Reading & Study Archives

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…

On the Sufficiency of Scripture

During the years leading up to the Reformation, the Roman papacy had convinced much of Christendom that the Scriptures were not enough to settle questions of doctrine and life.

On the Authority of Scripture

Central to the project of the Lutheran Reformation was the restoration of the supreme authority of Scripture within the life of the Church.

Lutheran Spotlight: Johann Gerhard

Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) died as a professor of theology at the University of Jena, a post he had held for twenty-one years. His popularity there was evidenced by the fact that he received and turned down over twenty calls during his time as a professor.