A Man of Prayer - Keith Barnett

About prayer, we Christians know that God commands us to pray.  

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances...1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And what does God do?  He promises to hear and answer our prayers.

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.  1 John 5:14

Praying is a big part of the Christian faith, and God is faithful; we just don’t know how He answers.  Often a chance occurrence brings an answer.  Or after a long struggle, we see an answer and understand.  And sometimes death happens, and we don’t understand, but still know He’s faithful.

Many people knew Keith as a musician.  I knew him as a man of prayer.  For over 3 years, I regularly attended prayer meetings at First Saint John’s in York, PA, and that’s where I met Keith.  Keith and I were kindred souls - Lutherans from Baptist backgrounds.  At one meeting, when only the two of us were present, we spent a good hour talking about our faith journeys and sharing how much we loved and appreciated Lutheran teachings. 

Praying aloud means sharing with other Christians your personal relationship with God.  It requires being intimate and vulnerable; you can't be fake before God...maybe that’s why so many people don’t like to pray out loud.  It’s not a comfortable thing for me either.  But, I value the times I prayed with Keith.

Keith often started his prayers with parts of the Lord’s Prayer.  He prayed simply, with passion and trust.  And he was always gracious.  On one occasion I remember him saying, “Kathy’s going to close the prayer?  I love it when Kathy prays.”  I was somewhat embarrassed, but also encouraged by his words.  

My tears are not for Keith, but for me.  We live in a sinful, broken world and life is hard.  When Christians share faith and prayers, those times are precious.  Keith, I loved it when you prayed.

...“For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen”

Lutheran Worship - Confession and Absolution

While reading the Bible this morning, I was reminded of one of my favorite parts of the Lutheran service, Confession and Absolution. 

Because I grew up in a Baptist Church, I thought the Baptist service was the correct way to worship.  But over the years, I’ve come to love and appreciate Lutheran worship.  And, I’m continually delighted at its depth and Biblical basis.
 
In the Lutheran service, we, as a church body, confess our sins together, admit our failures, and ask for God’s mercy. The Pastor, as a called servant, announces the forgiveness of sins, based on the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Now about this corporate confession, the Baptist will say, “If I sin, I just tell God in my heart, in my prayers.  I don’t need that preacher to tell me I'm forgiven.”  And, as a former Baptist, I thought the same way and for years didn't realize what was happening in the Lutheran service. 

Then I read...   

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.  John 20:23

The Lutheran teaching is that the pastor, in his office, is “standing in the place” of Jesus and announcing forgiveness of sins. “If you forgive the sins of any...”

As always, it’s God’s Word that both crushes and comforts us.  And we need to hear it.

...And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:14

God’s Word is effective; it does what it says.  If Jesus died for my sins, how do I receive that forgiveness, how do I know it?  The office of the pastor functions to announce that forgiveness...to me.  I hear it and know it.  I know I’m forgiven.  

We also see this forgiveness in the Old Testament, in all the sacrifices that are ultimately fulfilled in Christ.  The Israelites regularly saw the smoke rising from the sacrifice and smelled the pleasant aroma of a lamb burning...the death of another for their sins.

The Psalms speak often of God's forgiveness.

If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.  Psalm 130:3-4

Back to the passage I was reading in Matthew this morning...

Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Matthew 27:3-4

Wow...Judas goes to the chief priests and elders and confesses that he's sinned.  Instead of mercy, grace, and hope, they give him nothing, “What is that to us?” and send him away. 

Likewise, we are in need of forgiveness.  “See to it yourself” is not an answer for the guilty conscience.  We sin daily, both outward sins and sins of the heart.  It seems so simple, but it's lost on American Christianity...we need to confess our sins and hear God’s forgiveness, hear that we are forgiven.   And hearing that forgiveness is sweet and precious.

OCD and the Lutheran Confessions

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness often associated with repetitive hand washing.  These days people will jokingly admit to having obsessive-compulsive tendencies.  OCD is anything but funny, and at the heart of this condition is doubt and uncertainty.

When Jake, my oldest son, was 17, he was diagnosed with a form of OCD called Scrupulosity or Religious OCD.  Although our sons were baptized and grew up in the Lutheran church, for several years we had been attending a conservative Presbyterian church.  This church taught Calvinism especially election, predestination, and the sovereignty of God. 

Many people find satisfaction in Calvinism’s ability to use logic and reason to explain the Bible.  Calvinism seems to have an answer for every verse about election and predestination, and that’s comforting. 

Surprisingly, OCD and Calvinism don’t mix, and Jake took his OCD brain and punched holes in every Calvinistic teaching.  His ability to do this was mind-boggling.  Jake recognized his inner struggles with sin, and his chief fear and doubt was that he didn’t love God, that he wasn’t really a Christian, that he wasn’t elect, and that he'd somehow committed the unpardonable sin. 
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Fast forward six or seven years...

