“He was a good man.” It’s a common refrain at funerals. But what are we really saying with these words? What does it mean to call a man &#…
The Lutheran Witness
Interpreting the contemporary world from a Lutheran Christian perspective
Advent is not a drag
Advent isn’t a drag. It’s a time when believers show the world that there’s oil in our flasks and that our faith isn’t pointless.…
A meditation for Christmas
Cradle to cross, Jesus humbled Himself, serving to the point of death and giving His life as a ransom for many. At Christmas and always, we cling to H…
Lutheran Witness: December 2018
The great mystery and “miracle supreme” of Christ’s incarnation is the thread that runs through the December issue of The Lutheran Witness. …
What is the most Lutheran sport?
Tennis? Running? Golf? What is the quintessential Lutheran sport? The answer might surprise you … but then again, it might not.…
The wonderful impossibility of giving thanks
It’s wonderfully impossible to thank the Lord fully and completely for all his benefits. But by God’s grace, we thank, praise, serve and obey him.…
On suffering
In the midst of suffering and pain, we find our hope where Peter did: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life …” (John 6:68).…
Joyfully witnessing
From the angels to the apostles to Lutherans among their neighbors today, the Church in heaven and on earth continues to bear joyful witness to Christ…
Under lock and key? Look and see!
By His death and resurrection, Jesus locked up sin, death and Satan forever — and unlocked paradise for all who would believe.…
So many blessings
“Synod” is not St. Louis. It’s you. It’s your local congregation, it’s your circuit, it’s your district, it’s all of us together. And we are blessed.…
Lutheran Witness: November 2018
What is the state of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 2018? Find out in the November issue of ‘The Lutheran Witness.’ …
The joy of weeping at All Saints
There is more weeping on All Saints Day than at almost any other time of the church year, yet we weep together in joy and hope.…
Reading old books on Reformation Day
Luther himself was well aware that he stood on the shoulders of giants. This Reformation, why not dust off a really old book and make a new friend?…
The thief of joy
It happens every Sunday morning at every congregation: As soon as sinners gather, they start to compare themselves to each other.…
Going for gold in grumbling
How often do we go for gold in grumbling? How hard is it for us to let someone else be more wretched than we are?…
Mental health and pastoral ministry
The Holy Ministry does not bubble wrap pastors. In fact, it can compound mental health stressors in ways that many other vocations do not.…