Christian Combatives

Saw a bunch of questions on Facebook about innovating, reaching the unchurched, handling pastor shortage, dealing with multiple small congregations, adopting a megachurch model, etc. Thought it was worth going through them all. I will put all the questions in the post below in case any other pastor wants to answer too: "I grew up in and left the ELCA over a decade ago now because of severe theological concerns. As such, I've long since moved on from my "cage state-y Exposing the ELCA" phase. I know that topics like abortion, women's ordination, immigration, etc. generate plenty of anger, which in turn generates plenty of engagement, which in turn generates plenty of algorithmic upvoting; but aren't there other things we can actively engage on? At current rates of membership decline, the ELCA is projected to die in 25 years. The LCMS isn't far behind that. This post isn't saying "let's stop arguing theology" (theology is important), but it is asking "can't we focus on the looming existential threats a little more?" I'd so much rather spend time on this group addressing questions like these:1. What are innovative ways your church is engaging the unchurched?2. How does Lutheran theology offer real hope to Millennials and Gen Z folks who have decided it isn't in church?3. How can Lutherans engage the increasing diversity of the United States?4. A flood of pastors is projected to retire in the next few years (already happening). What is your church doing to help raise up pastors beyond just saying "that's the Synod's job"?5. What are the most God-honoring options for small Lutheran churches facing imminent closure? Selling off the building? Becoming a multi-site of a larger Lutheran church? Turning it into a bar or Arts center?6. What do we think about multi-site ministry? The "megachurch" trend among Evangelicals has largely turned into multi-site since you lose the overhead costs of a huge building. Is it Biblically-sound, or of the Devil?7. Some young people are leaving Evangelicalism for Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Why aren't they finding Lutheranism? Why is it so hard to find us?"

Weekly or Monthly? Grape juice or wine? Open or closed? Does the pastor act like the dictator for communion practice? Or is he a servant to be directed by the congregation? This is what we discuss in this video featuring Rev Daniel Ross and Brother Matthew Gehne Find more of Matthew Gehne here: https://www.instagram.com/matthew.gehne/ linktr.ee/matthew.gehne Let's get into it!

In this Bible study we talked about:00:00 Introduction to the Third Commandment and its significance00:28 The Biblical and Jewish understanding of the Sabbath02:20 Misinterpretations and abuses of the Sabbath in Jesus' time05:32 The purpose of the Sabbath: Rest and Recovery08:14 The Christian understanding of the Sabbath and Holy Days11:12 The New Covenant and the spiritual rest in Christ17:20 How to sanctify and keep the Holy Day in Christ20:11 The role of God's Word in making a day holy23:08 Relics, superstitions, and the true source of holiness26:51 The danger of superficial religious practices30:46 The importance of God's Word in daily life and worship33:05 Rest as a gift from God and its connection to faith35:23 The danger of neglecting God's Word and spiritual laziness38:08 Conclusion: The true meaning of the Third Commandment and living holy in Christ

In this Bible study we talked about:00:00 What does it mean to take God's name in vain?04:48 Common ways God's name is misused in society09:50 The seriousness of misusing God's name and its consequences16:32 Teaching children to honor God's name with joy and reverence22:06 Practical ways to incorporate God's name in daily life27:46 The power of calling on God's name in protection and prayer30:29 Summary and encouragement to respect and use God's name rightly

In this Bible study we talked about:00:00 Introduction to biblical warfare and God's justice00:45 The story of Midian and the command to wipe out civilizations02:31 Jesus' teaching on leading others to sin and God's harsh judgments04:43 The importance of context in understanding God's commands06:24 The morality of war and God's justice in the Old Testament08:14 The mercy of God and the possibility of redemption for enemies10:01 The horror of child sacrifice in ancient civilizations11:42 The concept of God's justice versus human understanding13:34 The inclusion of Gentiles and enemies into God's family15:30 The importance of trusting God's wisdom and plan17:20 The division of spoils and conquest in biblical history19:12 The foreshadowing of future consequences in biblical narratives21:10 The dangers of trying to outdo God's justice and mercy23:02 The story of Jonah and God's mercy towards enemies24:47 The importance of faith and trusting in God's plan26:36 The sovereignty of God and human limitations28:28 The future promises and warnings in the Bible30:09 The legacy of biblical conquest and God's justice31:58 The importance of understanding biblical history in context32:44 Conclusion and encouragement to trust God's wisdom

In this Bible study we talked about:00:00 How to conduct a service without a pastor using hymnal guidelines02:19 Changes needed in the service of the sacrament without a pastor03:51 Explanation of the first and second commandments and God's jealousy06:22 The concept of God's wrath and love extending to generations10:48 The danger of false teachings and traditions of men14:20 Understanding the meaning of Matthew 7 about false prophets18:03 The importance of genuine faith over outward appearances21:39 The role of Scripture and the danger of church control over interpretation26:31 God's promises of mercy versus the appearance of blessing in the world30:27 Rejoicing in God's blessings and trusting His plan32:26 The importance of gratitude and contentment in Christian life

