Q&A: My friend died and was not a professing Christian. What do I say to the family?
My friend died and was not a professing Christian. What do I say to the family? What a tragedy when someone passes away who doesn’t believe in Jesus. “Whoever does…
Bible study: Baptismal blessings
Baptism connects us to our Father in heaven and makes us part of his family. The church has described Baptism as “an individual application of the Word” and the “visible…
My Christian life: From prospect to pastor
One year out of the seminary, a pastor shares his journey into the public ministry. Jacob Shepherd, pastor at St. Paul, Round Lake Park, Ill., remembers when he started thinking…
Sound the alarm
My wife and I were sitting in our living room, enjoying the quiet of having all our kids in bed. Just as the peace began to settle on our house,…
District news: June 2022
Happy anniversary! MN—On April 24, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn., celebrated milestone service anniversaries from the past three years. The 2020 celebrants included Peter Baganz, 25 years; Paul Bases,…
My Christian life: A single mother finds a new beginning
A struggling single parent finds a home, community, and renewed faith. Two and a half years ago, Erika was pregnant and living in what she calls some “unsavory” temporary housing.…
Confessions of faith: Anthony and Tyler
Troubled teens find the gospel in an unexpected place. “Talk Time.” That’s what Anthony and Tyler call it. Tim Mueller, pastor at St. John, Watertown, Wis., gently helps them remember…
What it means to be truly Lutheran: Baptism
Most American Protestant Christians have views of Baptism different from Lutherans. Some see Baptism as little more than a dedication ceremony where the parents are promising to raise their child…
Devotion: The world’s leading philanthropist is our friend
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions. . . . But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he…