A question you don’t hear every day, but that is what popped into my thoughts after reading John 20:19-31.

We must take a step back to understand Thomas’ reaction. Thomas was despondent after Jesus’ death, and who wouldn’t be? They all were. They had been following him for 3-4 years, watched him perform miracles, heal the sick and lame, raise people from the dead! And then Jesus is crucified…a horrible, traumatic death.

If we go back a little farther in the Gospel of John, we read that John and Peter are told by Mary Magdalene that Jesus is no longer in the tomb. They run there and see the tomb, confirm it is empty, see the linen clothes and the face covering in the tomb—John believed!

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus catches up with two disciples (Cleopas, and ???); they were kept from recognizing Jesus. As they were walking and talking, they were amazed that he (Jesus) did not know of the recent events in Jerusalem. Jesus interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:25-27).

As they got closer to Emmaus they urged him to stay with them. Because it was evening the roads would get dangerous.  He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them…AND THEIR EYES WERE OPENED, and they recognized him…and he vanished. Only then did they admit/understand that their hearts burned while he talked about the Scriptures. Not like heartburn from bad food…burning like desire for more TRUTH. 

For BELIEF!

They rose and returned to Jerusalem, found the eleven telling them “The Lord has risen indeed…!”

Now, let’s go forward to later that evening. Mary had seen the risen Lord; John, and Peter had seen the grave clothes (and face covering); Jesus had appeared on the road to Emmaus.  There was a lot to talk about! As they were discussing this, Jesus appears.  Imagine their surprise. First, the door was locked…They were behind a locked door because they were afraid.  Afraid because they were followers of Jesus…afraid because they did not want to suffer the same fate.

Jesus enters and brings Peace…Gives Peace…and then He sends them…to forgive sins (or retain them). He breathed on them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then the Holy Spirt opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. NOW THEY BELIEVE!

In Luke, again He questions their unbelief,  “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? (Luke 24:36-40, NRSV).

What would it take for them to BELIEVE? They were witnesses to the miracles and the crucifixion. How could He be alive?

Jesus shows them his hands and feet, lets them touch him so they CAN BELIEVE, and then, does a very human thing…He asks for food and eats.

Thomas missed the first visit so when the disciples tell him, “We have seen the Lord,” he does not believe. Hence the name Doubting Thomas.

But can you blame him?  The others had seen Jesus! He had breathed on them and they had received the Holy Spirit!  They definitely had an advantage.

Let’s think again…WHAT WOULD IT TAKE FOR YOU TO BELEVE?!?

Best friends, with whom Thomas has been for several years, tell him that they have seen Jesus.  He doesn’t believe them. How could it be true? The other disciples didn’t initially believe (or understand) when Jesus told him that he must die and will return in three days, so why should Thomas believe? But they had witnessed so many miracles that Jesus performed. Saw him walk on water and feed 5000 from 5 loaves with 12 baskets left over, feed 4000 with 7 loaves and 7 baskets left over, and raise people from the dead!

Although we were not witnesses to these miracles or the resurrection, we have a Bible! A written account of Jesus, not to mention, Adam and Eve, Noah, David, and more. Once we receive faith from the Holy Spirit, we are able to acknowledge the Truth of the Gospel and start living a new Life in Jesus!  Know Christ. Grow in Christ. Live Like Christ, Serve Like Christ, Share Christ, Have Fellowship with other Christians, and Lead others to Christ!

I appreciated Jeffray Greene’s devotion on Mark 13:37 and found much wisdom in his call for Christians to live intentionally and remain spiritually alert. His reminder that our faith is not merely a reaction to circumstances but a life guided by the Holy Spirit is both timely and encouraging. As I reflected on his words, however, I found myself considering a question that many Christians, especially those who have walked with Christ for decades, wrestle with from time to time: How do we faithfully hold together the many biblical calls to trust, watch, pray, rest, persevere, and remain alert without becoming spiritually exhausted? The following reflection grew out of that question and out of gratitude for the conversation Jeffray’s devotion prompted.

Many Christians know the feeling. Scripture calls us to trust God completely, yet it also calls us to be watchful and alert. We are told not to worry about tomorrow, yet we are warned about temptation, false teaching, and the dangers of this world. We are called to rest in Christ while also being called to pray, serve, repent, study God’s Word, and remain faithful.

At times the Christian life can feel like a spiritual tug-of-war. One moment we hear commands to be vigilant. The next we hear promises of peace and rest. Was the Christian life really meant to feel this exhausting?

From a Lutheran perspective, the answer is no. Much of this exhaustion arises when we lose sight of the proper distinction between Law and Gospel.

Martin Luther called the distinction between Law and Gospel the highest art in Christendom. The Law reveals God’s holy will and exposes our sin. The Gospel proclaims what God has done for sinners through Jesus Christ.

The Law says:

• Be alert.
• Watch and pray.
• Love your neighbor.
• Turn away from sin.

These commands are holy, good, and necessary.

The Gospel says:

• Christ died for your sins.
• Christ is risen.
• Your sins are forgiven.
• You are justified by grace through faith.

These promises reveal God’s saving work for us in Christ.

