How’s THAT for a convoluted title?! Do not be afraid; I will not tread into contentious waters on this one! But a brief historical reflection might be in order.

Until 1803, civil authority determined credal and confessional statements for the church. A political benefactor named Frederick the Wise literally was the agent for sparing Martin Luther from being burned at the stake – the heretic’s death sentence.

Years later, along comes the king of Prussia decreeing that Lutheran and Orthodox be unified, with all of that baggage, raising questions about the role of the ministry. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was a byproduct of that. From 1803 onward, the church returned to a more liturgical identity.

Today, we remain a liturgical church that is grounded in the sacraments, which along with God’s Word, are the means of grace.

We are fully aware in our present-day American context, sitz im leben (situation in life) that the church-state line is getting kind of blurry. Where and when does church authority yield to civil authority, or vice versa? We have our unique story to share. And that’s all it is or should be: sharing the story of salvation freely offered through Christ the Lord. It may not be everyone’s story, but that does not mean we shy away from it out of embarrassment or perceived offense. Jesus WAS offensive!! Can we be clear on that point? He did provoke the established order. Provoke does not mean antagonize or harass; but to stir someone to change course, to repent.

That message, that story is meant for God’s people in THIS time, THIS country. The generations that will inherit this nation need to see and hear that they are worthy, as they are, of God’s grace and mercy. They need to see and hear clearly the reason for the hope that is in us. It is a good time for the church when we are able to convey this hope in ways that are not guilt-inducing or salacious marketing of church. Civil authority is always fleeting. God’s authority is everlasting.

Friends, thank you for taking the time to read this, and always remember that God loves you unconditionally.

Pastor Art