Thoughts On Cancellation Of Issues, Etc.
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008Like many others, I was a bit shocked to hear the abrupt cancellation of the wonderful Issues, Etc. radio program and termination of Pastor Todd Wilken and Jeff Schwarz by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), which owns the KFUO radio station. But, I do have to say that this news is not completely surprising. Honestly, this sort of thing has been brewing for a long time.
Many have been trying to guess as to what is behind this seemingly sudden move, and I won’t try to join that crowd here, but I would like to focus on a couple things. Please keep both Pastor Wilken and Mr. Schwarz, as well as Jeff’s wife who is pretty sick right now, in your prayers. This is of the utmost importance.
Secondly, especially during this Holy Week, please remember what we Christians celebrate and recognize was done for the sins of the world in Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is easy at times like this to get lost in the wickedness in this kingdom and forget that our Father can create wonderful and great things from such tragedies as this. I already have suspicions about some truly great possibilities in the future that could dwarf what came before. I would recommend that we all hold tight in this respect, be as patient as we can, and see what comes of this.
This isn’t to say that anger and indignation isn’t appropriate. Sometimes lines are crossed that simply demand a visceral reaction. If anyone understands the need to sometimes be loud and angry, it is I.
But I would ask that, as you pray for our dear friends from the former Issues, Etc. radio program, please remember that this is not hopeless. We celebrate the most hopeful event this week that any sinner could wish for.
Our Lord became man and took the sins of the world to Himself and took them to death that we would have eternal life with Him. All thanks be to God!
Under the completely sufficient imputed righteousness.
By Ted R
Ted,
Was greatly surprised when I clicked on Issues etc. the other day and found out it was no longer available. I have come to depend on it to keep me abreast of current thinking in the culture along with its usual proclamation of the gospel- both accurately and powefully I might add. What a shame!!! I guess what was most surprising is that Todd never gave any indication that trouble was brewing with whomever he works for. It was a great shock to me. The White Horse Inn and Issues etc are the two primary sources that I draw from in regards to getting help in interpreting the scriptures properly. Hopefully, Todd and Jeff will resurface somewhere else soon.
Thanks for the thoughts on this Ted. I’m still bummed about this, but as you say, perhaps good will come out of it. Too bad though, that show ruled on so many levels. Thanks also for keeping thiings in perspective right now in regards to praying for Jeff and Todd.