The Golden Rule Rev. Kenneth L.
Humphrey
What does “golden rule” mean? No, not “He who has the gold makes the rules,”
although we do see plenty of examples of that. As Jesus ended what we call the
“Sermon on the Mount,” (Matthew chapters 5-7), He told the crowds, “So whatever
you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and
the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
Treat others the way that you want to be treated—it sounds simple enough and the idea is pretty universal. Have you ever heard someone claim that “all religions teach the same thing”? What’s usually meant is that all religions teach some variation of that rule. Remember that man has the law written on his heart (Romans 2), so it’s not surprising that even in his false religions, mankind has managed to ever so slightly echo God’s command.
But as you know, none of us keep the Law perfectly in thought, word, and/or
deed. Whether we’re talking about the Law spelled out commandment by
commandment or summed up in these words from Mark’s gospel (12:28-34): “And one
of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing
that he answered them well, asked him, ‘Which commandment is the most important
of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our
God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The
second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other
commandment greater than these.’ And the scribe said to him, ‘You are right,
Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.
And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all
the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all
whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.’ And when Jesus saw that he answered
wisely, he said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after
that no one dared to ask him any more questions.” Sometimes we try to worm our
way out of things like the expert in the Law did in Luke 10:29 when he asked
Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” As you no doubt remember, this is where our
Lord responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Luther
preached a sermon on Matthew 7:12 and, as usual, he explained it in his
down-to-earth way: “With these words He concludes the teaching He has been
giving in these three chapters, and wraps it all up in a little package where
it can all be found. Thus everyone can put it in his bosom and keep it; it is
as if He were saying: ‘Would you like to know what I have been preaching, and
what Moses and all the Prophets teach you? I shall tell it to you so briefly
and put it in such a way that you dare not complain about its being too long or
too hard to remember.’ This is the kind of sermon that can be expanded or
contracted; from it all teaching and preaching go forth and are broadcast, and
here they come back together. How could it be put more succinctly and clearly
than in these words? The trouble is that the world and our old Adam refuse to
let us ponder what He says and measure our lives against the standard of this
teaching. We let it go in one ear and out the other. If we always measured our
lives and actions against this standard, we would not be so coarse and heedless
in what we do, but we would always have enough to do. We could become our own
teachers, teaching ourselves what we ought to do; and we would not have to
chase after holy lives and holy works, nor would we need many lawyers and law
books. This is stated briefly and learned easily, if we only were diligent and
serious in acting and living according to it.”
“Let me
illustrate it with a somewhat crude example. Surely there is no one who would
enjoy being robbed; if he asks his own heart about this, he has to say that he
really would not enjoy it at all. Now, why does he fail to draw the conclusion
that he should treat others the way he wants to be treated? At a market, you
see everyone marking up his prices as high as he pleases, asking 30 pfennigs
for something that is not worth 10. If you ask him, ‘Friend, would you want to
be treated that way?’ he must be honest and reasonable enough to say: ‘I would
be willing to pay for it what its market value is and what would be reasonable
and proper, so that I am not overcharged.’ There, you see, your heart is
telling you honestly how you would like to be treated. And your conscience is
arguing that you should treat others the same way; it can teach you well about
your relations with your neighbor in buying and selling and all kinds of
business, all things belonging to the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:15): ‘You
shall not steal’” (From Luther’s Works; AE 21, pp. 235-6).
Treat you
neighbor as you would want to be treated—that’s why we’re to help and support
our neighbor in every physical need (5th Commandment). Further, we should help
him to improve and protect his possessions and income (7th Commandment), as
well as explaining everything in the kindest way (8th Commandment). The entire
Second Table of the Law has something to say about our neighbor—not just what
we’re prohibited from doing, but also what we should be doing—because we’d want
our neighbor to treat us the same way.
And when
you fail to live up to this standard? Do you justify it by pointing out your
neighbor’s failure to love you as himself? To use St. Paul’s phrase, may it
never be! No, you flee to Christ, the only One who has ever kept the Law
perfectly. He took on all your failures to love the Lord with your whole heart
and your neighbor as yourself—and that righteousness is yours.