We had returned to the Lutheran Church a few years prior; Jake was in grad school and had started reading the Book of Concord, the Lutheran Confessions. 

Jake called one day, “I'm mad at you and Daddy for not telling me.  The Lutheran Confessions explain things correctly.  Why didn’t you tell me about them?” 

Since then, I’ve read articles about other Calvinists who are also worried about and lack assurance of their salvation. 

Calvinism teaches election, but doesn't credibly explain how a person knows he is elect.  Calvinism can satisfy the mind, but does nothing for the Christian who has had his heart ripped by the Word of God.  The Christian, looking to Calvinism, can't reconcile election with his own experiences and is ultimately unsure of his standing before God.
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I have three thoughts on the differences between Calvinist and Lutheran teachings:
 
1.  The Calvinist focuses on the sovereignty of God.  The Lutheran focuses on sin and the cross.
 
2. The Calvinist explains faith, salvation, and election using human logic and reason.  The Lutheran is comfortable with paradox, understanding that God’s Word doesn’t always make sense, but that it’s true nonetheless.
 
3. The Calvinist's assurance of salvation often points to the person’s love of God, or depth of faith, or a personal trait that somehow testifies to election.  The Lutheran clings to Christ and the cross, knowing that salvation is a gift from God, and that God continues to give His grace through His Word and Sacraments.

My pastor once said, "God's Word is never without effect." In Jake's case, his worry and doubt was magnified by his OCD. Medically OCD can be treated, but can't be cured.  But God's Word, as taught and explained in the Book of Concord, has effect and continues to give Jake peace regarding his faith.   

...so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:11

Football...and How We Get Where We're Going...

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.  Psalm 139:16

Even though I grew up in Kentucky, where college basketball reigns, I always found something sacred about Saturday football games.  It could have been the parking lot tailgaters, or the crazy fans wearing spirit gear.  Or maybe it was the playing of My Old Kentucky Home, with the entire stadium singing the refrain, “Weep no more my lady...”   
 
To my delight, the atmosphere of Naval Academy football was  equally fulfilling.  For home games, the Brigade, over 4000 midshipmen, marched from Bancroft Hall to Navy Marine Corps Stadium and directly onto the field.  Before kickoff, Navy jets flew over the stadium.   When Navy scored, the cannons sounded while plebes did push-ups. Games always ended with the Brigade singing Navy Blue and Gold, and the cry "Beat Army!"
 
The Naval Academy mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps officers, and football is only a small part of that.  The four Academy years are packed with meal formations, classes, parades, sports, inspections, summer cruises, and numerous challenges - all meant to develop officers morally, mentally, and physically.   

Being at the Naval Academy also means living in the midst of Naval tradition and history.  One of my favorite habits was to head for the library just minutes before sunset.  When evening colors sounded, I'd stand alone on Stribling Walk, saluting and listening to Taps, as the flag was lowered for the day. 
 
People have lots of reasons for deciding to attend the Naval Academy - to serve in our armed forces, for honor, family tradition, education, the desire to fly Navy jets.  Here's mine - never shared...
 
When I was around 12, I happened to see a televised march-on of the Army Navy football game.  I said to myself, “That is so cool.  I want to do it.”  Several years later, when the first women were admitted to the service academies, I read about a girl from Kentucky who was attending the Naval Academy.  That day, knowing nothing about the military, I decided for Navy.

Unlikely as it may seem, in His "book" God used football to "fashion" my days.  And every fall, I watch, enjoy, remember, and marvel.

Go Navy! Beat Air Force!  Beat Notre Dame! Beat Army!

Apologetics and the Means of Grace

Apologetics - A defense of the Christian faith.

As a seasoned homeschool mom, I’ve noticed that almost every homeschool subject includes apologetics.  Science texts argue for creation.  History curricula reason for the reliability of the Bible and a historical Jesus, while philosophy books present evidence with logic and reasoning.  

And although mathematics seems safe from apologetics, I once read a book called, “Mathematics: Is God Silent?” 

All of this apologetic emphasis is supposed to prepare a student to share and defend the Christian faith. 

My experience is that apologetics definitely strengthens one’s own faith.  Because I now know and understand the arguments for and against Christianity, opposing views don’t cause me doubt or anxiety.
 
From articles I've read about atheists who became Christians, my impression is that apologetics can break down barriers to faith, but does not bring a person to faith.  In fact, a person can believe that the Bible is historical, believe that Jesus rose from the dead, and still not be a Christian. 

How can that be?

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Romans 1:19-21

The Means of Grace - the manner that faith is created and strengthened, and sins are forgiven. 

