Once
again the ELCA refuses to be honest, to have integrity, and to allow the way it
is doing things to be challenged.  Instead,
once again it just ignores those challenges as it demonstrates that it hopes
that those who disagree will eventually just give up and go away.

Towards
the end of last November the ELCA declared on its Facebook page, “Before 2009,
our denomination sinfully refused to ordain any of our openly LGBTQIA+
siblings.”  It also said, “We highly
recommend checking out some of ReconcilingWorks’ resources.”

I
have several problems with these statements.

Sinful or Favoritism?

First, the ELCA is calling sinful the traditional position on sexual ethics, even though the traditional view was declared by the 2009 social statement to be one of four acceptable “conscience-bound” positions that would have a place in the ELCA.  I had the same problem in 2018 when ELCA pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, speaking at the youth gathering, led thirty thousand young people in renouncing the traditional view as a lie and the ELCA did nothing to distance itself from her as well as from her statements and actions.

If
the ELCA feels that it is free to take any one of the four positions that were
approved in 2009 and state publicly that that is the only acceptable view and
that holding to and advocating for any of the other three positions is a sin, then
it can also be said that the ELCA still teaches that homosexual behavior is a
sin (since that also is one of the four acceptable views) and that the ELCA
still believes that ordaining openly LGBTQIA+ persons is a sin. 

How can the ELCA, who claims to be a champion for justice and fairness, continue to make public statements and continue to take actions that favor any one of the four “ministry perspectives” over the others?  This kind of blatant favoritism is also shown in the Facebook page’s strong recommendation of ReconcilingWorks resources and not also giving equal endorsement to resources that advocate for the traditional view. 

Boundaries

Second,
what the ELCA has declared on its Facebook page goes far beyond the boundaries
of what was actually approved in 2009. 
The 2009 social statement and changes in ministry policies said nothing
about bisexual, transgender, or any of the other letters of the LGBTQIA+
formula.  The decisions in 2009 addressed
only same sex attracted people who are living in publicly accountable,
lifelong, monogamous, same gender relationships.

Demeaning

Third, what the ELCA has declared on its Facebook page denigrates the ministry of same sex attracted people who were serving in the ELCA prior to 2009 while living faithfully according to traditional, Biblical sexual ethics.  To claim that the ELCA did not ordain same sex attracted people prior to 2009 is simply false, to say nothing about its being stunningly demeaning to those faithful servants of God.

Two
times I telephoned the person whom the ELCA contact center said is in charge of
its Facebook page.  Two times I left a
voice mail message, asking that person to call me back so that I could inquire
as to how these statements fit in with what was actually approved in 2009.  But neither time did this person call me
back.  I did not want to be accused of
harassing this person, so I did not call a third time, but I do think that that
is an interesting way to not be held accountable for the accuracy and fairness
of what is posted on the ELCA Facebook page. 
Just do not call the person back. 
Then you do not have to deal with what they have to say.

Many times I have
been asked by people whether I think that what Lutheran CORE is doing will
actually get the ELCA to change.  I
always respond, “No, I do not.  It would
take an intervention by God to accomplish that. 
Rather my goal is three-fold – to try to make the ELCA uncomfortable about
what they are doing, to alert people to what is happening, and then to be there
for people when they become aware.”

“I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that
it is good for a man to remain as he is. 
Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released
from a wife? Do not seek a wife” (1 Corinthians 7:26-27).

The question behind this answer
is not one necessarily of human circumstance, but of priorities.  Yes, marriage is good, for it is ordained by
God, but what is your ultimate destination. 
In every circumstance the Lord will lead you and teach you, but take
care not to be waylaid.  Be led by the
Lord who will lead you in the way of everlasting life.  What do you seek?  Is it the world, or the Lord?

Lord, I do make laws of everything and want to stop short of seeing the
whole thing.  Yes, You call many through
the gift of marriage.  It is good, for
You have created it.  But help me to see
that only in the goodness of Your grace will I find the wholeness that You
offer in salvation.  Lead me beyond
temporal circumstances to see the greater portion that You offer that I may continue
the upward call You have given me.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save
each one of us.  Help me to not settle
for the lesser when You call me to the greater. 
Help me to see that this does not mean I have to enter into a certain
lifestyle, but to press ever forward toward the prize which You hold before
me.  Guide me in Your grace in every
circumstance to see Your goodness and the mercy of the Father and live as You
direct.  Amen.

“Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he
was called.  Now concerning virgins I
have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of
the Lord is trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 7:24-25).

Remain in the condition in which
you find yourself.  This is not a
fatalism, but a call to look up and realize that any temporary circumstance is
just that, temporary.  The Lord knows all
that is needed and we ought not be carried away by the moment.  Yes, be diligent, but do not sin.  Work hard, but do not fight against where the
Lord has placed you.  Trust in the Lord
above all things.