Problems arise when Christians begin to treat God’s commands as conditions for earning or maintaining salvation. Instead of hearing the Law as God’s instruction for the redeemed life, they begin to hear it as a checklist for remaining in God’s favor.

The focus then shifts from Christ to self.

Am I trusting enough?

Am I praying enough?

Am I doing enough?

Luther knew this burden well. Before the Reformation, he devoted himself to every spiritual discipline available. Yet the harder he tried, the less peace he found. Everything changed when he discovered in Scripture that righteousness is not achieved by human effort but received through faith in Christ.

As St. Paul writes:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

As Martin Luther insisted, the Gospel is not about what we must do, but about what Christ has already done. Christ has already fulfilled the Law. Christ has already borne our sin. Christ has already secured our forgiveness. The Gospel is given, not earned. It is received by faith, not achieved by effort.

This truth helps us understand passages that seem to pull us in different directions. Jesus says, “Do not be anxious about tomorrow” (Matthew 6:34), while Peter writes, “Be sober-minded; be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8).

There is no contradiction. Jesus is addressing anxiety. Peter is addressing vigilance.

Christians are not called to live in fear because God is in control. At the same time, Christians are called to remain spiritually awake because evil is real.

The believer therefore lives neither in panic nor in carelessness.

A simple summary of the Christian life is this:

Trust God completely.
Do your duty faithfully.
Leave the results to Him.

This is not a formula for salvation. It is the fruit of faith.

The Lutheran Confessions remind us that even faith itself is God’s gift. Luther writes in his explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed:

“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel.”

That truth brings great comfort. The Christian life does not rest upon the strength of our faith but upon the faithfulness of Christ. The Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith through the Gospel and Sacraments.

This means the Christian life is simpler than many imagine. We remember our Baptism. We hear God’s Word. We pray. We serve our neighbors in the vocations God has given us. When we sin, we repent. When we fail, we return to Christ. When we are weary, we rest in His promises.

The center of the Christian life is not our performance.

The center is Christ.

The Christian is alert because Christ has saved him. The Christian is not anxious because Christ has saved him. The Christian serves because Christ has saved him. The Christian perseveres because Christ has saved him.

The foundation never changes.

The burden of maintaining salvation does not rest on our shoulders. It rests on Christ’s shoulders. Our task is not to carry Him. Our task is to be carried by Him.

That is the freedom, comfort, and certainty found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As our Lord Himself promises:

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

In Christ,
Paul Flemming

CROSSING THE JORDAN

by Dennis D. Nelson

I am currently studying the Old Testament book of Joshua.  For many people what first comes to mind when they think of Joshua are the walls of Jericho and the challenge to “choose this day whom you will serve” (24: 15).  There are several things in the first five chapters that give me strength and encouragement as I seek to live the Christian life.

Right from the start Moses must have seen in Joshua a young man of exceptional ability and promise.  The first time we meet him is in Exodus 17 when Israel was attacked by the Amalekites on their way to Mt. Sinai.  Moses chose Joshua to lead the battle.  A few chapters later – in Exodus 24: 13 – Joshua is called Moses’ assistant and accompanies Moses up Mt. Sinai.  Only Moses is called by God from the cloud, enters the cloud, and goes further up the mountain (24: 16-18).  We do not know exactly where Joshua was and what he was doing during the forty days and forty nights when Moses was with God up on the mountain, but here Joshua experiences the glory of God.  Later Exodus 33:11 tells us that Moses would meet with God in a tent outside the camp, where God would speak to him “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” One time, after meeting with God, Moses returned to the camp, “but his young assistant, Joshua, son of Nun, would not leave the tent.”  Having experienced the presence and power of God, Joshua must have wanted to remain in the place where he felt closest to God.

When was the time and where was the place where you most experienced the presence and power of God?  Where is the place where you like to go back to and remain because there you feel closest to God? 

Having shown unusual leadership ability and spiritual sensitivity even as a young man, being chosen and mentored by Moses as his assistant, and having experienced the presence and power of God, Joshua was uniquely prepared to lead God’s people across the Jordan into the Promised Land.

What are the unique experiences that prepared you for your present position of leadership, ministry, and service, or that prepared you for the roles and responsibilities that you had during your time of active ministry?

It amazes me that after forty years of seeing all the pressure that Moses was under and how badly the people treated Moses – and God – Joshua was still willing to take on the challenge of leading the people.  Why did he do it?  What made him able to do it?  Was it because he knew that he had been chosen and that he had spent time on Mt. Sinai and had lingered at the tent of meeting? 

1.  The book of Joshua starts out with these words – “After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord (after their deaths, but not until after their deaths, both Moses and Joshua are given the honorific title, ‘the servant of the Lord’) the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, ‘My servant Moses is dead.  Now proceed to cross the Jordan’” (1:1-2).

It would have been very easy and natural for Joshua to say, “Moses is dead; all is lost.”  Or “Moses is dead; what do we do now?”  Or “Moses is dead; we had better go back into the wilderness.”  But God said, “Moses is dead.  Now proceed to cross the Jordan.”  We all have had experiences of great loss and great change – experiences after which life will never again be the same – when we have wondered, “What do we do now?”  May we hear and heed God’s saying to us the same thing He said to Joshua – “Now proceed to cross the Jordan.”  At this point in your life what would be the equivalent for you of proceeding to cross the Jordan?

