Reformation Polka

Well, gang, it's that time again. Yes, time for me to post... the Reformation Polka. Are you ready for some fun?


"Reformation Polka"
by Robert Gebel

[Sung to the tune of "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious"]

When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

(Hat tip to the Norwegian-leaning Old Lutheran.)

Similarities between RefDay and Halloween

Well, one of them is the second-highest grossing holiday in America after Christmas, and sadly, it ain't Reformation Day. But, that's not a similarity, that's a difference. Okay, then, I'll leave it to Gene Veith's blog, Cranach, to, um, take a stab at it. There are some good ones already.

On this day in history...

... Reformation Day!

1516 -- Martin Luther preached against the abuse of indulgences one year prior to his nailing of the 95 theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg.

1517 -- Luther posted 95 Theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, calling on all and sundry to debate the question of indulgences by word of mouth or by pen. As a result Cardinal Cajetan at Rome wrote “On Indulgences” against Luther. Tetzel got Professor Wimpina of the new University of Frankfort to write two sets of theses against Luther. Johann Mair von Eck of Ingolstadt denounced his friend Luther as a “Bohemian,” equating him to Jon Hus.

1870 -- Hugh Ross Mackintosh, Church of Scotland theologian, was born at Paisley, Scotland (d. 3 June 1936).

1932 -- A Lutheran seminary in Hankow, China, was dedicated.

1978 -- Christian Thomas Wetzstein, former president of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan District of the LCMS (1927–1929), died in South Lyon, Michigan (b. 14 February 1887, Sac County, Iowa). A 1909 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary (Springfield, Illinois), Wetzstein served congregations and preaching stations in northwest Canada, Saskatchewan and Ontario. After he left Canada, he continued to serve several vacant congregations in Indiana and Michigan until 1967. Wetzstein is said to have organized twenty-four congregations and to have served thirty-two congregations from his vicarage year in 1907 in Texas to his last parish at Burlington, Michigan.

[Hat tip to Concordia Historical Institute.]

What's the Reformation mean for me?

Well, it means a lot of things. One sermon from yesterday already up in the blogosphere applies it personally; you can check it out at Bloghardt's Reflector.

Hymn Lyrics

One of the great hymns we sang during Divine Service today, this day, on Reformation Sunday. Lots of meat to knosh on!

"Salvation unto Us Has Come"
By: Genevieve Irons

1. Salvation unto us has come
By God’s free grace and favor;
Good works cannot avert our doom,
They help and save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,
Who did for all the world atone;
He is our one redeemer.

2. What God did in his Law demand
And none to him could render
Caused wrath and woe on every hand
For man, the vile offender.
Our flesh has not those pure desires
The spirit of the Law requires,
And lost is our condition.

3. It was a false, misleading dream
That God his Law had given
That sinners could themselves redeem
And by their works gain heaven.
The Law is but a mirror bright
To bring the inbred sin to light
That lurks within our nature.

4. Since Christ has full atonement made
And brought to us salvation,
Each Christian there-fore may be glad
And build on this foundation.
Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead,
Your death is now my life indeed,
For you have paid my ransom.

5. Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone
And rests in him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known,
With love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify;
Works serve our neighbor and supply
The proof that faith is living.

6. All blessing, honor, thanks and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
The God who saved us by his grace;
All glory to his merit.
O triune God in heaven above,
You have revealed your saving love;
Your blessed name we hallow.

Quote of the Day

"Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason - I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other - my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen."

-- Martin Luther, at the Imperial Diet of Worms way back in 1521

Congratulations to the Cards!

[Hat tip to watersblogged.]

Outrage only for others

Oh, no! The headlines say, Outrage as Muslim cleric likens women to 'uncovered meat'. Surely we will see burning and beheadings, no? It's unlikely. But, had the Pope or some western religious leader said some kind of equivalent statement about militant Islamists...

Question is, where's the real opportunity for Americans?

In his article about a Democratic takeover in November, Mr. Du Pont, may be right on his predictions, but I hope he isn't. However, I think his characterization of left-wing rule is pretty accurate, if the Dems do win Congress.

However, being the optimist, I will offer two more points, should that be the outcome. One is that perhaps President Bush can find his veto pen and begin to use it. Wouldn't that be brilliant? Doing so will show contrast between Republican and Democrat ideas, as well as providing the practical benefit of stopping foolish legislation. Second, the re-calibration forced on Republican legislators by their loss of power could lead to a resurgence of conservative principles, since the Democrats would be advancing their platform of socialist ideas and the Republicans, being the opposition party once again, would have no choice but to fight them and articulate better alternatives. In other words, a return to our party platform, and a change to confrontation rather than appeasement, which will produce renewed Republican identity and vision among electeds and voters alike. "Conservative" will be cool again, and we'll have an entire party that is trying to limit the size of government and grow freedom, instead of just a small segment insisting on it.

