by Rev. Mark Bestul Simply put, the kingdom of the right is the Church, both in earth and heaven. In Luther’s On Temporal Authority, the reformer refers to this as “the kingdom of God.” Yet, we ought not understand this as if the kingdom of the left is not also under God’s rule; rather, we… Read More >
Kingdom of the Left: Luther on Temporal Authority
by Rev. Aaron Moldenhauer Election day in the United States is near, providing a good occasion to consider temporal authority. Since the twentieth century, Lutherans have spoken about a “two-kingdoms” doctrine to work out the relationship between church and state.[1] Martin Luther, living before this vocabulary developed, worked with concepts of “two governments” or “two… