Welcome to Higher Things!

In 1998, several LCMS pastors began planning a smaller, more regionally-minded, cost-effective conference for youth, designed to be uniquely Lutheran. A year later, those plans were unveiled for the Dying to Live National Lutheran Youth Conference, held in the summer of 2000 and sponsored by the Wyoming District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Over 700 youth and adults from 25 states attended what was, for all intents and purposes, the first Higher Things Conference. Based on the success of that first conference, more plans developed for what would become Higher Things.

The name for the emerging group was chosen just before the first conference, as it had become obvious by then that the event would serve as the impetus for something worth continuing and expanding. The new organization’s theme verse was: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Col. 3:1-2).

Ten years ago, Higher Things was started by a handful of pastors and laypeople who cared very deeply about the young people of the church. Today over 750 LCMS congregations have been impacted by the mission of Higher Things

Today, Higher Things is a lot of things, all of which seek to keep young people focused on Christ and His gifts as they grow and mature in their faith. It is parents teaching their children the Cate- chism. It is youth workers and volunteers reinforcing what is preached from their congregation's pulpits and confessed in their pews. And it is pastors keeping their young sheep Lutheran as they grow up.

The future of Higher Things is as limitless as the Gospel we proclaim. In a post-modern feel-good age that dismisses truth claims, Higher Things remains unapologetically Lutheran.

Simply put, we believe that authenticity counts! We are proud to be Lutherans, and want to encourage other Lutherans to cultivate their faith, rediscover their roots and seek to embrace their own confession and heritage.

This year at the SOLA conferences, we heard over and over that we are saved by Jesus Christ alone – by His holy life and bitter suffering and death in our place. All that Christ has accomplished for us has been done by grace alone – without any merit or worthiness in us. Faith alone receives His gifts for us with a response of “Amen.” The Good News of Jesus and the salvation He has won for us is sure and certain because it is in Scripture alone.

While Higher Things has engaged in many activities related to youth ministry over the years, its summer conferences have always remained its flagship. To this day, the overwhelming highlight for nearly every one who attends Higher Things conferences is the opportunity to gather to pray the church’s prayer offices, sing her song, and receive Christ’s gifts.

Youth, especially, need solid ground that will nurture lasting Christian faith. Rather than treating youth as an adolescent subculture and subjecting them to experiences that cannot be replicated at home, we believe in challenging youth to learn the pure doctrine of the Christian faith. By teaching them the same message that they hear at home, youth grow in the fullness of the Christian faith as they come to appreciate historic liturgical practice and its unique focus on God’s gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation for us delivered in Word and Sacrament.

Keep reading more in the Higher Things' 2009 Annual Report.

We are pleased to announce the Christ on Campus Volunteer teams for this summer's GIVEN Conferences. They are listed below.

Thanks to all of our CCV's (including those who applied but who were not selected to serve this year - we wish we could have picked all of you!), Pastor Jonathon Bakker for his work coordinating these efforts, and Pastors Daniel Burhop and Richard Woelmer for their willingness to serve the rest of the organization in this capacity! You guys are the best!

Rev. Marcus Zill, Executive
Higher Things, Christ on Campus

"Confessing Christ on Campus Since 1517"

GIVEN 2010 CHRIST ON CAMPUS VOLUNTEER TEAM
Coordinator: Rev. Jonathon Bakker, Mt. Pleasant, MI (Central Michigan University)

UTAH CCV'S:

Manager: Rev. Daniel Burhop, Boulder, CO (University of Colorado)

• Anna Baseley, Dearborn, MI (Wayne State University)
• Mark Blakeman, The Woodlands, TX (Sam Houston State University)
• Keith Bullinger, Cumming, GA (Kansas State University)
• Jesse Flanscha, Berthoud, CO (Front Range Community College)
• Heidi Gaub, Petaluma, CA (Santa Rose Junior College)
• Dillon Guinn, Craig, CO (University of Wyoming)
• Monique Koller, Laramie, WY (University of Wyoming)
• Christina Kuhfal, Neligh, NE (Iowa State University)
• Kayla Kutz, Muskego, WI (Valparaiso University)
• Rachel Melvin, Du Quoin, IL (John A Logan College)
• Kate Olson, Tryon, NC (Hillsdale College)
• Kristen Shavlik, Littleton, CO (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology)
• Alaina Williams (Madison, NE (University of Nebraska - Omaha)

TENNESSEE CCV'S:

Manager: Rev. Richard Woelmer, Bloomington, IN (Indiana University)

• Kristina Benson, Cherokee, OK (NW Oklahoma State University)
• Aaron Brandt, Allendale, MI (Grand Valley State University)
• Rachel Drosendahl, Goldsboro, NC (East Carolina University)
• Daniel Fickenscher, Fort Wayne, IN (Indiana University)
• Rachel Fickenscher, Fort Wayne, IN (Indiana University)
• Matt Graves, Jefferson, IA (Iowa State University)
• Anna Horner, South Bend, IN (Indiana University)
• Jeremiah Kemp, Freeburg, IL (SWIC/ICC)
• Steffan Maiwald, Union Bridge, MD (Renssalear Polytechnic Insitute)
• Lauren McLoughlin, Mt. Pleasant, MI (Central Michigan University)
• Tim Panzigrau, New Kensington, PA (Penn State University)
• Nicole Romero, Millstadt, IL (Concordia University - Chicago)
• Ashleigh Sheldon, Loveland, CO (Colorado State University)
• Brett Simek, Millstadt, IL (Rhodes College)
• Craig Stephens, Montgomery, TX (Louisiana State University)
• Anna Warnke, Dawsonville, GA (Thomas Edison State College)
• Alicia Wosepka, Iowa Falls, IA (Concordia University - Nebraska)

So, there's good news...and there's more good news!