In this Bible study we talked about:03:25 Petra as Jesus, the Rock of Salvation05:32 The Catholic View and Greek Text Challenges09:48 Summary of the Greek and Biblical Context10:01 Introduction to Numbers 25 and Israel’s Faithfulness11:08 Israel’s Unfaithfulness and God's Justice12:25 The Language of Unfaithfulness and Yoking to False Gods13:46 The Incident of Phineas and Zeal for God15:30 Infectious Nature of False Worship and God's Justice17:37 Responsibility of Leaders and the Danger of Leading Others Astray18:52 The Importance of Courage and Standing for Truth21:49 Warfare in the Spirit and Clandestine Strategies23:52 Census and the Next Generation of Israelites28:29 Moses’ Final Journey and Joshua’s Appointment30:38 Joshua as a Type of Christ and the Fulfillment of Law32:18 Moses’ Death and Transfiguration of Moses in the New Testament34:09 Offerings and Laws in Numbers 28-3035:53 Vows, Promises, and Authority in Biblical Law38:03 The Significance of Vows in Marriage and Family39:26 Closing Remarks and Doxology

In this Bible study we talked about:00:46 What does it mean to have God and trust in Him?02:06 Idolatry in history and modern times03:20 The cultural background of pagan gods and idols05:00 Misconceptions about Jesus and saints06:43 Trusting in God versus trusting in saints or relics08:55 The danger of praying to saints and Mary10:54 The biblical view of saints and intercession13:00 The false trust in saints and relics15:15 The danger of trusting in miracles and saints' powers17:25 The proper understanding of God's gifts and means20:28 The heart's trust and the danger of self-trust22:19 The gospel of grace versus self-righteousness25:03 The theology of the cross versus the theology of glory26:59 The most common idol: ourselves28:56 The importance of faith in Christ alone32:14 God's provision through means and trusting in Him34:55 Self-examination and the promise of God's help

In this Bible study we talked about:0:00 The song of the well05:05 The Conquest of Israel and Key Battles in Numbers14:57 The Story of Balaam: A Prophet for Profit24:26 God's Communication with Balaam and the Talking Donkey29:21 Balaam's Blessings and Prophecies about Israel33:22 Animals, Divine Communication, and Heaven

Tons of Bible verses talking about the ark, quite a few talking about Mary, but who is a better fulfillment of the ark, Mary or Jesus? Best place to look for that is in the text.Let's get into it!00:05 Introduction to biblical typology and Mary01:41 Typology examples: David, Psalm 22, Elijah, John the Baptist03:22 The importance of scripture in theological interpretation05:18 What does the Bible say about Mary and her significance?07:11 The biblical references to the Ark of the Covenant08:30 Comparing Mary and Jesus as fulfillment of the Ark10:24 The purpose and contents of the Ark of the Covenant12:38 Jesus as the eternal fulfillment of the Ark's contents14:29 The localized presence of God: Ark, tabernacle, temple, and Christ15:02 The significance of the Ark's journey and its typology15:22 Revelation 11 and 12: The woman, the church, and the Ark17:45 The role of Mary in biblical prophecy and typology19:30 The dangers of misinterpreting biblical typology21:47 Summary: Christ as the true Ark of the Covenant23:36 Conclusion: Biblical fidelity over tradition and opinion

In this Bible study we talked about:00:11 The role of the Book of Concord and the Bible in study00:41 Historical context of Luther's catechisms01:40 The significance of the Ten Commandments and Luther's emphasis on the first03:04 What it means to have no other gods and trusting in God alone04:30 The danger of trusting in idols like money, power, and saints07:14 The false worship of saints and relics in Catholic tradition09:08 The blackmailing of saints and the danger of idolatry14:51 Trusting in possessions and the danger of materialism20:26 The futility of trusting in worldly legacy and pride22:16 The biblical perspective on trusting in worldly things25:36 The importance of tangible faith and sacraments27:43 The story of doubting Thomas and physical proof of faith30:33 The scars of martyrs and glorified bodies in heaven35:50 The assurance of forgiveness through sacraments and God's promises

In this Bible study we talked about:- Whether or not Job was a parable or history, and what difference it makes- Understanding text indicators of parables- Benefits of comfort for Job being history- Jonah and Adam and Eve are all stories some people thought weren't historical- What parables are used for- Poetic genre does not mean ahistorical narrative- Confusions about Job that we can't answer easily- The true blessings Job receives- Job teaches about the