Lord, help me to see where I should struggle and work hard and where I
should be content.  Grant wisdom that I
may walk in Your presence always knowing that You will work all things together
for good because You love me.  Guide me
in Your wisdom to act according to Your leading that I may grow in becoming
like You.  Help me learn how to be
content.

Lord Jesus, You know all
things.  You know all that is
needed.  You have led me thus far and You
have given me the words of eternal life. 
Help me to be thankful for all that You have given me knowing that any
affliction is a temporary thing.  In You
alone can I find the hope that will lead me through good times and bad.  Guide me, O Lord, that I may now and always
follow You.  Amen.

“For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s
freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave.  You were bought with a price; do not become
slaves of men” (1 Corinthians 7:22-23).

We live in a world with skewed
understanding of reality.  While
screaming for freedom in the crowd, they lament the limitations upon their
desires.  True freedom is found only in
Christ and it is a freedom that transcends circumstance.  It does not seek its own, but understands
that all things belong to the One who made them.  Live in the freedom of Christ and know His
goodness that can never be taken away.

Lord, I spend so much time trying to figure things out that I am mixed
up inside.  Bring me to the place where I
live by faith and not by my ability to figure these things out.  Lead me in Your goodness that I may now and
always abide humbly in Your grace.  Let
me not seek the world, but You and know that in You alone is all the freedom,
goodness, and mercy I could ever hope for.

Come, Holy Spirit, and minister
to my heart.  Guide me according to Your
goodness that I would now and always see things through Your eyes.  Help me know the freedom I have in You and
the slavery which is mine in Christ.  In
both of these things, help me to always be content in and through whatever this
world brings.  Lead me Lord in the way of
everlasting life with peace and freedom in my soul.  Amen.

“Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.  Were you called while a slave?  Do not worry about it; but if you are able
also to become free, rather do that” (1 Corinthians 7:20-21).

Lord, I want to have all things
rather than realize that You who made all things have placed all things in
their course, including me.  You have
made each of us to be where we are and as we are.  Though the world cries out, “injustice,” over
circumstances, You have placed all things for the sake of those who will turn
to You.  Let this reality be known
amongst those who are being saved.

There is this conflict that rages in our soul.  On the one hand we know what is right and
wrong, yet we do the wrong and expect the right.  In the battle of this age, make clear to me
the path upon which I have been placed that I may walk humbly according to Your
will Lord.  Let me see through the noise
of this age to be lifted up by Your purpose and will, which is all in all for
my salvation.

Lord Jesus, You have come to lead
the way.  You did not come in majesty,
but humbly that none of us have any true complaint.  Regardless the circumstances in which I find
myself, guide me according to the Father’s will this day that I might willingly
accept all things knowing that they fulfil His purpose.  Grant me a heart that sees justice through
Your eyes and patience according to Your knowing guidance.  Amen.

“Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to
become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be
circumcised.   Circumcision is nothing,
and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the
commandments of God” (1 Corinthians 7:18-19).

What we do in the flesh is
nothing when compared to what Christ has done for us.  What shall we say of our works?  They are nothing.  The Lord has called us into His order of
things and seeking to live in harmony with the Lord’s will in the heart that
Christ has given is the place where we need to start.  When you have perfected that, then move on to
other things.

Lord, help me see that only in Christ am I able to become what You desire me to be.  Guide me according to Your goodness to see that in You alone is hope.  Guide me in Your law that I would strive to do good, yet know that all goodness is possible only because of You.  Lead me in Your goodness in all humility that I may now and always abide in the truth of Your love and live according to Your will. 

Lord Jesus, You are the One who has lived the perfect human life.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I may now and always abide in You and You in me.  Teach me the things I need to know.  Make me a diligent student of the Word You have given.  In and through all things, help me to become what You are making of me.  You alone are the author of my faith and in You alone is completeness.  Amen

“For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or
how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?  Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one,
as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the
churches” (1 Corinthians 7:16-17).

How do you know what you think
you know?  Too often, we have an insight
and think it is the full revelation. 
Trust instead in the Lord who saves. 
Know that He will lead you in the way of everlasting life.  Life according to His promises and be guided
by the Holy Spirit that you may be whom the Lord calls you to be.  Walk humbly with the One who made you and all
things.

Lord, I want more.  Teach me to
be content with whom You have made me to be. 
Guide me in Your goodness to see that in You alone is the hope for all
people.  Help me to humbly do my part and
know that You know all things.  You will
work all things together knowing how all things will unfold.  Keep me close to You that I would now and
always humbly abide in Your leading.

