by Rev. Mark C. Bestul One might think the question “Are good works necessary?” is a pretty straight forward question. But, without clearly defining the terms “good works” and “necessary”… well, that leaves just the “are” to be straight forward! The Lutherans of the Reformation era found that answering this question about good works wasn’t so… Read More >
Bible Study with Luther: Galatians 4:21-31
by Rev. Paul Doellinger The propensity of the sinner is to trust in the visible works of the Law; to place our confidence in our own deeds, rather than the saving act of Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Law gives us something to follow and do. If we keep it, we feel secure and accomplished…. Read More >
Oratio
by Rev. Christopher Maronde “I would have been quite content to see my books, one and all, remain in obscurity and go by the board.” (LW 34:283) Martin Luther wanted all of his books to be burned, or, at least, collect dust in obscurity for the rest of history. Luther had a low opinion of… Read More >
Bible Study with Luther: Galatians 4:8-20
by Rev. Jesse Burns Luther, writing about our redemption in the Smalcald Articles, states, “Nothing in this article can be given up or compromised, even if heaven and earth and things temporal should be destroyed.…On this article rests all that we teach and practice against the pope, the devil, and the world. Therefore we must… Read More >
Hymns Are Devotions
by Dcs. Carolyn Brinkley Our hymnal is a treasury of devotions. Although we mainly think of hymns in the context of corporate worship, they are also perfectly suited for devotional use in the home for both family and private daily worship. Hymns are prepackaged succinct poetic meditations that can be sung, spoken, and prayed. These… Read More >
Bible Study With Luther: Galatians 4:1-7
by Rev. Paul M. Doellinger “Am I really saved? Am I doing enough? Will God even recognize my good works on Judgment Day?” These sorts of questions are born out of the Law, which always demands and never gives. The Law frightens us: its commands leave us with no excuse and its threats leave us… Read More >
Formula of Concord Study: Articles I and II
by Rev. Mark Bestul For the first of the monthly studies on the Formula of Concord, see the blog post from Rev. Aaron Moldenhauer dated May 23. As with the other confessions of the Book of Concord, the study of the Formula of Concord includes a study of history and theology – (1) the historical… Read More >
Bible Study with Luther: Galatians 3:19-29
by Rev. Jesse Burns The fifth article of the Formula of Concord states: “The distinction between law and Gospel is an especially brilliant light which serves the purpose that the Word of God may be rightly divided and the writings of the holy prophets and apostles may be explained and understood correctly. We must therefore… Read More >
Bible Study with Luther: Galatians 3:10-18
by Rev. Paul M. Doellinger “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:6) “For I the Lord your God do not change.” (Malachi 3:6a) These verses hold true when it comes to the doctrine of justification. It’s not as if Moses was justified by keeping the Law and St. Paul by faith. … Read More >
Formula of Concord Study: Introduction
by Rev. Aaron Moldenhauer This post is the first in a series of monthly studies in the Formula of Concord. Historical Background to the Formula of Concord The Lutheran churches in the Holy Roman Empire experienced great turmoil after Martin Luther’s death in 1546. There were two causes for this turmoil: political and theological…. Read More >