Reading & Study Archives

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?

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

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.

A Brief Advent Devotion for the Family Table

LCMS Worship suggests the following Advent devotions for use at home. Family members may take turns reading the prophecy for each day from Dec. 3 to Christmas Eve.

Comfort in the Righteousness of God

In his 1545 preface Luther noted how he once hated “the righteousness of God,” of which Paul spoke in Romans 1:17...

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

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.

The Cradle of Christ in Every Home: Reformation Translations of the Bible

Today most modern societies would find it hard to imagine a time when the Holy Scriptures were not accessible to them in a language they could understand, but to the people at the time of the Reformation this was the accepted norm.

Smalcald Article Study: Repentance

While we often think of repentance being poorly understood because of Papist emphasis on man’s efforts, the Reformers (and we still to this day) also recognized that many are burdened in conscience by the notion that Christians shouldn’t need to repent.

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.