The downside to Democrat control, is what will happen to our national security- the sign it sends to the world -- especially jihadists -- and the actual, physical implications of no vision, no courage, and no resolve. I can't really think of a bright side to that one; it's rather scary.

Jesus did not come to save us from bad attitudes

Adam and Eve displayed bad attitudes, but it was sin -- sin, plain and simple -- that was the cause of the first fall into death.

I was struck by these thoughts at Extra Nos:

Having bad attitude is not sin. This means that you can improve on your bad attitude by adopting new thoughts. In born again teaching, Christians are bogged down by bad attitude, they are not bogged down by sin. So you have sermons on how to counter bad attitude, a lot of sermons preached on having the right attitude.

The nice thing about bad attitude is that you can sort of correct it by simply stopping that bad thing you do or think. You'd think?!?

Well, if bad attitude is considered sin, that is very negative and people can not relate to that. But if bad attitude is not sin, then the solution to that is found inside you - it means you have to work at it.

Religion of works do not appeal to me because I am downright lazy and get tired easily.

I do not have bad attitude, I have sin.

Amen! Thanks be to God for not giving us mere therapy, but drowning us daily through the sanctifying work of his Word. Nothing less would even be love. And the difference of sin versus the more comfortable masks of self-improvement is a great one, especially if you're in a position to be sharing the love of Christ to others.

Minding those misconceptions

You know how the 'net is. You're looking for one thing, and another related thing catches your attention. I was looking at international pub food, and found this list of beer pet peeves. It's pretty instructive, especially for those who don't know much about the drink.

Fodder for small ponders

In one of those posts that really makes you wonder why some people are allowed to have blogs (and further still, why some read those blogs), I posit the following:

I am looking forward to seeing what kinds of costumed munchkins we'll have visit our porch on Halloween. It's our first year of handing out candy, and I'm prepared for cuteness and wanting children. What sweets are y'all handing out? We haven't decided, yet.

If I eat a corndog as a mid-evening snack and then throw away the stick to hide the evidence, is that bad, and if so, in what sense of the word?

Check out those moves

I have some of them.

Thanks to my wife who shared this amusing vidya with me: Christopher Walken, yes, in a Fatboy Slim music video. Mm-hm. Either you'll find it intoxicatingly fun -- nay, inspiring -- like I did, or wonder why people like me find it funny at all.

Nifty-frito

Home-Schooled Nerd announces the winner to the National Nerd Word Championship. Here are the best entries:

"Stick that in your pipe and smoke it!"
"Pin that Tail on yer Donkey!" (although [Matt] does even sometimes say "Honkey" for extra oomph)
"Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!"
"Boy Howdy!"
"Man Alive!"
And finally..."Oh my heavens to Betsy!"

Continue reading Interview With The Nerd Word Winnas, Pt. 2. I'm no Matt Tennis, though I do use a few of those lines routinely, as well others that might, taken together, qualify me for being some kind of nerdling. Like a nerd-underling. An under-nerd?

Free Speech

Google is getting sued more than ever, according to our nation's former newspaper of record. And with the buyout of YouTube, there will be more opportunities for Google to allow freedom or define it away.

As Google has grown into the world’s most popular search engine and, arguably, the most powerful Internet company, it has become entangled in scores of lawsuits touching on a wide range of legal questions, including copyright violation, trademark infringement and its method of ranking Web sites.

Any company that is large and successful is going to attract lawsuits, and Google’s deep pockets make it an especially big target. But as it rushes to create innovative new services, Google sometimes operates in a way that almost seems to invite legal scrutiny.

Remember one recent comment to a post on this blog about who owns the infrastructure of this new information communications medium, and where their political principles (and campaign donations) lay:

Lest we forget another dimension of the picture, recall that Google was one of the pillars of US information technology strength that readily buckled to China's demand for censorship. The Chinese government sees democracy as an offensive term, and Google was all too willing to agree.

Back to the article,

Google’s legal muscle and shrewdness are not lost on those on the other side of the fights.

“We’ve got a formidable legal team, but obviously it’s nowhere near the unlimited resources of Google,” said David A. Milman, the chief executive of Rescuecom, a nationwide computer repair company that sued Google on trademark infringement grounds similar to Geico’s — and quickly lost. The company said that it would appeal the decision.

“People say you can’t fight the government,” Mr. Milman said. “Google, in this case, is very similar to the government. They’re the government of the Internet.”

