Forward in Christ magazine

25/07/2024

It may be five months until Christmas, but this message is as applicable today as it will be then.

Jesus lived a real human life, subject to all the realities of the times in which he lived. Somehow “Away in a feed trough, no crib for a bed” doesn’t have the same feel as “Away in a Manger,” does it? When I grew up, I always pictured a manger as a wooden structure with lots of hay in it,...

24/07/2024

Happy 175th anniversary to First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Racine, Wis.! 🎉 Pastor Jim Pope, Forward in Christ's executive editor, is a son of the congregation and had the honor of preaching at an anniversary service at First this past Sunday. He then shared more about Forward in Christ during Bible class.

Would you like Pastor Pope to visit your church? Submit a request at forwardinchrist.net/submit.

23/07/2024

When newscasters try to convince you that this next election is the most important election in history or that your country will be destroyed if you choose the wrong leader, remember that Jesus is still in charge.

Are you ready for this election cycle to be over? Do you find politics creeping into your family gatherings? Is politics so polarizing that you can’t have a sensible discussion without tempers flaring? If politics is driving you crazy, the simplest thing you can do to regain your sanity is turn of...

21/07/2024

WELS President Mark Schroeder writes, "The 2023 synod convention adopted an ambitious plan with the stated goal of opening one hundred new home missions in the next ten years. That effort began last year when the Board for Home Missions approved the opening of ten new missions in various locations around the country.

"When the effort was under consideration, two challenges needed to be overcome: money and manpower. The questions were important and legitimate."

Keep reading . . .

The 2023 synod convention adopted an ambitious plan with the stated goal of opening one hundred new home missions in the next ten years. That effort began last year when the Board for Home Missions approved the opening of ten new missions in various locations around the country. When the effort w

20/07/2024

Be yoked with Jesus so he can help you with your troubles and problems.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28,29). Are you tired? Probably. Perhaps the rigors of daily life, worries about the future,...

19/07/2024

Fifteen-odd years ago, a little boy in Ukraine stood confidently in front of a room filled with people and began to recite a poem by Taras Shevchenko. He knew his lines. He knew his voice.

He didn’t know that his voice would take him to the United States to share the gospel as a pastor. He didn’t know his hometown would be ravaged by war after he was gone. . . . There was a lot that Kostiantyn (Kostia) Skorenkyi didn’t know as he began his recitation all those years ago, but his story is one that only a God who holds the world in his hands could imagine.

Read his story at forwardinchrist.net/kostia-skorenkyi.

18/07/2024

I’ve been told, “How dare you!” a few times in my life, most of them shamefully deserved. But this time was different.

It felt like a normal Sunday worship service. Everything seemed to go smoothly, but after the service, someone angrily confronted me, saying, “How dare you!”

Naturally, I replied, “How dare I what?”

She said, “How dare you say, ‘I forgive you all your sins’? Only God can forgive sins.” Then she walked off in a huff, never to return.

(Click👇 to keep reading Pastor Daniel Baumler's article.)

How are pastors able to forgive sins? I’ve been told, “How dare you!” a few times in my life, most of them shamefully deserved. But this time was different. It felt like a normal Sunday worship service. Everything seemed to go smoothly, but after the service, someone angrily confronted me, say...

16/07/2024

Two Christian parents share the tactics they use to help any parents who might be struggling to have these conversations with their kids.

I had almost as much trouble deciding what to write to introduce this topic as actually talking about it with my kids. I guess that’s why I appreciate what the authors shared. It’s comforting to know that talking about s*x is a struggle for most parents and to be reminded that just because it’...

15/07/2024

WELS Christian Aid and Relief provides an update on the San Carlos wildfire.

The Watch Fire, which started July 11, burned over 2,000 acres and destroyed at least 10 homes in the San Carlos community.

14/07/2024

A reader asks: "What does it mean to be called into the public ministry? How do you deliberate a call?"

What does it mean to be called into the public ministry? How do you deliberate a call? Ministry is a word that means “service.” What is the service we are to perform? Christ gives us our mission Jesus told his followers in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem . . . and to the ends ...

14/07/2024

A prayer from Forward in Christ's executive editor, Pastor James Pope:

Almighty God, the effects of sin have ravaged our world ever since Adam and Eve listened to the lying serpent, Satan. A world of beauty became an ugly place of sin. A world of peace became filled with violence. A world of love turned into a world of hate.

Today we have witnessed on a great scale the disregard for human life that people can have: the assassination attempt of former United States President Donald Trump.

We thank you for sparing his life. Bless the medical treatment he and others who were wounded today are receiving. Calm their fears and direct their attention to you, so that they can receive the best treatment for their souls.

Yes, Lord, sin changed our world, but neither sin nor sinners are in control of this world. You are. When sin entered your perfect creation, you promised a Savior. When your time came, so did Jesus. He came into the world to defeat sin, Satan, and hell. And he did just that by his holy life and sacrificial death. His glorious resurrection shows that he has conquered his foes. Now, he reigns as Lord over all creation. Through faith in him, all can enjoy the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Lord God, heal our nation. Lead our citizenry to replace angry, hateful rhetoric with civil, respectful conversation—especially in areas where there is disagreement. Grant peace and harmony, that your church may continue to do its work of spreading your Word.

We pray all these things with the knowledge and certainty that you will hear and answer them in your time, in your wisdom, and in your love. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

12/07/2024

THIS IS WELS
A quick peek at WELS brothers and sisters living out their faith. See more at forwardinchrist.net/community, including videos from summer events like camps and rallies.

12/07/2024

Join us in praying for the San Carlos Apache Reservation after a serious fire. See below for details.

