This forum is to discuss three questions

• Is the book of Job fact or fiction?
• Is the Book of Jonah fact or fiction?
• Who is the Daniel mentioned in Ezekiel 14:14

 Has anyone read Luther's "Magnificant" it is a great read, Luther states, "But the impure and perverted lovers, who are nothing else than parasites and who seek their own advantage in God, neither love nor praise His bare goodness, but have an eye to themselves and consider only how good God is to them, that is, how deeply He makes them feel His goodness and how many good things He does to them. They esteem Him highly, are filled with joy and sing His praises, so long as this feeling continues. But as soon as ever He hides His face and withdraws the rays of His goodness, leaving them bare and in misery, their love and praise are at an end. They are unable to love and praise the bare, unfelt goodness that is hidden in God."

Is it true that we too often are happy with God when good things happen to us and we become bitter and angry when we suffer.  Do we act like spoiled brats unfair at what life brings to us, on the other hand how do we truly deal with our emotions when we are angry at God, hurt, confused or dealing with tragedies? 

http://www.godrules.net/library/luther/NEW1luther_c5.htm

 The old saying is that the devil fell into the choir loft to describe the worship wars that happen all to often in churches.  Debates rage between contemporary, traditional and blended services.  It is interesting that Luther had the broadest view of music. Luther encouraged congregational singing, he encouraged words that were as simple as possible, and easy to understand. Luther was a lute player and singer himself, Luther saw music as important to educate in the faith, as well as for worship. I find Luther's hymns to be very authentic.  So I enjoy reading some of Luther's hymns, and none more than "A Might Fortress". It has been said that Luther used Ps 46 as a starting point for this hymn. What strikes me is the first line of the second verse, we cannot rely on our strength, but instead must rely on Jesus.  I thought this might be a good meditation for today. Thoughts welcomed.

 A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe— His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing, Were not the right man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He— Lord Sabaoth His name, From age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him— His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure: One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also— The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still: His kingdom is forever.

 Another famous Martin Luther, MLK day was celebrated yesterday and should go with a bit of commemoration, I would recommend reading "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" and then posting a few comments about it. (if anyone is unfamiliar with it).   I was deeply moved by what comes at the end of the letter, and have to say MLK really hits the nail on the head.  How is our theology of any value if it doesn't reflect faith in some kind of action?  King seems to be left speechless at so many christians who go to church but are unwilling to become involved in the cause of justice for their fellow person, a basic teaching of Christ.  The question resonates with me, have our churches become just "irrelevant country clubs with no meaning in the twentieth century"?  How can we capture back that relevance without descending into being nothing but a "brand" or pop culture offering for people to indulge for the moment?  King understood real change isn't wearing tee-shirts, or going to christian concerts, etc, the real work the church is called to do will basically piss people off.  That is why Christ was crucified, and why King was murdered. 

it was sad to hear the words of Pat Robertson last week regarding the disaster in Haiti.  I think his words should be roundly and strongly condemned as being not only ignorant, and historically inaccurate, but unchristian.  The disaster in Haiti should provide the church with a chance to put Luther's words into actions..."The school of faith is said to go about with death. Death is swallowed up in victory. If death, then sin. If death, then all diseases. If death, then all misery. If death, then all the power of the devil. If death, then all the fury of the world."  Martin Luther.  I invite others to share thoughts about this disaster and our response to it.