Beloved by God – Baptized and Justified “And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17             One of the most clear demonstrations of Lutheran theology is the baptism of an infant.  Thereby, we practice and preach the clear Gospel that we...

The Full Circle of Baptisms and Funerals “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”   1 Peter 3:21 The gifts given in Holy Baptism are...

The Seal of Baptism – God’s Name “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 One of my favorite “tools”...

Rev. William Blankenship, former lay deacon in Northeast Missouri, received ordination at 78 years young.   Pictured Front row L to R: Pastors Ken Schamber, President Lee Hagan, Bill Blankenship, Scott Salo, and Jacob Hercamp. Back row L to R: Pastors Wes Gehrke, Jeffrey Dock, Eric Carlson, and Mark Appold....