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
LCMS Stewardship Ministry
Newsletter article –February2021
“...REMEMBERING YOU IN MY PRAYERS…” (Eph. 1:16) For
Rev. Vernon Boehlke (emeritus, Riverton), as he continues treatments for
cancer. For Rev. Ralph Jaeger (emeritus, Laramie), health For pastors and
members of Wyoming District congregations that are recovering from COVID. For
Jennifer Wittrock (wife of emeritus Rev. Michael Wittrock), diagnosed with
cancer. For Rev. George Naylor (Mount Calvary, Bayard and St. James,
Scottsbluff) as he recovers from COVID at home. PASTORS AND CONGREGATIONS St.
Paul’s, Sidney is being served by Rev. Allen Strawn (St. Paul’s, Bridgeport)
during the vacancy. The congregation is holding discussions with Salem, Gurley
and St. Paul’s, Potter (Rev. Ted Bourret) about forming a multi-point parish.
Rev. Travis Sherman (Grace, Gordon) is serving Grace, Merriman, NE (Nebraska
District) while it considers its future. St. John’s, Lovell issued a divine
call to Rev. Jacob Benson (Zion, Orange, Connecticut) on January 10. He has
accepted the call and will be installed on March 14. Trinity, Riverton (Rev.
Mark Mumme) is considering options for the school, including calling an
assistant pastor/head teacher. Immanuel, Alliance (Rev. Richard Mueller) met
January 24 and called Rev. Shaun Daugherty as assistant pastor.
Here I Stand: God’s Word in My
Community Here I stand on God’s Word in my community! But what is the
relationship between my congregation and my community? What is the relationship
between Church and State? As we confess God’s gift of Government and the Civil
estate, we also uphold the distinct nature and mandate of Government in
relation to the Church. “The power of the keys or of the bishops is used and
exercised only by teaching and preaching God’s Word and by administering the
sacraments. . . . Not bodily but eternal things and benefits are given in this
way, such as eternal righteousness, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life” (AC
XXVIII.8). The Civil Estate, on the other hand, is concerned with worldly
matters that involve natural law, reason, legal justice, earthly peace, and the
needs of this body and life. “Worldly rule deals with matters altogether
different from the gospel. Worldly power does not protect the soul but, using
the sword and physical penalties, it protects the body and goods against
external violence” (AC XXVIII.11). This distinction is essential for the
wellbeing of both Church and State. The Church should not assume the powers of
the state by setting up or deposing government officials, dictating laws, or
acting as judge. The State should not attempt to dictate to the Church what is
sound doctrine, right worship, the pastoral office, church membership and
participation, and the like. This distinction must be maintained with great
diligence. But we must not allow this bright and sharp distinction to separate
the Church from the world or render it invisible—a “platonic republic” (Ap VII/
VIII.20). In fact, these two Estates intersect in the daily lives of
Christians. Both Estates are concerned with moral truth and behavior, with the
body, with marriage and family, with man’s spirit, and yes, even with the true
religion. “The gospel does not overthrow secular government, public order, and
marriage but instead intends that a person keep all this as a true order of God
and demonstrate in these estates Christian love and true good works according
to each person’s calling” (AC XVI.5). God commands the Church to pray for
“devout and faithful rulers, good government” with all the worldly goods that
are included in the 4th Petition. God commands Government to provide the
conditions in which Christians—the Church—may “live a peaceful and quiet life,
godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:2). In fact, such a virtuous
government has a direct relation to the Church, as Paul explains, “This is
good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people
to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3–4). God
teaches that just and peaceful government is His designed condition for the
saving Gospel to flourish. Church and State are sharply distinct, but both are
ruled by the same God and according to the same eternal law. Both Church and
State operate in the same world and work on the same things. Both deal with
men. Both are located on earth in our communities. Church and State speak to
