“‘I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace” (Romans 11:4-5). You may recall that a few days ago I commented on the sorry state of affairs in Germany’s Protestant “state church,” which is known for its often-anemic theology, a heavy saturation of liberal teaching, and tragically low church attendance. But thankfully, the Lord has preserved for himself a remnant of faithful pastors within that church body. One of them is Rev. Dr. Malte Detje, the pastor of the Kreuzkirche in Hamburg-Kirchdorf (which ironically means “church village”), a neighborhood tucked in between port facilities south of the Elbe River. Yesterday morning, Pastor Detje, who is known in some circles for his “Tischgespräche” (Table Talks) podcast and YouTube messages, was on German national television, officiating the Good Friday service at the Kreuzkirche. The church was packed. Pastor Detje conducted a wonderful, doctrinally faithful service. I was impressed that he needed no notes, even chanting the Introit from memory. He was most winsome in his delivery, giving a fine, theologically sound sermon. He made the Law very personal using several examples, but then showered his congregation and the viewers with the Gospel, explaining that precisely because our Lord took our sins upon Himself—excruciating for Him—this Friday is “good” for us. Interestingly, he placed Confession and Absolution *after* the sermon, a clever approach for those perhaps unfamiliar with a traditional Christian service, but who may have been convicted by the Law in the sermon and would have needed, once again, Absolution directed squarely at them. I would love to know how many viewers may have heard the Christian message for the first time in that broadcast. Thank you, Lord, for preserving for Yourself—in a decidedly post-Christian land—a remnant of faithful pastors. (For those wishing to view the service, click on the picture below.)
tiewsfamily.org 