Reminder about your calendar

Don't forget to mark down, now, the afternoon Reformation celebration in Sacramento next Sunday at 4:00 pm. If you've never been, you can expect emphasis in sung and spoken words about God's Word which is so powerful that it saves us from a fate worse than death, and joy over re-discovering the truth of a God who loves and justifies us sinners. In other words, why the Reformation matters in 2006- because the fruits of that event continue to be served up and enjoyed even today. Now, that's continuity!

The decaf coffee that ain't

Did you know that decaf coffee isn't totally decaffeinated? I had heard rumors, and apparently the difference is still a pretty big one, but I think you, as my fellow man, should still know. I found it at Coffee Sage.

Hymn Lyrics

We sang this hymn in today's Divine Service, as the hymn of the day, right before the sermon. In fact, we've sung it as the main hymn of the day for each Sunday yet this month- ya think we're going for message reinforcement or something? One of the pastors even mentioned that someone -- he did not name names -- even wondered aloud to him after church last Sunday that "that sermon hymn" seemed familiar for some reason! LOL. Anyway, we're focusing on the daily doctrine of vocation during October, and this hymn has it dripping from every verse.


"Church of God, Elect and Glorious"

1. Church of God, elect and glorious,
Holy nation, chosen race;
Called as God’s own special people,
Royal priests and heirs of grace;
Know the purpose of your calling,
Show to all His mighty deeds;
Tell of love that know no limits,
Grace that meets all human needs.

2. God has called you out of darkness,
Into His most marv’lous light;
Brought His truth to life within you,
Turned your blindness into sight.
Let your light so shine around you
That God’s name is glorified;
And all find fresh hope and purpose
In Christ Jesus crucified.

3. Once you were an alien people,
Strangers to God’s heart of Love;
But He brought you home in mercy,
Citizens of heav’n above.
Let His love flow out to others,
Let them feel a Father’s care;
That they too may know His welcome
And His countless blessings share.

4. Church of God, elect and holy,
Be the people He intends;
Strong in faith and swift to answer
Each command your master sends;
Royal priests, fulfill your calling
Through your sacrifice and prayer;
Give your lives in joyful service—
Sing His praise, His love declare.

Play for the Detroot Toogers, and be a short-stoop!

The Cranach blog marvels at the Cardinals squeaking into the World Series, and I'll add to that- who ever would have expected, a while back, to see the Tigers, the Mets, or the Cards make it this far? Maybe I'm feeling too magnanimous, but "good job" all 'round to them!

I have not yet decided who I am backing for the World Series. Let's be shallow about this for a moment, shall we? The Cardinals are from St. Louis, which bears certain significance for us Looferins, but I consider the Tigers the long-term underdog, and I love an underdog. Plus, I wouldn't mind the chance to live out my forgiveness for my Michigan-born pastor bashing beloved my dear brother-in-law's Notre Dame a few weeks ago and once again be on the same side as him. Any preferences out there?

Test your liturgical IQ

I don't know how I missed this post over at Rev. Cwirla's Blogosphere but it's a fun one. Okay, maybe it's not got the bells and whistles and cool fonts like the ones you've seen hosted here, but you can't judge a quiz by its appearance.

Going for Gloria Deo

Luther at the Movies highlights renewing church architecture.

Quiz time

Shocked, I tell you! Well, okay, maybe just disappointed. I've got Midwestern roots, and I was born in the South. What gives?

Your Linguistic Profile:

70% General American English

10% Upper Midwestern

10% Yankee

5% Dixie

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

In news of the alarming...

... I learned yesterday that the United States produces something like 50,000 engineers annually -- that is an estimate, because I don't remember the specific number -- and China and India produce over 300,000. People that can do hard science, technology, and math. Yikes!

Also registering on the Yikes Scale was a TV special on the consequences of levee failure in the Sacramento region, which would rival Lousiana's "Katrina" in disaster.

But on a different type of alarming, as in "alarmingly awesome," is word of a debate between SCOTUS justice Scalia and the head of the ACLU. I would pay money to see that.

Quote of the Day

"How to deal with a nuclear-armed North Korean rogue state, mad
and bad both, is not easily addressed. The US understandably does
not want to go it alone with a military option, given the way
members of the Security Council played politics over the need
to remove Saddam Hussein and are ducking and diving on how to
deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions. But diplomacy does not work
with the North Koreans... [T]he North Koreans have continued
to up the ante, taking all the aid on offer while continuing
to try to build a bomb, and a missile to deliver it. There is
no doubting that the diplomacy of containment has failed. But
rather than blame the Americans---imagine the outcry if the US
went it alone in blockading North Korea's coasts or bombed its
nuclear facilities---it is time to hold the Security Council
to account. The very existence of the North Korean regime is an
affront to everything the UN is supposed to stand for. Millions are
thought to have died in the last famine and malnutrition is a way
of life. The country is ruled by hereditary dictator Kim Jong-il,
one part buffoon to many parts Big Brother. And its export income
depends on running drugs and counterfeit currency and selling
weapons. It is time for the permanent members of the Security
Council to stop pussyfooting... The whole world is watching for
a sign that the UN can do more than talk."