The first good news is that GIVEN - Nashville has reached its registration capacity! A big reason that we changed locations for our Tennessee conference was to allow more youth to spend a week immersed in the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. And as a result of the move, 250 more youth were not only able to register for the conference, but 250 more youth HAVE registered for the conference!

More good news is that GIVEN - Utah is still open! Registrations have been steadily coming in for that conference as well, and there's still room for groups to attend that conference. The regular registration window closes on March 1, 2010. Until then, registration for GIVEN - Utah is $310 per person. After March 1, the fee goes up to $325 per person. In other words, if you're planning to register a group for the Utah conference and just haven't gotten around to it yet, get those registrations made by Sunday so you don't have to pay any additional fees!

Online registration is, by far, the easiest and fastest way to register your group. All you need is a (free) HT Account to manage your group's information. You can sign up for an account, register your group, and even pay your deposit and/or balance through our website with your credit card at www.given2010.org. Questions about your group's registration or the registration process? Call our toll-free number at 1-888-482-6630 and speak with our Registrar or email her at registrar@higherthings.org. If you have other conference questions, please contact me at the phone number or email below.

In Christ,

Sandra Ostapowich
2010 Conference Coordinator

Great News!

The response to registration has been amazing - the Tennessee conference is more than 85% full! Even with the change in locations earlier this month, we have less than 150 guaranteed spots remaining for groups to attend the GIVEN conference at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

We still have plenty of room in Utah for any groups still getting organized and forms together. Both conferences will be very similar in programming and general schedule, but the settings will be very different. Vanderbilt is located in the heart of Music City and Utah State is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Both campuses are beautiful and offer many nice amenities for us while we're staying there.

There is just one week left in the regular registration period while groups may register for Tennessee at the rate of $335/person and for Utah at $310/person. After March 1, the rates will increase by $15/person.

Groups who register for a conference after it has reached capacity have the option of putting their names on a waiting list for that conference, switching to the other conference with space available at no additional fee (and possibly even for less!). If you're still trying to figure out if you can get to a conference, please contact us because we can put you in touch with other groups attending from your area for travel purposes or to "share" chaperones with your youth. We want to help everyone who wants to attend a Higher Things conference this summer to do so!

It's so great to see that we have so many youth already registered for the GIVEN conferences this summer. And we still have room for many more youth to hear how the Gospel is GIVEN to us in Utah and Tennessee! For more information about the conferences, please visit http://www.given2010.org or email conferences@higherthings.org.

In Christ,

Sandra Ostapowich
2010 Conference Coordinator
Secretary, Board of Directors
Higher Things, Inc.

Forest Glen Confirmation Retreat
April 9 – 11, 2010
5th – 8th Graders
(Friday, 8:00 p.m. – Sunday, 11:00 a.m.)

Forest Glen Christian Camp
Huntsville, Texas

Join us for a weekend of fun, catechesis and worship at Forest Glen Christian Camp in Hunstville, Texas (http://www.forestglen.org). We are going to have a blast! Some of our planned activities include:

• Worship from the Lutheran Service Book (including Evening Prayer by the campfire)
• Catechesis on the topic of "The Hiddenness of God in All of Life"
• Lots of outdoor activities including canoeing, fishing, swimming in Lake Grace and hiking in the woods and around the lake

We are pleased to announce that our guest speaker for the weekend will be Rev. Jeffrey W. Ware of Living Word Lutheran Church of The Woodlands, Texas. He will be speaking on "The Hiddenness of God in All of Life". Nearly every person, at one point in their life wonders, “Where can I find God?”  It’s perhaps, the most important question that could ever be asked.  Every religion answers the question differently, but Christianity’s answer is completely unique.  You can’t find God on your own, He’s hidden!  Is God playing games with us, or has he hidden himself for a reason?

Cost: $95 per person due upon arrival at the retreat (includes housing and meals). Make checks payable to Higher Things, Inc.

Contact: Michelle Klein 936-537-6311 or michellezemail@yahoo.com

RSVP to Michelle by March 31, 2010. Click here to download the registration form. Turn in this form with your payment on the first day of the retreat.

Higher Things Internet Services is pleased to announce that the 2010 Lenten Reflections are now available. These Reflections, written by Pastor George Borghardt, focus us on having a "Happy Lent" because of the suffering and death of Jesus which saves us from our sins and His forgiveness bestowed upon us by the Word and Sacraments.

To download the Lenten Reflections in a printable booklet format, click here.

As always, thanks for your support of Higher Things!

The Lord's richest blessings to you and a Happy Lent!

Greetings!

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!

Things are really heating up! We are entering our final month of registration for the Given Conference. Registration for our Tennessee Conference is almost two-thirds full!

A few weeks ago, we became concerned that we would be unable to serve the number of youth that the Lord was giving us for this conference.. Not wanting to turn anyone away from the conference, our staff began to seek out other alternatives.

Changing a venue in the middle of a conference season is a pretty serious matter. We didn't take it lightly. Groups that were registered were contacted preparing them for a possible venue change. We didn't want to inconvenience any group. We wanted to make sure everyone was informed. Most importantly, we didn't want to leave anyone out of the opportunity to be given to by the Lord at a Higher Things Conference.

Higher Things is very excited to announce that our Tennessee Conference venue has changed! Our Tennessee Conference will be at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. The dates remain the same (July 6-9, 2010). The state does too! And the Gospel - it'll be in the ears of even more kids!

Registration is now! It's still open for both conferences. While Tennessee is almost full, there is plenty of room in Utah! For more conference information, please check out the website. For questions, please email us at conferences@higherthings.org.

We can't wait to be given to by the Lord in Nashville! We'll see you there!

In Christ,
Rev. George F. Borghardt III
Conference Executive
Higher Things, Inc.

