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: Faith provides firm foundation after cancer diagnosis
Faith in God’s love and grace gives a man strength after a surprise diagnosis. Randy Wiessinger has witnessed a lot of difficult situations throughout his life. For 30 years, Randy served…
To the other ten
A letter to the future spouses of our grandchildren. If you are reading this, it means a couple of things have happened. First, my wife and I are in heaven.…
Q&A: Is Christianity the only religion that gives the certainty of heaven?
Is Christianity the only religion that gives the certainty of heaven? I want to understand so I can better share the gospel with others. The parable of the blind men…
Confessions of faith: Jack and Cathie Dearing
After retiring, a couple discovers a church where Martin Luther’s reformed teachings preside and Jesus’ free and all-encompassing grace is preached. During their working years, Jack and Cathie Dearing moved…
Bible study: God’s attitude is grace
Grace is God's unmerited favor toward sinners. However, some are critical of the Bible because it speaks of laws, sin, hell, and judgment. We must understand that the problem is…
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…
Getting older. Getting closer.
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…
A thought: Trusting what we cannot see
Seeing the little baby in the manger at Christmas fills us all with joy and wonder. It is a universal experience because we have all looked with joy and wonder…