-- The Australian

You break it you bought it

What would you do if you accidentally punched a hole in a $139 million Picasso painting? Ask casino magnate Steve Wynn.

What can be gained from a church's implosion

Luther at the Movie's got a cautionary post about the implosions among the Episcopal church, rife with zest and unequivocation:

"And what of the good work that is done for the poor, the homeless, the unemployed? That takes money! Should good works be sacrificed on the altar of fratricidal rage? In the end, isn't how we treat a neighbor in distress more important a witness to Christ than a laundry list of doctrinal affirmations?"

Silence, imaginary interlocutor! Feed the flock and the flock will feed the hungry, clothe, the naked, and discomfort the comfortable! First things first! Feed them Christ and not the editorial page of The New York Times and watch how Christians address those bodily needs—and that out of gratitude, not out of guilt or political correctness!

Pray for the remnant: those faithful Anglicans/Episcopalians who are clinging to their faith, their prayerbook, their church, and who are fighting the good fight against heresy, indecency, stupidity, and greed. (If you knew what a TEC or C of E bishop drew as an income now, you would never stop throwing up. This, too, is why even orthodox clergy hang on to their positions in an apostate church—many are simply too comfortable.)

Pray also that, should they no longer find the TEC or the C of E sufferable, the remnant will join us in the Lutheran Church. Pray also that there will still be a Lutheran Church worthy of the name for them to enter.

New addition to the blog roll

Welcome to Rolf Potts' Vagablogging listed in the blog roll to the right. Focused on independent travel, it'll be an interesting read and we're happy to have him. See some of the other new blogs listed there- click on "Roll Call" on the menu to the right, and it'll take you to the blog roll. All alphabetized for your pleasure.

Poor thing, someone's got a case of loser's complex

Defeated socialist leader, former USSR president Gorbachev, tries to protest his old nemesis in sour, new grumblings about America.

In comments that were among the harshest he has made about the United States, Gorbachev compared U.S. foreign policy to one of the deadliest diseases on the planet -- AIDS.

"Today our American friends are suffering from an illness worse than AIDS. And I would say this is the victor's complex," Gorbachev was quoted as saying in an interview with the Netzzeitung.

Unable to extricate itself from its Cold War mentality, the United States was playing a dwindling role in world politics, while Russia, China, Brazil, Europe, India and Japan were becoming stronger, Gorbachev said.

Speaking as one who is unable to extricate himself from his Cold War mentality, Gorby doesn't quite get it. He seems to have overlooked one of the first post-Cold War improvements undertaken by our country: seeing to the demise of his Evil Empire, and his permanent retirement as the last leader of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. A solid start! How could he not mention something like that? With a non-polarized world, now, we are happy to see freedom spread among many of those nations he lists, and empowered to pursue good government and increased responsibility. It's kinda nice, actually, to see countries emerge from the past and share leadership around the globe, including in many places he conveniently neglected to mention, and it's no thanks to the dark ages of Soviet rule and fear that such progress has been made.

I'm sure other revisionist historians would love to help you on this one, Mr. Gorbachev, but you'll get none from me. Buh-bye!

Making sanctions fun

ScrappleFace announces adoption of new, more enlightened resolutions by the UN:

The resolution, drafted by Russia and China, in response to last week’s North Korean nuclear bomb detonation, calls for deploying UN troops to monitor President Kim’s broadcasts and public appearances, looking for tell-tale signs of good behavior.

In the early phases, the UN will issue resolutions praising President Kim each time he makes a speech that does not call for turning the United States into a lake of fire, or when a month goes by without major North Korean military maneuvers, nuclear weapon tests or other provocative acts.

The draft resolution notes that “all of us at the U.N. look forward to the day when we can give President Kim a big smiley-face sticker, because he’s realized that you can’t hug your friends with nuclear arms.”

Read the rest of UN Positive Sanctions Aim to Catch Kim Doing Good.

Quote of the Day

George Washington McLintock: I know, I know. I'm gonna use good judgment. I haven't lost my temper in 40 years, but pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning, might have got somebody killed... and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won't, I won't. The hell I won't! [Belts man in the mouth]

-- The movie, "McLintock!", which I just saw for the first time and loved it

Last Minute Travel

No, Laura and I aren't traveling farther than the Loomis Basin for church this weekend, but in case any of you are or might want to next weekend, check out Site59 for last minute prices on tickets. You might remember it from the Side Dishes blog in the sidebar, a couple months ago, but anyway, Dad, this one's for you.

