Reading & Study Archives

Whether in Hong Kong or Taiwan, the Synod’s Asia mission doesn’t change

Whether in Hong Kong or Taiwan, the Synod's mission in the Asia region does not change. The work continues to focus on the preaching of Christ crucified.

A Day in the Life of a Mercy Medical Team Clinic

It's day one of the first ever Mercy Medical Team serving in Togo. Walk through the day with us to see what it's like to serve in a medical clinic on…

Smalcald Article Study: Baptism

For this topic, there is really only one question to be considered: What is the importance of this sentence: “Baptism is nothing other than God’s Word in the water, commanded by His institution”?

A Christmas Day Devotion for the Poor Among Us

Apart from God - we are all in the dark, we are all hungry, we are all homeless and alone. And when it comes to being saved by God, we are all beggars with nothing to offer. But God sent His Son to lavish us in the richness of His love and mercy. So my dear friends if you feel unwanted, unloved, unforgiven, lonely and written off by the world as unimportant, then let me just say this – Merry Christmas! God has sent His Son because you are wanted, you are loved, and you are forgiven. You are so precious that God would send His one and only Son to be born, to live, and to die in poverty so that you can have eternal life in glory with Him.

Journal of Lutheran Mission – December 2017

Discover both the opportunities and challenges the Lutheran Church experiences 500 years after the Reformation.

The End of the World and the Coming of Christ – An Advent Devotion for the Mission of the Church

John 14:25–31 25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he…

“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

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

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

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

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

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.