Given Conference registration is in its final month and our Tennessee Conference is almost two-thirds full! There is still time to register your group!

Once again, we see a horrible disaster, the earthquake in Haiti. Such disasters often cause many to question the Lord's goodness and working in this world. To help youth understand where the Lord is in such times, Higher Things is pleased to offer an article written by The Rev. Bruce Keseman entitled, "Where was God?" as well as a bible study for our HT Online subscribers dealing with the topic. The bible study, entitled "What is God Doing in Haiti?" is available to our HT Online subscribers here.  If you are not yet an HT-Online subscriber you can sign up here and gain access to lots of great content.

Pastor Mark Buetow
HT Internet Services

by the Rev. Rich Heinz 

Warning: Spoilers follow. 

“You were much more... muchier. You've lost your muchness,” laments the Mad Hatter to Alice in the newest version of Lewis Carrol’s “Alice in Wonderland.”   The film briefly introduces Alice as a child, then skips over ten years to what is to be her engagement party.  Alice once again sees the White Rabbit from her “dreams” and again falls down the hole, drinks the bottle labeled “Drink me” to shrink, and eats the cake to grow large, encounters the “Red Queen” (Queen of Hearts), Knave of Hearts, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and all the others from her childhood adventure. 

However, upon discovering that she will have to take the vorpal sword and slay the Jabberwocky, the grown Alice must dig deep inside and find the child that she was – the little girl who could indeed be muchier and defeat this monster, and therefore defeat the wicked queen.

Once she realizes she is not merely dreaming, the young adult Alice is convinced that killing the Jabberwocky is impossible.  “I don’t slay,” she maintains, before the caterpillar points out some obvious wisdom she already had, in her deep, “inner child.” 

A realization comes over her: “Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”  And with her belief comes the strength, courage, and muchness that she needs to slay the monster. 

While the entire film celebrates that people have choices and can choose to believe – choose to be strong and slay their Jabberwockies.  Theologically, we call this mistaken notion “decision theology.”  This is the idea that you can actually choose to believe, receiving Jesus as your Savior.  We know from the Scriptures, that this is not true.  He has chosen us!  Luther rejoices over this in the Catechism: “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him.  But the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified, and kept me in the true faith” (Small Catechism, Creed, III.) 

You have the joy of being in amazing wonder that Jesus does call you to faith.  He gives you belief!  And not only does He give you faith, but He gives you the faith of a little child!   “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it,”says our Savior (Luke 18:17 ESV.)   

Through Holy Baptism, His Spirit comes and makes us children of our Heavenly Father.  He gifts us with child-like faith and welcomes us into His kingdom.  As He plunged us into the mighty waters of the font, Christ Himself brought us into the Wonderland of His Kingdom.  Don’t worry that you don’t slay; on the cross He slew the dreaded Jabberwockies of sin and death, and rescued us from the clutches of the devil.  At the font, He delivered those gifts to us. 

The world thinks that the Bible is full of myths and fairy tales.  Many would say we are mad, and that the Scriptures fill our minds with impossible things.  To that, we reply with Alice, “Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”  Yet we don’t even need six!  We have the joy that the Holy Spirit has placed the “impossible thing” of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as the foundation for our faith.  

We also have the joy of continually gathering as His children at His Table.  But we do not gather for some mad tea party.  Instead, our Lord blesses us with the wonders of His Body and Blood, given and shed for us—and that drives the devil mad!  

Thanks be to God that He keeps you forever childlike in the faith.  Our crucified and risen Savior will preserve you from losing your muchness!  You haven’t lost your muchness at all!  Jesus gives you muchness in believing the “impossible things” that He has truly done – and given – for you! 

The Rev. Rich Heinz is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church & School in Chicago, Illinois.  Since the Heinz’s are huge Disney fans, he enjoyed going to Navy Pier’s IMAX and seeing “Alice in Wonderland” with his wife for her birthday!

Rev. Mark Buetow

Consider for a moment the ashes smeared on your head. Or if you don't have ashes at least look around at someone that has them and think about the ashes for a minute. And understand this: everything that you love, everyone that you love, everything that is a treasure to you is going to end up like that: ashes, dust, gone. All the boardgames I love to play, all the sporting equipment you have, all the video games that you play, all the cell phones we use, all of the money we carry around or wish we carried around, and yes, even the people we love and even ourselves—we're all going to be ashes. Dirt. Dust. Nothing. That's why Jesus says not to store up these treasures on earth. Because that's how they end up. They are great while we've got them and we'll spare no expense to grab them up and hoard them. But in the end, just like us, they turn to ashes.

Now consider for another moment those same ashes. They are smeared into your forehead in the shape of the cross. That's because when you were baptized, you were marked with the sign of the holy cross on your forehead and upon your heart, to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified. Your baptism is God's own promise to you that because His Son was covered in your sins, you have a treasure that does not turn to ashes. What is that treasure? Forgiveness of your sins and eternal life! That water and word that was put on you is what rescues you from being ashes. Oh, sure, unless our Lord returns first, you'll get put in the ground the same as everyone else, but your baptism is the Lord's promise that because Christ has conquered sin and death and risen again, you will be raised up on the Last Day. 

The reason that Lent focuses so much on the suffering and death of Jesus is so that we poor sinners learn what our true treasure is. The preaching of the cross is given to rescue us from all those things that we love so much not because they aren't our gifts to enjoy, but because we always want to love them more than the Lord and His Word. The reason that fasting and alms giving and prayer are the traditional works of Lent is not because we need to be taught that our money and our toys are bad but because we need to learn that our money and our toys are not the true treasure; they are not the most important things our heavenly Father has for us. Rather, the treasure in heaven, the treasure that does not turn to ashes, is Christ Himself and His salvation. Jesus can't ever turn to ashes. Ashes are the reminder of death and what happens when we die. But when Christ died for our sins, He did not turn to ashes but instead rose the third day and threw down sin, death, the devil and hell. He threw down those enemies that make us into ashes! He threw down their power to keep us forever as piles of dust! By His rising from the dead, Christ shows that He is a treasure that doesn't get stolen or eaten by moths or that rusts away or rots into dust and ashes. He is our everlasting and ever living Savior who brings us with Him by His Word to the realms of glory and eternal life!