May we hear God say to us the same thing He said to Joshua – “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. . . . Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1: 5, 6, 7, 9).  In 1: 18 the warriors from Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh say to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.”  What a joy it must have been for Joshua to hear these warriors repeating the words of God. 

2.  In chapter 2, when Joshua sends spies across the Jordan to check out the land, especially Jericho, he only sends two spies.  Was he remembering forty years before when Moses sent twelve spies – one from each tribe?  That time only he and Caleb came back with a positive, if-God-promises-it-we-can-do-it report.  Was sending twelve spies a set up for trouble that he – Joshua – was not going to risk?

3.  In chapter 3 Joshua is getting ready to lead the people across the Jordan.  In verses 3-4 he says, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place.  Follow it, so that you may know the way you should go, for you have not passed this way before.”  We all have had times in our lives when we have needed to go where we have not passed before.  Are you going through one of those times right now?  During those times we need to know that God is going with us – and He is going first.  I remember a poster I hung in my room during my first year in seminary.   A young man asks, “Is there a future?”  God answers, “Yes, I am already there.”

4.  Joshua 3: 13 says, “When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord . . . rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan flowing from above shall be cut off; they shall stand in a single heap.”

There are many parallels between the leadership times of Moses and Joshua – parallels that I believe were intentional.  God was showing that He would be leading and caring for the people through Joshua just as He had through Moses.  At the beginning of the time of leadership for both of them there was a miraculous crossing of a body of water – the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds) for Moses, the Jordan River for Joshua.  Both times it says that the people crossed over on dry ground (Exodus 14: 22, Joshua 3: 17).  But there is also an interesting and I believe significant difference.  Under Moses in Exodus 14: 21 “the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land.”  The people did not need to step into the place where the water had been until the path was already provided and the ground was dry.  Under Joshua in Joshua 3: 13 the waters of the Jordan were not cut off and the path was not provided until the feet of the priests stepped into the water.  It is also interesting that the priests who were carrying the ark across the river stayed in the middle of the river until all the people had crossed over (3: 17).    

When in your life has God provided a clear, dry path before you needed to proceed?  When have you needed to proceed before God provided a clear, dry path?  When have you needed the assurance of God’s presence until you were all the way across and all the way through the difficult time?

I believe it was significant the order in which it happened.  It was early in their relationship with God – when they were fresh out of Egypt – that God first provided a clear, dry path.  It was forty years later – when there was a whole new generation that had been trained in trust through the daily provision of manna, water in the wilderness, and the guidance of the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire – when God expected them to first step into the water.

5.  Joshua 3: 15 says, “Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest.”  God did not lead the people across the Jordan during the time of year when it would be the easiest because the water level would be the lowest.  Rather He led them across the river when it would be the hardest because the water level would be the highest – during the time of spring harvest when the sources of the Jordan would be most abundantly fed by the snow melt up in the north.  We thank God for times when things go relatively smoothly, but we also know that there will be times when life will challenge us and require the best that we have to give.  God is with us during both kinds of times. 

6.  In chapter 4 God tells Joshua to select twelve men, one from each tribe, each of whom was to select a stone from the middle of the river – from the place where the priests who were carrying the ark of the covenant had stood – and then pile those stones on the west side of the river.  And these were not to be small stones.  Joshua told the twelve men, “Each of you take up a stone on his shoulder” (4: 5).   These stones would be for the Israelites “a memorial forever.”  “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’, then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the Lord” (4: 6-7).  What for you would be the equivalent of the twelve stones west of the Jordan?  What are the objects and experiences that remind you of God’s working in your life?  And are you telling your children and grandchildren about them?

It is also interesting how 4: 9 tells us that “Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day.”  The phrase “to this day” occurs often in the book of Joshua.  That phrase says something about the passing of time between the occurrence of the events and when they were written down.

7.  We read in chapter 5 about two things that happened soon after they cross the Jordan – the circumcision of all the males who had been born in the wilderness and the keeping of the Passover on the plains of Jericho.  Then it says, “On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain.  The manna ceased on the day they ate the produce of the land” (5: 11-12).  God had been very faithful in providing manna throughout their time in the wilderness.  But when they were no longer in the wilderness, they no longer needed manna and so the manna stopped.  Has there been a time when you experienced God’s providing as long as there was a need, but when there was no longer a need, the provision stopped?

8.  And then chapter 5 concludes by giving another example of the many parallels between the lives of Moses and Joshua.  “Once when Joshua was by Jericho (the taking of Jericho occurs in chapter 6), he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand” (5: 13).  The man identified himself as commander of the army of the Lord.  He said to Joshua, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy” (5: 15).  Reminds me of what the angel of the Lord said to Moses at the burning bush.  “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3: 5).  When have you most had the sense that you were standing on holy ground?  Our hope and prayer for you is that whenever you gather with God’s people for worship and whenever you read and study the Bible, you will have a sense of standing on holy ground. 

