Lutheran Witness: September 2012
This issue of The Lutheran Witness seeks to set the facts on the “State of the Synod” right under your nose. There are challenges aplenty, but there are many, many blessings and things over which to rejoice.
The Magazine
Believe It Your Way
The June/July issue’s focus on “Believe It Your Way,” the notion of one being “spiritual, but not religious,” was of particular interest to me as a 25-year veteran marriage and family life educator in college classrooms. Such cafeteria-style belief systems are indeed common–especially among today’s young adults. Their attitude is being summed up as “So
Marching Orders
by Rev. Dr. Greg Wismar From vict’ry unto vict’ry His army He shall lead.” These familiar words from the first stanza of “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” (LSB 660) are typical of the many expressions in the prayers, liturgies and hymnody of the Church that contain military images and references. The pages of the
Wounded Souls Made Whole
by Chaplain Daniel Gard Since 2001, America has engaged in a long war against terror. Christ alone provides comfort to this new generation of veterans who has left home, served and returned. The Spirit of God moved across the formless, dark void that was to become the earth. By His Word, He called the universe
Standing Ready
Read the stories of soldiers and the LCMS chaplains who bring Christ to them.
Left Behind
Learn how your congregation can show mercy to soldiers and their families.
Just Cause
Bringing Christ to soldiers is not easy, but opportunities about for chaplains to do just that.
Strengthening Bonds
How does faith in Christ keep soldiers and their families connected during deployment? by Michael and Janet Frese Michael When I received sudden orders to deploy to Afghanistan, I was flooded with emotions. The ache and pain of my first deployment had dulled with time, but in an instant, it came throbbing back. How would
Can Christians be Soldiers
For 500 years, Lutherans have answered “Yes.” by Dr. Adam S. Francisco It is hard to imagine a vocation more at odds with popular conceptions of Christian living than military service. The Christian life is supposed to be about peace and love for the neighbor, but the life of a Marine, Soldier, Sailor or Airman
Jesus is for Soldiers Too
by Rev. Matthew Lorfeld The vocation of a Soldier, Marine, Seaman, Airman or Coastie carries a unique set of joys, struggles and burdens. This is especially true for troops with families. Deployments take spouses and parents from a service member’s family. Combat brings the duty and honor of serving one’s nation and brothers-in-arms, but it
Youth Will Live LOVE(D)
Learn how LCMS high-school youth will put Witness, Mercy, Life Together into action at the 2013 National Youth Gathering.
Pastors, Love Your People!
LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison urges pastors to love their parishioners and to rely only on Christ, who gives the Office of the Holy Ministry and who provides the grace sufficient for the task at hand.