Does the LCMS have a position on the public burial or marriage of a nonmember of a congregation? I always believed that one of the privileges of being a communicant member was to be allowed public baptism of your children, public marriage of yourself or your children, and a public burial, or “Christian burial,” from
by Dr. John W. Oberdeck The Eighth Commandment plays a significant role at the trial of Jesus. Luther’s Small Catechism explains that bearing false witness involves telling lies, betraying, slandering, and hurting a neighbor’s reputation. These do more than damage Jesus’ reputation at His trial, however. They lead to sin against the Fifth Commandment—Jesus’ death
A ‘Reading’ Lesson Every once in a while, at bedtime, Zachary, my 7-year-old, needs to talk. Sometimes he simply melts down. Everything seems so bad. But if you lie with him long enough and listen, things get better. Last night was one of those occasions. At one point he began to cry. He had lost
Because of Christ Jesus and what He did for us, God forgives our sins, which makes it not only our duty, but our privilege, to forgive and reconcile with those who sin against us.
by Dr. Randy Schroeder My mother-in-law is overly involved with my wife. They talk on the phone several times a day, and my wife calls every night to tell her when our 1-year-old son falls asleep. The two of them even take frequent two- to three-day vacations together. At times, I feel like I’m playing
I read with interest the article by Rev. Ronald E. Nelson entitled “Mosaic—a Multiethnic Multigenerational Church Start” (“Fan into Flame,” September). I am pleased that the California-Nevada-Hawaii District is making the effort to reach out in this way, and also with the “successful” results, with 210 people attending the “first celebration event.” But I am
The November issue of The Lutheran Witness was a thing of beauty and a joy forever. From “Partners” through Pastor Wismar’s uplifting explication of Advent through “New Life in Greensburg” and on to “On Words and Vocations” backed by “Harvest and Thanksgiving”–and everything in between with no exception–this issue was exceptional. Thanks for all you
Because of Christ Jesus and what He did for us, God forgives our sins, which makes it not only our duty, but our privilege, to forgive and reconcile with those who sin against us. Read more in this issue of The Lutheran Witness
A jeweler was getting married. When it came time to slip the ring on his bride’s finger, he hesitated. “With this ring …,” prompted the pastor, noting the jeweler appeared more than a little nervous. “With this ring …,” the jeweler began haltingly. “With this ring …” “Well?” said the pastor. “With this ring …
I would like to commend Susan Senechal for her brief but compelling article, “A Light in a World Gone Dark” (December, 2007). Unlike many of your contributors, Susan began where real life is – often dark and filled with tragedy – then soothingly applied the healing balm of the Gospel. So often your articles strike
<P>The December Letter to the Editor <EM>(below)</EM> titled “Wake Up Call” was so sad to see. The confilct between the beliefs of the Masons and LCMS are clear. What is also clear is Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:15-17. Has this man been privately apporached to discuss the conflict between the Masons and LCMS? Do we
You are reading a very special issue of The Lutheran Witness. Its focus is on people and institutions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that needs so very much to hear God’s Good News.