* * * * * *

DISCIPLESHIP

If you have not already done so, I urge you to check out the new Discipleship page on our website.  HERE is a link to that page.  The page contains links to a number of articles and videos that will help you grow in your relationship with Christ and in your following Christ’s call to mission.  Just before He ascended into heaven, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28: 19).  He did not tell His followers to focus on gaining more members for churches.  Rather He told them to make disciples.  The resources on this page will help you make His last command your first concern.  

 For example, HERE is a link to an article by Jacob Moorman from early 2024.  Jacob is a member of River’s Edge Ministries in Mt. Airy, Maryland, which leads local mission trips as well as annual mission trips to parts of the country that have been hit hard by natural disasters.  In this article Jacob talks about the impact on him of his working in the devastated area of Clarksville, Tennessee, after it was hit by an F3 tornado just a few weeks before Christmas 2023.  Jacob writes, “This storm humbled me.  Witnessing the vast devastation put me in touch with the devastation of my own soul.  It made me realize how much I need Him.  It brought to light the spiritual reality that Christ truly is the only One who can heal and restore.”   

* * * * * *

QUESTIONS FOR SYNODICAL LEADERS

In our May 2026 newsletter we had an article which contains links to and summaries of a number of articles which tell about actions that have been taken and decisions that were made during and between the 2022 and 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assemblies.  HERE is a link to that article, which we provide as a resource for those who want to learn more about and/or want to inform their congregations about what the ELCA is actually doing.

Here is another resource – a list of questions that you can use if your synodical bishop or another synodical representative visits your congregation.  It definitely seems that ELCA leaders do not want ELCA congregations to know what is actually going on.  These questions will help you engage with synod leaders in a way that should lead them to face, admit, and communicate the truth.

1.  In response to actions taken by the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, a task force is developing “mutual accountability measures and compliance incentives across all expressions of the ELCA to ensure the proactive centering of dismantling racism within the denomination.”  What do you expect will be the nature, scope, and shape of these “measures” and “incentives” and how will they be implemented in our synod?

2.  At the 2018 ELCA youth gathering Nadia Bolz-Weber, the ELCA’s first “Public Theologian,” led the young people in a chant rejecting traditional views on human sexuality as a lie.  Also a pre-adolescent transgender child was a featured keynote speaker.

A keynote speaker at the 2024 ELCA youth gathering, Keats Miles-Wallace, celebrated being queer and transgender and a video argued that the creation account in Genesis 1 provides for the possibility of more than two genders – more than just male and female.

The ELCA’s 2009 human sexuality social statement gives a place of dignity and respect to a variety of views on human sexuality, including traditional views.

Why then do ELCA youth gatherings do nothing to support, encourage, and teach traditional views, but instead are grooming events for LGBTQIA+, transgender, and non-binary ideology?

3.  How would you respond to those who are concerned that the provision for bound conscience will be eliminated when the 2028 Churchwide Assembly considers the second set of recommendations from the Human Sexuality Social Statement Reconsiderations Task Force?

How would you respond to those who fear that powerful and preferred voices will not stop until traditional voices have first been silenced and then totally eliminated?  

4.  How would you respond to those who are concerned that eventually DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) will be made mandatory for congregations?

5.  Why did the ELCA not clearly communicate to congregations that DEIA and a full embrace of every form of sexual orientation and gender identity were incorporated into ELCA governing documents through Continuing Resolutions approved by the ELCA Church Council prior to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly?  See my discussion regarding Recommendation 7 from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church –  The Horse Has Already Left the Barn: – Lutheran Coalition for Renewal (CORE)

6.  The 2009 human sexuality social statement provided for the approval of (PALMS) publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same sex relationships and the ordination of people in those relationships, and yet that obviously was not enough for the LGBTQIA+/transgender/non-binary community.  There was even a memorial that came from a synod to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly wanting the human sexuality social statement to provide for polygamous relationships.  And a former synodical bishop who has spoken positively about polyamory (multiple partners) is the Theologian in Residence for this summer’s ELCA Rostered Leaders Gathering.  How would you respond to those who fear that even the ELCA’s full embrace of every form of sexual orientation and gender identity will not be enough?  Instead extreme, radical (and powerful and preferred) voices will never be satisfied but will always be pushing for more?

7.  We have heard and read of instances where synods have used paragraph S13.24 in the Model Constitution for Synods to take over and sometimes even close congregations.  Has this synod made use of S13.24?  If so, please tell us about the instance(s).  What was the justification and reasons given?  How was the action taken?  What has been the end result?  Does this synod have any current plans to use S13.24 to take over and maybe even close a congregation?    

Emmanuel Lutheran Church (NALC) in State College, PA is a dynamic, growing, and multi-generational church plant located in the heart of central Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University. Celebrating 10 years of faith, growth, and community, Emmanuel’s name, God with us, captures the essence of our journey. From the very beginning, we’ve felt God’s presence guiding us as we seek to live out His calling.

Our core values are foundational to everything we do: Grounded in God’s Word, Confident in God’s Grace, and Committed to Sharing God’s Love. These principles shape our worship, outreach, and relationships, as we strive to be a faithful, generous, and enthusiastic presence in our community. A pastor called to Emmanuel will find a supportive and encouraging congregation, eager to partner in ministry and growth. We are committed to providing opportunities for both personal and family development, as well as a welcoming environment for leadership and spiritual growth. As we look to the future, we are excited to call our next pastor; a shepherd who will help guide us in sharing the Good News and extending God’s love in the State College area. Together, we will continue to grow in faith, hope, and mission.

