing
90% of the people who come to church do so because a friend or relative brought them.
We cannot choose whether or not to witness. By what we do and say, we are going to make some statement about our Christian faith each day.

19. Witnessing Some Facts about the Unchurched
From George Barna, Re-Churching the Unchurched (Ventura, CA: Isaachar Resources, 2000).
Not "People persons." The unchurched tend to be combative, less relational, lonelier, and less flexible than the general population.
The chances of coming on their own, without a personal invitation, are slim. Personal invitation is the entry vehicle of choice for the unchurched. Worship is the main entry point into the church for most unchurched in Yet, 73% of the unchurched say they have never received an invitation to church.

20. Witnessing Some Facts about the Unchurched
They will be attracted by multiple strategies, not any single generic approach.
The dream church of the unchurched is a church of people with a casual atmosphere; a clear reverence for God; an integration of meaningful traditions and rituals; practical, topical preaching; and other features customized to meet the needs of the individual. They prefer traditional music, but not on an organ.

21. Witnessing Some Facts about the Unchurched
They are more likely to be male; to have been divorced; and have a greater income.
They are worldly first; spiritual second.
Almost 20% of unchurched Americans say they are "born again."

22. Witnessing Some Facts about the Unchurched
Primary reasons they have left their churches: hypocritical behavior; inflexible/strict beliefs; and "nothing in particular."
The main reasons for not attending church: no time; schedule conflicts; working.
They do not appreciate intrusive welcome and follow-up to a visit, but they do appreciate a note from the pastor, genuine conversation with members, and information about the church.

23. The HOPE Connections Christ Gives Us

24. The Bible Its purpose: Salvation 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Its normative function: Scripture is the rule and norm for all doctrine and life.
The Inspiration of Scripture 2 Peter 1:20-21

25. The Bible Inspiration Defined
The Holy Spirit guided men to record what God had revealed to them about the mysteries of His being and the meaning of His mighty acts in human history for human salvation. Everything they wrote was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, even if it was something they knew about apart from God's special revelation.

26. The Bible Inspiration and sources
The authors used a variety of sources in their works.
The use of such sources does not conflict with the doctrine of inspiration.
The problem: trying to reconstruct such sources and make inferences about them.

27. The Bible Inspiration and the authors
The authors were not divine word processors.
Each writer’s temperament, gifts, interests, perspectives, and limitations are found in Scripture.

28. The Bible Inspiration and literary forms
Many kinds of literature are found in the Bible.
When we interpret, we must interpret in a way consistent with the type of literature used.

29. The Bible Inspiration and authorship
We don’t know who wrote every book.
When a book testifies to its author, we usually accept that.

30. The Bible Inerrancy Three basic views:
a) The Bible is filled with error and stuff that is just made up. You can't depend on it at all.
b) The Bible has some error, but so long as those errors don't impinge on the Gospel, don't worry about them. (Gospel Reductionism)
c) The Bible has no errors because it is the Word of God. However, Gospel first, the rest of Scripture second.

31. The Bible Textual Criticism
Minor variants: errors that came losing a place and writing a line a second time, using the wrong homophone, misspelling a word
Major variants: ending to Mark's Gospel, 1 John 5:7-8

32. The Bible Antilegomena and homolegomena
Not everyone in the ancient church accepted all of what is today considered the New Testament canon.
Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation were disputed.
These books are called “antilegomena” (spoken against).
We never base a doctrine solely or even primarily on the basis of a book that was spoken against.

33. The Bible Law and Gospel The greatest art and science
For most Evangelicals, the question is simply, "Did I preach the truth?"
For us, it must always be, "Did I preach the Gospel?"
It helps remind us how to rightly divide Scripture: to whom do I preach what word?

34. The Bible The Law tells us: A. What WE must DO for GOD.
B. That God is HOLY and JUST.
C. ALL people are SINFUL.
D. God is ANGRY about sin and PUNISHES sin.
The Law SHOWS OUR SIN.

35. The Bible The Gospel tells us: A. What GOD has DONE for US.
B. That God is GRACIOUS and FORGIVING.
C. Jesus has won FORGIVENESS for ALL.
D. God FORGIVES sin.
The Gospel SHOWS OUR SAVIOR.

