Wrestling with Theology

All this has been said about secret sins. But where the sin is quite public, so that the judge and everybody know about it, you can without any sin shun the offender and let him go his own way, because he has brought himself into disgrace. You may also publicly testify about him. For when a matter is public in the daylight, there can be no slandering or false judging or testifying. It is like when we now rebuke the pope with his doctrine, which is publicly set forth in books and proclaimed in all the world. Where the sin is public, the rebuke also must be public, that everyone may learn to guard against it. (284)

But you say, “Shall I not say something if it is the truth?”Answer: “Why do you not make your accusation to regular judges?”“Ah, I cannot prove it publicly, and so I might be silenced and turned away in a harsh manner.”“Ah, indeed, do you smell the roast?”If you do not trust yourself to stand before the proper authorities and to answer well, then hold your tongue. But if you know about it, know it for yourself and not for another. For if you tell the matter to others—although it is true—you will look like a liar, because you cannot prove it. Besides, you are acting like a rascal. We should never deprive anyone of his honor or good name unless it is first taken away from him publicly. (270)

Over and above our own body, spouse, and temporal possessions, we still have another treasure—honor and good reputation [Proverbs 22:1]. We cannot do without these. For it is intolerable to live among people in open shame and general contempt. Therefore, God does not want the reputation, good name, and upright character of our neighbor to be taken away or diminished, just as with his money and possessions. He wants everyone to stand in his integrity before wife, children, servants, and neighbors. In the first place, we must consider the plainest meaning of this commandment, according to the words “You shall not bear false witness.” This applies to the public courts of justice, where a poor, innocent man is accused and oppressed by false witnesses in order to be punished in his body, property, or honor. (255-257)

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed (Proverbs 19:17).

In short, if you steal much, you can expect that much will be stolen from you. He who robs and gets by violence and wrong will submit to one who shall act the same way toward him. For God is master of this art. Since everyone robs and steals from one another, God punishes one thief by means of another. Or else where would we find enough gallows and ropes? (245)

This is, in short, the way of the world: whoever can steal and rob openly goes free and secure, unmolested by anyone, and even demands that he be honored. Meanwhile, the little burglars, who have once trespassed, must bear the shame and punishment to make the former thieves appear godly and honorable. But let such open thieves know that in God’s sight they are the greatest thieves. He will punish them as they are worthy and deserve. (231)

In the second place, you must know also that marriage is not only an honorable but also a necessary state. In general and in all conditions it is solemnly commanded by God that men and women, who were created for marriage, shall be found in this estate. Yet there are some exceptions (although few) whom God has especially set apart. They are not fit for the married estate. Or there are individuals whom He has released by a high, supernatural gift so that they can maintain chastity without this estate. For where nature has its course—since it is given by God—it is not possible to remain chaste without marriage. For flesh and blood remain flesh and blood. The natural desire and excitement have their course without delay or hindrance, as everybody sees and feels. In order, therefore, that it may be easier in some degree to avoid inchastity, God has commanded the estate of marriage. In this way everyone may have his proper portion and be satisfied with it. Yet God’s grace is also required in order that the heart may be pure. (211-212)

But this commandment is aimed directly at the state of marriage and gives us an opportunity to speak about it. First, understand and mark well how gloriously God honors and praises this estate. For by His commandment He both approves and guards it. He has approved it above in the Fourth Commandment, “Honor your father and your mother.” But here He has (as we said) hedged it about and protected it. Therefore, He also wishes us to honor it and to maintain and govern it as a divine and blessed estate because, in the first place, He has instituted it before all others. He created man and woman separately, as is clear. This was not for lewdness, but so that they might live together in marriage, be fruitful, bear children, and nourish and train them to honor God. (206-207)

United CenterStrap Match: 'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin vs 'Gentleman' Chris AdamsIAW International Tag Team Titles Match: Pretty Wonderful (c) vs AcolytesAmerican Heavyweight Title Mississippi Mud Match