For more information about Emmanuel, see the Congregational Profile at:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/17VNb_7wyQAMPb2-sn8Dj29BxM9_0x8dD/view

A video about Emmanuel is available at:  

Link’s to Emmanuel’s webpage and Facebook page:     

https://www.emmanuelnalc.org

UNWRAPPING BOUND CONSCIENCE

by Dennis D. Nelson

Note:  Many thanks to Larry Becker, NALC pastor in southern California and member of the board of Lutheran CORE, for gathering several of the references and resources that are used in this article. 

Last month I wrote an article for the July issue of our newsletter about the study guide from the task force that is reconsidering the 2009 ELCA human sexuality social statement. HERE is a link to that article.  The study guide focuses on the whole issue of bound conscience, which is the term the social statement uses to describe the fact that people in the ELCA hold different views on same sex relationships.  This month I would like to further explore the whole concept of bold conscience – where it came from, whether it has been helpful, is it being followed, and what we might anticipate for the future.

Pages 19-21 of the original 2009 (the social statement was revised in 2025) version of “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” describe four different positions on same sex relationships that people within the ELCA hold “with conviction and integrity.”  It then says, “Although at this time this church lacks consensus on this matter, it encourages all people to live out their faith . . . with profound respect for the conscience-bound belief of the neighbor.”  It is this whole issue of bound conscience that the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted overwhelmingly (708-93) to reconsider.

HERE is a link to a video from the 2009 Churchwide Assembly where Dr. Timothy Wengert explains the whole concept of bound conscience.  Dr. Wengert is professor emeritus at United Lutheran Seminary (Philadelphia) and was a member of the task force on human sexuality.  The whole motivation is clearly revealed in the comment made by the person who introduces him – to build a case that disagreement on human sexuality need not be church dividing.

When Lutherans think of bound conscience, they naturally first think of Martin Luther’s defense in 1521 at the Diet of Worms.  “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.  I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.”  For Luther bound conscience was not about different people holding different views “with conviction and integrity” and we need to have profound respect for all.  Bound conscience is not personal conviction, subjective sentiment, political pressure, nor group consensus.  Rather it is submission to the authority of the Word of God. 

But Dr. Wengert – in his introduction – spends the larger portion of his time talking about what he describes as a second way in which bound conscience came up during the Reformation.  That second way had to do with specific, practical, ethical dilemmas such as whether to pressure lay people to receive both bread and wine at communion and rules regarding the practice of fasting.  Dr. Wengert compares the Reformers’ approach to these issues to the way the apostle Paul deals with eating meat offered to idols when he writes to the Romans and the Corinthians. 

Because of what Dr. Wengert places greater emphasis upon, he has reinterpreted bound conscience as giving permission for mutually exclusive moral positions.  As I see it, according to his way of thinking, my conscience becomes bound by my opinion of what the Word of God says (or should say), not by the clear message of Scripture.  As a worst-case scenario, the Word of God becomes bound to my opinions (and the values and beliefs of my culture) rather than my conscience is bound to the Word of God.  No wonder Paull Spring (former retired ELCA bishop, later chairperson of the Lutheran CORE steering committee and bishop emeritus of the NALC), said, “In its emphasis on conscience, the task force forgot that Luther was not talking about his own right to his own opinion.  He was declaring his commitment and allegiance to the Word of God.  It is exactly the opposite of the task force’s idea of conscience as one’s personal beliefs.  They are encouraging the strange notion of a bound conscience as nothing more than individualism.” 

There are four points that I would like to make regarding Dr. Wengert’s definition of bound conscience.

1. It does not make sense.
2. It has been rejected.
3. It is not the way the ELCA has been doing things.
4. What’s next?   

First, it does not make sense. 

If one person believes that a certain behavior is sinful and another person believes that it is holy, pleasing to, and blessed by God, they cannot both be correct.  Also, if the Church were to lift up two opposing practices as equally valid, how could or would it have any moral authority to proclaim truth?  Instead of having a prophetic voice, the Church would become a reflection of its culture.

Second, it has been rejected.

 Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) and its predecessor organizations trace themselves back to 1990 when two San Francisco congregations extended calls to openly gay and lesbian pastors, in violation of ELCA policy.  In 1993, the Extraordinary Candidacy Project was created to provide a credentialing process for publicly identified LGBTQIA+ people.   After the ELCA changed its ministry policies in 2009, those who had been ordained outside of the ELCA structure and process were welcomed to the ELCA list of rostered leaders.  Some of these people, as well as many other members of ELM, are in positions of considerable power and influence in the ELCA.