each other and interact. Practically speaking, every Christian belongs not only
to the Church, but also to his Civil Community as a citizen. Nor does the
government govern only non-Christians and leave Christians to the rule of the
Church. The State and the Church both work on the same communities and the same
people, though in very different ways. It is essential to emphasize that both
Estates exist in the same fabric of reality. In both Church and State, truth is
paramount and must govern all laws, all organization, all communications, and
all actions. Truth stands unchanged in both. There isn’t a special church truth
or spiritual truth on the one side, and a different state truth or civil truth
on the other. There isn’t a special creation truth in the Bible and a different
evolution truth in science or law. Language doesn’t work one way in the Bible
and a different way in law or science or history. Honesty is still honesty,
whether in the Church or in the Government. And so on. And so issues of moral
behavior remain the same in both Church and State. The eternal law of God must
be taught and obeyed in both Estates. Sin in the Church realm is sin in the
Civil realm. The sin that could lead to excommunication in the Church is also
an evil in the community and subject to Civil law. The Christian can’t say that
in church he is opposed to abortion, but in the state he supports and enables
it. It is a lie. Such a position rejects God as the eternal source of all
truth. Abortion is evil and a sin for both Church and State. Male and female,
marriage, chastity, and the blessing of children are all truths that hold in
both Church and State. The Christian is always a Christian, whether in Home or
Church or Civil realm. He must always believe and think and act as a Christian.
The distinction between Church and State must be maintained for the good of
both. But we dare not separate them into different worlds. God will do that in
His own time when Christ comes in glory and destroy the kingdoms of the world
and takes His beloved Church to be His Bride in heaven. In the meantime, we
Christians live in the intersection of the Church and Civil estates, where we
bear fruit richly in both for the good of our neighbor and the glory of God.
REFORMATION 500: The Burning
of the Bull
While Luther was caught up in
the charges of the papal bull and stood before the Empire at Worms in April
1521, a man arrived in Wittenberg who would come to be one of Luther’s closest
coworkers and his own pastor and father-confessor. Johannes Bugenhagen read
Luther’s Babylonian Captivity of the Church and thought him the wickedest
heretic, but upon a more thorough examination, recognized that Luther was
teaching the truth in the midst of the blindness and darkness of the papacy. He
became a follower of the Lutheran Reformation.
Bugenhagen came from Pomerania
(Baltic coast, now in Germany and Poland) to Wittenberg in April 1521 to study
under Luther. As it turned out, Luther left for Worms in early April, so that
Bugenhagen would not get to know Luther until he returned from his refuge at
the Wartburg in March 1522. Meanwhile, the student Bugenhagen became a teacher,
because later in 1521 he began to deliver lectures on the Bible and gained the
attention of Philip Melanchthon. He became a regular lecturer at the University
of Wittenberg.
Soon Bugenhagen served the Reformation in a
new capacity. In his absence, Luther’s coworker and theology professor Andreas
Karlstadt became radicalized,
as we shall hear later. Turmoil followed. At his urging the city school was
closed in 1522 and other radical changes were made in the city congregation.
Bugenhagen responded to these efforts to coopt the Reformation in Wittenberg
with a calm demeanor and firm conviction. He encouraged students to stay in
school, and he continued teaching. His role in this crisis brought him into the
inner circles of the Wittenberg Reformation. In 1523 the pastor of St. Mary’s,
the city church of Wittenberg, died. The city council and members of the
congregation elected Bugenhagen to fill the vacancy as their pastor. It was a
momentous call as pastor for at least three reasons. First, Bugenhagen became
Luther’s own pastor, confessor, and coworker. He provided rich spiritual care
for the rest of Luther’s life. Second, Bugenhagen labored extensively in
promoting and organizing the Lutheran Reformation in various places in Europe,
especially helping shape the worship and parish life of the Lutheran church.
