LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces – First Quarter 2025 newsletter

This issue of So Help Me God, the newsletter of LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, focuses on submission and humility in the Christian life.

In his first article, Chaplain Steven Hokana discusses the freedom that we have in Christ. Paul says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). The “yoke of slavery” is the Law; under the judgement of the Law, we deserve death. But Christ our Savior took our place on the cross, fulfilled the Law perfectly and redeemed us from all our sin.

What are we to make of the Law now? In Christ, we are not bound to obey the Law perfectly and therefore obtain salvation by our works. Rather, in Christ, obedience to the Law bears the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22–23).

In his second article, Hokana talks about submission out of reverence for Christ, who humbled Himself completely on the cross. (Eph. 5:21). “For all of us,” Hokana explains, “it cannot be understated that our relationship with God in Christ is in the humility and shame found on the cross. … The glory of God (Is. 45:15) and His all-powerful presence in the universe is hidden in the humiliation of the cross.”

Finally, a list of passages in Scripture which address the topic of submission is included to guide you in terms of how you think about submission and humility in your life.

Web pages and resources that can help individuals grow in Christ can also be found in this newsletter.