In early September 2022 – shortly after the 2022 Churchwide Assembly which authorized the reconsideration of bound conscience – Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries put out a statement that said, “The ELCA must address our sins of racism and ‘bound conscience.’”  HERE is a link to that statement, which then goes on to say, “Many queer-rostered ministry leaders experience . . . harm in the ELCA with little recourse because of ‘bound conscience’.”  The 2019 Churchwide Assembly adopted a formal letter of repentance to commit to examine the church’s complicity in slavery and to acknowledge “the ELCA’s perpetuation of racism.”  At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly Bishop Eaton formally apologized to the worshiping community of Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria Peregrina in central California for both individual and institutional racist harm done to the congregation and the Latine community.  In the same way Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries believes that “queer people in the ELCA deserve an apology and behavior consistent with repentance for the harm caused by ‘bound conscience’ and policies like ‘Visions and Expectations.’”  This statement then ends by saying, “It is time for ‘bound conscience’ to go.” 

Here Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries basically is equating racism and bound conscience.  Since for the ELCA racism is the worst of the worst, then the provision for bound conscience also must be the worst of the worst.    

No “profound respect for the conscience bound belief of the neighbor” here.  Knowing the high-powered positions of many who are a part of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, no one with traditional views should feel welcome, valued, respected, and/or safe. 

Third, it is not the way the ELCA has been doing things.

 As I have mentioned in previous articles –

• ELCA youth gatherings have become grooming events for LGBTQ+, transgender, and non-binary ideology. Why would anyone with traditional views want their child or grandchild to attend an ELCA youth gathering?
• The Human Sexuality Reconsiderations Task Force recommended and the 2025 Churchwide Assembly approved by a vote of 742-46 changes to the social statement which they described as “simply editorial,” when actually they amounted to no less than a full embrace of every diverse form of sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Prior to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church recommended and the Church Council approved a number of Continuing Resolutions which are now part of the ELCA governing documents without ever having to be voted on by a Churchwide Assembly. Among these Continuing Resolutions are ones which make every diverse form of sexual orientation and gender identity a privileged and protected group within the church. 

It is interesting that the news release about the November 14-17, 2024 meeting of the Church Council did not give any specific information about the above.  Instead it just stated –

In key actions, the council:

Approved amendments to “Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA” that were drafted in response to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) Audit.

Recommended to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly certain amendments to “Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA” that were brought to the council by the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC).

We did not learn anything specific until later – six months prior to the Churchwide Assembly – when the Church Council informed Synods of its recommendations.   

No “profound respect for the conscience bound belief of the neighbor” here if that neighbor has traditional views.  All those with traditional views need to realize that their position will continue to be eroded.  

Fourth, what’s next?

 I am going with the assumption that the language of “bound conscience” will be removed from the social statement.  The vote at the 2022 Churchwide Assembly to reconsider bound conscience was so strong (708-93).  Votes taken at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly on matters of human sexuality further eroded any standing that traditional views and those who hold them might still have.  Many people have spoken very critically about bound conscience because of the way they see it as allowing for traditional views. 

There certainly will not be in 2028 the “restraining influence” that there was in 2009 from those who hold traditional views.  They are simply no longer there. 

Some members of the task force have spoken very positively about the quality of communication and high level of trust among members of the task force – even among people who strongly disagree with each other.  Are there other members of the task force who would not say that?  

There definitely seems to be a desire to “get through this” with as little organizational damage to the ELCA as possible. 

On the other hand, if bound conscience is eliminated and some other wording that gives a place of dignity and respect for traditional views and those who hold them is not provided in its place –   

Why should or would anyone with traditional views ever trust the ELCA again?

Will synodical bishops be able to hinder a pastor with traditional views from being able to get another call and/or be able to hinder congregations with traditional views from being able to call another pastor?

Will seminarians with traditional views be blocked in their efforts to be certified for ordination and first call (so eventually there will be no traditional pastors left in the ELCA)?

If a pastor is sued for refusing to officiate at a same sex wedding and/or a congregation is sued for refusing to host a same sex wedding, will there be any backing and support from the synod and/or churchwide?

According to the schedule included in the study guide from the task force –

In 2027 a draft of revisions to the social statement will be released for public comment.

In 2028 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take action on any proposed revisions.

We will keep you posted as we learn or hear more. 

                                                                    * * * * * * *      

VIDEO MINISTRIES

“PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH FOR MAMAS AND LITTLES”

Written by Hanna FitzGerald – Reviewed by James FitzGerald

Many thanks to Hanna and James FitzGerald for this video review of Hanna’s new book, “Prophecies of Isaiah for Mamas and Littles,” which will be published in August 2026 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau.  Hanna is a former English teacher who is now a full-time mother while serving her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulton, Maryland (ELCA), alongside her husband, the Reverend James FitzGerald.  The FitzGeralds are the ones who provide the weekly, lectionary-based children’s messages on our website. 

A link to the FitzGeralds’ video review can be found HERE.  A link to our YouTube channel, which contains seventy reviews of books and videos on topics of interest and importance, can be found HERE.      

Isaiah prophesied about the coming of Jesus: Emmanuel, God with Us.  During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we remember the gift of Jesus as a baby born in a manger, and we wait for the return of Christ Jesus in glory with the Advent of a New Heaven and a New Earth.  Selected scriptures from Isaiah and the Gospels reveal Jesus in the Old and New Testaments.  Included in this devotional are stories of modern motherhood, prayers, and journal questions.  With each adult devotional for mama, there is also a devotional for children to complete with mama.  These shorter devotionals include prayer, scripture, and a family activity.  Grow closer in faith as a family while preparing for Christmas with each turn of the page.