In this Bible study we talked about:- The Israelites complain against God for water- Moses' sin- Death of Aaron- The Israelites complain against God about food- The Fiery Serpents (Seraphim)- The Serpent on the pole- How did God save the people by removing the Serpents - How do we know babies have faith- Difference between trusting faith, and intellectual assent- Humans are higher than angels

In this Bible study we talked about:- Explanation of what the Large Catechism is and who it is for- Christians reading the Bible and catechism daily- Pastors being held accountable to study constantly- The selfish motivations behind some pastors not studying- Luther insulting said pastors- Luther's Introduction to the Large Catechism

In this Bible study we talked about:- Numbers 16-17- Korah's rebellion- People try to take over the priesthood from Aaron- God punishes them- Aaron saves a bunch of them- Creating new "good Works"- Fire as a purifier and punishment- Why God doesn't do as many miracles- God's appropriate wrath/anger- Aaron's staff buds and bears almonds

In this Bible study we talked about:- The Book Of Concord- What is it?- What is in it?- How do we use it?- What's some of the stuff in it?- Article 15 on the Mass- Apology to Article 15, retaining the traditions- Adiaphora- Why do different Lutheran groups get different things from it? (Quia Vs Quatenus)

In this Bible study we talked about:- Numbers 14- 15- The Israelites complain about the promised land- God curses the Israelites generation to die and wander 40 years- Commandments for offerings- Punishment for breaking the Sabbath- Sojourners and people who join the Israelites- Punishing unintentional sin- Tassels on the garments

In this Bible study we talked about:- Numbers 11- 13- Moses gathers the 70 elders- The Israelites grumble again, and get quail- God's perfect emotions- Mini-Pentecosts of the Holy Spirit falling on groups- The Israelites are greedy with quail- Miriam and Aaron sin against God and Moses- The spies check out Canaan- Modern day locations of the Bible

In this Bible study we talked about:- Numbers 9-11:15- How to keep the Passover- How to do something "In remembrance"- Means of grace- Moving the ark around- The Israelites grumble and die

In this Bible study we talked about:- Semper virgo, arguments for and against- What the Bible says- Why people believe Semper Virgo- Genesis 2- 1 Cor 6,7- Ephesians 5

In this Bible study we talked about:- Laws about leprosy,- Law about restitution- A test for fidelity often used by pro-abortion activists- The meaning of the phrase "Her thigh shall fall away"- The Nazirite Vow (and samson)- The blessing of Aaron- The consecration of Levites

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 40- Why is God so precise on the details of the tabernacle- The old covenant vs new covenant- Abusing your Christian freedom in church- The Ninevites vs Canaanites- Numbers 1, 3

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 33-36- God is mad at the Israelites- Moses intercedes for the Israelites- God gives the ten commandments to the Israelites a second time, and some additional details- Moses glows and sees God- The tabernacle is built

In this Bible study we talked about:- Explaining the concept of covenants- Comparing the old covenants to the new covenant- The Mosaic Covenant is not currently active, and we aren't a part of it anyway- Zacchaeus was a "wee little man", an "Anthropon Micron" A "Micro man"- Why did the East and West split- The Golden Calf- Exodus 31-32

In this Bible study we talked about:- The priest's garments- Sacrifices for consecrating priests- Why we don't use grape juice instead of wine- It is impossible to perfectly follow all God's commands- Contrasting the Old Covenant with the New Covenant- Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh used in the Old Covenant- Exodus 28:31-Ex 30

In this Bible study we talked about:- Covering common Easter myths- Syncretism- Marian apparitions and good luck charms - Patron saints as reused pagan deities- Different approaches to share the truth based on the individual- The design of the priests' garments- The garments and artistry in the church- Why traditional styles/themes help teach- Exodus 28:1-30

In this Bible study we talked about:- Are babies sinners?- How are babies saved- How is anyone saved?- Faith vs Intellectual Assent.- Age of accountability- What should we think for babies who die before birth?- It is possible to spiritually starve your children- God takes care of my life even if I don't know how He will

In this Bible study we talked about:- Is baptism invalid if your baptizer is bad?- Is baptism invalid if the person receives it deceitfully?- Why are some baptized multiple times?- Baptism is passively received, not actively done by you- How is John's Baptism connected to Christ's?- Is baptism a "work" of your parents?- Do you need to get baptized again if you have sinned since your baptism?- What is confession and absolution?- Who should you confess to?- Why do you baptize once, but receive communion many times?- What are some ways God forgives sins?