36. The Bible The Bible’s Power
The Power of the Word is the Gospel: Romans 1:16-17

37. Baptism
Christ’s resurrection (and death) re- enacted within us Romans 6

38. Baptism The grace of Baptism
The grace that God gives in baptism is the very grace of God itself.
Roman Catholics have traditionally overemphasized the grace of God in baptism. They say that grace is given whether or not the person believes it or accepts it.
Reformed churches, on the other hand, argue that no grace is given in baptism—it just gets you wet.
Lutherans have always pointed out that Baptism is a means of grace.

39. Baptism Family point of entrance
Paul consistently points to baptism at the starting point of the Christian life.
Does one have to be baptized in order to be a Christian? No and yes.

40. Baptism Family point of entrance
We never "rebaptize" anyone, so long as he or she was baptized in a Christian church.
We would “rebaptize only if the person
were baptized in a non-Christian group or sect
if there is doubt about his or her baptism that cannot be overcome.

41. Baptism Lutheran doctrine and practices Infant baptism
From its earliest beginnings, the Christian church has baptized infants.
Paul baptized "households"—a word which would automatically include infants (if there were any).

42. Baptism Lutheran doctrine and practices Infant baptism
Jewish Christians circumcised at the 8th day; there was no question in their minds that infants could be a part of the covenant people (they were worried about the Gentiles).

43. Baptism Lutheran doctrine and practices Infant baptism
Finally, there is no place in the history of early Christianity where the Church ever discussed when a person should be baptized.
By the year 300 infant baptism was the norm of the Christian church.

44. Baptism Lutheran doctrine and practices Who should baptize? How?
Normally the pastor. In emergency, anyone.
How?
With water and in God’s Name.

45. Holy Communion The Risen Christ’s “real presence”
The doctrine of Holy Communion will always be divisive among Christians.
The three basic viewpoints of Holy Communion: transubstantiation, symbol, and Real Presence.

46. Holy Communion Roman Catholic Transubstantiation
The Roman Catholic error in trying to understand how Christ's body and blood are connected with bread and wine.
Found the answer in Greek philosophy with its understanding of substance and accidents.

47. Holy Communion Roman Catholic Transubstantiation
Then moved to the sacrifice of the Mass which said that this is bloodless sacrifice of Jesus, and then to the adoration of the host and the Corpus Christi festivals and all manners of evil.

48. Holy Communion Consubstantiation
Some say this is what Lutherans teach.
Instead of the substances being changed, the substances are together.
The problem here is the word "substance" again.
We cannot describe "how" Christ is present except to say it is by the Word.

49. Holy Communion Reformed Symbolism
They teach a symbol or the "spiritual presence" of Christ.
Christ is not present in the elements, although, somehow, those elements are supposed to bring us closer to Jesus.
Christ commands it and we are not to argue with a sovereign God.

50. Holy Communion Lutheran Real Presence
Christ is truly present in the supper.
This is Christ's body and blood; this is bread and wine.
If Jesus says "this is" then it is, for is means is.

51. Holy Communion Lutheran Real Presence
We partake of Christ with the mouth
Even unbelievers receive Christ in the elements, only to their damnation, not their salvation.

52. Holy Communion Lutheran Real Presence A dress rehearsal for the future
A useless argument: receptionism vs. consecrationism.
An attempt by some Lutherans to figure out when the elements become Christ’s body and blood.
A dress rehearsal for the future
Soul food for the journey

53. Holy Communion Meal for the family
We are united with God and one another in communion.
Communion is a confession of our unity.

54. Holy Communion Who should commune? Only Christians Only the baptized
Those who can discern the Body of Christ and examine themselves

55. Holy Communion Who should commune?
Those who believe in the Real Presence
Except in extraordinary circumstances, only those who are members of the same church body
We reject both an “open” and a “sectarian” view of communion

56. Holy Communion My own stance:
Missouri Synod altars are for Missouri Synod communicants.
Any exception to this practice falls in the area of privilege, not of right.
The pastor is responsible for those communing at his altar.