“When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, He is calling for Elijah.”  Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down” (Mark 15:35-36).

How often do people misunderstand what the Lord is saying?  Sinners like to put words in His mouth.  Our Savior was a real, ordinary, just like us person, yet also God in the flesh.  He felt the physical things – as we all do – and lamented the pain.  The mockery continues.  What more can God do to show His great love for us?  Let the mockery be crucified and accept His love.

Lord, the world around me still mocks You and will not believe.  Help me to come to the place where I accept that You are above all, yet You also understand fully what it means to be human.  You have come to lead all who will follow You into a life that is fulfilled beyond any expectation we could ever have in this world alone.  In and through You is love and life.  You have suffered, and in that suffering, united us with You.

Lord Jesus, You have cried out across the ages for the sake of all of those who, through You, will be given new life.  Here am I Lord; take me and make of me what You will.  Lead me according to Your purpose so that I may become what You will make of me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live obediently according to the Father’s will.  Slay the sinner and resurrect me with You in Your time.  Amen.

“When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.  At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:33-34)

This world is often forsaken.  The unbelieving roar like a lion, seeking whom they may devour.  Jesus felt the full weight of this world’s darkness and cried out.  Do we not often do the same?  God sustains all things, but in the horror of a world gone wrong, the lament is great.  Greater still is His love for us that He would suffer the darkness of this world so that we could see the glimmer of light which shows the One who created all things.

Lord, I confess that the full weight of what happened on the cross is a mystery to me.  Yet, I do know what it is like to feel abandoned.  Help me so that I learn how to call out to You at all times.  You have promised that You are with me.  In times of doubt, or when the world is pressing in, lead me to know that Your presence is always with me.  Help me transcend my fears.

Lord Jesus, You have told us that perfect love casts out fear.  Lead me to come to the place of Your perfect love.  When I feel alone, remind me that You are always with me.  When I doubt, grant me the ability to see that You are with me, and continue on.  When I am confused, remind me that all things have their purpose so that I may come to the place where I learn to live in Your love.  Through all things, guide me, my dear Savior.  Amen.

“In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.  Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him” (Mark 15:31-32).

There are those who say they will not believe unless certain signs and wonders are done.  One wonders, even if they were done, would they find another reason to not believe?  We have before us all that we need.  From the order and beauty of creation to all that has been written, along with the others who believe, is that enough?  For the world, it is never enough.  God is the Creator of all things.  Believe!

Lord, I have my doubts and fears which govern my thoughts.  The world around me promotes doubt and unbelief.  Guide me through the fog of this age to humbly and simply believe that You are God and You have a purpose for all things.  Lead me according to Your goodness and mercy to understand things as they are and not to be driven by the denials of those in this world who are unbelieving.

My Lord and Savior Jesus, You withstood the constant mockery of the unbelieving.  I often am at a loss for words and fall into silence when confronted by the hatred and derision of this world.  Lead me so that I follow You and the truth, no matter what those in the world say.  Guide me out of the malaise of this world to see and believe.  Help me in times of doubt so that I am not unbelieving but believing.  Amen.

“Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:29-30)

Sinners often mock God and are unable to understand what is really going on.  Would you really be so abusive even to a guilty criminal who was dying?  The give-away in this scene is the part mocking Jesus and demanding that He save Himself.  Narcissism is at the heart of pride.  Jesus did what He did for us.  He calls us out of ourselves.  He will resurrect us on the last day.  The mockery of the world will cease.  God will do what He has promised.

Lord, I have mocked others in their situation.  I have had times when I was not compassionate, and whether or not another deserved what was happening, I was glad for their suffering.  Take these things out of me for Your compassion and mercy have no room for mockery.  You suffered beyond anything I could ever imagine and You did so for our sake.  Grant me a new heart that seeks You and Your ways at all times.

Lord Jesus, You are compassionate.  Even while suffering You arranged for the welfare of Your mother.  Help me to follow Your example and not focus upon the moment but seek to have a character like Yours.  Guide me through those times where my sinfulness takes over and I speak without thinking.  Lead me to live according to Your word and the way of eternity.  Amen.

“They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.  And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.”] (Mark 15:27-28)

Our Savior has fulfilled all Scripture concerning Him.  It was the way God told us it would be.  The biggest struggle point for many is the seeming weakness God used to conquer sin.  But this is how He knows it must be.  For us, it is a matter of trust.  He has done all that is needed.  Our Savior came and He was always amongst sinners, for that is what we are.  In the end, it will be those who look to Him for salvation versus those who continue wanting to be their own god.

God of heaven and earth, help me to see the utter simplicity of the truth that we all need what only You can provide.  I will either turn to You or else continue in the hatred of this age because it is not what I want.  I do not even know what I want.  Help me to look to You, the source of my being and follow according to the way You have created me and all living things to live.  Guide me in Your grace.

Lord Jesus, You have eternally reconciled me to You through Your shed blood.  You have done all that is needed for me to leave behind the sin of this age of rebellion in order that I may humbly walk with You in all of Your ways.  Guide me in the way of everlasting truth so that I may learn from You and humbly follow You always.  Help me to understand more each day so that I may take those steps which lead me in the right direction.  Amen.

