Myguess would be that most, if not all, of us have a creche or manger scene that we display in our homes. These may range from simple hand-carved figures, to extremely expensive Fontanini’s, to light-up plastic yard models. Now, before we begin, I want to assure you that my purpose for this message is not… Beyond the Manger Read More

  DEVOTION—BACK-TO-SCHOOL “Welcome to the new normal!” “I wish things could get back to normal!” “Finally, we’re getting back to normal!” I have heard (and even expressed) similar sentiments since new guidance, mandates, and rules began to upset our lives a year ago last March. But I would ask you, what is “normal,” and do… The Real Normal Read More

DEVOTION—DIVERSITY OF GIFTS Love him or hate him, larger-than-life radio personality Rush Limbaugh had some interesting catch phrases, one of which forms the title of this article. It is more correct than most people might think. We have all been given talents and abilities from God. He does expect us to use them to His… With Talent on Loan from God Read More

DEVOTION—PRO-LIFE Of all the political, social, and moral debates that have gone on for the past forty years, it would be hard to come up with a more sensitive topic than abortion. Since the U.S. Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade in 1973, 60 million children have been ripped from the safety of their mothers’… Life Lessons Read More

DEVOTION—CONGREGATIONAL OUTREACH The beginning of our title should sound familiar, as they are the words of Jesus recorded for us in Mark 16:15. The second half of the title is also an encouragement from our Lord, but more on that later. I wonder how many of our readers have traveled in foreign lands? And of… Go into All the World and Proclaim the Gospel, Starting Next Door Read More

DEVOTION – THE LORD’S SUPPER The Eucharist, Breaking Bread, Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper—this sacrament has many names and, unfortunately, many misconceptions concerning it. We ask the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to His Word as we revisit this gracious gift of our Savior. At the outset we wish to establish that this precious… The Edible Gift Read More

DEVOTION – JESUS’ BAPTISM “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 We who have been baptized know the power and purpose of Baptism. It was our lost and sinful condition from conception which prompted… Jesus, Baptized for Us Read More

DEVOTION – MISSIONS We are often told that some things in this life are just impossible. “Can’t be done,” “Won’t work,” and “You’re not qualified,” are a few of the phrases we hear. The sad reality is that these phrases often prove true. There are plenty of situations and opportunities in our lives that are… MISSIONS: Possible Read More

DEVOTION – FATHER’S DAY How difficult is it to get a national holiday started? If one were to look at the history behind Father’s Day, the conclusion would be—quite difficult. It seems as far back as the Middle Ages, Catholic Europe held a Father’s Day of sorts on the Feast of St. Joseph. However, the… Our Father’s Day Read More

Read John 1:29-51 Examples—good, bad, or indifferent—are all around us. Even though we know the Bible’s primary purpose is to show us the path to heaven through the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Scriptures are also full of examples. Paul tells us, “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were… Called to Action Read More

DEVOTION – THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH “The hand is quicker than the eye” is a very familiar adage. This saying was demonstrated to me quite thoroughly just last year. Our town had a festival at which a street magician was performing. Time and again this man astounded the gathered crowd with his sleight of hand. One trick… The Unseen Church Read More

CONVENTION PREVIEW At the conclusion of the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, he was in the habit of having a series of conventions of sorts. There were several positive points as to why Paul conducted himself in this manner.  Perhaps we may see the same positives in attending our own synodical gatherings. Typically, when Paul would… A Positive Outlook for the Convention Read More

Most people have heard of, if not played, the telephone game. In this party pastime a leader whispers a tricky word or phrase to the next person in line. This message is then passed along until the last individual in line reveals what he believes he has heard. Hilarity may ensue as the garbled phrases… That’s the Way I Heard It Read More

DEVOTION SOLA Scriptura Anyone who has ever heard of the Superstition Mountains of Arizona has most likely also heard of the Lost Dutchman’s Mine. This legend, which most experts agree is based on distorted facts, is the stuff of movie plots and fantasy. Many have searched for the riches of this lost mine, some even… Divine Treasure Map Read More

DEVOTION – DIVERSITY OF GIFTS Did you know that there are over 30,000 different species of fish in our world? Scientists, and others who keep track of these things, tell us there are about 300,000 different species of plants for our enjoyment. But the granddaddy of diversity goes to the insect kingdom with a whopping… Gifts Galore Read More

A birth announcement can be one of the more joyful tasks a married couple may complete. Whether the news is published online, with an old-fashioned picture, or with a card in the mail, everyone wants to hear the details—boy or girl? How much did he weigh? How long was he?  What’s the name? Who does the… Unto Us a Child Is Born Read More

Tension was running high. The air was thick with anticipation. On the one hand, 250 men, censers in hand, burning incense, ready to prove their worthiness to serve the Lord. On the other hand, a lone elderly gentleman; Aaron, the High Priest of Jehovah. They stood before the Tabernacle, awaiting the judgment of God. In… The Priesthood of Believers: God’s Choice Read More

There is no doubt about it, there are a lot of lonely people in this world. Whether people are missing a loved one, have lost one, or haven’t found one; the ache of being alone can be overwhelming. Our God, in His infinite wisdom, knew it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone, so He… The Benefits of Belonging Read More

If  there is one thing to look forward to here in the Midwestern part of our country, it is spring. I can remember long and brutal winters that seemed to hang around forever. I recall waiting with longing for the daylight to lengthen and the temperatures to rise. Everyone seems eager to see that first… A Long Road to Spring Read More

Premillennialism, postmillennialism, and amillennialism—these are words that tangle the tongue, and concepts that twist the brain. If there is one thing humans seem to be adept at doing, it is complicating simple situations. God tells us in straightforward language in Genesis 1 that He has created the heavens and the earth, but man invents evolution… Complicating a Simple Ending Read More