Please explain: Why did Jesus use parables to teach?
Aesop’s fables, a good sermon illustration, an analogy—these are all ways to communicate complex concepts in a way that is easier to understand. Similarly, Jesus used parables (Matthew 13, Mark…
The kingdom of heaven: God in action
Three parables teach us what God is like and how he treats us. If you had one week to live, what would you discuss with your loved ones? Would you…
The book of James: Active in good works
Paul is described as “the apostle of faith,” John as “the apostle of love,” Peter as “the apostle of hope,” and James as “the apostle of works.” For James, as…
Difficult conversations
Helping friends see that God’s way is best may be challenging. One of the hardest things that we can deal with as Christians is seeing our friends and loved ones…
Make every effort
As divisions threaten our Christian churches, God’s Spirit unites us in Christ. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Doesn’t that sound…
New president starts at Martin Luther College
Richard Gurgel started in his new role as president of Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn., in July. With the COVID-19 pandemic still in place, Gurgel is starting his…
Where are they now? ALHS Online
In July 2013, Forward in Christ reported on ALHS Online, a collaborative effort of the WELS Association of Lutheran High Schools (ALHS) to offer high quality online courses to expand…
Showing you care through parish nursing
At some point in our lives, every one of us has been blessed through the actions of a skilled and caring nurse. Each day in the U.S., millions of nurses…
Compassion at work
WELS Christian Aid and Relief and Good Shepherd, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, partnered to organize cleanup after storms blew through the Midwest in August. The line of storms, called a derecho,…