News and Notes

Martin Luther: about the Seal

Lutherans Celebrate Reformation Day Oct.31 m.e.l.

180 degrees -or- Ignorantly in Unbelief r.w.s.

Is Religious Unionism OK? What does the Bible say? m.e.l.

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SEPTEMBER - 2002 - OCTOBER

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News and Notes

GRACE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH of NEW LENOX, IL

Confirmation Classes have resumed. Six youths in all are taking instruction.

Three are scheduled to graduate Palm Sunday 2003.

OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH - MORRIS, IL

Confirmation Classes have resumed. Four young people are taking instruction.

REFORMATION LUTHERAN CHURCH - TINLEY PARK, IL

Advent worship services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings during this Advent season.

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." Psalm 122:1

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The ILC web-site has been modified quite a bit since it went on-line.

We have had a few reports that certain browsers can't access the site.

If you can't view it on a particular browser, please try a different one before giving up. We have two URL addresses -- www.illinoislutheranconference.org -and- www.ilcsite.org -- both will access our ILC site.

We thank our Lord for giving us the opportunity through you to put the truth of God on the Web -- we pray that many will be made aware by it that He has kept His promises and still preserves His Holy Word and the preaching of it in it's truth and purity in our midst.

Praise Him always for His Grace and Mercy!

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~~~ Coat of Arms or Seal of Luther ~~~

Described by M. Luther * in a letter to L. Spengler * July 8, 1530: "There is first to be a cross, black [and placed] in a heart, which should be of its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us... Even though it is a black cross, [which] mortifies and [which] also should hurt us, yet it leaves the heart in its [natural] color [and] does not ruin nature; that is, [the cross] does not kill but keeps [man] alive.... Such a heart is to be in the midst of a white rose, to symbolize that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace; in a word it places the believer into a white joyful rose; for [this faith] does not give peace and joy as the world gives and, therefore, the rose is to be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and of all the angels. Such a rose is to be in a sky-blue field, [symbolizing] that such joy in the Spirit and in faith is a beginning of the future heavenly joy; it is already a part [of faith], and is grasped through hope, even though not yet manifest. And around this field is a golden ring, [symbolizing] that in heaven such blessedness lasts forever and has no end, and in addition is precious beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal." Cf. WA-Br 5, 445.

This information is taken from LUTHERAN CYCLOPEDIA, CPH, 1954, 1975

Portrait at right is taken from Reformation History Library, From AGE'S SOFTWARE

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Psalm 46

1 ¶ <<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 ¶ The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

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"A Mighty Fortress"

The Lutheran Hymnal #262

("the battle hymn of the Reformation")

A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;

He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.

The old evil Foe Now means deadly woe;

Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight;

On earth is not his equal.

With might of ours can naught be done, Soon were our loss effected;

But for us fights the Valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.

Ask ye, Who is this? Jesus Christ it is,

Of Sabaoth Lord, And there's none other God;

He holds the field forever.

Tho' devils all the world should fill, All eager to devour us,

We tremble not, we fear no ill, They shall not overpow'r us.

This world's prince may still Scowl fierce as he will,

He can harm us none, He's judged; the deed is done;

One little word can fell him.

The Word they still shall let remain Nor any thanks have for it;

He's by our side upon the plain With His good gifts and Spirit.

And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife,

Let these all be gone, They yet have nothing won;

The Kingdom ours remaineth.

Amen.

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Lutherans Celebrate Reformation Day

on October 31st

by Pastor Mark Latsch

This article is based on several conversations that I have had with various individuals over the years and is written in a conversational style of questions and answers. It is my hope and prayer that the reader will derive some benefit from what follows.

Q: You say that Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day on October 31st, but I know many Lutherans and Lutheran Churches that do not celebrate anything called "Reformation Day", rather, they celebrate Halloween like most other folks! Can you please explain?