57. Holy Communion My congregation’s communion statement:
ABOUT HOLY COMMUNION As we join in the Lord's Supper, we confess that:
we repent of our sins
we believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior
we desire to follow him as disciples
his body and blood are truly present in the bread and wine.

58. Holy Communion My congregation’s communion statement:
Those wishing to receive Holy Communion who are not members of this congregation or of another congregation in our church body are asked to speak with the Pastor prior to communing. For further study and reflection, please see Matthew 18:15-35; 26:26-29 and 1 Cor. 11:17-34.

59. Holy Communion Lutheran doctrine and practices
Confirmation/first communion
Private communion
Use of bread/wine/grape juice
How often?

60. Confession and Absolution
The Lutheran confessions are very clear that we retain confession in the church for the sake of absolution. We should strongly encourage private confession.
Nothing the pastor hears should go beyond him.

61. The Church As the Embodiment of HOPE

62. The Divine Origin and “Marks” of the Church
Visible and invisible church
Visible: gathered around Word and Sacrament

63. The Divine Origin and “Marks” of the Church
Augsburg Confession Article VII (Latin)
Likewise, they teach that one holy church will remain forever. The church is the assembly of saints in which the gospel is taught purely and the sacraments are administered rightly. And it is enough for the true unity of the church to agree concerning the teaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments. It is not necessary that human traditions, rites, or ceremonies instituted by human beings be alike everywhere. As Paul says, "One faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all…"

64. The Divine Origin and “Marks” of the Church
Invisible: those who actually have faith
Universal/catholic

65. The Mission of the Church
Proclamation (law and gospel)
Practicing what we preach (justice and compassion)

66. The Ministry of the Church
Worship
The purpose of worship is for God to come to us.
Gottesdienst: God's service, what we often call the Divine Service.
The worship service—in its liturgy and music—needs to reflect this concept.

67. The Ministry of the Church
The "worship wars."
Both sides have valid points.
Traditional liturgy side:
Liturgy guards against false doctrine creeping in.
The structure of the liturgy evolved over time and the good stuff won out and the bad stuff died.
The words of the Kyrie, the Agnus Dei, etc. tie us to the church since its earliest beginnings.

68. The Ministry of the Church
Alternative Worship side
Many are turned off by organ and traditional types of worship.
There is no reason we cannot use alternative forms of worship so long as they are doctrinally sound.

69. The Ministry of the Church
My answer:
Talk to each other.
If you have a problem with what someone is using in worship, ask him to share it.
Point out specific problems.
Be willing to help him deal with specific issues.

70. Caring, Edification, Discipline: Matthew 18
Start between the two who are sinning.
If the person refuses to listen, then take another.
If the person still won’t listen, then it needs to come before the church.

71. Caring, Edification, Discipline: Matthew 18
In this process, several things need to be observed:
Everything should be on a “need to know” basis only. Keep the information in as few hands as possible. All meetings are to be considered private not public.
If at any time the person removes him/herself from the congregation, then the process ends there.
Everything must be done in love.
Self-Exclusion

72. The Church’s Human Nature
Forms of Government
Episcopal
Presbyterian
Congregational
Synodical

73. The Church’s Human Nature
Denominations
Division should only take place over areas of truth.
It is better to be divided for the sake of truth than united in error.

74. The Church’s Human Nature
Ecumenism
Lutherans recognize and rejoice in their oneness with all Christians and regard this unity as the presupposition for continuing ecumenical endeavors.
Lutherans deplore doctrinal disagreements, religious disputes, and dissensions. We will do anything, in so far as God and conscience allow, that may serve the cause of Christian concord.
Lutherans desire agreement among all Christians in all articles of faith.

75. The Church’s Human Nature
Ecumenism
Lutherans seek agreement in all the articles of faith so that the Gospel may be preached purely.
Until such agreement is exists, we should not act like it does.
Lutherans maintain that Christian unity cannot be attained by ignoring doctrinal disagreements or by negotiating a compromise, but by exposing and refuting error and by confessing the truth.

76. The Priesthood of All Believers and the Public Ministry
Functional view:
No difference between pastor and laypeople, pastor just does different things than the laity.

77. The Priesthood of All Believers and the Public Ministry
Episcopal View
God first established the office of the pastoral ministry, and then he established the congregation.

