There are several methods and plans for Bible reading. We are encouraged to read God’s Word regularly, to feed and drink from the Source of Life. We are nurtured and strengthened in faith, and the Holy Spirit causes us to grow in our Christian life and witness to stand on God’s truth and share it. We need to be reminded always that tools are just tools. These are useful as long as they bring us into God’s Word. Jesus says: “If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

Methods of Bible Reading

There is not just one way of studying God’s Word. Methods vary greatly. Some people choose to simply read portions of Scripture regularly; some take notes about the reading; others write down personal applications and prayers related to the day’s reading; and still others develop a more comprehensive practice as they survey the contextual, exegetical, and doctrinal elements involving the text.

… There are many right ways to study Scripture. But there is also a wrong way. The wrong way is to approach the Bible without reverence and humility, relying more on your own understanding than on the power of the Word itself. The wrong way is when you distort God’s Word - for example, by taking a historical prophecy and assuming it’s personally about you. The wrong way is when you try to make Scripture say more or less than what it actually says—when you force it to accommodate to your worldview. God’s Word says what it says. It cannot be changed, added to, or subtracted from. It is God Himself speaking to us. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Recommendations to fast are common among medical doctors and dieticians. But abstaining from food or drink for medical or health reasons isn’t what specifically “Christian fasting” is all about.

The Bible records all kinds of fasts, both individual and communal, for various spiritual reasons. Yet they all have one thing in common: fasting helps us to see what is truly important in life, revealing those things that we value too much in life and tossing them at the foot of the cross. And even though food is a big idol for people like me, who couldn’t survive without all-you-can-eat buffets, it is not the only one. Because every one of our personal idols tempts us to depend upon them, instead of the only trustworthy one, Jesus Christ, fasting is a spiritual discipline and a form of repentance. When coupled with self denial and a humble attitude, it empties us of ourselves to be filled with God. We are caused to hunger, so that we can be fed with manna (Deuteronomy 8:3). For, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Jesus is our daily bread. His Word alone is our strength (Psalm 28:7).

Prayer is a discipline that can prepare our hearts during Lent. How do you feel about prayer? Privileged? Excited? Bored? Maybe you are even thinking, “I don't really pray”. We probably believe that “prayer is good for us”, just as “vegetables are good for us”.

Prayer – like all spiritual disciplines – is part of the sanctified (holy) life. God makes us alive from our spiritual death in sin (justification). Once God has made us spiritually alive, we are to actively live in relationship with him. As veggies nourish our already living bodies, so prayer nourishes and strengthens our already living faith. As adopted children of God we have his gift of prayer to help us love him and love our neighbour (and ourselves).

The Bible teaches both God’s command to pray (Luke 18:1 and the Second Commandment) and God’s promise to hear our prayers and respond with good gifts (Matthew 7:11). God wants us to pray for our needs and desires, even though he knows what we need before we ask. Yet this does not mean that our prayers are meaningless or powerless: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16, NIV).

I like to think of prayer as unwrapping gifts that God has already chosen and prepared for us. God often gives “unwrapped” gifts to us even when we haven’t prayed. But sometimes our prayers are part of God’s gift-giving process.

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 4:17

Repentance, turning away from sin and returning to God, is not something we can do in our own strength, and it is not something we do once and master. It is a life-long process, which we can only do in faith through God’s word and the Holy Spirit. Lent gives us the opportunity to develop the habit of daily repentance.

Luther on repentance as a spiritual discipline

As we see in the first of Luther’s 95 theses, the whole life of a believer is to be one of repentance:

When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent' (Mt 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance

Luther provided considerable advice about repentance. In the Small Catechism we find several examples.

Have mercy on me, O God, 
    according to your steadfast love; 
according to your abundant mercy 
    blot out my transgressions. 
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, 
    and cleanse me from my sin!

Psalm 51:1-2 

In worship, we prepare to receive God’s blessings by confessing our sins and receiving absolution, so that our hearts and consciences are clean, ready to receive God’s Word as it is read and proclaimed. In our Confessions, we are urged to daily come before the Lord in repentance and daily receive his grace, so that we are set free each day to love and serve God and our neighbours.  

Lent is the 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter, when the church prepares for Jesus’ death and resurrection. Throughout scripture we see forty days as a period of preparation - Jesus' 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness as he prepared for his ministry; Moses' 40 days of fasting and prayer on Mt. Sinai as he waited to receive the Law from God; and Elijah's 40 days of fasting and prayer on his way to Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God. 

What is Ash Wednesday? 

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. Its name comes from the practice of marking the foreheads of worshippers with ashes in the shape of a cross. This symbolises our need for repentance, reminds us of our mortality, and proclaims the good news that sin and death have been conquered through the cross of Christ. 

Lutheran Mission-Australia President, Pastor Matt Anker, has signed The Australian Creed for Sexual Integrity. This new creed was developed by people from churches and Christian entities around Australia and beyond. They were concerned about how many churches, their leaders, institutions and members – in response to increasing pressures from society – have given up on confessing and teaching God’s clear directions on sex, gender and marriage. The new creed isn’t so much a creed to be confessed in worship as a statement pledging what the signatories believe and will teach in this regard.

