Wow, been a while since I've been here...nearly a month.

So, what is a steadfast Lutheran? A Lutheran who stands fast to the truth despite the myriad and unrelenting onslaught of false doctrine, lies, and temptations that so easily pervade and persuade the Church. This is nothing new; Christians have been called to remain steadfast since the beginning of Christianity:

I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 2:9-10

As Christ has not yet returned, it should come as no surprise that the call to remain steadfast is still in effect. False doctrine, lies, and temptations still come hard and fast. Churches find themselves tempted to turn from the Scriptures to a more secular business ideal; the concern of congregations has turned to the pursuit of money from a desire that all men be saved and come to a knowledge (a truthful knowledge) of their God and Savior—turned to a do-anything-to-fill-a-pew mentality from a feed-my-sheep mentality (see John 21:15-17).

One result of the continuing onslaught is exile. As more and more churches and church bodies turn from the truth to pursue their own lusts, those in them that remain steadfast find themselves in exile (sounds like a certain blogger and his family). These churches and church bodies may espouse one thing and pursue another, while those who are in exile hold to, espouse, and pursue the one things—the truth.

Here are a couple of good articles/blog entries to read on the subject:

• Lutherische Kultur im Exil (don't worry, it's in English)
• Pastors and Congregations