Bethlehem Lutheran Church River Grove, IL

In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world. 

 Finding God in the Floodwaters - As we witness the devastation caused by the recent floods in Texas, our hearts are heavy with sorrow—especially as we grieve the loss of many lives, including innocent children. Tragedies like these lead us to ask deep questions: Where is God in all of this? Why does He allow such suffering?  From a Christian perspective, we find comfort, not in having all the answers, but in knowing where to look—namely, to God's Word, to the cross of Christ, and to the promises He has made.

We live in a world that is deeply affected by sin—not just moral wrongdoing, but a brokenness that touches all of creation. Natural disasters, disease, and death are not part of God's original design but are symptoms of a fallen world.  “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.” (Romans 8:20–22, ESV) This groaning creation points us toward the hope that God will one day restore all things.

When disaster strikes, God is not far away. His Word assures us that He draws near to those who are crushed in spirit. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, ESV) In moments of grief and confusion, we cling to the nearness of God. He comforts, sustains, and provides strength for each day.

Our greatest comfort comes from knowing that Jesus Himself entered our suffering. He bore our pain on the cross and now walks with us in every sorrow. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps... He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:21–24, ESV) The cross of Christ is God’s declaration that He does not stand apart from our pain—but has taken it upon Himself.

As Christians, we are called to respond with love. When others suffer, we act—not just with words, but with tangible care, prayer, and support. “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

(Micah 6:8, ESV) In helping hands, shared tears, and rebuilding efforts, God’s love is made visible.

Even in tragedy, we cling to the promise that this is not the end of the story. God will one day wipe away every tear and restore creation.“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

(Revelation 21:4, ESV) Until that day, we walk by faith. We weep with those who weep, and we serve with compassion. And we wait in hope for the world made new.

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and opened the gates of heaven to all who trust in him.

God accepts all who believe in Jesus even though there is no merit or worthiness in us.

So that we might believe in Jesus, God has given us the ministry, which is the preaching of Christ and the

Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Through these, God also gives us the forgiveness of sins.

When God brings people to faith, He also produces many good works in our lives. These are done, not to earn

grace, but to do God’s will and please him. We love him because he first loved us.

God has given every man, woman and child a calling in life. Within that calling He directs us, and through

His Word, strengthens us to live for Him.

The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Bible is free from all error and contradiction in all that it says.

The Word of God brings us to Jesus our Lord.