Third, his call by the members of the congregation set a precedent that is
enjoyed by our own Lutheran congregations to this day. We take it for granted
that congregations call their own pastor; Bugenhagen was the first to receive
such a call among Lutheran congregations. We often think of Luther’s marriage
and household as the model of the Lutheran parsonage. Certainly he has become
such an example in many ways. But honors for establishing the first Lutheran
parsonage belongs to Pastor Johannes Bugenhagen. On October 13, 1522, he
followed Luther’s praise of marriage by getting married. When he was called as
pastor of St. Mary’s, he also occupied a house adjacent to both St. Mary’s
church and the Old Latin School (established by his successor, Paul Eber, in
1564), still standing today. The restoration of marriage to Lutheran pastors is
a rich treasure in our Lutheran churches today.
FUTURE DATES February 5-6:
Tell the Good News About Jesus Convocation
February 19-21: Youth
Breakaway Weekend, St. Andrew’s
March 12-13: Powder River
Winter Youth Retreat, Buffalo May 6-8:
Wyoming District Convention,
Casper June 17-19: Family Retreat, Uinta County June 25-27:
Fathers and Sons, Fort
Robinson July 20-22: Homeschool Conference, Casper Mountain
THE NEXT ROUNDUP The next Roundup will be delivered to
congregations around February 20 (March 2021 issue).
January 10, 2021 Voters’ Meeting
The January Voters’ Meeting was called to order by President
Virgil Ritz. An opening devotion from Matthew chapter 5 was read by Pastor
Humphrey. The minutes of the October meeting were read and approved.
The Treasurer’s
Report was read by Julie Alkire. A motion was made by Rudy and seconded by
Gerald to approve the Treasurer’s Report. The motion carried.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Humphrey reports the battery backups
at the church have been replaced. He reports that the Circuit meeting was held
via zoom, and Pastor Firminhac has been elected to serve as the Pine Ridge
Circuit Visitor. Pastor Humphrey reports that John and Sandra Kammerzell have
asked to be transferred to Redeemer Lutheran in Fort Collins, and after discussion
a motion was made by Pastor Humphrey and seconded by Don Bowlin to grant said
transfer, the motion carried. Pastor notes that Thursday morning Bible study
has resumed and that the Sunday morning Bible study will resume on January 17th.
Pastor reminds that the state of Nebraska Covid directives continue to be
recommendations for churches.
Trustees Report: Rudy reports that Sandy would like to
increase the cleaning fee from $50 to $60 dollars. After discussion a motion
was made by Rudy and seconded by Joyce to increase the fee to $60. The motion
carried. Rudy reports he has reached out to Castro roofing to address the roof
damage on the church from the previous wind storms and is awaiting a response.
Rudy reports that the keys to the front doors of the church have been failing
to work due to wear on the locks, and he is in the process of getting quotes on
the possibility of re-keying the churches locks. Melvina recommended a list be
kept of who has keys to the church, and Roxanne recommended the same, as well
as getting a quote on the price to replace all the locks on the churches doors,
in order to allow accurate records of who has keys.
Elder’s Report: addressed with new business;
Sunday School Report: Melvina reports Sunday School has
mostly been on hold, and that the hope is to restart around the end of
January.
Old Business: N/A.
New Business: Don B. made a motion, seconded by Rudy L. to
ratify communicant membership of Addy Bowlin, Justin Haskins, and Cael Peters.
The motion carried. A motion was made by
Wes B and seconded by Pastor Humphrey to nominate Dee Allen, with alternate
Virgil Ritz, as the lay delegate to the Wyoming District Convention to be held
May 6-8, 2021. The motion carried. A motion was made by Roxanne H. and seconded
by Don B. to accept the recommendation to move the Synodical Convention forward
one year. The motion carried. A review of Trinity’s constitution was held, with
recommended changes to be made by Pastor Humphrey and Wes B. No action was
taken. A motion was made by Roxane and seconded by Rudy to hold the 2021 second
quarter voters meeting on April 11, 2021 at 10:45, the motion carried. Pastor
further reported that he and the elders have discussed moving mid-week services
to an afternoon time, in hopes of increased attendance.