It's OK if you want to give something up for Lent. But do it for the right reason: do it because you're reminding yourself that such a thing is not true treasure, that it won't last forever. But more than that, the real way to celebrate Lent is to have more Jesus. More of the true treasure! More hearing His Word. More confessing your sins and being absolved. More eating and drinking of His body and blood. More study of His Word and prayer. More of the true treasure. It is by those gifts that Christ piles up for you such riches that you cannot even imagine! Today there are two crosses on your forehead to consider: the cross of ashes and the cross of water and the Word of your baptism. The cross of ashes reminds you why you need the cross of Christ but it is the cross of Christ, put upon you at the holy font which rescues you from a future of ashes and gives you the promise of a future of life and joy and peace in Jesus Christ because by His cross your sins are forgiven and you are set with Him in the heavenly places where the true treasure lasts forever. Happy Lent in the Name of Jesus! Amen.

by The Rev. Bruce Keseman

If God is as great as the Bible says He is, then why didn’t He stop that earthquake in Haiti? Why didn’t He step in to prevent the destruction? Weren’t the poverty-stricken people on that island suffering enough already? Did God take a vacation on the day the earthquake struck Haiti? And the day Katrina hit the Gulf Coast? And the day the tsunami overwhelmed southeast Asia? No. God never takes a vacation. Which means He isn’t vacationing when tragedies strike your life, either. So where was God when the earthquake destroyed Haiti?

God was on His throne

God was at the same place He was on Good Friday when His Son was suffering for you and for the people of Haiti. God was at the same place He is right now. God was and God is reigning on His throne, ruling all things for good.

Satan points to Haiti and says to you, “See, God isn’t good. A good God wouldn’t allow something so horrible.” Don’t believe His lie. Believe the truth. The truth is that we sin. The wages of sin is death. So if God gave us what we deserve, we would all suffer much worse than a devastating earthquake. We would be dead. We would be in hell.

Since we deserve to suffer, how come we aren’t experiencing the kind of devastation that the Haitians are suffering? Because God is merciful. God does not give us what we deserve. He gives His Son what we deserve. At the hands of Pontius Pilate and Roman soldiers. I don’t know why He allowed an earthquake to destroy Haiti instead of striking the New Madrid fault near where I live. I don’t know why their lives were wrecked, and I was spared. Despite his claims, Pat Robertson does not know either. But God knows. And that is what matters.

Our Lord has a plan. It is a plan that includes your salvation, my salvation, and the salvation of a whole lot of people in Haiti. God is carrying out His plan. God is using this tragedy for good. Romans 8: “All things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.”

I can already see a few ways that God is using the earthquake for our good. We Americans tend to be self-obsessed individualists. But for the past two weeks, we have reached out to help in ways that are absolutely amazing. Our priorities have been rearranged. We’ve contributed vast amounts of money to charities, and we’ve helped fill airplanes and ships with supplies and rescue workers. Even so, I can’t see how God is going to bring more good than evil out of this earthquake. Then again, if I had been standing at the foot of Christ’s cross 2000 years ago, I would have been sure that God could not possibly accomplish anything good out of that execution. Yet God used that gruesome event to accomplish the greatest good in all of history–that cross was His power of salvation for you, for me, and for the people of Haiti. So when He allows an earthquake, do not doubt that God is using it to do His incredible mercy work.

Where was God when the earthquake devastated Haiti? On His throne working for good in ways we can’t possibly see.

God was here with His people

Where else was God when that earthquake hit? He wasn’t just on His throne above. He was also down here with His people. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things” (Romans 8:32). Since God cares enough to provide for our greatest need of all by giving up what is dearest of all to Him–His Son–there is absolutely no doubt that He’s going to take care of all our other needs as well–including getting Haiti through this tragedy and us through every tragedy in our lives.

We do not have a God who is unable to sympathize with our weakness. We have a God who came down out of heaven and lived a life filled with nothing but suffering on this earth—suffering even deeper than what the Haitians are enduring. We have a God who has been through the carnage of the cross. Jesus knows exactly the feelings of the people who are homeless, hungry, mourning, and even dying because of that earthquake. He knows exactly what you are going through when you face tragedy. He’s been through it Himself. That’s why He is able to help.

That’s why Christ’s baptized people respond with love in times of tragedy. Maybe you’ve contributed to the earthquake relief. Maybe you’ve been praying for the Haitians who are afflicted—and for all the relief workers, many of whom are putting themselves at risk to help. Jesus says, “As you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). You are baptized. You belong to God. You were redeemed at the holy cross. Unlike the blood that so often gets shed in tragedies, Jesus’ blood was shed for a good purpose, for our salvation. It is the blood that He serves us with His body at His holy altar. It is the blood that He serves with His body to our brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Haiti. It is His promise to them and to us: “I will not leave you or forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

Where was God when the earthquake hit? Right here with His people.

He was in heaven preparing a place

Where else was God when that earthquake hit? Not only was He on His throne working all things for good, not only was He here caring for us, but He was also in heaven preparing a place for us.

People ask, “Why didn’t God do something about all the destruction caused by that earthquake?” God did do something about it! He came down to earth as a human and dropped dead on the holy cross. He took into His body all the death and destruction that we should have experienced.

