golter's mussings may 2019

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

  • If I wasn't christian

    May 02, 2019

    If I Wasn’t a Christian …


    I’d be playing a round of golf every Sunday morning, likely still bad golf.


    I’d head to the local coffee shop, and bring my lap top.


    I’d teach the kids to have fun, and would not have to take them to boring Confirmation.


    I’d spend my money the way I want, and not be forced to put it into the offering plate.


    If I wasn’t a Christian, I’d be able to do whatever I want to do, and teach the kids the same.


    But, I am a Christian.


    I didn’t choose to be a Christian; the Holy Spirit called me by the Gospel.


    I get to meet my Maker, the Lord of heaven and earth, each and every Sunday.


    I get to be stunningly honest with Him and others, that I am a big sinner.


    I get to hear that this big sinner receives big forgiveness, which always delights me.


    I get to preach God’s Word to His people; I still can’t believe this.


    I get to give to Him generously - the first cut from the wages He richly supplies.


    How can I be a Scrooge to my generous God? Small gifts won’t do.


    I get to own a happy heart, serving Him with others.


    I get to be non-defensive when people approach me. How freeing!


    I get the freedom of not manipulating or scheming to get my way.


    I get to own the freedom of not fearing the day I die or how I die.


    I get to be a big piece of God’s mission to save others, along with you.


    If I weren’t a Christian … well, but I am, by His grace.


    And, I’m glad. 


    Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran

  • It's not popular

    May 09, 2019

    It’s Not Popular.


    It’s not popular at all.


    To say what something is.


    Calling a spade a spade.


    Christians who believe the Bible like a 7-year old child and attempt to practice it, well, it’s not kosher, today or ever.


    Popular opinion holds Jesus as never saying a harsh, critical word. They haven’t read the Bible. Jesus preaches both Law and Gospel; He accuses and comforts sinners.

    “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires.” Jesus’ words to Jewish leaders. They refused to believe in Him. No beating around a bush here.


    Aaron D. Wolf, Missouri Synod member and former editor of Chronicles Magazine, writes: “The role of religion in America today is to teach the faithful to bend over and kiss the ring of postmodernity and beg for forgiveness for actually believing something…” (Chronicles, July 21, 2015). BTW, the Lord took Aaron unto Himself this past Resurrection Sunday. Too early. God calls the shots.


    Only the Holy Spirit gives a freedom, simplicity, and boldness to confess without compromise. Every page of Scripture. Don’t go beyond. Don’t say less.


    Application is easy: creation, sexuality, abortion, Jesus’ blood alone forgives, etc.  Believers actually believe something.


    And, it is their life. “The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and life,” (John 6:63). Jesus’ words to His opponents. They grumbled.


    Speaking freely, to say what it is, is what Resurrection Christians do.


    “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge. For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard,” Acts 4:20.


    It’s not popular.


    Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran

  • Jesus Says What He Means: He’s Present for You

    May 16, 2019

    “Take eat; this is My body…Drink of it all of you, for this is My blood of the covenant…for the forgiveness of sins,” (Matthew 26:26c-27).


    Some believe Jesus’ words do not mean what He says. Therefore, nothing but bread and wine are present once the Words of Jesus are repeated. Jesus, though, says what He means and means what He says.


    There’s further proof to back up what Jesus says.


    The new Small Catechism, question 350, states: “Why do we take the words ‘This is My body’ and ‘This is My blood’ at face value?” (Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation, 2017, p. 324).


    The fifth point listed in support of Christ’s Real Presence is this: “God’s Word clearly teaches that those who misuse the Sacrament sin not against bread and wine but against the body and blood of Christ,” (ibid 325).


    Then, I Corinthians 11:27,29 is cited:

    Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord…For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself (Ibid).  It’s hard to sin against something if it’s not present and, of course, that’s the point. Christ is present, His Body and Blood are there by the power of His Word.


    Martin Luther writes in the Large Catechism:


    With this Word you can strengthen your conscience and declare: “Let a hundred thousand devils, with all the fanatics, come forward and say, ‘How can bread and wine be Christ’s body and blood? Etc. Still I know that all the spirits and scholars put together have less wisdom than the divine Majesty has in His littlest finger (Book of Concord, LC, par. 12).


    Always best to let Jesus have His say. 


    Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran

  • It’s a Tsunami

    May 24, 2019

    “It’s a Tsunami.”


    There’s no other word to describe it.


    The massive, overwhelming assault by the culture on gender identity and sexuality.


    A pamphlet I ordered from Concordia Publishing House will equip you; it’s entitled: “In the Image of God: Gender & Sexual Identity.”


    Here’s a sampling of insights:


    “A PE teacher in Florida was punished because he refused to supervise a transgender female student (a female identifying as a male) who was allowed to use the boys’ locker room. The school district permitted this without informing parents in advance, so some boys were caught literally with their pants down,” (p. 8).


    And,

    “Gender advocates suggest when addressing someone you do not know, you should first ask the individual for their preferred personal pronouns. If in doubt, they say, use gender-inclusive pronouns such as ze (for he or she),” (p. 11, emphasis added).


    Again,

    “God’s plan for sexuality devolved from a perfect relationship between man and woman to a warped sexual landscape of same-sex attractions, individuals changing genders, and worse,” (p. 14).


    Bottom line: Every Christian needs to be equipped for this present tsunami against the Christian faith and truth.


    Go online and order; it’s worth your $10 to get your packet of 20 (cph.org).


    I’m going to order some to make available here at Trinity. 


    Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran