Lutheran Spokesman

DEVOTION—RESURRECTION LIVING The story was told by one of my former teachers of a time when the lower grade classroom of Messiah Lutheran School in Hales Corners was working on an art project. I was in second grade at the time, and my classmate, Gretchen, already having finished her project, walked up to my desk […] Read More

DEVOTION – EASTER We each bear a name that tells a lengthy story. The longest name in recorded history belonged to a man who went by “Hubert B. Wolfe + 988 Sr.” This was merely a shortening of his full name which included twenty-six ordinary names followed by a 988-letter surname. I would guess that […] Read More

“If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:13-14 NIV). “Good luck! And, by the way, there’s no such thing as luck.” This was the parting comment a Christian friend […] Read More

“And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32). Usually it is easy to tell. There are the telltale signs that readily reveal a person’s frame of mind. You watch the youngster out […] Read More

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (Fourth IN A SERIES) Easter What terrified thoughts and emotions might well torture the mind and grip the heart of an unbeliever facing imminent death! While still in good health and favorable circumstances, some unbelievers—if they ever think about the afterlife at all—might for a time delude themselves […] Read More

“. . . just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).  EASTER is indeed a joyful time of the year as we celebrate the anniversary of our Savior’s resurrection. He who died for us rose again and lives […] Read More

“Now Christ has risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Three important festivals came together at the time of the Passover, therefore also at the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection. All three have great significance for our salvation—significance that we do not want […] Read More

The early hours of that first Easter morning found people in various conditions. Most of Jerusalem slept soundly, while their religious leaders may have had satisfied smiles on their faces. But fear, shock, and confusion permeated the hearts of the Lord’s disciples. They were stupefied and in mourning because of His death. None of them […] Read More

“Pastor, I don’t know; I just don’t know,” the elderly congregation member told me as I sat down for a visit.  I had heard it before. This long-time believer had plenty of time to think in the nursing home, and he carried a great deal on his heart. He was concerned about children who had […] Read More

On that first Easter morning the soldiers guarding Jesus’ tomb saw the angel come and roll away the stone, but they squandered the opportunity to be powerful witnesses and took the bribe to remain silent. “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48) Mary Magdalene’s heart overflowed with love for her Lord—first in weeping as […] Read More