78. The Priesthood of All Believers and the Public Ministry
Walther's View (the LCMS view)
Upholds both the divine nature of the Public Office and the importance of the priesthood of all believers. While seeing them in tension, it also sees them as going together.

79. The HOPEFUL Future That Awaits Us

80. Christ’s Parousia and the End Time Mark 13

81. Millennial Speculation
Postmillennialism
The millennium is not literal.
The world will become more and more Christian.
Christ will come after the whole world is Christian.

82. Millennial Speculation
Historic Premillennialism
Believe in a literal 1,000 year reign of Christ.
Christ's second advent will be a one-stage event after the tribulation.
Either at this time or before, the vast majority of Jews will be converted.
Christ will set up His millennial kingdom on earth.

83. Millennial Speculation
Historic Premillennialism
Christ and His redeemed will reign visibly over the unbelieving nations still on earth.
People in resurrected bodies and natural bodies will live together on the earth.
Sin and death will still exist, but external evil will be restrained.
The 1000 years of the millennial kingdom will be a time of social, political, and economic justice and great prosperity.

84. Millennial Speculation
Historic Premillennialism
After these 1000 years, Satan will be loosed in order to deceive the unbelieving nations into making a final assault against the redeemed.
Satan will be destroyed, and the resurrection of the dead unbelievers will occur.
Then will come the judgment of all, both believers and unbelievers, and eternity.

85. Millennial Speculation
Dispensational Premillennialism
Most popular view today (e.g. “Left Behind” series).
Started by John Nelson Darby ( ), one of the chief founders of the Plymouth Brethren movement.
Rose as a reaction against the Church of England and the widely held view of postmillennialism
The Scofield Reference Bible spread this throughout the USA.

86. Millennial Speculation
Dispensationalists divide God's dealings with humanity into seven distinct "dispensations":
Innocence (Gen. 1:28-3:6)
Conscience or Moral Responsibility (Gen. 4:1-8:14)
Human Government (Gen. 8:15-11:32)

87. Millennial Speculation
Promise (Gen. 12:1-Ex. 18:27)
The Law (Ex. 19:3-Acts 1:26)
The Church (Acts 2:1-Revelation 19)
The Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20)

88. Millennial Speculation
Three presuppositions
Biblical Interpretation
Very literalistic in their interpretation. Very little symbolism in the Bible for them.
Also seems to be a good strong dose of anti- Communism

89. Millennial Speculation
Three presuppositions
There are two distinct purposes in the Bible:
Earthly goals for an earthly people (i.e. Jews)
Heavenly goals for a heavenly people, the Church.

90. Millennial Speculation
Three presuppositions
The Manifestation of God’s Glory as the Purpose of History
Saving people is not the main purpose of God’s work, glorifying himself is.

91. Millennial Speculation
The Premillenialist view of the End of the World
The Roman Empire will be reformed.
A leader will make peace in the Mid-East.

92. Millennial Speculation
The Premillenialist view of the End of the World
A new Temple will be established in Jerusalem complete with sacrifices
A one world government will be established
Christians will be “raptured.” (Pre, mid, or post tribulation)

93. Millennial Speculation
The Premillenialist view of the End of the World
144,000 Jews will become Christian.
Anyone becoming Christian will be persecuted.

94. Millennial Speculation
The Premillenialist view of the End of the World
At the end of 3 1/2 years, the leader will go into the Temple and proclaim to be God.
He will enforce his mark to buy and sell.
Israel will revolt, bringing Armageddon.

95. Millennial Speculation
The Premillenialist view of the End of the World
Jesus will return and destroy the Antichrist and set up his millennial kingdom.
The rest as historic millennialism.

96. Millennial Speculation
Amillennialism
Traditionally Lutheran
The millennium is not literal, but points to the time of the church
Christ will come again, but we don’t know when
The Day of Judgment Matthew 25:31-46

97. The Resurrection of the Body
Where are the dead?
Not in purgatory!
Two beliefs:
In heaven now
Asleep in God's hands awaiting the resurrection.

98. The Resurrection of the Body
What kind of body will we have when resurrected?
The life everlasting