Inter-Lutheran Seminary, 914 Pine Street, Hancock, MI (2026)

The Inter-Lutheran Theological Seminary is incorporated as a non-profit religious organization whose purpose is to establish and maintain a theological institution for the training of Christian ministers and workers.

08/28/2026

September 2026 newsletter by Jay Weidner

Dear Friends,

One of the courses that we are offering this Fall is on the Acts of the Apostles. This book of the Bible is always inspiring and its emphasis on the mission of the church in its earliest days is a necessary study on how we are to continue to approach the world even in our own time. Although the book is titled as it is, it might just as well have been titled The Continuing Work of Jesus the Christ. It’s actually volume 2 of the Gospel of Luke and reflects the promise of Jesus that he would continue to be with His followers and work mightily in and through them. Witness Acts 3:1-16:

Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:1-16 KJV)

We need to understand the same Jesus is with us and we are called to witness of Him to the world in the same power, by the same Holy Spirit. The world our God loves is in need of that witness even now and we, like the apostles and all early Christians, are the ones empowered to do that work. Please join us for Acts class Monday evenings at 7:00 Eastern as we study how richly God blessed His church in its early days and see how through His Word He continues to do so. May the Lord bless us all as we endeavor to bring the light of His gospel to all people everywhere. We thank you for Your support as we continue to do the work God has entrusted to us to train witnesses of His saving work. May God bless you and yours. You are always in our prayers.

God’s Peace,
Jay Weidner

07/29/2026

August 2026 newsletter by Pastor Chuck Bylkas

Dear Friends,

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bo***ge. … 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:1, 13-14

Two hundred and fifty years ago this past July, representatives from the American Colonies gathered at the Pennsylvania State House to sign what is now known as the Declaration of Independence. These men knew that signing the Declaration could very well come at a great price. King George III had already announced that those who rebel against the Crown were disloyal and could by tried for treason. The penalty of such treason was death. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were convinced that freedom from tyranny was worth the risk.

During the American Revolution, many soldiers gave their lives in battle to preserve the freedom of our new nation. In the two centuries that followed, many other men and women would also lay down their lives upon what President Abraham Lincoln would one time refer to as “the altar of freedom.” It is this cherished freedom that serves as a hallmark of greatness for our country.

The Bible also speaks of the great gift of freedom that God has given to His people. There are some distinct differences between the freedom that we enjoy as American citizens and the freedom that we have as God’s children. The American colonists fought against the tyranny of the British Crown, while God has delivered us from the tyranny of sin by the finished work of Christ at the Cross. National freedom is temporal, Godly freedom is eternal. We celebrate our freedom as American citizens by asserting our rights, but God has given freedom to Christians so that we might serve one another. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

As wonderful as it is to enjoy the freedoms that we have as American citizens, it pales in comparison to the great freedom that we have in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Although there are differences between earthly and spiritual freedom, there is at least one striking similarity. Freedom comes at great price. The price of blood. We are grateful for the men and women in history who shed their blood to preserve the freedom of our nation. Even so, we are most thankful for the greater sacrifice of the blood of God’s Son, which has granted us the greatest freedom of all. Thanks be to God!

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bo***ge to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:31-36

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Chuck Bylkas

06/29/2026

July newsletter by Jay Weidner

Dear Friends,

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser:
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:
And the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:9-10

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge:
But he that hateth reproof is brutish. Proverbs 12:1

In May, Loren Bergstedt, one of the most faithful and honorable men who has served on the board of this seminary went to be for eternity with His Lord. The passages from Proverbs quoted above fit this wonderful man perfectly. He had an insatiable appetite for learning and when we first met as he was serving as Chairman of the Congregation of the Esko Apostolic Lutheran Church we would often stay long after board meetings to discuss a wide range of topics until the wee hours of the next morning. He was well informed but never overbearing in his opinions, assured and always gracious. They are conversations and memories that have stayed with me through these many years. So deep was his understanding and so magnanimous his personality that I asked him to serve on the board of the seminary. He accepted the opportunity with the same provision he often voiced that he felt unworthy of the position. Loren was more than worthy, he was the epitome of a great board member: thoughtful, insightful and never abrasive. He consistently provided immense wisdom to the operation of the seminary and faithfully supported it financially. His giftedness was recognized by all and he soon became chairman of the seminary board. A position he served in flawlessly for many years. All of these characteristics are directly attributable to Jesus the Christ whom he served with the fulness of his life and by whose Spirit he manifested His glory and goodness. There is one instance of a late night conversation with Loren the remains fixed in my mind. After I had returned from an intensive session of my graduate work at Concordia Seminary Fort Wayne, Loren asked me what I had learned. I replied that I didn’t know that I could break it down and explain it. Loren looked right at me and with an unaccustomed sternness said, “You better. We don’t send you there just to educate yourself. We do it so that you can teach us.” Those words have stayed with me all of this time. There isn’t a moment that I approach my study or my instruction without recognizing the greater need of clearly communicating the depth of God’s goodness to others. When Loren had to resign from the board because he didn’t feel he could perform in the office any longer we accepted his resignation with great regret. His passing reminds me always of the great investment God makes in people who serve His kingdom, how He never fails to provide those whom He has gifted to serve with marvelous gifts that bless other people and continue to do so. In Loren we were so blessed.