If you're a blogger, this applies to you

Even if you haven't been following the controversy over YouTube banning top blogger, Michelle Malkin, while permitting jihadist propaganda, it's important to recognize that communications infrastructure is right up there with the message that goes out on it. Here's an article that describes what I mean; I quote-

Enter Fox News pundit, author and top-rated blogger Michelle Malkin. Last week she received notice from YouTube, the world’s most popular video sharing service, that her video had been deemed “offensive.” The result? Her account was terminated and her videos deleted.

YouTube refused to say why her videos were “offensive” and there was no avenue available to challenge the decision. Today, her videos are gone and her voice is suppressed on the most important video “node” on the Internet.

Some might note that Malkin can still host her videos elsewhere. Of course she can, but that would fail to understand the powerful forces of “network externalities” at play online. There is no Avis to eBay’s Hertz for good reason: Once an online network is fully catalyzed, there is no reason to join an alternative network. If you want to get the most money for your Beanie Baby collection, you are going to want access to the most potential bidders — and that means eBay.

YouTube is poised to become the eBay of video file sharing. If you want the biggest audience for your video, you want access to the most potential viewers — and that means YouTube.

Google understands this dynamic, which is why the company announced Monday that it will purchase YouTube — a company that has never made a dime — for $1.65 billion. YouTube fits very well within the Google online media portfolio. The company already owns Blogger.com, the most popular blog hosting site online, and Google News, which in two short years has become one of the top news sites in the world.

Don’t think it matters? Consider that, according to USA Today, 98 percent of the money donated to political parties by Google employees — “Google Millionaires” — went to Democrats.

But it’s not just Google’s media and financial muscle that benefits the left. Liberals run the leading blog search engine — Technorati. They run the leading blog software manufacturer — Six Apart. They invented two of the most important blogging technologies — Podcasting and RSS. The list goes on and on.

It may not matter who manufacturers your radio since all points on the dial are equally accessible and the choice is tiny compared to the number of Web sites, but on the Internet, where popularity is often directly proportional to technological acumen and popularity, once achieved, breeds more popularity, who builds what means everything.

Malkin may have been the first casualty in the coming information war but she certainly will not be the last. Yet online conservative elites seem not to care. They fail to realize that voters are increasingly accessing news and information from these new media sources and that these sources are using their editorial discretion to publish and promote a liberal — not conservative — agenda.

Yeah, it's pretty scary, considering the future of communications technology. Folks that disagree with the secular humanist agenda need to start their own techno-infrastructure, or catch on to what's happening and yell, and most importantly, participate. This issue isn't going away, so stay tuned- and follow the money.

[Hat tip to Drudge.]

But who watches Big Brother?

Used to be that only communist governments had to keep an eye out on their subjects, er, citizens. Not anymore! It's a brave new world, my friend. The Chicago Times reports:

Security and terrorism won't be an issue if Chicago wins the right to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games because, by that time, there'll be a surveillance camera on every corner, Mayor Daley said Wednesday.

"By the time 2016 [rolls around], we'll have more cameras than Washington, D.C. ... Our technology is more advanced than any other city in the world -- even compared to London -- dealing with our cameras and the sophistication of cameras and retro-fitting all the cameras downtown in new buildings, doing the CTA cameras," Daley said.

"By 2016, I'll make you a bet. We'll have [cameras on] almost every block."

The mayor talked about the steady march toward a Big Brother city during a free-wheeling exchange with the Sun-Times editorial board after unveiling his proposed 2007 budget.

Wait, I thought he left?!

He looks more angry every time I see him. Yes, friends, that's Alec Baldwin, today, berating one of New York's finest at the scene of the small plane crash in the Big Apple today. Either he lives near those posh apartments, he wants to go find the evidence that will show it was all President Bush's fault, or else he remembers that he promised the American people that he would move away if Bush was re-elected, and still needs to grab his luggage. Either way, why is he always two seconds away from going non-linear? Geesh. Move already.

[Hat tip to Yahoo!News]

Predestined by the One who loved us and loves us still

No, it's not the Quote of the Day, but:

"Predestination is not eenie-meenie-minie-moe on who's saved; it's that Christ is where God meets man and the way that God saves us."

