Reading & Study

“Savior of the Nations, Come” – Hymn Feature

“Savior of the Nations, Come” – Hymn Feature

“Savior of the Nations, Come” includes longing or expectation for a Savior; the work of Jesus and His triumph over death; and life in the light of Christ. It is the appointed Hymn of the Day for the first Sunday in Advent in both the one and three-year lectionary.

Bible Study with Luther: Genesis 17:15-27

Bible Study with Luther: Genesis 17:15-27

In his lectures on Genesis, Luther marvelously describes the nature of faith and believing. Abraham was justified by faith (Rom. 4:1-6). He believed the extraordinary promises of the Lord and the Lord counted it to him as righteousness (Gen. 15:6). The same is true for you.

“Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” – Hymn Feature

“Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” – Hymn Feature

This Parable of the Ten Virgins basis for Philipp Nicolai’s great hymn, “Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” (LSB 516). Known as the “King of Chorales,” this is the Hymn of the Day for the Last Sunday of the Church Year.

Reformers on the Marks of the Church

Reformers on the Marks of the Church

The Western Church, prior to the Lutheran Reformation, had been arguing about the church. Was its top instance of decision-making authority, for example, the Roman Curia or a (properly convened) council?

Bible Study: It’s Still All About Jesus

Bible Study: It’s Still All About Jesus

This one-session Bible study helps participants see the whole Reformation as a quest for pure Gospel (“Christ saves”) preaching. Download and distribute for Sunday morning Bible class or a home study!

Reformation-themed Bible Studies

Reformation-themed Bible Studies

The LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations presents a monthly series of Reformation-themed Bible studies to encourage “in-depth examination and study of the ecumenical creeds and Lutheran Confessions.”

What is the Litany?

What is the Litany?

The Litany was in use during Luther's early years of reform, though he desired it to be sung in the Mass and the daily offices of the congregations.

Smalcald Article Study: The Gospel

Smalcald Article Study: The Gospel

The heart of the Scriptures, the heart of Luther’s preaching and teaching, and the heart of Lutheran theology, is the Gospel. This time we read Part III, Article 4 of the Smalcald Articles, which brings us back to this heart.

Bible Study with Luther: Genesis 17:1-14

Bible Study with Luther: Genesis 17:1-14

The hallmark of the Reformation is justification by faith alone. Luther emphasized this Reformation truth in his lectures on Genesis, particularly regarding the covenant of circumcision.

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” – Hymn Feature

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” – Hymn Feature

The precise motivation for Luther’s text is unclear, yet evidence exists that it spread quickly and gained notoriety in significant fashion. It was sung at the Diet of Augsburg (1555) and in all the churches of Saxony.