Author: The LCMS

Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World Companion Bible Study

This six-part study covers major events and themes of the Reformation, using the PBS documentary for points of illustration.

Luther and the Jews

While The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod holds Martin Luther in high esteem for his bold proclamation and clear articulation of the teachings of Scripture, it deeply regrets, deplores, and repudiates statements made by Luther which express a negative and hostile attitude toward the Jews.

Luther and Care for the Dying

Learning from the wisdom of Luther, what can we draw in our own care for the dying? That we should be present as we are able and we should encourage them with the assurance that we are praying for them. All the more, we should point them to the promises of Jesus.

A Reformation Timeline

This timeline confirms what we know by experience: change will take place. But in changing times God’s Word reminds us that He is always faithful to His people. With hearty confidence and trust we can say with King David, “My times are in Your hands” (Psalm 31:15).

Supporting people and families experiencing developmental disabilities

This presentation will explore how the presence of developmental disabilities affects everyone in the family unit.

LCMS Stewardship Ministry – September 2017 newsletter

LCMS Stewardship Ministry considers the journey for a pastor and congregation in leading stewardship. Only one standard, that of faithfulness, guides them along their way.

Luther’s Catechism Hymns

Over the course of his life, Luther wrote hymns on all six chief parts of the catechism. He did not specifically compose them at one time as a set, and in fact most of these predate the publication of the Small Catechism in 1529, but it is natural that similar themes would be found in both his hymnody and his writings. In some cases Luther modified existing hymns, while others were completely new compositions.

Smalcald Article Study: The Law

Luther, in the Smalcald Articles, isn't so much confronting an error directly (that comes in the next Article on Repentance), but is instead making a positive confession about what the Law is and what role it plays in the world.

Life Together with President Harrison – September 2017

This month’s Life Together News Digest focuses on the Synod’s initial response to Hurricane Irma and the sustained response to Harvey.

Luther and Islam, Part 2: How the Christian Fights

Luther says, “there ought to be only two [who fight]: the one is named Christian, the other, Emperor Charles” Christians may indeed serve in the offices of soldier or ruler, but then they would find their duties in the civil realm.

Luther and Islam, Part 1: The Civil Realm

In 1453, Constantinople, the capital city of the Byzantine Empire, fell to the Muslim Ottoman Turks. This marked a decisive end for the eastern Christian empire. But the Turks also pressed westward into Europe, conquering Greece and the Baltics.

Cranach’s “Let the Little Children Come to Me”

Although Cranach was not an ordained pastor, he was most certainly a theologian, using his skills with paint and brush to visually proclaim the mercy of Christ.

Lutheran Spotlight: Nicolaus Decius

The contributions of Nicolaus Decius to Lutheran hymnody, although few, actually predate the first published hymns of Martin Luther by one year. 

Bible Study with Luther: Genesis 10 and 11

In the Large Catechism on the First Commandment Luther says, “There has never been a nation so wicked that it did not establish and maintain some sort of worship. All people have set up their own god, to whom they looked for blessings, help, and comfort.

40 Daily Devotions of God’s Comfort — The Lord’s Mercy Endures Forever

These 40 devotions — which each include a Scripture passage, a meditation, a prayer and a hymn — are focused on bringing God’s comfort and peace to those who are struggling after a disaster or other crisis.