That succinct bit is from a post by Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength about the differences between the sovereignist and Christological views of predestination. Following basic outlines of each position, including criticisms, come the most telling questions, "For whom did Christ die?" and "Where do we find security?". Read through Two Views of Predestination for yourself. You'll also find this comforting answer to those who ask for reassurance of their salvation in Christ:

Yes, I would gladly believe it if I were like St. Peter and St. Paul and others who are pious and holy; but I am too great a sinner, and who knows whether I am predestinated? Answer: Look at these words! What do they say, and of whom do they speak? "For God so loved the world"; and "that whosoever believeth on him." Now, the world is not simply Peter and Paul, but the entire human race taken collectively, and here no one is excluded: God's Son was given for all, all are asked to believe, and all who believe shall not be lost etc. Take hold of your nose, search in your bosom, whether you are not also a man (that is, a piece of the world) and belong to the number which the word "whosoever" embraces, as well as others? If you and I are not to take this comfort to ourselves, then these words must have been spoken falsely and in vain. -- Martin Luther, from a sermon on John 3:16-21

Making cliches sound good

“In a world where no one can be trusted, one man will risk it all.”

That's the type of thing this guy pronounces, and when you hear it, you believe it. If you've seen the Geico commercial recently, you know I'm talking about "that celebrity announcer guy," Don LaFontaine.



I want him to record our answering machine greeting.

Edit: Check out this funny clip to see more of his stuff, along with some of his competitors, poking fun at their part of the movie industry.

Oh. My. Gosh.

I am sitting at home with my tissues and medicine and cold washcloth for my eyes, watching a Senate Informational Hearing about E. Coli outbreak preparation on the CalChannel.

I wondered if I would be the sort of person that does this on days home sick, and now I know. Somebody help me.

Pacificism in the ranks?

Since I'm home today with a cold -- don't get too close to your monitor, there; I don't want to infect you -- here's a news story I read that surely did not make me feel any better. Basically, there's a move afoot to make a kinder, gentler, army drill sergeant, and it's succeeding. This is not a new complaint from those who don't like the "mean" people that happen to protect their right to expressing such complaints, but I worry that pacifying the very guys that are trying their hardest to make these young men ready to meet the enemy will end up handicapping our military's effectiveness to handle really intense and scary situations on the warfront. Geesh, that was a long sentence. Anyway, my point is that as a taxpayer and citizen, I want men and women that are made of strong intestinal fortitude and resilience -- good old fashioned toughness -- going off to kill our enemies and fight for peace and freedom, and not in any way ready to crumble in the face of the horrors of real war. Every ounce of steely resolve the American fighting man can muster should be built before the enemy tests it.

Okay, back to puffy, watery eyes and sneezes that fizzle out into yawns.

He understands, and I don't

Cafe Diem tells an amusing story about his travails through trying to obtain a much-needed and potentially-confusing order of a cup of coffee in the Golden Arches House of Fine Dining.

Also, I don't understand why cool conferences like this one here are all the way back in Minnesota and the woods of Wisconsin rather than out here in California. Bummer, dude. (Is it 'cause we say things like, "bummer, dude"?)

[Hat tip to Revvin' Rev.]

Now, where was that?

Some readers have been trying to find a post I did last week on adultery and men. Here it is. You can also view the archives in the sidebar.

Jail's just no fun anymore

A Texas sheriff has given inmates pink jumpsuits to wear, and it's apparently having a deterrent effect on recidivism. It's nice to have a sheriff who thinks jail should be a place potential crooks want to avoid- and little things like that apparently can make a difference, in Texas, especially.

Again someone must ask, where's Christ?

InstaPundit caught my attention with his short description of this wholly American phenomenon. Shudder.

Speak softly and carry a 1,092 foot aircraft carrier

Saturday, America's newest nuclear-powered Nimitz class aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, was christened. The ship has a 2008 delivery date.

[Hat tip to Barking Moonbat Early Warning System.]

Lutheran Carnival XXXIV is up

Revvin' Rev is hosting it. Check it out, but do me a favor and act really impressed when I magically come up with some goodies and post about them later.

Count your many blessings

In random order:

1. 20/20 vision. (I had an eye exam at the optometrist's office today.)

2. Medical insurance that pays for things like eye exams, and a job that provides those benefits.

3. A lovely wife who loves me!

4. Having a cold. There are worse things that could be wrong, but aren't.

5. Grilled steak.

6. Swingsets. Especially front porch ones.

7. A loving God who clothes me in His righteousness, though I don't deserve it.

8. Sales at grocery stores, and a smart wife who finds them.

9. Did I mention steak?

10. A day off from work.

11. Lap-top computers.

12. Hearing my wife sing to herself.

And, hey, let's make a baker's dozen...

13. A peaceful and safe neighborhood to live in. That's a good thing, too.

Hymn Lyrics

An awesome hymn about discipleship that describes what it means to follow Christ. I believe it was the opening hymn in yesterday's Divine Service.