“The inscription of the charge against Him read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Mark 15:26).

Pilate chose to give lip service to the Lord: a political decision.  It is the truth, but what did it mean?  Jesus is not just the King of the Jews, but He is the King of kings.  It is not a charge, but the truth.  If accused, would you be convicted of being a follower of Jesus?  The world hates God.  The world is constantly trying to be rid of the One through whom all things exist.  The world is insane.

Heavenly Father, I know that, because Jesus was crucified, I have been reconciled to You.  I do not understand all that this means, but I trust the truth that Your word is sufficient.  Lead me to accept what You have said such that when confronted, others will know that I trust You above all things.  Help me to not convict the Savior with my doubts and worries, but trust that You have done all that is necessary that I may be with You now and forever.

Lord Jesus, You suffered indignation such as I am unable to imagine.  You ask that I follow You through all that this world may heap upon me.  Guide me to humbly walk with You all the days of my life.  Lead me so that I simply trust that You have given me the words of eternal life.  Help me on the way You know I need to go and keep me faithful through every hour of trial and temptation.  Amen.

“And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take.  It was the third hour when they crucified Him” (Mark 15:24-25).

About noon they lifted Jesus up on the cross.  He had been awake the whole night before, beaten, mocked, tried, and convicted.  Of what was He guilty according to those who condemned Him?  For “blasphemy;” they considered Him guilty for saying He was God.  He was and is.  The world does not want the order of our Lord.  It wants to be the master of its own destiny.  The world exists because it has been created, but it does not want the Creator.

Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, the insanity of this world is that it wants to exist apart from You who created all things.  That is not possible.  Take me out of this insanity so that I may humbly live as You created me to live.  Guide me in Your goodness so that I see things through the eyes of truth.  You have suffered so that I who suffer may have hope beyond this age of suffering.

Lord Jesus, You died for me.  I was the one who should have been on that cross.  I have sinned and the wages of sin is death, but You have taken my place in order to set me free to live a new way of living.  Help me to not forget or slip into old patterns.  Lead me to live intentionally knowing that in You alone is there hope and a future.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy all the days of my life.  Amen.

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Good to see everyone! Tell me about your summer so far? How was Vacation Bible School?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: I am glad that everyone is doing well and that you are having a great summer. What are some of the foods you’re enjoying this summer?

Sammy: Well, at the farm the grazing is delightful! There’s wonderful plants growing in abundance over the summer. I enjoy eating a lot.

Pastor: Me, too. I don’t graze like you, but I do eat special foods in the summer time.

Sammy: What kinds of foods?

Pastor: I eat BBQ, grilled foods, sweet corn, fresh watermelon, peaches.

Sammy: That all sounds delicious!

Pastor: Summer is a great time of year. The fresh food is in abundance and thanks to our local farmers and gardeners, there’s plenty to eat.

Sammy: In a week we will really get to see the abundance of food growing in our county at the County Fair! I can’t wait to go! I heard all about the fair on the farm.

Pastor: You know, all of this talk of food reminds me of the Gospel story for today. Jesus met with a large crowd and was healing the sick and talking with them for the day. When evening came, the people were hungry.

Sammy: Was there a meadow nearby?

Pastor: A meadow? 

Sammy: For grazing. 

Pastor: People don’t graze. They need food that’s not hay and grass.

Sammy: Oh. I forgot. Well, what did they eat?

Pastor: All the disciples had was five loaves of bread and two fish.

Sammy: That doesn’t sound too bad. That could feed a few people.

Pastor: That’s right, but Jesus wanted to feed more than 5,000 people. That’s more than a few. That’s more people than we have for church right now.

Sammy: Wow! How did Jesus feed all of the hungry people?

Pastor: Jesus blessed and broke the loaves and gave the food to the people to eat. All of the people ate and they were all full. And there were leftovers!

Sammy: I love leftovers!

Pastor: Me too! Does anyone else love leftovers?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Thank you all for sharing this time with me. Jesus is God. He provides everything we need and he surely loves us. Will you all please fold your hands, bow your heads, and repeat after me? Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us good food. Thank you for miracles. Thank you for being with us and healing us. We love you. Amen.

“Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull.  They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it” (Mark 15:22-23).

Our Lord suffered physical pain beyond what most of us can imagine.  He suffered the spiritual rejection of all those who will continue their rebellion into the depths of hell.  He suffered the deprivation of all that sustains life in the physical body.  He did so willingly for our sake.  He reached the point where He was done.  We look, but do we begin to comprehend the depth of what sin has done?

Holy and Triune Lord, in the great mystery of Your love, I see that You went through all of this to give all who believe an opportunity to live life as You created it to be lived.  The deeper I go in thinking the more I see that You are there.  This world always stops short, for if true inquiry were made, they would all see that You are the answer for our longing.  Amidst the horror of this world, guide me to understand that You have called me to walk with You, my Creator, Lord, and God.

Lord Jesus, You took upon Yourself the sin of all of us.  You suffered in ways that I am unable to imagine.  You did so willingly in love for us whom You have created.  Lead me to understand more clearly each day the breadth and depth of Your love.  Guide me to live into the life You are offering me, thinking as You give me the ability to think, and living in the way that You set before me.  Amen.