A: What you say is, unfortunately, true in a manner of speaking. Many who call themselves Lutheran do not celebrate Reformation Day, sadly, some do not even know what Reformation Day is and they indeed celebrate Halloween. When I say that "Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day on October 31st ", I am referring to orthodox, confessional Lutherans. The Lutheran theological professor Dr. Francis Pieper (1852-1931) defined orthodox Lutheran Churches in the following words: "Orthodox churches in our day are those Lutheran congregations and church bodies which profess and actually teach the doctrines laid down in the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, because these doctrines, on examination, are found to be the teaching of God's Word." Dr. Pieper goes on to state that other denominations, and "also the church bodies which, though bearing the Lutheran name, do not profess and actually teach the doctrine of the Church of the Reformation", are heterodox.

Q: That Dr. Pieper which you quoted debases every other denomination and even many Lutheran groups, do you really agree with what he said?

A: Yes! The main point that I am making with that quote is that not all people calling themselves "Lutheran" are the same. It would be dishonest for me to pretend that there are no differences between nominal Lutherans and orthodox Lutherans, as well as orthodox Lutherans and other denominations; furthermore, God commands me – and all other Christians – to note the differences and avoid church fellowship with those who hold to false doctrines.

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." (Romans 16:17)

Q: What is this? Do you think that you orthodox Lutherans are the only people going to heaven?

A: Not at all, for as long as an individual repents of his sins and clings to Christ as his Lord and Savior from sin, death, and the devil, that person is saved; even if he or she is attending an erring Christian church because of lack of knowledge.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Q: You still sound a bit judgmental, what about Christian love?

A: First, love to God demands that I – and all Christians – love Him and His Word.

"And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." (Deuteronomy 6:5) "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it." (Psalm 119:140)

Secondly, love to God and my neighbor demands that I preach the full truth of God's Word. In fact, all Christians are to testify to the truth of God's Word and witness for Christ with their lips and with their lives. Jesus says:

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

Thirdly, love to my neighbors is best shown by telling them the wonderful gospel of Christ: the fact that Jesus has fully paid for the sins of the whole world and that they must place their full trust and confidence in Him and not in any works of their own– which is what the Reformation was all about.

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16)

Yes, God's truth matters a great deal, for the Apostle Paul declares:

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8)

Q: I have been meaning to ask you, what is Reformation Day? Why do you consider it important?

A: On October 31st 1517, Martin Luther posted ninety-five theses or propositions on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany; the door was used like a bulletin board is used today. The Roman Catholic church in Luther's day was selling indulgences, claiming that one could buy forgiveness of sins with money, Luther's 95 theses were posted in opposition to such false doctrine and this was the beginning of the Reformation. Luther was not seeking to start a "new" church, he was attempting to bring the church back to it's Apostolic purity, however, in the end, the church was split and by God's grace the Bible was once again placed into the hands of the common people for them to read and study. Luther translated the Bible into the German language for in those days it had been commonly available only in Latin, which the average person could not read. The Bible and pure doctrine is what we gained from the Reformation, and that is why we orthodox, confessional Lutherans celebrate October 31st as Reformation Day.

The battle cry of the Reformation was: Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone). In other words, the following truths were loudly proclaimed: salvation is by grace through faith alone without any cooperation or works on man's part– the doctrine of justification as taught in the Holy Scriptures; and, the fact that the Scriptures alone are to remain the only judge, rule, and standard, according to which all teachings must be judged, as to whether they are good or evil, right or wrong. The Bible teaches these Reformation truths in many passages, such as the following:

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Q: What about Halloween, do you orthodox Lutherans celebrate it?

A: No, informed orthodox Lutherans do not celebrate Halloween because of the evil connotations attached to it (devils, witches, etc). The Bible says,

"Abstain from all appearance of evil."

(1Thessalonians 5:22)

Evil is not something to be joked about! The devil is a very real enemy:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5:8)

Out of gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done for us, we orthodox, confessional Lutherans try to live a life that is pleasing to Him (fruits of faith); the Christian is not to follow the ways of the world, but will rather strive to please God by doing His will. (cf. Romans 12:2)

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

Jesus says to you and to me:

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15)

Q: What can I do to learn more of the Bible and also about orthodox Lutheranism?

A: Several things:

1) You can visit and worship with us at one of our Illinois Lutheran Conference churches. [see listing near the back of this Journal]

2) Read and study the Holy Bible in the faithful King James Version.

3) You can call, write, or e-mail any ILC Pastor.