After 9/11, I remember reporters struggling to find words to describe all the rubble and ruin. One simply said, “This is hell.” No doubt the same has been said about Haiti. There has been so much heartache and so much hurt that it might in a few ways resemble hell. But as gruesome and painful as the tragedies of earth may be, they pale in comparison to the real hell.

God gives His help even to unbelievers in Haiti. But in hell, there is no God to help anyone. There is no God to end the suffering. Hell is what we all deserve. But hell is what none of us will suffer when we’re clinging to Jesus. Because He suffered hell for us. I don’t mean he suffered hell figuratively. I mean he suffered hell literally. He endured on the cross what we should have endured for all eternity—total abandonment. That’s why He said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). He was totally abandoned by His Father, so that you and I and all the people of Haiti can be sure that, no matter how horrible the tragedy, we will never be abandoned by His Father. He suffered hell for us so that we can have heaven—where tragedy and suffering, earthquakes and floods and hurricanes and even death will never ever happen again.

Jesus says that earthquakes are one sign that the end of the world is near (Mark 13:8). This earth is falling apart. This planet is passing away. And I say, “Good riddance!” I can’t wait for this fallen world to be replaced by the new heaven and new earth that our Lord has promised. Then we won’t have to worry about earthquakes, terrorists, hurricanes, tsunamis, or any other tragedy. Have you heard some of the incredible confessions of faith Christians in Haiti have spoken? Those sisters and brothers in Christ remind us that we, too, can stare tragedy in the face--we can even stare death in the face--and say, “I’m not afraid of you. My Lord went to the cross for me, came out of His tomb alive for me, and even now is preparing a place in heaven for me. Even if I die, I live.”

Where was God when that earthquake hit? He was not on vacation. He has not abandoned His people. He is on His throne working all things for good; He is here, caring for His people; and He is in heaven, preparing a place for us because this messed up world is coming to an end. We do not need a God who is a meddler. We do not need a God who steps in to stop every tragedy. We need a God with nail-scarred hands, we need a God whose death guarantees the day when all tragedies will be forever ended. Look at the holy cross and see: that’s exactly the God we have.

HT-Online subscribers will find a bible study on the Haiti Earthquake at the HT-Online members page.

The Rev Bruce Keseman is Pastor of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Freeburg, IL and a member of Higher Things Board of Directors.

by the Rev. Rich Heinz 

"Mr. Holmes, you must widen your gaze. I'm concerned you underestimate the gravity of coming events. For you and I are bound on a journey that will twist the very fabric of nature," says Lord Blackwood, a nobleman imprisoned, thanks to Sherlock Holmes.  Lord Blackwood has engaged in murders – human sacrifices – to secure his power over others, enshrouded by the occult.  Blackwood has Londoners convinced that he is risen from the dead and can perform black magic, and in a Mason-like secret society, he attempts to gain control of the British Empire.  He repeatedly chides Holmes and others for their “unbelief.” 

Have you surfed the “Christian” blogoshpere lately?  It’s fascinating to see all sorts of people crying out against the movie because of its occult theme.  Pious (and Pietistic) commentators are urging Christians to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Ach!  Run away!  Don’t give the devil your ticket money!   

But are their urgings and protests for the right reasons? 

SPOILER ALERT.  If you will be annoyed by reading more about the plot, stop, see the film, and return to your computer.  Then log onto HT and pick up here where you left off. 

The “powers” of Lord Blackwood, in the end, are discovered to be technological and psychological – not diabolical.  While an evil man, and a wicked, murderous criminal, Lord Blackwood’s “magic” is explained away by the Detective from 221b Baker Street. 

Yet, is this not also a danger?  Explaining away evil, and dismissing the spiritual as superstitious is a threat to the Church.  The “believers” in Blackwood’s abilities were seen as the spiritual ones in the film, yet they were also the simple-minded fools who were not thinking for themselves.  Those who did not “believe” were seen as the more rational and mature ones. 

Sherlock Holmes (at least in this film, I cannot recall more references in the literary works) has little regard for things spiritual.  He takes pride in human wisdom, observation, deduction, and other capabilities, whilst God “takes a back seat.”  When “the game’s afoot,” it is not the wisdom of God or His mercy and work that are central, but the abilities of man – namely the man, Sherlock Holmes. 

Is there a first commandment issue in the film?  Perhaps, but not in a “Wow!  It’d be cool to be like Blackwood and control people with black magic from the devil!”  Rather, the danger is a fear, love, and trust in one’s self (along with one’s wisdom, critical thinking and deduction, etc.) above all things. 

Should Holmes’ gaze be widened, as the imprisoned Blackwood asserts?  Yes.  Again, his gaze should not be widened to the submission to any secret apron-wearing, secret handshake giving nonsense, or even to the dark deeds and words of the occult.  Holmes’ gaze should be widened to fix his eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith! 

Bottom line: is it wrong to see Sherlock Holmes?  Only if your parents tell you “no.”  (It then becomes a 4^th Commandment issue.) 

Skepticism, scrutiny, and unbelief face the Church every day.  Your $8.50 will not be promoting devil worship; actually, this film mocks that.  Theologically, the worst aspect of the film is Holmes’ self-worship.  And when it comes down to it, that is the heart of Old Adam, who is a part of our daily struggle.  We have the same sin as this fictional character, with a pretty big log to pull out before we get the speck out of his fictitious eye. 

Yes, dear baptized friends, your gaze does need to be widened.  Not to succumb to evil, not to debate over movies.  When your human frailty cannot see from the darkness of this world, the Holy Spirit widens your gaze to behold the King of Kings – Wisdom enfleshed – the Light of Light – who reveals Himself to you.  

