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.

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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