When Rev. Dr. Alvin L. Barry, 10th president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, died in office March 23, 2001, Dean David Smith preached his funeral sermon under the title, “The God Who Is Able.” The text was Jude 24: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling...
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked,” (Eph. 2:1–2a ESV). Paul does not say that we were spiritually sick. He does not say we were weak, wounded, confused, or merely in need of a little assistance. He says we were dead. And what...
There is a striking thing about Ephesians 1: Paul tells us about our salvation without giving us anything to brag about. Paul writes that God the Father “chose us in him before the foundation of the world” and “predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ,” (Eph....
During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our fourth reflection is based on Hab. 3:17–19 (ESV). “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord” (Hab. 3:18a ESV). “The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw” (Hab. 1:1 ESV) revealed a coming invasion of Judah and scattering of families....
During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our third reflection is based on Hab. 2:6–3:16 (ESV). “Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us” (Hab. 3:16b ESV). The Lord is with you in these days of August....
During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our second reflection is based on Hab. 1:12–2:5 (ESV). “But the righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4b, ESV). It’s common to hear of someone who carries out selfish acts that harm a lot of people. “She’s going...
During August, we reflect on God’s Word to the prophet Habakkuk. Our first reflection is based on Hab. 1:1-11 (ESV). “For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told” (Hab. 1:5b, ESV). It’s August in Missouri. Some people are on a trip. Some...
Barbara L. Wollberg July 23, 1952 – July 29, 2025 Barbara (Vogts) Wollberg, 73, died peacefully surrounded by family, July 29, 2025, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer, during which she showed immeasurable strength and positivity. She was born July 23, 1952, in Canton, Kan., to...
Dorothy L. King Oct. 10, 1947 – June 18, 2026 Dorothy L. King, née Riedel, passed away June 18, 2026, at age 78. Born Oct. 10, 1947, in Bismarck, N.D., Dorothy dedicated her life to education, faith, and family, leaving behind a legacy marked by compassion, devotion, and unwavering...
Marcia E. Schachtsiek March 18, 1944 – May 28, 2026 Marcia Elaine (Schulz) Schachtsiek, 82, of rural Palmyra, Mo., passed away May 28, 2026, at the Monroe City Manor, Monroe City, Mo. She was born March 18, 1944, in Julesburg, Colo., to Rev. Roy and Elvira (Bruns) Schulz and...