Second, a person who does evil to his neighbor is not the only one guilty under this commandment. It also applies to anyone who can do his neighbor good, prevent or resist evil, defend, and save his neighbor so that no bodily harm or hurt happen to him—yet does not do this. If, therefore, you send away someone who is naked when you could clothe him, you have caused him to freeze to death. If you see someone suffer hunger and do not give him food, you have caused him to starve. So also, if you see anyone innocently sentenced to death or in similar distress, and do not save him, although you know ways and means to do so, you have killed him. It will not work for you to make the excuse that you did not provide any help, counsel, or aid to harm him. For you have withheld your love from him and deprived him of the benefit by which his life would have been saved. (189-190)

Renaissance ColiseumJames Storm vs Marc Mero'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Beefstew Lou MarconiNightmares vs Too CoolRick 'The Model' Martel vs Ultimo DragonNon-Title Match: 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion vs AcolytesIllinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Iron Mike SharpeIAW United States Heavyweight Title Match: Magnum T.A. vs Greg 'The Hammer' ValentineIAW International Heavyweight Title Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin (c) vs 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert

State Farm CenterDark Horse Title Match: Barry Horowitz (c) vs 'Dangerous' Doug GilbertAmerican Tag Team Titles Match: 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion (c) vs Too CoolCage Match: 'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs 'Gorgeous' Jimmy GarvinIAW United States Heavyweight Tournament SemifinalsMagnum T.A. (PWA) vs Kerry von Erich (MCW)Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine (PWA) vs 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams (HCW)

The cause and need of this commandment is that God well knows that the world is evil, and that this life has much unhappiness. Therefore, He has set up this and the other commandments between the good people and the evil. Now, just as there are many attacks on all commandments, so the same happens also with this commandment. We must live among many people who do us harm, and we have a reason to be hostile to them. (183)

Victorious DeliveranceReading: Daniel 3Hymn: All Glory, Laud, and HonorPsalm: All You Works of the Lord (LSB #931)

Victorious FearlessnessReading: Zephaniah 3Hymn: Be Still My SoulPsalm: 85

Victorious RepentanceReading: Jonah 3Hymn: O Love, How DeepPsalm: Jonah 2:2-9

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus ChristDrawn from the Four GospelsV. Calvary

Victorious RedeemerReading: Job 19Hymn: I Know That My Redeemer LivesPsalm: 16

Victorious ResurrectionReading: Ezekiel 37Hymn: Stricken, Smitten, and AfflictedPsalm: 51:8-15

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus ChristDrawn from the Four GospelsIV. The Praetorium

Victorious SongReading: Deuteronomy 31Hymn: We Sing the Praise of Him Who DiesPsalm: Song from Deuteronomy (LSB #926)

Victorious HeartReading: Ezekiel 36Hymn: Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious BattlePsalm: 96

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus ChristDrawn from the Four GospelsIII. The Palace of the High Priest

Victorious WordReading: Isaiah 55Hymn: Thy WordPsalm: 42

Illinois State Fairgrounds'Gentleman' Chris Adams & Brooklyn Brawler vs 'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin & Davey Boy SmithGilbert Brothers vs 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko & Rick 'The Model' Martel$10,000 Battle RoyalIAW United States Heavyweight Tournament QuarterfinalsKerry von Erich (MCW) vs 'Canadian Crippler' Chris Benoit (Stampede)Magnum T.A. (PWA) vs Curt Hennig (BTW)Sting (BTW) vs 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams (HCW)Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine (PWA) vs 'Macho Man' Randy Savage (BTW)

Victorious PassageReading: Exodus 14Hymn: Jesus, Refuge of the WearyPsalm: Song of Moses and Israel (LSB #925)

The Pasion of Our Lord Jesus ChristDrawn from the Four GospelsII. Gethsemane

Victorious SacrificeReading: Genesis 22Hymn: The LambPsalm: 10:1-10

Victorious FloodReading: Genesis 6-9Hymn: My Song Is Love UnknownPsalm: 29

The Passion of Our Lord Jesus ChristDrawn from the Four GospelsI. The Lord's Supper

Victorious CreationReading: Genesis 1-3Hymn: All Mankind Fell in Adam's FallPsalm: 33:1-11

"Here again the sad plight arises that no one sees or hears this truth. All live on as though God gave us children for our pleasure or amusement and servants so that we could use them like a cow or an ass, only for work. Or they live as though we were only to gratify our lewd behavior with our subjects, ignoring them, as though we have no concern for what they learn or how they live" (170).