Thanks be to God! God’s Peace,
Jay Weidner

05/28/2026

June 2026 newsletter by Pastor Chuck Bylkas

Dear Friends,

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” I Peter 2:9-10

During the celebration of the Easter season, we not only celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but our own resurrection as well. The season of Pentecost emphasizes how we then shall live because of that Resurrection. The Apostle Peter writes his epistle with a desire to give hope to a people who are enduring trials and tribulations. He encourages the people, and us as well by reminding them and us of the power of the Risen Lord Jesus and what His resurrection means. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” What an uplifting message for those who are suffering! We are born again to a living hope by the Resurrection of Christ! By faith, we possess a divine inheritance that will not be taken away from us! Later, Peter declares “…that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you…” It is a wonderful reminder that our hope does not rest upon the things that we do, but rather upon the finished work of Christ, that God had ordained from the time of creation. As the Apostle Paul has said, even the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that awaits His children.

In chapter two of that same epistle, Peter tells us that each one of us has become a “lively stone” that is part of a magnificent spiritual house, of which Christ is the cornerstone. Those who refuse to believe in Christ stumble over Him and fall, but it is not so with us. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” What a marvelous declaration! We are a chosen people, chosen by God Himself. We are a royal priesthood, because we are children of the King of Kings. We are a holy nation, because we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and are now dressed in His robe of righteousness. We are a peculiar people. Not peculiar in the sense of being odd or strange, but peculiar in the sense of belonging to God. We are His children! We praise God because He delivered us from darkness into the light. At one time, we were not a people, but now because of the death and Resurrection of Christ, we belong to God. At one time, we had not received mercy, but now because of the Cross, we have received mercy. What a wonderful message for those who are discouraged or overwhelmed by the cares and struggles of this life! May God strengthen us in faith, so that we might lay hold of this great and glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! As always, we thank you for your continued support of the ministry of the seminary. God bless you!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Chuck Bylkas

04/28/2026

May 2026 newsletter by Jay Weidner

Dear Friends,

The Meaning of the Ascension

The day of The Ascension of Our Lord is on May 14, 2026. Sadly, it is often overlooked and virtually forgotten because it is a midweek celebration. It is a very significant event in the New Testament as recorded in Mark 16:19 and expounded upon in the book of Hebrews.

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Mk. 16:19 KJV)

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb. 9:11-28 KJV)

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb. 10:14-22 KJV)

A very significant event indeed. May God sanctify it in our hearts and remembrance. A blessed Ascension to you and yours.

God’s Peace,
Jay Weidner

03/27/2026

April 2026 newsletter by Pastor Chuck Bylkas

Dear Friends,

“ Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.” Acts 2:22-24

As we move from the Lenten season into Holy Week and the season of Easter, we reflect on how God has done so many wonderful things for His people. During His earthly ministry, Jesus performs many miracles that defy explanation. Even the suffering and death of Jesus Christ is hard for us to grasp. How is it that an infinite God can experience death? Why would He offer His Beloved Son as a sacrifice for the sins of Adam’s rebellious descendants? And perhaps most importantly, how can a man rise from the dead?

The difficulty in grappling with these questions is one of perspective. Our fallen reason prevents us from seeing or even desiring to see the plan of salvation from God’s perspective. Our sinful minds tell us that miracles are impossible, evil just might overcome good and perhaps death does have the final word. God tells us the exact opposite. Miracles are simple for the God who created the universe by speaking it into existence. Good will not merely defeat evil. The victory we have in Christ will be an absolute triumph. Resurrection from the dead is not a possibility; it is a certainty. Death will not win, because it cannot win. The grave cannot contain Jesus Christ, “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He should be holden of it.” Acts 2:24
Over and over again, the Holy Scriptures remind us not of the possibility of hope, but rather of the certainty of hope. God always keeps His promises. Love never fails. Our sins are forgiven. We are God’s new creation. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. The devil is defeated. Death is swallowed up in victory. Because Christ was raised from the dead, we too shall rise from the dead. God be praised!

Thank you once again for the many ways you support the ministry of the seminary. God bless you with a joyous Holy Week and Easter season.

Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:55-57

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Chuck Bylkas

Address

914 Pine Street
Hancock, MI
49930

Telephone

+19064823337

Website

http://www.ilseminary.org/

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