As Christians, we have the timeless truths of God's Word. The law convicts us of our sin and shows us our need for a Savior. The gospel tells us about God's abundant grace in sending all mankind his Son, our Savior, to take our sins away.

The healing power of God's Word comes up often in the pages of this issue. Pastor Michael Feuerstahler shares how the promises of God's Word are especially powerful on the deathbed, a time when we need God to calm our fears. The gospel also can comfort us during difficult times in our lives. Linda Buxa relates how a congregation is using the Word to bring healing to broken families and those suffering from the pain of divorce. Finally the Scriptures bring unity to us as a church body by keeping the gospel message--as well as our mission to spread those life-saving truths--in front of us.

Once we have been healed by the Word, we--as individuals and as a synodcan be joyful in all we do. WELS President Mark Schroeder shares more about that joy as he continues to look at who we are as a synod.

• Let me die a Lutheran!
• Confessions of faith
• Beyond logic
• Go sheep!
• Tattered Bible, tired message?

• Answers to Don Patterson's interactive Bible study, "God's tool belt for unity: The Word of God"
• Bible study for Michael Woldt's article on the public ministry.

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