United CenterUltimo Dragon vs Italian Stallion'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Faarooq'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin vs BradshawIllinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Iron Mike SharpeIAW United States Heavyweight TournamentChris Candido (PNW) vs 'Canadian Crippler' Chris Benoit (Stampede)Magnum T.A. (PWA) vs 'Heart Break Kid' Shawn Michaels (MCW)Cactus Jack (MLW) vs Curt Hennig (BTW)Sting (BTW) vs 'Dr. Death' Steve Williams (HCW)

"Yet there is need that this truth about spiritual fatherhood also be taught to the people. For those who want to be Christians are obliged in God’s sight to think them worthy of double honor who minister to their souls. They are obligated to deal well with them and provide for them. For that reason, God is willing to bless you enough and will not let you run out" (161).

Renaissance ColiseumJohnny B. Badd vs Brooklyn Brawler'Dangerous' Doug Gilbert vs Rick 'The Model' MartelAmerican Tag Team Titles Match: 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion (c) vs Too Cool'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs 'Living Legend' Larry ZbyszkoIllinois Heavyweight Title vs PWA Contract: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Tracey SmothersIAW United States Heavyweight Tournament'Dr. Death' Steve Williams (HCW) vs Raven (MCW)Kerry von Erich (MCW) vs Terry Funk (IWGP)Jerry 'The King' Lawler (PWA) vs 'Macho Man' Randy Savage (BTW)Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine (PWA) vs 'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff (IWGP)

"The same should also be said about obedience to civil government. This (as we have said) is all included in the place of fatherhood and extends farthest of all relations. Here “father” is not one person from a single family, but it means the many people the father has as tenants, citizens, or subjects. Through them, as through our parents, God gives to us food, house and home, protection, and security. They bear such name and title with all honor as their highest dignity that it is our duty to honor them and to value them greatly as the dearest treasure and the most precious jewel upon earth" (150).

State Farm CenterDark Horse Title Match: Barry Horowitz (c) vs Beefstew Lou MarconiDynamite's Gauntlet: Scott Taylor'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin vs Danny Davis'Gentleman' Chris Adams vs Marc MeroGilbert Brothers vs 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko & Mystery PartnerAmerican Heavyweight Title Match: Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine (c) vs KendallWindhamIAW United States Heavyweight Tournament'Canadian Crippler' Chris Benoit (Stampede) vs Triple H (BTW)D. Lo Brown (Stampede) vs Magnum T.A. (PWA)Curt Hennig (BTW) vs Jeff Jarrett (HCW)'Wildfire' Tommy Rich (MCW) vs A.J. Styles (MLW)

"Where do so many rogues come from that must daily be hanged, beheaded, and broken upon the wheel? Don’t they come from disobedience to parents, because they will not submit to discipline in kindness? By God’s punishment, they cause us to behold their misfortune and grief. For it seldom happens that such perverse people die a natural or timely death.But the godly and obedient have this blessing: they live long in pleasant quietness and see their children’s children (as said above) to the third and fourth generation" (137).

Tacoma DomePro Wrestling America vs Pacific Northwest WrestlingJames Storm (PWA) vs Ultimo Dragon (PNW)'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin vs 'Gentleman' Chris AdamsGrappler (PNW) vs Tracey Smothers (PWA)Gino Hernandez (PNW) vs Kendall Windham (PWA)Sawyer Brothers (PNW) vs Too Cool (PWA)Illinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Iron Mike SharpeIAW United States Heavyweight TournamentBrad Armstrong (MLW) vs Raven (MCW)Kerry von Erich (MCW) vs Lance Storm (Stampede)'Mr. Wonderful' Paul Orndorff (IWGP) vs 'Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase (HCW)Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine (PWA) vs Jax Dane

"I would be very glad—I say it again—if people would open their eyes and ears and take this to heart, lest someday we should again be led astray from God’s pure Word to the devil’s lying vanities. If people would take this to heart, all would be well. For parents would have more joy, love, friendship, and unity in their houses. The children could captivate their parents’ hearts" (121).

