D A R E
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L U T H E R A N
Higher Things
Inside this issue:
• The Road of Life • Hey, Good Lookin’ • Amen Conference 2008 W W W. H I G H E RT H I N G S . O R G
/ SUMMER / 2008
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Contents T A B L E
O F
FEATURES 4
6
8
Abuse
By Rev. Philip Zielinski Hurting people are everywhere. Abuse affects those you’d never expect. It may even be happening to you. If someone is hurting you or if you desire to help a friend in need, Pastor Zielinski’s article will help you find a way of escape.
Life’s Not Fair
By Mr. Gregg Hein You just don’t get it. Why do bad things always seem to happen to you? You’re a good person. It’s not like you deserve it. So how come things always seem to go the wrong way? If life just doesn’t seem fair, check out Mr. Hein’s article on suffering, tragedy, and who can answer all the why questions you have.
Hey, Good Lookin’
By Mrs. Rebekah Curtis A girl’s wardrobe can explain a lot about her. (I mean, Kathy Luder wears ladybug necklaces. What does that say?) So how should a Christian young lady dress? Can she wear a mini-skirt or does she have to wear a dress the size of a tent? If you’re interested in maintaining your modesty, Mrs. Curtis is here to help.
10 Amen Conference
By Revs.Mark Buetow and George F.Borghardt III Conference time is here, which means you’re either sweating through the heat in St. Louis, on a flight to Irvine, or looking up Scranton on a map. Either way, conference speakers Pastor Mark Buetow and Pastor George Borghardt are here to fill you in on why “Amen” will be the word to know this summer.
14 We’re Just Dating, Dad
By Rev. Steve Riordan Your girlfriend’s a Methodist. It’s no big deal, right? So what? As long as she’s a Christian, that’s all that matters. Or does it? What’s best when it comes to dating people who aren’t Lutheran? Pastor Riordan’s been there, done that, and has the answers.
16 Sins of Weakness or Deliberate Sins?
By Rev. Randall Bell Have you ever let a swear word slip out, and then, frustrated with yourself, punched your grandma? Ok, so it’s a farfetched scenario, but is there a difference between intentional sins and ones that just seem to happen? If you’re unclear on the differences, take a peek at Pastor Bell’s article, which just might help to clarify your bewilderment.
Volume 8/Number 2 • Summer 2008
20 The Ten Commandments
By Rev. Bill Cwirla “What’s the deal with the Ten Commandments? They’re so overrated and archaic. After all, we’re not the Israelites.You don’t see us roaming around in the desert complaining about our rotten lives, do you?”But could these commands be more than that? Are they God’s way of protecting us? Pastor Cwirla will get you up to speed.
22 A Love Like This
By Mrs. Julie Stiegemeyer He rode into her life on a shiny motorcycle with a smile that could melt butter and a face fit for the cover of Teen People. Was it love at first sight? Did they live happily ever after? Or did he leave her alone and crying after only one summer together? If you’re nosy and interested in Mrs. Stiegemeyer’s love life, this is the article you won’t want to miss.
24 Meinspacebook
Facebook is like cyber-crack. Admit it.You can’t live without it.You have to sign in fourteen times a day, or you feel like you’re completely out of the social loop. Well, who says only teenagers get to have fun? Martin Luther’s got a Facebook page too, and he’s invited you to be his friend.
26 The Road of Life
By Rev. Tim Pauls It’s an eternal struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, light and darkness.The devil moves stealthily about the earth, waiting for a weak and innocent victim to prey upon. Is there hope? Does the devil always get his man? For a lesson in life, read Pastor Pauls’ article and see yourself within.
COLUMNS 18 Dead White Guys and Their Lies
By Kathy Luder Kathy’s favorite teacher is caught lying about his past. She is astonished by what she hears and devastated that he has misled her. He’s apologized, but it’s not easy to forgive and forget. How is she supposed to trust him from now on? Read Kathy’s article for a lesson in forgiveness and faith.
28 Hierarchy Among Friends
By Rev. David Petersen You’ve heard about the order of creation, but what does it really mean? Are mothers more powerful than children or bosses than employees? Or are we all really just equal in Christ? Pastor Petersen explains the two camps of thought on this issue and the conclusion we can come to as a result.
34 Inside WSDWMUAAGM
Was it too good to be true? Doomed from the start? Check out our hard-hitting exposé on why the “What Salad Dressing Would Melanchthon Use At Any Given Meal” movement failed, and how all those leftover bracelets are being used for good around the world.
