Reading & Study

The Large and Small Catechisms of Dr. Luther

The Large and Small Catechisms of Dr. Luther were born of pastoral necessity. In 1528, Luther and his colleagues visited the congregations in Saxony to assess their spiritual health. Luther was horrified.

Bible Study with Luther: Genesis 12

Luther says of the Genesis 12:1, “Therefore this passage is important as proof for the doctrine of grace over against the worth of merits and works, which reason extols so highly.

What Did The Reformers Say About Angels?

As Western Christians celebrate the church festival of St. Michael and All Angels (also known as Michaelmas) during this season, it is fitting to explore the topics of interest regarding angels that occupied the thoughts of the Reformers—namely, their existence and how they intervene on God’s behalf in the lives of Christians—and examine what the Church actually confesses concerning these creatures as taught from Holy Scripture.

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.

Stewardship Basics Bible study

“Stewardship Basics,” a new eight-part Bible study from LCMS Stewardship Ministry, is available at no charge to help congregations start a discussion of whole-life stewardship.

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.

LCMS Worship – Keynote presentations from 2017 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Worship Ministry presents the keynote presentations from the 2017 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music, which was held in July at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, Ill.

How Can I Help?

6 ways to actually help during a natural disaster.

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. 

Thoughts and encouragement from a disaster pro

I am pleased to offer this brief but worthwhile Hurricane Harvey-related commentary by my esteemed predecessor as Director of LCMS Disaster Response, the Rev. Glenn F. Merritt, now retired in Arlington, Texas.

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.

On The Inerrancy of Scripture

Is the Bible true? Is it really reliable or is it full of errors? Doesn’t it contradict itself? Luther and other Lutheran Reformers answered these questions in no uncertain terms, defending the inerrancy of Scripture with gusto.

On the Clarity of Scripture

Since Martin Luther, Lutherans have held to the clarity of Scripture, insisting that Scripture is clear. But what does that mean?

Lutheran Congregational Mercy Work

*This is Part two of seven in a series of Basic Theology of Mercy Work Series* Lutheran Congregational Mercy Work There has recently been a resurgence of congregational mercy work…