4) You can tune in to the Lutheran Reformation Hour radio broadcast. [see listing of stations on the back of this Journal]

5) Visit our website at:

www.illinoislutheranconference.org -or- www.ilcsite.org

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Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)

O little flock, fear not the Foe - Who madly seeks your overthrow;

Dread not his rage and pow'r.

What tho' your courage sometimes faints, -His seeming triumph o'er God's saints

Lasts but a little hour.

Be of good cheer; your cause belongs - To Him who can avenge your wrongs;

Leave it to Him, our Lord.

Tho' hidden yet from mortal eyes, - His Gideon shall for you arise,

Uphold you and His Word.

As true as God's own Word is true, - Not earth nor hell with all their crew

Against us shall prevail.

A jest and by-word are they grown; - God is with us, we are His own;

Our vict'ry cannot fail.

(The Lutheran Hymnal #263, vs. 1-3)

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180 Degrees

- or -

IGNORANTLY IN UNBELIEF

(Reprinted from ILC Journal Sep-Oct 1996)

I Timothy 1:13

The Apostle Paul, before his conversion to Jesus Christ by Jesus Christ, was a "blasphemer" of God, a "persecutor and injurious" to all who followed Jesus and called Him their Messiah and Savior. Then he assigns the reason for his madness, threatening, and slaughter against Jesus saying: "I did it ignorantly in unbelief." Today also not a few who have been raised in the very bosom of the church from their earliest age, even as the Apostle Paul, are totally ignorant of their God and Lord even though they make much of calling Jesus their God and Lord. They look up to Jesus as the New Testament Moses, namely, that Jesus is a law giver like Moses, a law enforcement officer, if you will, who makes you want to be good, to be full of love toward God and your neighbor, and if you do will make, one supposes, the world safe for democracy. So great a blinding force is that cursed self-righteousness, legalistic opinion born in our flesh, that unless God in His mercy favors us by His grace with a 180 degree turn, that is to say, conversion, we would make our way straight into hell and all in the name of God, His Christ and His Church.

Take for example the Apostle Paul before his conversion. He was a Pharisee before his "about face" given him by his Savior in Acts 9. Before he saw the light Paul believed in the Messiah promised to Israel with all his heart -- and managed to kill the Messiah's Christians with zeal and cruelty -- that, my friends is ignorance in spades. He knew his catechism and was confirmed (as we would say) and had not the slightest idea who God was. Otherwise how is it that he cries out to Jesus as he lay prostrate on the ground; "Who art thou, Lord?" That is total blindness. As a super-Pharisee he spent long hours in fasting and praying and was not heard, no, not once. That is futility. He frequented the temple of God in Jerusalem and yet was spiritually walking in the casinos of hell, playing games with God according to his works. He was zealous against all enemies of Israel, both foreign and domestic, and especially Christians -- and remained himself a supreme idolater. He fancied himself as heaven's patriot and Jesus hell's rebel -- and managed to get it all backwards. So monumental is that self-righteous, legalistic opinion concerning God and how to get to heaven that is born in us that only the grace of Jesus Christ can help, can give us a 180 degree turn, else we would certainly perish in hell -- and be convinced while taking the elevator down that we were heaven-bound all the way.

Before his conversion Paul was literally one of those people mentioned by Jesus in John 16:2 who "killed" Christians and thought that he "did God service". Therefore, O much troubled sinner and believer in Jesus: when men spurn you, do not want to see you around, avoid your company and put you out of the churches because you condemn all trust in works of love performed either as worship to God or done for the betterment of your fellow man and insist that Christ's righteousness alone is your salvation and His dear blood the sign, badge, shield and payment of your salvation -- for through it alone we have remission of sins -- do not take such contumely personally, become discouraged and wither and die of heartbreak. No, not at all, for they do it "ignorantly in unbelief". Therefore pray for them that God may give them a 180 degree even as He did for you, for there is still much joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.

r.w.s.

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But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

IS RELIGIOUS UNIONISM OK?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

By Pastor Mark E. Latsch

What is meant by the term "Religious Unionism"? The definition of "Religious Unionism" is: Joining in religious worship or in religious work or in both by such as are not in doctrinal agreement.