Lead me, Lord Jesus, in the way
of everlasting life.  Guide me according
to Your goodness and the Father’s will to not try to figure all things out, but
humbly walk by Your direction.  Grant me
peace this day to know that all things will be as You know they must be that I
may be content in the sufficiency of Your grace.  May I walk humbly with You, my Savior, now
and always.  Amen.

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the
unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise
your children are unclean, but now they are holy. Yet if the unbelieving one
leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases,
but God has called us to peace” (1 Corinthians 7:14-15).

One never knows the influences
the Lord uses between those who believe and those who do not believe.  In our sinful humanity, we often try to
figure things out like a three year old telling the world how things are, but we
are too limited in understanding.  Faith
trusts the Lord and we are called to trust. 
Trust the Lord above all things and know that He is always working to
bring about salvation to those who will be with Him forever.

Lord, take away from me the desire to figure all things out.  Guide me instead to see that in You is the
hope for all people.  You have brought
salvation that all who turn to You will be saved.  You know who they are and the circumstances
in which they live.  Help me to trust
that all things are in Your hands, for You will work all things together for
good for those who love you.

Lord Jesus, You have come that we
may have life.  You are the author and
finisher of our faith.  Guide me, O Lord,
in the way of truth that I may now and always abide in You.  Keep me from the pride that thinks I can
figure these things out.  Lead in the way
of humility that I may now and always trust that You are at work always; through,
in and around me accomplishing the Father’s will.  Amen.

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine
upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Father, thank you for Jesus and his teaching! We are challenged,
humbled, and empowered by his Beatitudes. Give us a double portion of your Holy
Spirit, so that by your grace, we may begin to live out those Beatitudes, to
your glory and for the blessing and benefit of others.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant that your Church should be so filled with, and led by, your Holy
Spirit, that it constantly loves justice, does mercy, and walks humbly before
you, its Lord and God. Fill the Church with the splendor of Jesus’ glory, the
beauty of his holiness, and the sweetness of his love.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make each member of this congregation into disciples of
Jesus, so that we may be a sign of your goodness and mercy to our friends,
families, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Raise up pastors, theologians, professors, deacons, and other Christian
leaders who earnestly and patiently seek your will, and who teach others, by
word and by example, to do the same.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be the light in dark places, the sword and shield
victorious, for our military and first responders, and for all who risk their
life on behalf of others. Give them integrity, courage, and wisdom as they
strive to bring justice and safety in dangerous places. Heal all wounds to body, mind, and soul. Strengthen
their loved ones. Help us to honor their sacrifice and benefit from their
labors.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our earthly rulers, whether we like them,
agree with them, or voted for them. Conform their minds, hearts, and actions to
your holy will. Help them to strengthen the bonds of affection, trust, and
concord within families and communities.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless, heal, and strengthen everyone who is burdened by
suffering, especially those we name now before you: {List}. We also pray for
women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, especially those whose
health is imperiled; for women who have had an abortion or miscarriage; for
newborn infants, especially those at risk of illness or injury; for all
fathers; and for everyone who cares for and rejoices in the gift of new life.

Lord, in your
mercy, please hear our prayer.

As today also commemorates the Presentation of our Lord,
let our constant prayer be that of Simeon as he entrusted his life into God’s
keeping: Now, Lord, you let your servants go in peace; your Word has been
fulfilled. Our own eyes have seen the salvation that you have prepared in the
sight of every people. A light to reveal you to the nations, and the glory of
your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in
the beginning, is now, and will be forever, Amen.

All these things, and whatever else you see that
we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ. Amen.

“But to the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife
who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he must not divorce
her.  And a woman who has an unbelieving
husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not send her husband away”
(1 Corinthians 7:12-13).

Paul gives his opinion.  The Lord has already spoken about making two
one flesh.  But what is the purpose of
this?  Is it not for building one up to
become like Christ?  We often make laws
of what is meant as something to individually drive the sinner into repentance.  Do not be driven by any law (other than to
die to sin), but be driven by the upward call of the Lord into your eternal
purpose.

Lord, help me to not be reactionary. 
It is You who calls me to what You call me.  Lead me in the way You call that I may follow
according to the Father’s will.  Let me
not be tossed about by human opinions – even good ones – but stand firm in the
peace You give to those who believe.  If
in hardship, then with joy, if in plenty, then with thanksgiving; In all
things, lead me to be in You.

Lord Jesus, You alone are able to save us.  Sometimes it is tempting to think that I can do the right thing to gain merit.  But it is grace, not  the merit I truly seek.  Let me be content with whatever You would have me do.  Guide me according to Your goodness to seek what is the better part for my life, not as I see it, but as You know it must be.  Lead me Lord in the way of salvation.  Amen.