Today, two-thirds of all marriages are preceded by cohabitation, by just “living together.”

Among Americans who consider themselves Christian, 52% believe they are saved by their good works rather than by faith in Christ as Savior.

It began with one of the most powerful superspreading events in history: three thousand people at a single gathering. Although civil authorities were immediately concerned and quickly stepped up enforcement efforts in an attempt to isolate and quarantine the infected, it was too late. First the contagion spread like wildfire throughout the city, then it popped up seemingly at random in another city three hundred miles away and quickly spread there.

In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel visited a priest named Zechariah. Gabriel appeared suddenly as Zechariah served alone in the temple.

After reviewing what was said at their Baptisms, LCMS confirmands affirm their intention “to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it” (LSB p. 273).

Around the world, both religious commitment and religious rejection are growing in various countries. But being lukewarm when it comes to religion is decreasing everywhere.