The Hammer of God

Dear family and friends in Christ Jesus,

This quarter is blazing by. It is already half-way finished and it still feels like the first week. My classes are like a blur (a very educational blur, of course).
These are my courses:
Hebrew Readings
Lutheran Mind
Pastoral Ministry
Worship
Introduction to Historical Theology

All of them are taught by very intelligent men of God. One thing to my experience so far is that regardless of the course, the professor never fails to connect the course with the grace of God. It is obvious that every professor has served as a pastor -- and good pastors -- before instructing me in their specialty. These men have also endured the various trials that seminary brings that I am enduring now, so, there is a bond that exists between professor and student; and the seminary is good at establishing that bond; the entire staff is devoted to seeing their students through the rigorous curriculum because they embrace it as their Calling, as ordained men of God. We students are in some ways like their flock, as they are like our shepherd. The material I listen to and read about has not failed to be tied to Christ and his work on earth. Indeed, my education is improved since last fall, but my faith has as well. Lutheran Mind with Dr Joel Okamoto has especially rebuilt my faith on the rock; I just have a better handle on things.

In addition to course work of this quarter, God has seen it fit to bless me with a lesson in humility.
Some of you (if you are reading this) have already encouraged me, and I am so thankful for that.

What shall we do when our ministry takes fire from without or even from within the body of believers? Shall we interpret it as a 'sign from God' that we are ill-suited for this vocation? Μη γενοιτα By no means! No we shall not! When my fiance is having a bad day, I encourage her to endure. In response to the fire we endure in faith. I love that word. It summarizes, in one word, the Christian life in a fallen world. How/Why is it difficult to put into practice when I, myself, speak it as encouragement for those whom I love? That is the bridge between talkin' and walkin'

A wise man at Concordia University, TX, Dr Carl Troval, in a class, described worship as 'Our response to God's grace.' Simply put, our worship is a response. We don't do anything; we only respond to what has been done. I pulled that out of my brain last week and I put it to practice as best as I could. Endure! should be my response to any trial and tribulation. For the trials blessed by God are the only powers in all reality that can truly empty man's soul to leave room for grace. Humility is endurance.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with 

God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by

faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the

glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we

know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and 

character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has

been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given 

to us.

Romans 5
Paul, the Apostle in his encouragement to the Christians in Rome

And then the body of Christ (those of you at Hosanna), with words of love and encouragement, implored me to endure. Who is the teacher? Who is the Shepherd? In the majesty of the full body of Christ, these labels sometimes become flexible and bounce around. Like the waters of baptism, Christ's workmanship can be fluid. Thank you.

As I am writing this, I am listening to 'Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted -- Metal Version' on youtube

Hopefully, I'll have another update soon.

Love, Mike