"'Come, Follow Me' Said Christ, the Lord"
By: Johann Scheffler

1. "Come, follow me," said Christ, the Lord,
"All in my way abiding;
Your selfishness throw overboard,
Obey my call and guiding.
Oh, bear your crosses, and confide
In my example as your guide.

2. "I am the light; I light the way,
A godly life displaying;
I help you walk as in the day;
I keep your feet from straying.
I am the way, and well I show
How you should journey here below.

3. "My heart is rich in lowliness;
My soul with love is glowing;
My lips the words of grace express,
Their tones all gently flowing.
My heart, my mind, my strength, my all
To God I yield; on him I call.

4. "I teach you how to shun and flee
What harms your soul’s salvation;
Your heart from every guile to free,
From sin and its temptation.
I am the refuge of the soul
And lead you to your heavenly goal."

5. Then let us follow Christ, our Lord,
And take the cross appointed
And, firmly clinging to his word,
In suffering be undaunted.
For those who bear the battle’s strain
The crown of heavenly life obtain.

--
Hymn #379 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Bartholomaus Gesius
Tune: Machs Mit Mir, Gott
1st Published in: 1668

Beeping from Hell

Why, oh why, is the person in the room who refuses to put their phone on silent mode also the slowest on the draw when it comes to quieting it when it rings? If the anticipated calls are so darn important, keep the devilish little device in your hand or somewhere you'll be able to get to it instantly- if the call is really is that important, that is. Otherwise, show respect to your neighbors and prevent such disturbances.

This happened just yesterday evening, as a matter of fact, as Pastor offered a prayer to open our Bible Study. Argh!

Maybe my uncle has a point: technology has surrounded our civilization, and we are the worse for it. (Or at least incapable of managing it wisely.)

A story

To get over my sadness of Cruising Down the Coast of the High Barbaree sayin' goodbye, let me tell you a story.

I always have a story or observation about riding RT, but yesterday's was unusual. I was reading a book, when a couple stops into the ride, someone steps over to me from behind my seat. I half turn, and find myself face-to-face with a big, football-player-build, guy, who whispers, "Are you Christian?" Well, you get all sorts on the LightRail train, but this one didn't have the "look" in his face or alcohol on his breath, so I figured he was lucid: "yes," was my reply. He explained that he was on his way downtown and was in trouble. Headed to court, he felt there was a chance he would be taken into custody, and he needed to pray with someone. I agreed. And there, we prayed. Clasping hands with a stranger, trying to ignore the eyes of those around me, I trusted the Holy Spirit to understand my heart as the words came pouring out of his mouth, repenting and asking God's mercy. He finished, and because I was calm about it, no one seemed to get too alarmed, either. He took the recently-emptied seat next to me, and there I sat, the words finally coming to me in a flow, praying to God, silently, for the remainder of the ride, as the man next to me faced an uncertain future, struggling not to fidget. After the train rushed across the river, he was up and waiting by the door to press the button to exit with the crowd. I watched, and he looked back and mouthed the words, "thank you." I nodded and smiled. And prayed again.

I don't know what happened to the man after that, but for me, it was one of those times that you are asking, "what just happened?" I'm still dwelling on it, and pondering how our God may -- and indeed does -- use people to do His will, even in ways and at times that may surprise us. God be praised, that he would use us, sinful/hypocritical/saved humans to share His love!

"Hymn" Lyrics

It's Friday, and I'm feeling zesty. Thanks to Horn+Swoggled for enabling me. Hi-larious!


Adiaphoron: Anthem for American Christianity
(To the tune "A Mighty Fortress")

1. One little word is all we need.
That word is "adiaphoron."
If there's no clear command to heed,
It is an adiaphoron.
Old rules are awful;
All things are lawful!
It's all Greek to me,
But in it we are free.
We love to share its meaning.

2. If it's not there in black and white,
It is an adiaphoron.
God wants us to assert our rights.
It is an adiaphoron.
An old-fashioned mind
Our hearts cannot bind.
Re: Use of Kazoos--
God's Law doth not accuse.
We love to hum His praises.

3. We're free to sing whatever we want.
It is an adiaphoron.
Perfume in the baptismal font:
It is an adiaphoron.
The old-fashioned ways
Now give way to praise
With rock-and-roll beats:
"Hey God, you're really neat!
We love to praise you our way."

4. The liturgy turns off the lost;
It is an adiaphoron.
We draw them in, whate'er the cost;
It is an adiaphoron.
Even elephants
Might have relevance
To seekers who seek
A Cirque du Christ each week.
We love to entertain them.

Looking for something to do this month?

