For many years a mega church along the busy I-5 through Tacoma, Washington, had this sign prominently displayed: “CHRIST IS THE ANSWER!” But I often thought passing by, “Yes, but most people do not know the question!” Consider the various times in the New Testament the proper question was stated:
- The Samaritan woman at the well: “Where do you get that living water?”
- Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night: “How can a man be born when he is old?”
- Religious lawyer: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
- A rich young man: “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
- Pilate sitting in judgment of Jesus: “What is truth?”
- The Philippian jailer about to commit suicide: “What must I do to be saved?”
- Paul and his struggle with sin: ”Who will deliver me from this body of death?
I assume you know the question, since you believe in Christ Jesus as your Savior. You too are blessed in that you hunger and thirst after righteousness. When you know the answer is Christ, you are filled and satisfied spiritually. Christ is the answer for you before your Father in heaven. His blood made payment for all your sin. His holy life was lived in your place so you are declared right before God dressed in Jesus’ holiness. Praise be to your gracious Lord who not only provided the answer for you spiritually and everlastingly, but that you were also led by Him to ask the right question.
Glenn Obenberger
Ordination
The ordination of Caleb Von Deylen took place on July 20, 5:00pm at Lakewood Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lakewood, Washington. There were 11 pastors present.
Installation in Bowling Green, Ohio
Nicholas Lilienthal was installed as pastor of Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, Ohio on Sunday, July 6. Pastor Paul Schneider performed the rite of installation. Pastor Kurtis Freimuth served as liturgist.
Our Bethany Lutheran College
The Advancement Office at Bethany Lutheran College is happy to report the success of the recently-concluded 2024–25 Bethany Fund campaign. With a fantastic surge of support over the final two months of the fiscal year, through almost 2,600 gifts, a total of $858,914 was raised! What a wonderful blessing guided by our gracious God!
Many alumni and friends of Bethany came together to not only meet our goal of $800K, but also help the college with extra funding to meet some of its financial demands. A huge factor in this success can be attributed to our brethren across the ELS … pastors, delegates, congregational members, and even some of our churches … all who united before, during, and after the June Synod Convention to show true Christian love and stewardship for our dear Bethany Lutheran College. This groundswell of support behind the mission of Bethany and everyone connected with the college is tremendously impactful. We are inspired to know our synod is unified with the opportunity provided by God at BLC to bring our students the best Christian-focused collegiate experience possible.
While we rejoice in this wonderful news, we know there are many challenges ahead as we remain focused on the “One Thing Needful.” In that regard, we humbly ask God for His guidance and wisdom, clinging to His promise of The Good News to those who stay faithful in His Word. To God Alone Be The Glory.
As we begin our 98th year at Bethany Lutheran College we look forward to hosting the National Auxiliary Day on Monday, September 22, 2025. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Bethany faculty and students about the exciting things happening in their programs. The group will also take part in the annual business meeting where auxiliary members vote on projects to support. Lunch will include updates from ELS President Glenn Obenberger and Seminary President Timothy Hartwig. Looking forward to having our auxiliary members here!
Teachers Conference
Thirteen teachers from the ELS attended the 25th conference of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education in Mequon, Wisconsin. Rev. David Thompson also served as a speaker at the conference, presenting on “Why Christian Apologetics is Essential and Lutheran.”
LYA Convention
Over 180 ELS youth from around the country attended the annual LYA Convention July 24–28 in Spokane, Washington! Youth attended classes, morning and evening devotions, went tubing on the Spokane River and visited the Silverwood Amusement Park. Next year, the convention will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio with visits planned to the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter.
Upcoming Events
August 14 – Board of Trustees
August 19 – Board for World Outreach
September 11–12 – Circuit Visitors’ Conference
September 16 – Committee on Archives and History
September 29–30 – Board for Lutheran Schools
View current vacancies and calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
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