The Rev. Rich Heinz is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church & School in Chicago, Illinois.  He is the Chaplain for this summer’s Given in Memphis, TN.  He is also a fan of the Sherlock Holmes legend, and enjoyed this fast-paced reinvention of this detective.

by The Rev. Brent Kuhlman

“Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.”  Who prays like that?  The church!  She dares to pray that way.  Especially during this blessed season of Advent. “Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.”  And lo and behold He does!  He comes to His lost and condemned creatures.  In a way that blows you away!  Check it out.  

Go ahead.  Try to bore a way up to heaven.  Peek your head through the clouds.  See if you can find the Lord seated on a red-velvety cushioned throne.  I’ve got news for you.  You won’t find Him way up there!  Why?  Because the Lord has come way down here!   

The Lord Jesus stirs up His power and comes among us with great might.  But see how it happens. Scandalous!  Outrageous!  Illegitimate circumstances!  He stirs up His power and comes among us with great might as He is conceived by the Holy Spirit-filled sermon preached by the angel Gabriel in the virgin Mary’s-engaged-to-be-married-to Joseph-ears.   He gestates for nine months in her womb.  Born in backwoods Bethlehem. He nurses from the virgin’s breast.  He cuddles in her lap.  A cattle trough is His bed.   Infant holy.  Infant lowly.  Yes, indeed, this child – the Baby Jesus -- is Lord of all in weakness, a scandalous state of affairs, and great humility.   

See how He stirs up His power to come! Who for us men and for our salvation -- Jesus COMES DOWN FROM HEAVEN! He comes all the way down here -- into the mire, muck and total mess of our lives.  The eternal Word takes on human flesh and dwells among us so much so “that His skin smokes” as one famous German preacher named Martin Luther once remarked!  He comes to seek and to save the lost and condemned.  Baby Jesus Immanuel.  Immanuel -- because He is God with us (Matthew 1:23).  Jesus – because He saves His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).  He gives His people knowledge of salvation.  How?  Through the forgiveness of sins (Luke 1:77)!   

No forgiveness without the shedding of blood.  And so God With Us Immanuel Jesus offers His Blood as the Lamb of God!  Born to die on His Friday afternoon we so aptly name “Good!”  See how He stirs up His power!  See how He comes with great might!  In suffering!  In shame!  In disgrace!  In death!  Innocent, yet He is crucified as a criminal.  On the earth the cross is His throne!  And there He reigns as king.   

There He willingly bears the sin of many.  Of all.  Yours too.  You name the sin.  The ones you hate. Even the ones you like, love, and don’t want to quit doing.  Include the ones you don’t even know.  Didn’t even realize you’ve committed. That’s how bad it is with you – and me!  But Jesus – Immanuel God With Us – comes and answers for them all.  He leaves none out.  He is the sacrifice that atones for the sin of the world.  Consequently, there is no condemnation for you as far as God is concerned.  None!  Jesus took the damnation.  And you’re forgiven.  God is most pleased with you because in the Body of Jesus His Son all your sin and it’s hellish punishment have been dumped in the black hole of His death.  That’s how He stirs up His power.  How He comes in great might.  He does it save.  To save you!  To win your salvation.   

Now today He bestows what He won for you.  He came to you and brought you paradise – heaven – in the water of Holy Baptism.  Baptized in the Triune Name you are (Matthew 28:19).  And to be baptized in God’s Name is to be baptized by God Himself.  You are buried with Christ into His all atoning death (Romans 6).  Given the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39).  Born from above (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:4-7).  Washed, sanctified, justified, SAVED (1 Corinthians 6:11; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21)! 

He comes to you in the preaching of the Gospel.  When you hear the preacher proclaim that Jesus died for you and that He rose for you and that your sins are forgiven, in those words you’ve heard the Lord Jesus Himself.  “He who hears you[the preacher] hears me,” (Luke 10:16) is His promise.  He comes in the words of Holy Absolution.  “Do you believe that my forgiveness is God’s forgiveness,” the pastor asks in confession (see Lutheran Service Book, p. 293).  And in that spoken word of forgiveness you hear the living voice of Christ Himself (viva vox Christi).  He speaks to you just as he spoke to the paralytic:  “Be of good cheer my son.  Your sins are forgiven,” (Matthew 9:2; see also Matthew 16:19; 18:18; John 20:19-23). 

And there is more!  He stirs up His power and comes in the Sacrament of the Altar.  With His words Jesus does and gives what He promises.  He bestows His Good Friday Body and Blood with the bread and wine for you to eat and drink with your mouth.  And He adds this most remarkable promise:  “It’s for you.  This is for the forgiveness of your sins,” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25; Matthew 26:28).  In this eating and drinking – in this blessed receiving of His last will and testament -- we proclaim that His death is for you, for me, and for all until He comes on the last day (1 Corinthians 11:26). 

And on that last day He stirs up more of His power.  He will come to judge the living and the dead.  But you’ll be ready.  Really.  No need to be afraid.  For you’ve been rehearsing for the last day all your life.  After all, every time you hear the Gospel, the Absolution, and receive the Lord’s Supper you’ve heard Judge Jesus and you know His judgment over you.  And what is that?  That you’re died for, that you are forgiven, and that heaven is yours.  Every time you attend the divine service it’s judgment day in miniature – the last day ahead of time.  The Lord Jesus comes and stands in your midst (Matthew 18:20) to render His last day judgment:  “Acquitted!  Set free!  I died for you.”  So that when the last day comes you will see with your eyes what you’ve always had by faith.  And the judgment will be no different for you who trust in Him.     

And so you together with the church dare to pray:  “Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.”  After all, we know the end game.  That by the Lord Jesus Himself we are rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by Him who comes in great might:  at Bethlehem and Calvary, in the Word and Sacraments, and finally on the last day.

Until then, the Lord Jesus will bless you, defend you from all evil, and bring you to the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.  Have a happy Advent and blessed Christmas.