HigherThings Volume 8/Number 2/Summer 2008
In honor of the summer blockbuster movie season, the true identities of our staff are revealed. Or are they...? Editor
REV. TIM “STUPENDOUS MAN” PAULS Managing Editor ADRIANE “FIRESTAR”
DORR
Assistant Editor JULIE “MS. MARVEL”
BECKWITH
Art Director STEVE “FLASH”
BLAKEY
Editorial Associates REV. PAUL “BARNACLE BOY” BEISEL REV. DAVID “DARK KNIGHT” PETERSEN REV GREG “HUMAN TORCH” ALMS Bible Studies Editor
REV. DAN “MAGNETO” MACKEY Business Manager CONNIE “THOR
GIRL” BRAMMEIER
Subscriptions Manager ELIZABETH “MOM”
CARLSON
Mrs. Carlson’s New Baby GRACE “6LBS. 9OZ.” Webmaster STAN “MORPHEUS”
ESTHER
LEMON
Christ on Campus Executive REV. MARCUS “LONE
RANGER” ZILL
Conferences Executive REV. GEORGE F. “SHAZAM”
BORGHARDT III
Internet Services Executive MARK “WOLVERINE”
BUETOW
Publications Executive CAROLYN “ORACLE”
COCKEY
Retreat Executive LANDON “DARKWING
DUCK” REED
Omelet Recipe Add three whisked eggs to pan on medium-low heat. Add cheese, onion, bacon and sausage. Fold and serve.
THE “MAGNIFICENT 7” BOARD OF DIRECTORS Interim President REV. WILLIAM
“AQUAMAN” CWIRLA
Secretary SANDRA “MAXIMA”
OSTAPOWICH REV. JOEL “GREEN LANTERN” FRITSCHE REV. BRUCE “CAPTAIN AMERICA” KESEMAN REV. BRENT “ICEMAN” KUHLMANN REV. LARRY “IRON MAN” NICHOLS MARK “THE PHANTOM” PFUNDSTEIN ___________ Higher Things Magazine ISSN 1539-8455 is published quarterly by Higher Things, Inc., 5009 Cassia, Boise, ID 83705. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the executive editor of Higher Things Magazine. Copyright 2008. Printed in the United States. Postage paid at St. Louis, Missouri. For subscription information and questions, call 1-888-448-2359 or e-mail subscriptions@higherthings.org. (This phone number is only used for subscription queries.) For letters to the editor, write letters@higher things.org. Writers may submit manuscripts to: submissions@higherthings.org. Please check http://higherthings.org/magazine/writers.html for writers’ guidelines and theme lists.
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Higher Things Magazine is available in Braille and on audiocassette tape for the visually impaired. Contact Lutheran Blind Mission at 7550 Watson Road, St. Louis , MO 63119; call toll-free 1-888-215-2455; or e-mail at blind.mission@blindmission.org.
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By Rev. Philip Zielinski
Abuse
or Stacy, it had become part of everyday life: the looks, the touches, feeling like she needed to check in with him before doing much of anything. Sometimes it didn’t seem like a big deal. Other times all she wanted was for him to stop so that she would be free of this mess.
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Stacy’s life is a drama played out in schools, churches, and families every day. It is the story of abuse, and whether it’s physical, sexual, verbal, or psychological, the sin of abuse takes its toll on both the victim and abuser. Do any of these sound familiar? “What have I done to deserve this?”“Doesn’t God see what is happening to me?”“Why won’t he stop?”“What will happen if I try to get help?” Or, as the abuser,“Why do I treat my loved ones this way?” Are these your questions? Are these the questions of your friends or loved ones? Is someone perhaps asking these questions about your own actions? If you are so entangled, know that our Lord Jesus has not forgotten you, He has not forsaken you, and He has not turned His back on you during these trying times. He knows what it is to feel the sting of the sin of another. He felt the sting of scourge and nails for the sins of the whole world, even these sins of abuse. Each day our lives are impacted by sin. It could be our own sinful actions and nature, the tragic effects of the earth itself being corrupted by the fall into sin (disasters, for example), or the sinful actions of others as they sin against us. Sin is all around us. Satan is prowling like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. And when he tempts someone to take advantage of someone close to them, he inflicts double the damage. We feel the sting of such evil in our lives because we are still living in this veil of tears. Jesus’ promises of bliss and tranquility are the promises of the new heaven and new earth. His assurances for this life are of trial, persecution, and suffering. We will have crosses to bear, we will have sicknesses (of body and mind), and we will have tears and sadness. As these touch your life, you are not loved any less by God. How could you be? You are already loved perfectly by God in Christ Jesus.You are loved fully and completely.This is what brings us peace even as we are surrounded by sin and sadness. What shall we do then when we find ourselves trapped in the cycle of abuse, abusing, and danger? First, know that you are a child of God and you can pray to Him, asking that you, your loved ones, and the abuser would find escape from this tangle of sin and know the joy and peace that only comes from the forgiveness of sins. Escape. Find a way out of the relationship.Tell an adult. Don’t keep the secret. He’s not sorry. He will do it again. It will get worse.Your favorite teacher, a guidance counselor from school, your pastor, or a friend’s mom can all get you real help so you can be safe and you
don’t have to feel threatened again. Tell a friend, and ask them to take the first step and report the abuse.You are worth much more in God’s eyes, in the eyes of your brothers and sisters in Christ, and in the eyes of someone who would truly love you as even as Christ loved His Church. Escape. In your escape, find a place that helps those who have suffered abuse.The damage is deeper than the bruises, cuts, and other unspeakable things.There is professional help to heal your body, mind, and soul. Pastors, doctors, and counselors all have different tools to heal your wounds. Find them all.They care about you. Remember that as you have been abused, you are not guilty.The blood of Jesus covers all your sins, and being abused is not a sin of yours. All the same, the guilt that you feel is taken away in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Seek out where you may immerse yourself in the spiritual care of God’s Word and Sacraments.Take refuge in Christ’s Church. Don’t be afraid. No matter what your abuser may try to tell you, your teachers, pastors, family, and friends are glad that you are safe.They will make sure that the abuser cannot see or talk to you any more.They will help you tell your story so that you can be free and safe. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are here to love you and care for you.Talk to them.Tell your story. Lean on them.You need help starting over, healing, hiding, surviving, and forgiving.The body of Christ exists to care for the body of Christ and to care for all people. You can start right now. You can be free of the prison of abuse today. Find a shelter in your area, friends who will help you, doctors who can care for you, and a pastor who can bring the Gospel to you. These are God’s gifts to bring you safely through. Are you afraid, feeling hopeless, or in danger? Call 911. Immediate help is available. To get connected to help in your area, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800799-SAFE (7233) www.ndvh.org Lord Jesus, quickly come, that the darkness of these earthly days would be replaced by the perpetual light of your grace and glory which is our inheritance by your death and resurrection. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Rev. Philip Zielinski is a jet-set pastor, travelling the country as an admission counselor for Concordia Theological Seminary, in search of the next star Lutheran pastor or deaconess. E-mail him at philip.zielinski@ctsfw.edu.