In this Bible study we talked about:- Instructions to build the tabernacle- Instructions to build the ark, table, and lampstand- Exodus 25-26

In this Bible study we talked about:- Concupiscence vs outward-sourced temptation- Jesus' temptation without sin- What kinds of temptation did Jesus receive and resist?- Do believers still sin?- Where does temptation come from?- What should Christians pray regarding Iran- If death is bad, does God ever use it for good?- Is armed rebellion ever justified?- What should we pray for?

In this Bible study we talked about:- Signs of the end times in Revelation- Signs of the end times in Matthew 24 by Jesus- The destruction of the temple- False Christs- Prosperity preachers and the NAR- The testimony of martyrs- The Rapture

In this Bible study we talked about:- Laws about Sabbath/festivals- The point of the Sabbath- Conquest of Canaan promised- Covenant cut and confirmed with the Israelites- What is a covenant and why was this one replaced?

In this Bible study we talked about:- Nephilim and other Hapax Legomena- Sojourner vs invader- Not showing partiality- Usury

In this Bible study we talked about:- The 9th and 10th Commandment- Coveting- The structure/design of the church/altar- Exodus rules for slaves- Exodus rules for theft/murder/etc

In this Bible study we talked about:- The 7th and 8th Commandment- Charity- Gossip- How serious God takes slander and lying- The origin of the term "Lutheran" and why it stuck

In this Bible study we talked about:- The 5th Commandment- The difference between killing and murder- What do we make of the ICE-raids, and those who have died?- How do Christians resist without sinning?- How do Christians protect human life, regardless of their side of the issue?- Toxic Charity- What Jesus says about Homosexuality- Adultery- Polygamy- Divorce

In this Bible study we talked about:- The 5th Commandment- Forbidding murder in Genesis 9:6- The difference between killing and murder- The difference between accidental and intentional killing- Abortion- End of life choices- What to do with a child resulting from assault

In this Bible study we talked about:- The 3rd and 4th Commandments- The length of creation according to Exodus 20:11- How we honor the sabbath day- Why do we worship on Sunday instead of Saturday- What kinds of rules did people make up for this commandment?- How does honoring your father and mother work if they are not honorable people?- The extension of the 4th commandment to government as well, beyond parents

In this Bible study we talked about:- The Biblical view of Race vs the Modernist view- How does the Bible distinguish between groups of people? Nations, Tribes, etc.- Identity determined by belief, not skincolor or ancestry- John 4, Samaritans- Acts 17- Verses used against interracial marriage, such as "Unequally yoked" (2 cor 6:14)- Being married to an unbeliever, and the possibility of divorce- How the devil attacks the pastor and the church- How pastors handle the call process- When to pray imprecatory prayers- God brings people together in one Christ

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 20- Revisited 1st and 2nd Commandments- Talked about "graven images"- An idol is anything you trust more than God- Other denominations objections to religious art- Icons- The orthodox understanding and use of icons- Experientialism in Pentecostalism and Orthodoxy- Style of Church/worship can become an idol- Ways people take God's name in vain

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 18-20:6- 1st Commandment- John 8 (who are the true children of God/Abraham)- Romans 10-11 (How are the Jewish people still special in God's plan)- A blasphemous prayer to Mary

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 14-17- The song of Moses- The Israelites grumble- God turns the water sweet- The Israelites grumble- God gives them manna and quail- The Israelites grumble- God gives them water from a rock- God causes Israel to win in the battle against the Amalekites while Moses has his hands raised

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 12:33-14- The Israelites exit Egypt- The Egyptian chariots give chase- God protects the Israelites with the Pillar of cloud/fire- God parts the red sea- The Israelites pass through, the Egyptians drown

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 10-- The final 3 plagues- Different views of communion- The connections between Passover and the Lord's Supper

In this Bible study we talked about:- The canons of Scripture- How can we know what books are Scripture?- False gospels, gnostic gospels- Gnostic beliefs- Cremation vs burial- The resurrection of the body- People aging differently before the flood

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 7:13-9- Pharaoh continues to refuse to let God's people go- Pharaoh gets overwhelmed with plagues- Pharaoh keeps changing his mind when the plagues stop

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 4-7:13- Moses talks to Pharaoh- Pharaoh makes Israelite life worse- Moses shows a miracle of the staff to Pharaoh, but he doesn't listen- An explanation of the 10 plagues and why each of them is an insult to one of more Egyptian gods

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 3-4- God talks to Moses in the Burning Bush- God gives Moses miracles to do- Moses and Aaron go to Egypt and speak with the Israelites

In this Bible study we talked about:- Exodus 1-2- The birth of Moses- Moses in the bullrushes- Noah's Ark vs Moses' Arks vs the Ark of the Church

In this Bible study we talked about:- Genesis 48-50- The death of Israel- Joseph forgives his brothers- The death of Joseph- The end of Genesis- An explanation of where Genesis fits in the first 5 books, and that fits in the Bible