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Matthew 17:1-8 

The observation of the Transfiguration of our Lord comes on the eve of Lent. As we are about to enter a season in which the Lord is steadfastly making His way to the cross and we are invited to walk with Him in repentance and anticipation, we receive this remarkable glimpse of His glory.  

We need to be reminded that all of the Christian life is a life with Christ, in His presence, radiant with the light that comes from Christ, fulfilled by Christ Himself. There is no boundary between Christ, His light and glory, and our Christian lives. All of heaven’s glory exists wherever He is, even if it’s concealed in an image of humility.  

Wherever the church has been planted and nurtured through God’s spiritual means, it has needed to raise up pastors and workers. Jesus did this in his own ministry, calling the twelve, first as his disciples (students). Later, after his resurrection, he sent them as apostles (commissioned witnesses). Those first pastors of the church with the authority of Jesus to baptise, preach and teach, forgive and retain sins, administer the Lord’s Supper, and to guide and protect God’s people in Christ’s own name.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers

Ephesians 1:15-16

“We have heard your story and are praying for you all.” These are the words I heard again and again from brothers and sisters around the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod as we visited in January. Words spoken by people I had known for years and from others whom I had only just met. Words that I hope you hear as a reminder that we are not alone and that God’s people are bringing our needs to His throne of grace on a daily basis.

We spoke with Sandra Rhein, Deaconess and Sacred Music Educator, LCMS Asia. Sandra, together with her husband Rob, a retired professor of music, recently travelled to Australia to present sessions at ‘Sacred Song,’ a Creative Word Fellowship Young Adults and Families camp.

In this interview, Sandra shares a little about herself, how she came to become a deaconess and how God has used her in that role in surprising ways.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26-27

It is clear in the Scriptures that women have the same status as men before God, as members of God’s family by baptism (Galatians 3:25-29; 1 Peter 3:7). They are coheirs with Christ as God’s Son, sharing in a common inheritance as the Father’s dearly loved children.  

In worship, women receive the same Spirit (Acts 1:14; 2:1-4). Unlike the men-only synagogue, Jesus makes it clear that women may be disciples/students of the Word (Luke 8:1-3; Acts 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:11. See also the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42). 

Men and women have the same vocation of intercession for others together with Jesus (1 Timothy 2:1-10). In Acts 1:14 after Jesus’ ascension, the apostles “joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Polycarp described widows as ‘God’s altar’ in his letter to the Philippians for offering themselves and others in prayer to God. 

Women are given many gifts, spiritual and practical, in common with men, to be used to the glory of God. This may include prophesying (Acts 21:8-9, 1 Corinthians 11:5), the wise use of wealth (like Phoebe in Romans 16:1 and Nympha in Colossians 4:15, who were patrons of house churches), showing hospitality and witnessing to others about Jesus (John 4:9-42; 20:18). 

… The Bible has many examples of women serving God in a variety of ways. Some of these vocations and giftings are the same as those of men, while others are different but complementary. This is part of God’s plan for humanity, and especially for his church.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:16-20

We have a story to tell. A story of a struggle against the powers and the principalities, against sin and death and the devil. A story in which our Lord Jesus Christ is victorious over all these things (Colossians 2:15) and shares that victory with ordinary people like you and me. What makes this story so compelling is the fact that this victory was a costly one that required sacrifice and suffering. On the cross Jesus took hold of all that would rob us of life, and He allowed Himself to be overcome by the power of sin, death, the devil and all the despairing havoc they wreak on our lives. But in His resurrection, He not only defeats these powers, but is ultimately exalted to the right hand of the Father “with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him” (1 Peter 3:22b). All authority in heaven and on earth have been given to Him, and He shares His victory and all its spoils with you and me. It really is quite a story!

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 

Romans 6:4 

Baptism is the sacrament of salvation — baptism saves us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). Scripture describes this salvation in many ways - the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5); we are baptised into Christ’s death (Romans 6:3); we have put on (clothed ourselves with) Christ (Galatians 3:27); having been buried with Christ, and raised with him (Colossians 2:12); for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38); Jesus has called us out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9); we are crucified with him (Romans 6:6).   

Baptism brings faith. That is why it is the sacrament of salvation. Does this mean the unbaptised won’t be saved? Scripture doesn’t say so. Mark 16:16 is silent about those not baptised. It says unbelief leads to condemnation - ‘not the absence but the contempt of baptism condemns’. Those who are baptised are invited to live and enjoy their new life. In doing so they bear witness to the salvation which God offers to all through baptism.  

Baptism is received in faith. The benefits of baptism - ‘forgiveness of sins, life and salvation’ - are received through faith, through trust in the promise of God’s word. So yes, Christians do need to trust in baptism to receive its benefits. But this trust is not something believers need to achieve by themselves before their baptism begins to work for them. This faith, this trust, is one of the gifts of baptism. When pastors declare a man and a woman husband and wife the words spoken make them husband and wife. Similarly, in the baptismal rite the Holy Spirit, through the proclaiming of God’s word, creates the faith, or trust, that God promises through the power of his name.   

