In the Apostles’ Creed (and also the Athanasian Creed), we confess that after Jesus died He descended into hell. Where in the Bible is this taught? Why did Jesus go there? From earliest times, Christians have believed that Jesus’ descent into hell is most clearly taught in 1 Peter 3:18–19. In the context of …
‘The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.’
I have been reading The Lutheran Witness since I was young (30+ years) and have often found it to be written in language better suited for seminary professors and pastors. The ordinary layperson in our churches may have to struggle through articles written in a pedantic style and language. Where are the articles that pertain …
In your December Family Counselor, Theresa Shaltanis answered a question about grieving. I did not write the following, but I copied it after losing my husband and struggling with the feeling of overwhelming loneliness. I don’t know who the author is. However, it made me feel better knowing I wasn’t strange just because I couldn’t …
I’d like to respond to a recent Christmastime poll question on your Lutheran Witness Web site [www.lcms.org/witness]. The poll asked the following: “How do you reply when greeted by the words ‘Happy Holidays’? [Do you reply] ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Happy Holidays’?” Because there was no option for “Other,” I submit that Neither/Other would be a …
I truly enjoyed “Christmas Magic,” Rev. Raymond L. Hartwig’s article in the December Lutheran Witness. It brought back memories of my wonderful grade-school days in the 1950s at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. We had a devout Christian man named Edison F. Onken who taught all four of the lower grades. I remember those beautiful days …
Forgiveness is a treasure God gives to His people to share with one another.
Like Daniel in the lion’s den, Philip Melanchthon faced the papal legate Lorenzo Campeggio at Augsburg in 1530.
Scripture makes it clear that when the communion of saints gathers, Jesus comes in all His fullness among us (Matt. 18:20). He is really present.
Three rural LCMS congregations in Kansas and Nebraska share their stories.
Despite declining populations, rural communities offer vibrant opportunities to joyfully share the comfort of the Gospel.
to have little to do with each other, but they do, in
fact, have something in common. Both deal with
matters of the heart.