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Smalcald Article Study: Baptism

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”?

Luther’s Time at the Wartburg

Luther’s Time at the Wartburg

Wartburg Castle was a hunting castle that belonged to the ducal family of Saxony. To the present day, it lies in the Thuringian forest in north-central Germany.

Reformation Theology of Missions

Reformation Theology of Missions

From its beginning, the Reformation was missional; it called forth evangelists to carry the message of the Gospel throughout the world.

“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.