Unionism is not an attempt to unite on the basis of doctrine. On the contrary, unionism decidedly ignores doctrinal differences and from the very outset – as far as doctrine is concerned – agrees to disagree. Unionism does not stress purity of doctrine, it does not seek to purify the Christian Church of false doctrines and false teachers, but rather does the exact opposite. Unionism's intentional purpose is to give various and varying religious opinions not only a place in the Church, but also in the same church-body.

Unionism has no desire to "contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints"– no wish to fight for doctrinal truth, but the Bible says:

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3)

Those who desire Unionism are known as unionists and propound the ecumenical movement, that is, the uniting of churches without doctrinal agreement. "Deeds not creeds" is the slogan of the unionist. But the Bible informs us that true unity demands full doctrinal agreement:

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Cor. 1:10)

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

The early Christians considered "unity of the Spirit", "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all" – that is, DOCTRINE – important, and so should all Christians today!

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. (2 Timothy 3:14)

The Bible tells us that the Christian is to SEPARATE from those who teach false doctrine, NOT join with them!

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (1 Timothy 6:3-5)

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18)

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 1:9-11)

Jesus warns us against false prophets, for they endanger faith:

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24)

Beware of flattering, lying tongues – those who will say anything in order to unite in joint worship and church-work:

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44)

The Bible teaches that we are to pray FOR all people, NOT WITH all people:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

Did Jesus ever participate in joint worship and church-work with followers of false doctrine such as the Pharisees? Never! Jesus said:

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14)

The Bible does NOT tell us to separate from the world – like hermits, nuns, and monks – but WE ARE to separate from unrepentant followers of false doctrine when it comes to church-fellowship:

I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

True love to the Lord demands spiritual discernment and righteous judgment:

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

Some common unionist activities practiced between churches that are NOT in doctrinal agreement include: Joint prayer, ecumenical choirs and band sessions, ministerial associations, pulpit sharing, altar fellowship (open Communion), joint "mission" work (quilting, food and clothing drives), social programs, and the like. Unionism may please the world and definitely pleases the devil, but the preceding Scripture passages prove that such activities are NOT pleasing to God when doctrinal truth is ignored! Unionism is greatly displeasing to the Lord! Unionism is a danger to the Christian's faith! Unionism attempts to correct society's evils with external patching, when the fact is that sinners need an internal cure – a new heart – before society can truly improve, for Jesus says:

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (Matthew 15:19)

The real and ONLY purpose of the Church in this world is to save the sinner and glorify God! God is not glorified and sinners are not saved when God's truth is denied! People need God's truth! Jesus said:

I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(John 14:6)

...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

(John 8:31-32)

Only God can give one a new heart:

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

God the Holy Ghost gives a new heart – regenerates a person – through the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:16-17)

All men need the Lord Jesus Christ – the One True Savior of the world!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Jesus died for you! Jesus loves you! Show that you love Him by avoiding things which displease Him like UNIONISM! The Lord Jesus bids you:

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

--- (This article is available in tri-fold tract form) ---

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Oh, bless the Lord, My soul

Oh, bless the Lord, my soul! - Let all within me join

And aid my tongue to bless His name - Whose favors are divine.

Oh, bless the Lord, my soul, - Nor let His mercies lie

Forgotten in unthankfulness - And without praises die!

'Tis He forgives thy sins; - 'Tis He relieves thy pain;

'Tis He that heals thy sicknesses - And makes thee young again.

He crowns thy life with love - When ransomed from the grave;

He that redeemed my soul from hell - Hath sov'reign pow'r to save.

He fills the poor with good; - He gives the sufferers rest:

The Lord hath judgements for the proud - And justice for th' opprest.

His wondrous works and ways - He made by Moses known,

But sent the world His truth and grace - By His beloved Son.

(The Lutheran Hymnal #27)

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Psalm 103:1-7 <<A Psalm of David.>> Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

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Our sincere apologies for the misprints in the July-2002-August issue.

Here are the corrections:

Front cover, table of contents, center item should read: ...Sermon (Is. 6:8)

p.19- last V, and p.21- 2nd to last V, Grace Luth. - location should read: New Lenox, IL

A warm "Thank You" to the diligent reader who brought 2 of these 3 to our attention.