In the creation account, Genesis 1, God speaks creation into existence.   Consider:

...so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:11

And so it is with faith.  God’s Word has power and creates faith. 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

When we encounter and interact with God’s Word, our hearts are cut, our sin is exposed, something happens that doesn’t happen with apologetics.  God’s Word is heard by us, gets planted in us, and comes to fruition.

...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God...1 Peter 1:23

The Christian faith is more than just an apologetics-like assent to certain facts.  Faith is more than a person hearing the gospel message and deciding to believe.  Faith is something that God works, through His Word, bringing people to belief in Him. 
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Apologetics and The Means of Grace - Apologetics arguments are man's attempts to justify his faith.  But, God's Word is a means of grace that brings faith.  

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!  Psalm 139:17

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood..." Ephesians 6:12

Pro-wrestling coming to St. John!  Isn’t that a church??  Are you kidding me??

My church, St. John Lutheran Church on Mt. Rose, in York, PA, which once housed a private school, now plans to open a Compassion Center utilizing some of the empty classrooms.  The Compassion Center will provide clothing, food, and small houseware items for those in need. 

Enter a young couple, church members, who are pro-wrestling fans.  This couple decides to combine their love of wrestling with their desire to help the Compassion Center, and amazingly we’re now having a pro-wrestling benefit show at the church.  As an extra incentive, WWE Hall of Famer “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, who also has a Christian ministry, will be joining the event.

But the question is, “Are Christians into pro-wrestling and will they also attend?” 

Christians are a strange bunch - we consist of Lutherans and Pentecostals, military members and politicians, football fans and hockey fans, homeschool moms and working mothers.  Our kind include smokers and beer-drinkers, vegans and bacon lovers, the rich and the poor, and our hobbies run from knitting, to wine making, to motorcycle riding, to gardening. 

Our likes and dislikes aside, many Americans hold unflattering views about Christians.  At the top of the list are: hypocritical, judgmental, old-fashioned, and unkind. 

And, to be honest, those opinions are right.  Christians are hypocritical, judgmental, self-centered, and they often hurt people and make lots of mistakes.  But Christians aren’t defined by any of the bad or any of the good that they espouse or do.  They’re not defined by their jobs, their hobbies, or their likes and dislikes. 

As Christians, we know that we live in a fallen world and that none of us is perfect.  We all fall short in our thoughts, words, and deeds.  But...Jesus.  Jesus, the Son of God, became one of us, lived among us, and died for the sins of the world, our sins.  This we proclaim; this we believe. 

He came for all peoples.  We rejoice and have peace because of it.  We try to enjoy life and show love to all people.  And, October 1st at St. John Lutheran Church, that enjoyment and love will take the form of a pro-wrestling benefit show.  I’m betting that after this show’s success, other area churches will be scheduling their own pro-wrestling shows.

If you’re still looking for a reason to attend, I have it on good authority that the first bout will be a battle between a wild-looking dude named Wolfman and the Reverend Tab Cosgrove, my pastor.    

A Tribute to Captain Bruce Eric Sonn, USN, Ret.

"Give only love, and say prayers of thanks." - Bruce

Last week, I was saddened to read about the passing of Captain Bruce Eric Sonn, USN, Ret. 

During my last year at the Naval Academy, 1983-1984, then Lieutenant Commander Bruce Sonn was my company officer.  He oversaw about 120 midshipmen and had his office in our living area in Bancroft Hall. 

From my experience, previous company officers had mostly focused on midshipmen who were having academic or performance troubles.  Commander Sonn was different.  He displayed a genuine fatherly concern, wanting to get to know all the midshipmen in the company.  As a typical example, early that year I was placed on light duty with a bad knee injury, and Commander Sonn somehow learned of the injury and came to my room to check on me.  

At the end of that first semester, Commander Sonn met with me for a performance evaluation.  In preparation, he had meticulously compiled info on every aspect of my Academy life, and he pointed out my strengths and areas needing improvement.  I couldn’t believe all the items he noted, many things that I didn’t think were noticed or remembered.  And, he counseled all midshipmen in the company in like manner.

I will always value one particular conversation I had with him.  In December, our company gathered for end-of-semester skits - a time when the underclass poked fun at the leadership.  I was embarrassed that a lot of the skits made fun of my frequent room inspections, my area of responsibility.  Commander Sonn also took some ribbing, especially about his lengthy announcements at morning formations.  Afterwards on the walk back to Bancroft Hall, Commander Sonn caught up with me to say, “You know you’re doing a good job when they make fun of you.”  He meant it as a compliment and as advice that it was okay to laugh along with others, even at my own expense.

From his obituary, “He was the living embodiment of loving one's neighbor as oneself. Even in the hospital, he got to know every doctor, nurse, and custodian, and would ask how they were doing, offering them his support and encouragement.”  That’s the man I also knew.  He modeled and taught that leaders care about people, that they support and encourage others.  

Fair winds and following seas.