June 2026

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

Donations received...

In memory of Rev. Dr. Earl Kaurala

From Heath Anderson

In memory of Orval Wirkkala

From Jimmy & Barbara Maunu

In memory of Rod & Dolly Johnson

From Jimmy & Barbara Maunu

In memory of Ernest Bylkas Jr.

From Judy Bylkas

In memory of Ernest Bylkas Sr. & Martha Bylkas

From Judy Bylkas

In memory of William Forsman

From Pastor Chuck Bylkas, Joy & family

Neal & Cheryl Hendrickson

In memory of Kenneth Hanninen

From Pastor Chuck Bylkas, Joy & family

As summer approaches and classes have ended, the Seminary remains busy!! The fall classes have tentatively been set.

The daily classes include Christian Dogmatics II, Eschatology, Evangelism, Churches, Sects & Isms, Gospel of Mark, Daniel & Genesis which will begin on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The Monday night class will be the Acts of the Apostles and will begin on September 14, 2026, at 7PM.  Please stay tuned for a final schedule in the next couple months or view the latest information on our website https://ilseminary.org/classchedule.htm.

If you are interested in taking classes or have questions, feel free to call 906-482-3337 or email cilseminary@ilseminary.com.