With no further new business to address, a motion was made
by Gerald R and seconded by Rudy L to adjourn. The motion carried. The meeting
closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
John Bowlin
Trinity Lutheran Women’s Society LWML Minute January 24, 2021
Attendance: Susan Williams,
Jean Strauch, Melvina Dillman, Kylie Kindred, Pat Klingsporn, Sandy Heine,
Nancy Wohl, Roxanne Humphrey, Joanne Kurtz, Pastor Humphrey
Pastor Humphrey led Bible
Study, “Does Paul Contradict Himself?” ICorinthians 7:29-35, IThessalonians
4:9-12,
IIThessalonians 3:6-12
President Susan Williams opened the meeting in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
1.
Melvina Dillman read the minutes of the November 9 meeting and
were approved
2.
Treasurer’s Report: Kylie
Kindred gave treasurer’s report.
3. Old Business:
Activities in
December including the Advent Soup Supper and after service refreshments were
cancelled due to the COVID-19 regulations.
15
Tablecloths have been purchased and put on tables in fellowship hall. Comments on looking nice and refreshing in
fellowship hall. Thank you to Melvina
Dillman and Karen Ritz for ordering.
Christmas
Stocking: Discussion as to where to send
Christmas Stocking offering. Roxanne
Humphrey made motion to send $43 in offering and $100 from Women’s Society to
Ft.Wayne Seminary Food Bank. Seconded by
Sandy Heine.
4. New
Business:
All in
attendance reviewed new 2021 Year Books with discussion of activities
throughout year. Reading of Bylaws was
postponed as they need to be reviewed with changes for meeting dates, officers,
etc for society. Kylie Kindred, Susan
Williams, Melvina Dillman volunteered for committee to make changes to bylaws.
Valentine
cards and gift cards for congregation college students. Sandra Heine made motion to send Valentine
card and $25 Amazon gift card to 4 college students. Seconded Kylie Kindred.
It was noted
that Kylie Kindred will be attending 2021 National LWML convention in
Lexington, Ky June 24-27 as Wyoming District Young Woman representative. We are proud of you Kylie and excited for you
for this opportunity.
Discussion of
continuing to collect Lutheran World Relief school bags. Sande Heine will make
school bags, suggested to put list of school items in each bag and possibly
making bags for teachers. Plans will be
made at March meeting for this mission project.
Discussion of
mission project for this quarter: with
COVID-19 there being many needs in community, Roxanne Humphrey suggested to
reach out to Infants and Toddlers thru Head Start program with formula and
diapers. Pat Klingsporn made motion for
Infant and Toddler formula and diaper mission project thru April. Jean Strauch seconded. Roxanne will check on families with specific
diaper sizes and infant formula.
Melvina
suggested getting Valentine cards for members of congregation who are unable to
attend church due to COVID-19 and health issues. Pat and Melvina will get cards and put on
tables for members to sign after church for next two Sundays January 31 and
February 7 then will be mailed. Susan
will put information in church bulletin.
Thank you to
hostesses Susan Williams and Kylie Kindred for treat bags and drinks
Susan
Williams adjourned the business meeting and members joining in League Pledge
and Lord’s Prayer.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Running the
Race…Looking to Jesus
Melvina Dillman, Secretary
DATES TO REMEMBER FOR FEBRUARY
February 2 Kylie
Kindred Birthday
February 2 Virginia Engebretsen Birthday
February 3 Elmer
Wohl Birthday
February 4 Gary
Williams Birthday
February 5 Jon
Warnke Birthday
February 5 Keith
& Lisa Kaufman Anniversary
February 7 Betty
Batt Birthday
February 15 Joanne Kurtz Birthday
February 20 Jon & Joyce Warnke Anniversary
February 21 Brayden Schneider Birthday
If
your name does not appear, it is because these were taken from Trinity’s
directory for which we have permission to use names and dates. Please notify the office to have a date added
Ash
Wednesday is February 17. Trinity will
have a Service of Prayer and Preaching at 4:00 PM. Lenten services will continue to be held at
4:00 PM throughout the Season of Lent.