Yesterday afternoon (July 11), a wildfire sparked on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. Many homes have burned, and many people were evacuated, but thankfully there are no reports of injury thus far. Both Grace Lutheran Church in San Carlos and Peridot-Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and School in Peridot were near the fire but spared any damage. The Native American Mission Team (WELS Missions) will continue to evaluate the situation as things unfold and work with WELS Christian Aid and Relief to offer support as needed.

In the meantime, please pray with us:

Dear Lord Jesus, we know you rule all things to your glory and for the good of your people. We come before you today to ask for your protection and healing for those whose lives have been uprooted by the fire on the San Carlos Apache Reservation in Arizona. Protect our church family, their neighbors, and their fellow community members from further damage and bring troubled hearts the peace of your eternal promises. Move us to show our love for you by serving those who are hurting through prayer and support in this hour of need. Thank you, Jesus, for granting us access to your throne and for faith that trusts your will. In your saving name we pray, Amen.

10/07/2024

Each of WELS’ 12 districts met in convention this June, discussing local ministry topics and weighing in on synodical matters as well. Learn more and see pictures. 👇

Each of WELS’ 12 districts met in convention this June, discussing local ministry topics and weighing in on synodical matters as well. “District conventions are a good opportunity for grassroots review of what the various entities of the synod have done, are doing, and are planning to do,” say...

09/07/2024

Sadly, there is a fraudulent account for Steve and Lydia Witte's memorial service livestream (see below). Please access the livestream through this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/gZpwPbeOpEE. This is the account for St. Mark Ministries, Green Bay, Wis., which is where the service is being held.

Please note that this fraudulent page does NOT have the correct information for the Witte memorial service today. Do not click or share any links that are not affiliated with St. Mark Ministries.

08/07/2024

Our prayers are with all those who loved these precious children of God.

During the early hours of Sunday, June 30, a fire broke out and killed Steve Witte and five of his family members. Witte, the team leader for WELS’ Asia One Team and president emeritus of Asia Lutheran Seminary, was home on furlough from Thailand and gathering with his family at a vacation rental ...

07/07/2024

“Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

“Faith is being sure about what we hope for, being convinced about things we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). “If we have faith in each other, we will win.” A new college football coach urged the fans to trust him. He came in with an exciting, fast-paced system guaranteed to score lots of points....

05/07/2024

One hundred seventy-five people graduated from Martin Luther College on May 18. Learn more about these Christians who trained for full-time gospel ministry.

To see Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary graduates, visit forwardinchrist.net/2024-wls-grads. Volume 111, Number 7 Issue: July 2024

04/07/2024

Freedom. Independence. It’s more than parades and picnics and fireworks.

“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ ” (John 8:31,32). Freedom. Independence. It’s more than parades and picnics and fireworks. It’s more than hamburgers and watermelon and apple pie. It’s ...

03/07/2024

The July issue is here! Learn more about the newest class of seminary graduates and where they are now serving.

To see Martin Luther College's graduates, visit forwardinchrist.net/2024-mlc-graduates. Volume 111, Number 7 Issue: July 2024

02/07/2024

Supporting our brothers and sisters in faith . . .

02/07/2024

"God’s faithfulness was with me in every crying season.”

As sad as your saddest day on earth, heaven will be more joyful. I met a Christian man recently who is writing a book about his life. His goal isn’t to get famous. He just wants to write down what his life has been like. Here’s the title: Crying Seasons. Yes, you read that right: Crying Seasons.

02/07/2024

Two Christian parents offer practical tips for real-life situations.

Contemplating some conversations creates butterflies in my stomach. Talking about death with my children falls into that category. What a comfort these two articles are for me! They offer practical tips for real-life situations. This is one of those columns that will go into my “saved” folder fo...

01/07/2024

Your understanding isn’t in control of your life. God is.

Your understanding isn’t in control of your life. God is. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Do you need that encouragement today? I do. Like a walking stick that breaks when you lean on it, our understanding can’t handle the weight...

01/07/2024

WELS President Mark Schroeder shares information about WELS Missionary Steve Witte and his family. Click the link for the full statement, including Scripture to comfort all who mourn. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25,26).

WELS Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Yesterday, we received the news of a terrible tragedy. Six members of an extended family lost their lives in a house fire at a vacation rental near Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Those now in heaven are: Pastor Steve

30/06/2024

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). Have you ever been at a loss for words? Maybe it was when you saw an incredibly beautiful vista. Perhaps it happened as you watched a talented musician, artist, or athlete perform. It likely happened wh...

30/06/2024

In his book Seeing God’s Heart: The Certainty of His Love for Me, Pastor Lynn E. Wiedmann begins with a challenging, yet honest, question: “What if you doubt that God loves you?”

In his book Seeing God’s Heart: The Certainty of His Love for Me, Pastor Lynn E. Wiedmann begins with a challenging, yet honest, question: “What if you doubt that God loves you?” It is a question that most, if not all, Christians wrestle with at least once in their faith journey, understandabl...

29/06/2024

A woman dedicated to supporting mission work shares stories about the start of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society (LWMS).

A woman dedicated to supporting mission work shares stories about the start of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society. When I was growing up, my grandma, Carol Niemeyer, was a steadfast example of a devoted Lutheran. Her faith and dedication were evident in everything she had accomplished, such a...

28/06/2024

FIC's executive editor, Pastor Jim Pope, and his wife, Cathy, are meeting FIC's readers at the 61st national convention of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society. Did you read the article in the June issue about Carol Niemeyer, who attended the first LWMS convention? If not, check it out at forwardinchrist.net/carol-niemeyer and you'll start to see what makes these conventions so special.