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Hey,Good Lookin’ I
By Rebekah Curtis
n ancient times, I went on a work trip to Haiti with my church’s youth group.There was a cultural dress code for girls: long skirts, covered shoulders, and for our beach day, bikinis were out.The girls griped and complained. Who wanted to wear an old lady one-piece? The guy next to me mumbled,“That’s what you should all be wearing anyway.”
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“Excuse me?“ I demanded. He sighed.“What if somebody told you that you weren’t supposed to eat any chocolate for ten years? And then they marched all this chocolate in front of you all the time. Is that going to make it easier or harder for you not to want something you’re not supposed to have?” Ouch. I knew he was thinking of our recent trip to a water park. In dressing for the guys’ attention, we girls had selfishly made it difficult—very difficult— for them to lead a sexually pure and decent life. Wait a minute though. Aren’t we free in the Gospel? You don’t go to a church where women have to wear long skirts and long hair. It was for freedom that Christ set us free, so who says you can’t wear whatever you want? Martin Luther explains, “This is that Christian liberty, our faith, the effect of which is not that we should be careless or lead a bad life, but that no one should need the law or works for justification and salvation.” Jesus died to forgive you and release you from sin and death.You are free in Christ from the impossible task of saving yourself through the Law.You don’t need to wear a chador, a mantilla, or your great-grandma’s housecoat to earn your heavenly mansion. Jesus was free of sin and death. After all, He is God. But God is love, and love does not seek its own (I Corinthians 13:5) but the beloved. Great news: you are the beloved. Jesus, seeing your sin and need for forgiveness, surrendered His freedom, humbled Himself, became nothing, and died for you (Philippians 2:7–8) because He loved you.This, says Martin Luther, shows us how Christian love works. “Though [the Christian] is thus free from all works, yet he ought to empty himself of this liberty, take on him the form of a servant . . . and in every way act towards his neighbor as he sees that God through
Christ has acted and is acting towards him. All this he should do freely, and with regard to nothing but the good pleasure of God.” Just as Jesus surrendered His freedom from death for our good, so do Christians exercise freedom humbly for the good of our baptized brothers and sisters.
Limiting your wardrobe is certainly humbling. Girls want to look good, and an easy way to do that is following trends that, for the moment, people consider good-looking. Whether you’re trying to fit in or stand out, it’s tempting to conform when fashions are clingy, strappy, low-cut, high-slit, daring, and baring. But far more important than advertising for Hollister is Christian love, which binds your behavior to your brothers’ needs and asks you to enjoy your freedom where it won’t hurt them.This applies to guys at church (including pastors), guys at school (including teachers), and guys you don’t know (including old guys you don’t know). In John Donne’s poem “A Hymne to God the Father,” the poet prays,“Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won/ Others to sin, and made my sin their door?” Female vanity guilefully misnamed “freedom” is a door to male lust. A girl may claim she likes the color of a tight sweater or that the weather mandates spaghetti straps, but no person is free to leave chastity— her own or someone else’s—in a pile on the floor of her closet. Girls, you’re more powerful than you know. Whether you think you’re Minerva or Medusa, regardless of your popularity, guys can’t help noticing you.The way you dress can mean the difference between
their respect or lust, greater virtue or darker sin. It costs you less to dress modestly than it costs them for you not to. If you’re not sure about a piece of clothing, ask yourself:Why do I want to wear this? Would I want another girl to wear it around my boyfriend? So, what to wear instead of the trashy stuff the world tosses over your dressing room door? Start like our mother Sarah with “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:4). Add the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 31:30), modesty, and self-control (1 Timothy 2:9), and you’ll really grab attention, because a beautiful soul makes a mysteriously beautiful woman. Mrs. Rebekah Curtis is the wife of Rev. Heath Curtis.You can e-mail her at rmgcurtis@gmail.com.
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