Rev. Brent Kuhlman is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Murdock, NE. He is also Vice-President of Higher Things and a regular guest on HT-Radio

by The Rev. George F. Borghardt III

In the Name of Jesus.  Amen. “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercies endure forever.”

Sinners love Thanksgiving – for sinners are on the receiving end of all the things from God to be thankful for.

So, we know one thing about this man, besides being a Samaritan, a leper, a foreigner.  This man simply MUST BE a sinner!  That’s why he’s on his face, thanking Jesus.

Now, the Old Testament tells us that the Samaritans were foreigners that settled in Israel after the people Israel were exiled.  The Samaritans adopted some of the religion and customs of God’s people.  But when Israel returned from exile, they never quite mixed well again with those Samaritans.  And the tension, the divide between them survived to the day of Jesus.

So that we hear in John 4 of Jesus speaking with a woman at a well; John must point out that it was so strange, because it was a Samaritan woman.  You know, because Jews and Samaritans don’t mix.

Now, the Gospel of Luke shows us that Jesus had had some trouble with Samaritans.  When the disciples came to a village of the Samaritans to prepare for Jesus’ arrival, the Samaritans did not welcome them.  

They then asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the Samaritans and their town.  

But, Jesus rebuked them sternly. He had come to save the world, not destroy it.  He had come to seek and save that which was lost - even the Samaritans.  

So, later, we shouldn’t be with the shocked crowds when Jesus tells them of a Samaritan man who helped the robbery victim, though the priest and Levite had no mercy.  

And now, today’s Gospel, gives us the sad fact that out of ten lepers cleansed, only one, a Samaritan again, comes and thanks Jesus, giving proper glory to God in heaven.  

It’s seems that only the most wrong of us knows the most right way to glorify God!  That should make sense to us, after all, Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners!”

Which just further reminds us that Jesus has come to show mercy upon sinners, to eat and drink with them.  He came to heal our diseases and carry our burdens.  Even if 9 out of 10 cannot even say ‘Thank you.’  He still came.

With this in mind, it is so right for Christians to pause and thank God for all His benefits to us.  Because we know ourselves to be the least deserving of all people!  We should be grateful to God for a national holiday set aside for being grateful!  

For then we can be reminded again that every good gift comes to us--not by chance, luck, fate, or our own plans--but from the hand of our heavenly Father.  And there is no better way to glorify God than to fall down with that one man, ex-leper, at the feet of Jesus and thank Him.

You and I, dear Christians, know that the God Who made us is more than some sort of treat-dispenser, a candy-machine, one-armed bandit, who now and then gives out goodies.  

Instead, our Maker has overlooked our attempted murder of Him; and He placed His Son among sinners, for sinners, to take their place.  

So that now, baptized into His Name, confessing our sins and seeking His pardon, we know what most men in this world will never know:  

The good gifts the Lord gives all pale in comparison to the gift of His Son.

Cleansing from leprosy is a good thing.  But that Samaritan man came back, thanking Jesus.  And therefore received a message that the other nine missed that day.  

“Rise and go; your faith has saved you.”  Nine got clean skin.  One got salvation.  The Gospels are full of this example.

Jesus fed the 5000 with bread and fish.  But when they loosened their belts one notch and bellied up to the buffet a second time, Jesus told them that He had bread to give that a man may eat and not die.  Most men turned from Him then.  

The woman at the well wanted water without end, so that she’d never be thirsty.  Jesus directed her to water that you don’t get from a well, but from the Word of God, from the Gospel of Jesus.

For nine out of ten--at least that one day--their visible, physical, emotional, financial crisis was taken away.  And that is all they asked of Jesus.  But ten per cent of the men that day knew that there stood something else, Someone Else, than just a healer.  

Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem, to the Cross, for all ten lepers, even if only one put his face on the ground.  

Then--glory to God!--with face to the ground, calling out to God in praise for what He had done, this man let everyone there know that for him, the man standing there was his Lord.

As you do, dear Christians, as often as you fall before the Lord, confessing your sins and seeking His pardon.  As often as you eat His Bread and drink His Cup, you do proclaim the Lord’s death in Jerusalem, where He was going that day, until He comes again to save us.  

So, what has God given us?  For what do we give thanks?

Thank God for the harvest, for good food, family, friends, homes, cars, running water, a fireplace, a grill, an oven.  But never forget why these things are yours.  Jesus has cleansed you of the leprosy of sin.  

Thank God for a free land, for our government, for the police and firemen, for your neighbors.  Then, remember that God gives you all these good gifts because you bear His Name now in your Baptism.

Feast on the Happy Day of Thanksgiving.  Then remember even then that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.  

Before you eat, every day, every meal, let’s not behave like brute beasts, sticking our noses into the trough!  Instead, let us praise our Maker, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

And it is a good thing the catechism tells us, that we also return thanks when the meal is done, telling the world that we may have full bellies, but we have so much more.  

This is what I love about our congregation.  For we never fail to return thanks for what God has given us.

Food, yes.  But, more than that!  We have the Son of God, even His Body and His Blood, for the forgiveness of our sins.  

We have bread that a man may eat and not die.  We have water that a man may drink and never thirst again.  

God makes us, grows us, heals our wounds and takes away disease.  Then, He gives us more:  He reminds us that we have for sure the Son of God in our flesh, the friend of sinners, the one who touches lepers, the one who went to Jerusalem in our place.  And while we live we will praise God, thank Jesus.  And when we die, well, God will not let His praises die.  You know what that means for us!

Friends, This world is chock full of men who figure they deserve, they are entitled, they have good things due them, coming to them.  

I would plead with you to remember tonight that:  Jesus is truly your friend, if you admit yourself to be a sinner.  If you receive a gift, and know it as a gift, and fall at the feet of your God; if you look around this world and know that YOU are the most blessed, because least deserving.  

