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She was lying in the hospital bed awaiting the test results. She was facing surgery and a long recuperation. As I stood by her bedside, she asked, “Why is God…
I am overflowing with excitement. As I write these words, we are making our final preparations to celebrate our first public worship services as a church in over two months.…
My neighbor is super kind and always treats others well. He wants God to do the same. Every time we speak about the Bible, he always asks, “How can you…
Technology offers opportunities to teach a woman from Peru more about God’s grace How does a native of Lima, Peru, become a confirmed member of a WELS church in Wisconsin?…
Last spring, the United States and countries around the world responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in unprecedented ways. In most states, many businesses were forced to cease operations, and schools…
Universalism says that the biblical teaching of eternal damnation is incompatible with the concept of a loving God. Universalists believe that God will eventually destroy all sin and save all…
It’s been a test for us all. It included self-quarantine and social distancing. All the while businesses were closed, and contacts with friends and family became digital. Churches stood empty…
Each phase of childhood comes with its own unique set of blessings and challenges, doesn’t it? Teenagers get a bad rap, but as my daughter enters high school, I have…
Ministerial education graduates reflect on their unique final semester. As I consider the impact that COVID-19 made on the WLS class of 2020, I recognize that the losses we experienced…
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of…
What’s a book like James doing in the New Testament anyway? Quickly reading through its 108 verses, we find no direct mention of the Christmas manger, the Good Friday cross,…
The coronavirus has us traveling the middle road of faith—confident in God to save and yet faithful to God in responsible service. It happened so fast. One day it was…
Jesus warns us we will face opposition and suffering as his followers, but he also promises us a place in his Father’s house. Asia Bibi is a Pakistani Christian who…
Good job and thank you! I thought this but couldn’t say it to everyone I thought should hear it. As I write this, we have been asked—mandated—to avoid unnecessary contact…
Although her time on earth was short, Jodi lived as an example of God’s love. Jodi got the diagnosis the summer after her first year in college—it was cancer. She…
Using Bible stories to examine characteristics of God that we never thought about, characteristics that apply to what we’re facing right now. You are not what you have done She…
All of my life, I have heard the phrase “Death is natural.” I never questioned its truth until I watched my grandma pass away. Even though she believed in Jesus,…
This month’s column might not be what you are expecting. It doesn’t include endorsements for the latest security apps to keep your child safe online or to measure how much…
How are you doing in the midst of this epidemic? I’m not talking about the COVID-19 epidemic, but another one which has been around much longer. It doesn’t claim as…
“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3). Jesus had every advantage over her. A faultless life. A supreme understanding…
Our brother Jesus teaches us about his Father so we can be better fathers. The other day, someone told me one of the saddest stories ever. A little boy has…
After attending a Lutheran school and getting a chance to study God’s Word in depth, two brothers become members to prepare for adulthood. “At the time, I didn’t appreciate it…
As I write this in April, our world is in the midst of what most would agree is an unprecedented crisis. The COVID-19 virus has had serious effects on almost…
All believers have a ministry, but we call it “public ministry” when believers ask or call someone to serve them. To understand what public ministry is and why it matters…
First, it is important to answer the question, “What is death?” Very simply, death is separation. The Bible speaks of three types of separation: physical, spiritual, and eternal. Physical death…
As a young boy, sometimes I’d think, In the year 2000, I’ll be 45 years old. Wow, that’s old! Guess what? My perspective has changed—in part because the year 2000…
Have you ever found yourself on your own: leaving home to launch your adult life, traveling in a foreign country, or losing a spouse or parent? What did it feel…
The memories of kindergarten linger as a school year abruptly ends. One day they brought you to me. They hugged you and kissed you and said good-bye. I reached for…
A card on Mother’s Day brings memories of God’s strength and care. Beverly Fulmer Today is another Mother’s Day. I am looking forward to seeing the card Brian has picked…
A unique thank-you note reminds a mom that her son was listening. IT WAS UNEXPECTED—the note in February from my 22-year-old college senior son. He admitted that it was a…
When I didn’t feel safe anymore Feelings are not facts. Yet sometimes those feelings of anxiety are so real. Sometimes they are crippling. They keep you glued to your bed…
As I write this thought, we are all concerned about the spread of a virus that has already killed thousands. Events and responses change day to day and sometimes even…
Simeon carried baby Jesus in his arms. John reclined next to Jesus during their last Passover together. Others reached to touch him. What a blessing it was for Jesus’ family,…
By the ordinary means of the Word and sacraments, the Holy Spirit has made us believers and children of God. Aaron H. Goetzinger If only we had been there. If…
We stand secure in the storms of life when we stand on Christ. I’ve had the experience of traveling to both the East Coast and the West Coast of the…
Seeing God’s grace through the struggle of mental illness. I struggle mightily with my mental health. To most people I look healthy; I am a vegetarian who runs about 40…
As the editorial staff developed the May issue of Forward in Christ, the mandatory quarantines had just begun. We had no way of predicting what would be taking place when…
There is a story about a much-loved pastor who carried the burden of a secret sin he had committed years before. He had repented but still had no peace, no…
I know I need to forgive my wife because in the Lord’s Prayer we ask that God forgive us “as we forgive those who sin against us.” But how can…
A Buddhist discovers the truth of God’s Word, a message he now shares with others. “When I preach the gospel to people, people say, ‘You’re a stupid man.’ I just…
I’ve done a lot of remodeling and woodworking projects over the years. Most of what I’ve done has been self-taught, and my lack of expertise means that projects take a…
“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my…
Families celebrate graduations throughout the nation this month. Young men and women are moving to another level of education or vocation. As parents, we can get teary-eyed realizing that our…
We are to forgive others, but the journey can be difficult. I needed to forgive my father. But for the life of me, I could not figure out how. Trying…
Easter changes the way we look at our time here on earth. Jonathan R. Hein Picture a timeline ten feet long, perhaps drawn on a large whiteboard. On one end…
God has the answers for all the difficult questions in life. Timothy J. Spaude Their hearts were broken. Jesus was dead. They faced tragedy or loss as we often do.…
Life is busy for your future pastors as they study for the ministry at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Micah Koelpin 5:30 A.M.—I reach over to turn off the alarm on my…
Going to Camp BASIC is a family affair for volunteers and campers. Laura Schaefer Picture, if you will: wheelchairs being pushed on grassy paths by hardy counselors so their campers…
Grieve . . . but with hope Gregory C. Lyon From time to time, we face realities that we simply can’t do anything about. God chose Mary to be the…
We need Easter, but we need Maundy Thursday and Good Friday too. Shelly Hahm When I was young, I didn’t like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. It was uncomfortable to…