… After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 

Matthew 2:1-12 

Epiphany is a wonderful festival of the church year, reminding us that the birth of Christ was indeed for people of every tribe and language and people and nation as the gentile wise men come to worship the newborn King. God Himself revealed to these foreigners that something of cosmic and eternal importance was taking place.  They knew it was not just for the people of Israel, but for them as well. And so they followed the star and sought out the king. 

As they enquired of Herod where they might find the One born King of the Jews, it’s fascinating that this perverted, murderous rogue of a leader, still knows exactly where to look to find out where and how God’s promises will be fulfilled. He calls on the chief priests and the scribes who know God’s Word inside out, and they promptly tell him that the prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. 

So here we have a psychopathic ruler who will try to kill the infant Jesus, a bunch of religious leaders who will ultimately succeed in having him crucified thirty-odd years later, and three gentile noble men – and all of them display some form of confidence in God’s Word! 

But given that they all seem to accept God’s Word as truth, why do they respond so differently? On the one hand we have an evil mad man like Herod, who can acknowledge the truth of God's Word, but who goes on to murder babies to secure his own future. On the other hand, we have the wise men who are guided by the Word to visit the infant Jesus and ‘rejoiced exceedingly with great joy’, falling down and worshipping the Lord and giving Him gifts fit for a king. How can they hear the same Word and respond so differently? 

Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvellous things!  
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.   
This Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. 
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel…  
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the people with equity.

Psalm 98:1-3a, 9b 

Christmas approaches with all the joy and expectation of the blessed arrival of a new born child. More than just a new chapter for the people of God, Jesus’ birth heralds in a whole new book. It is more than a sequel. Perhaps more like the key that unlocks the mystery, revealing the fullness of God’s salvation story fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Now the Old and New Testaments are read through Christian eyes which know the story of Christ dying on the cross to save us from our sins. In the person of Jesus, Psalm 98 is enacted, and we respond. “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvellous things!” Most of these psalms were written about 1,500 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem!

The history of Israel is a story of continuous struggle against the Lord because of the sinful nature of humanity. The Israelites were constantly bickering amongst themselves from the time they were led out of Egyptian slavery. They complained about a lack of food, water, shelter and the danger from other nations. When they were settled in the Promised Land, they complained that other nations had kings and they didn’t. We hear this cycle of trying to do things by their power, but then realising that as God’s people, they need to keep turning back to him for real power and salvation. Once more God rescues his people and the Israelites are urged to sing a new song.

What does this mean for us, as people of the New Testament?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-10

There has certainly been much cause for rejoicing among those connected with LM-A over these past couple of weeks. What joy we experienced at the official launch of LM-A and the service of installation as hundreds of people, united in confession, gathered from across the country, together with guests from around the world. And what a delight to witness new congregations being established and Divine Service being conducted in Geelong and the Barossa Valley as people rejoiced to receive God’s good gifts with a good conscience. But if we’re honest, these events have also sparked negative reactions from some who do not understand the need for LM-A, and it seems attacks and accusations have escalated as we might have expected they would. 

We cannot control how others respond, but neither should we feel the need to constantly defend our actions as we seek to follow God’s Word and be true to our Confessional heritage. Of course that is easier said than done. When the arrows fly and our character and motives are called into question, the temptation to defend ourselves is real, but perhaps the temptation to attack is even more acute. 

‘Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.’ Psalm 149:1

Lutheran Mission - Australia has been formally launched as a church body.

Over the weekend of 23-24 November 2024, we gathered at the launch dinner on Saturday night and then at the installation service on Sunday afternoon, to celebrate what God has been doing in Australia through Lutheran Mission - Australia. Both events were very well attended, and many people commented on the wide age range of those present, from young children to our older saints.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11)

…Faithful people have found themselves conscience bound to stand up for the apostolic teaching that was set aside, often with trembling knees and deep anxiety, but with a firm resolve to be faithful to Christ and His Word.

In the early days the response to those making these confessions tended to be kind and understanding, and in many cases, still is. But as time goes on, I’m hearing more and more stories of broken friendships, accusations of divisiveness, and profound anger toward those who are refusing to accept the change in teaching. All because people have said as Luther did in 1521, ‘Here I stand. I can do no other.’ 

Our adversary, the devil, certainly seems to be prowling around with a renewed tenacity and causing havoc all around the place at the moment. The question is, how do we respond? 

The LM-A Committee of Management, along with the directors of LM-A, have called Rev. Michael Prenzler to serve in a dual role as church planter in the Adelaide metropolitan area and as Seminary Development Officer.

Please pray for Pastor Michael and his family as he seeks to discern God’s will in regard to this call.

Jesus said, ‘let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matt 5:16) 

This was the verse that came to mind as I met with leaders from confessional Lutheran churches from around the world in Germany late in October. Without exception, every bishop and president I spoke with expressed their deep sadness over the recent decision to approve the ordination of women here in Australia, and yet they also shared their joy as they have witnessed from afar the many people who have taken a stand for the truth. Your good work of making a faithful confession is far more significant than you might realise.