President’s 2015 Annual Message

A patrol during World War II made it through an enemy minefield by putting their feet exactly in the spots where their leader had stepped. Jesus has walked through the devil’s minefield and emerged victorious over Satan. He was tempted as all people are, yet without sin. He perfectly kept God’s Law and taught God’s Word to the people. He endured the cross as our substitutionary sacrifice for sin. And He proclaimed His victory over Satan by His resurrection from the dead.
Since Jesus has secured for us salvation from sin, death, and Satan, He invites His children to walk in His footsteps, armed with God’s Word and strengthened by His Sacraments. In His Word, Jesus helps us navigate the perils of this wicked world to our heavenly home. This requires great vigilance.
Our 2015 convention essay focuses on the necessity of studying God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions to know the truth God has revealed. When many teachings are under fire from the world, it is important to become more fully aware of what the Bible teaches and why we confess the truths that we do.
When we see and hear so much that violates what is good, pure, and true, discouragement can set in. On many levels, the society we live in is putting pressure on confessional Lutheran churches to turn away from God’s Word. In addition, a growing number of people express a lack of interest in organized religion, making our evangelism efforts more difficult. People claim to be open-minded to the world, but are close-minded to traditional teachings of Scripture. Our synod pastors express concern over a lack of church attendance and apathy among members.
How can we respond? First, pray that God’s Word would enlighten minds with the Gospel. Second, admit that we are sheep who are prone to stray and who need the Good Shepherd to lead us to the truth. Third, build ourselves up in the faith and keep ourselves in God’s love (Jude 20–23).
Rescuing souls requires thoughtful planning on how best to use the resources God has given us. The Lord has given our congregations a new resource in calling the Rev. Lawrence Wentzlaff as our Evangelism–Missions Counselor.
While there are no easy answers to reaching out with the Gospel, God has given us His Word, which is the power for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). That Word is being taught in our synod’s educational schools—Bethany Lutheran College, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, and our K–12 schools throughout the nation.
Another common malady with living in perilous times is doubt—questioning some part of Scripture, or Christ’s work of salvation, or our Christian lives and church work. The struggle against doubt can be aided by joining with fellow Christians in worship to hear God’s Word directing us to all that Jesus has done to save the world.
The annual message by President John Moldstad was redacted by the editor.