Come to the 61st Annual Reformation Celebration hosted by Town and Country Lutheran Church in Sacramento on October 29 at 4:00 pm. Dale Meyer will be the guest speaker/preacher, and there will be a choir made of up singing folk from local congregations. I've gone for the last coupla years, and it's usually a good message on the profound re-discovery of the Gospel and what that means for you and me, and praise in Word and in song. Yes, this is an invitation to all our friends. C'mon out!

Or, if you happen to have some plane tickets to Munich, head over to the -- wait, what? Okay, it's over with. Alright, I was going to suggest a trip to the original Oktoberfest, but it appears its more of a Septemberfest, because it's just concluded. Anyway, since Octoberfests are seen all over the place these days, Purpose Driven Drinking has a short history of where they came from.

It's my sister

Did you know that UCLA's prestigious Philharmonia has accepted a new French Horn player into its ranks?

Congratulations, Sarah! We're proud of you, and look forward to the thrilling music you'll be making.

Quote of the Day

"The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up."

-- Paul Valery

Get it for your pastor!

Okay, I guess this means I've gone into advertising -- we'll leave aside the philosophical and blogological implications of that compared with what I've done here so far -- but to celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month, check out these offerings from Old Lutheran's store:



A clergy ballcap. Handy for the church softball game, attending the big leagues, or just wearing wherever.



Shorts for the same, or just tweaking the dispensationalist in your life.



And, an inordinately large pair of socks. (The picture didn't upload properly.)

Enjoy the laugh, until website lawyers make me take down the pics and my free advertising is asked to cease!

Yeah, what he said

When blogging, sometimes there's nothing that you can really add to someone else's post, and in that case you go, "Here! Look at this guy's blog!" But hey, that's part of what the blogosphere is all about, isn't it?

Anyway, moving on. A must-read for married, Christian guys over on Confessing Evangelical's blog. I haven't read anything as straightforward on the danger of "playing with fire" as this essay. The warnings contained therein make for a good wrestling match with the Old Adam. Thanks for posting it, Internet Monk!

Laser tag?

So, the PRC is firing laser beams to disrupt American satellites, so says the London Telegraph.

There has been increasing alarm in parts of the American military establishment over China's growing military ambitions.

Military experts have already noted that Chinese military expenditure is increasingly designed to challenge American military pre-eminence by investing in weaponry that can attack key systems such as aircraft carriers and satellites.

At the same time, China is engaged in a large-scale espionage effort against American high-tech firms working on projects such as the multibillion-pound DD(X) destroyer programme.

Several spy rings have been cracked and the FBI is increasing the number of counter-intelligence staff tracking the Chinese effort.

And, the plot thickens!

Speaking of space-y things, it was indeed, "One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" that American astronaut Neil Armstrong announced when landing the moon. It's not a tautology anymore! Thanks to watersblogged for the heads-up on that one.

Hymn Lyrics

This hymn is about the Lord's Supper, Sacrament of the Altar, Holy Communion... whatever name you want to use. Lutheran churches find tremendous benefit in partaking in this small meal of bread and wine, not because it makes us feel goose-pimply all over, nor to check off a task on some list of things "good Christians" do, but simply because we have no choice but to take Jesus at his word and recognize the power and promise of Christ's words attached to visible elements, and don't try to re-configure his last will and testament (go here for more on this) to fit into our own box of comfy logic. A particularly helpful and quick read on the Lord's Supper is found here.


"I Come, O Savior, to Your Table"
By: Friedrich C. Heyder

1. I come, O Savior, to your table,
For weak and weary is my soul;
You, Bread of Life, alone are able
To satisfy and make me whole.
Lord, may your body and your blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

2. Restless am I and heavy laden,
With sin my soul is sore oppressed;
Receive me graciously, and gladden
My heart that here is now your guest.
Lord, may your body and your blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

3. Your heart is filled with fervent yearning
That I, a sinner, come to you;
I, Lord, to your sure mercy turning,
My ancient bond of faith renew.
Lord, may your body and your blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

4. In hope I come to your high table,
Your testament of deepest love;
For by its grace I now am able
To know the heart of God above.
Lord, may your body and your blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

5. What greater gift can I inherit?
It is faith’s bonded solid base;
It is the strength of heart and spirit,
The covenant of hope and grace.
Lord, may your body and your blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

6. Your body crucified, O Savior,
Your blood which once for me was shed,
These are my life and strength forever,
By them my hungry soul is fed.
Lord, may your body and your blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

--
Hymn #242 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Ms., Municipal Library
Tune: Ich Sterbe Taglich
1st Published in: 1756

Overheard

During today's church service, as the kids were invited forward to listen to the children's sermon...

David: [leaning over to whisper to Laura] Go up.
Laura: [shooting him a dirty look] You go up.
David: I can't. I have a beard.
Laura: It doesn't mean you're not a child.

Ouch!

I love that woman.