So, Thanksgiving teaches us to say thank you, out loud, in your prayers to God who gives you gifts, to men who give you something too.  Start trying now.  Saying thank you isn’t just for children, it’s for all of us.  Thanks to God, thanks you to those around us.

God gives gifts, treasures, bounty, this world, this land, each other, His Word, His Son, the Sacrament, the Church--to people like you and me? 

What else is there to say, than what the psalm tells us, what the catechism teaches us to cap each Holy Supper, and every meal together?  “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.”

Rise and go; your faith has saved you.  Your Jesus has saved you.  Now there’s a Happy Thanksgiving! 

 “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.”  Amen.

We give thanks to God for the birth of Lucille Rose Lemon, born November 6, to Stan (our Webmaster!) and Sara Lemon. We also celebrate and give thanks to God for Lucy's second birth from above by the waters of Holy Baptism on Sunday, November 15, 2009. Congratulations, Stan and Sara! Welcome, Lucy, to the Higher Things family! 

by The Rev. Rich Heinz  

The theme is a common one from literature and television: take a rag-tag bunch of misfits, bring them together, and when working together, the greatest of odds can be overcome.  This is at the heart of Glee, running its first season on Fox, Wednesdays at 9 PM EST. 

There are a number of roles and situations on Glee that the Christian would find troubling.  Of course, every human is sinful, and we will not look at every single character.  Still, it’s a good thing to look at a few examples. 

Kurt Hummel is a sweet boy.  He is a loyal friend.  He has a good voice.  He loves fashion.  And he has a bit of a crush on star quarterback Finn Hudson.  Yes, Kurt is a stereotypical, flamboyant homosexual. 

Sue Sylvester is downright mean.  This cheerleading coach is the embodiment of evil, cunningly cutting down kids’ egos, manipulating and destroying what she sees fit, literally pushing people down stairs, and trying to sabotage the Glee Club. 

Noah "Puck" Puckerman has fathered the pre-born child of Quinn Fabray, cheerleader and president of the celibacy club.  Quinn is also the girlfriend of Finn Hudson, and has convinced him that although they have not had sexual relations, he is the father. 

But perhaps the most disturbing scenario of the entire series (and yet the one we are drawn to accept and enjoy) is the relationship of Will Schuester and Emma Pilsbury.  Will and Emma were high school friends at the same school where he now teaches and she is guidance counselor.  Will is now in a very unhappy marriage, in which his wife, Terri, is completely self-absorbed—to the point it is plainly idolatry.  She shows no care or concern for him, is extremely demanding and manipulative, and has led them to the brink of financial ruin. 

Viewers are not supposed to like Terri at all.  Conversely, Emma is quirky, but as nice and sweet as can be, and you end up wanting Will and Emma to get together!  Will and Emma both show care for people, and put others ahead of themselves. 

Those of us who are committed to what the Lord teaches about the sanctity of Holy Marriage can be easily led down this (albeit fictitious) path of approving their repressed romance.  Granted, Will and Emma have not gotten to the point of sexual infidelity – or have they?  Tension-filled hugs and staring into one another’s eyes might not be “going all the way,” but there certainly is desire that transgresses the 6^th commandment. 

On the other hand, in spite of all these troubles, is there anything worth noting?  I would suggest there is.   

Glee is full of love and friendship.  Students that didn’t find a niche in the school have become a group of loyal friends, truly caring for one another.  When others fail them, the Glee kids come to realize that these new friends have accepted them, “no strings attached.” 

Glee shows forgiveness.  Yes, I realize it is not flowing from Christ through His Gifts, but the Glee students, along with Will and his friends, demonstrate a human forgiveness and an allowing of new beginnings for each other.  Quinn is shunned by her cheerleader “friends” when they discover she is pregnant.  She is also kicked off the squad.  But the Glee friends voice their care for her.   And when Finn has been pressured by the football team to back off from Glee and even torment them, Kurt takes a slushy out of Finn’s hand and tosses it on himself.  Kurt “took one for the [Glee] team,” so the quarterback did not have the guilt of doing this to a friend, yet he could maintain a “cool” reputation on the football team.  When all is said and done, Finn is welcomed back to Glee.   

So where does that leave you, the Christian viewer?  How should you feel about Glee?  I propose that the answer is similar to how you should feel about the people in your real life – the students and faculty of your own school, the friends in your own circles, even the people in the pews of your church. 

Every one of us is a poor, miserable sinner.  This does not excuse our actions or words or thoughts in the least.  However, we live in a recognition that in faith we will not approve of every behavior, every day. 

Yes, Glee has some sinful characters and sinful scenarios.  Still, there are moments of (humanly speaking) goodness, kindness, and friendship.  Being familiar with a show like Glee that so many are watching, may provide opportunities for you to engage in discussions that would otherwise be unavailable.  Perhaps the Lord might end up using you to be His witness, speaking the truth in love.  He may lead you to show what was good and supportive of the faith in a given episode, and what was not. 

In the end, you already know the one and only Source of your Glee: Jesus Christ!  Our Savior has taken on human flesh and was born, announced with the Glee of singing angels.  At His Baptism, the Father announced from heaven His Glee in His Son, in whom He is well pleased.  With Jesus’ triumph on the cross and His joyous resurrection, God demonstrated His Glee once again, in the ultimate, first Easter. 

Jesus is the greatest, truest, and everlasting Glee for His Church!  Living in Him, we await the Day when our Glee will be complete, and He gathers us all into the eternal kingdom He has GIVEN. 

The Rev. Rich Heinz is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church & School, Chicago, IL.  Pastor Heinz appeared in a number of theatrical productions, including musicals such as Hello, Dolly!, Bye Bye Birdie, and Little Shop of Horrors.  But he never was in Glee club.