United CenterJames Storm vs 'Gorgeous' Jimmy GarvinBradshaw vs Davey Boy SmithBrian Christopher vs 'Dirty' Dick SlaterDynamite's Gauntlet: Beefstew Lou MarconiGoldust vs Magnum T.A.'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert vs 'Living Legend' Larry ZbyszkoIAW United States Heavyweight TournamentSting (BTW) vs Ivan Koloff (IWGP)Cactus Jack (MLW) vs Bubba Ray Dudley (MCW)Chris Candido (PNW) vs 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol (PWA)Jerry 'The King' Lawler (PWA) vs Jax Dane (PNW)

"Behold, in this way we would have had a godly child properly taught, reared in true blessedness, and kept at home in obedience to his parents and in their service. People would have had blessing and joy by seeing this. However, God’s commandment was not permitted to be commended with such care and diligence. It had to be neglected and trampled under foot, so that a child could not take it to heart. Meanwhile, the child would gape like a panting wolf at the things we set up, without once ‹consulting or› giving reverence to God" (114).

Renaissance ColiseumBattle Royal for the Dark Horse TitleIllinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Iron Mike SharpeAmerican Tag Team Titles Unification Match: Gorgeous Gentlemen (American) vs 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion (Illinois)IAW United States Heavyweight Tournament'Heart Break Kid' Shawn Michaels (MCW) vs Christian (MLW)'Dr. Death' Steve Williams (HCW) vs Dustin Rhodes (IWGP)'Macho Man' Randy Savage (BTW) vs Rocky Maivia (Stampede)'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko (PWA) vs 'Maniac' Matt Borne (PNW)

"To the position of fatherhood and motherhood God has given special distinction above all positions that are beneath it: He does not simply command us to love our parents, but to honor them. Regarding our brothers, sisters, and neighbors in general, He commands nothing more than that we love them. In this way He separates and distinguishes father and mother from all other persons upon earth and places them at His side" (105).

State Farm CenterSt. Valentine's Day MassacreIllinois Tag Team Titles Match: 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion (c) vs Black Bart & Brooklyn BrawlerIllinois Heavyweight Title Match: Iceman King Parsons (c) vs Rick 'The Model' MartelHeartbreakers RumbleAmerican Tag Team Titles Match: Gorgeous Gentlemen (c) vs AcolytesAmerican Heavyweight Title Match: 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert (c) vs Kendall Windham

"Let me tell you this, even though you know God’s Word perfectly and are already a master in all things: you are daily in the devil’s kingdom. He ceases neither day nor night to sneak up on you and to kindle in your heart unbelief and wicked thoughts against these three commandments and all the commandments. Therefore, you must always have God’s Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle and the Word does not make a sound, the devil breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware" (100).

Illinois State FairgroundsJohnny B. Badd vs Brooklyn BrawlerMarc Mero vs Beefstew Lou MarconiTracey Smothers vs 'Dangerous' Doug GilbertRick 'The Model' Martel vs Barry Horowitz'Gorgeous' Jimmy Garvin vs Brian ChristopherNon-Title Match: Iceman King Parsons vs Iron Mike SharpeNon-Title Match: 'Dirty' Dick Slater & Italian Stallion vs NightmaresUnited States Qualifying Match: Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine vs James StormUnited States Qualifying Match: Jerry 'The King' Lawler vs BradshawUnited States Qualifying Match: 'Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs Davey Boy SmithGoldust vs 'Gentleman' Chris AdamsUnited States Qualifying Match: 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko vs Magnum T.A.$10,000 Battle Royal

"God's Word is the true 'holy thing' above all holy things. Yes, it is the only one we Christians know and have" (91).

United CenterDark Horse Title Four Corners Elimination Match: Marc Mero (c) vs Johnny B. Badd vs Brooklyn Brawler vs Beefstew Lou MarconiBradshaw vs Black BartJames Storm vs Barry HorowitzFaarooq vs Davey Boy SmithNightmares vs Too CoolMagnum T.A. vs Greg 'The Hammer' ValentineJerry 'The King' Lawler vs 'Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko

"This is the simple meaning of the commandment: People must have holidays. Therefore, such observances should be devoted to hearing God's Word so that the special function of this day of rest should be the ministry of the Word for the young and the mass of poor people. Yet the resting should not be strictly understood to forbid any work that comes up, which cannot be avoided" (86).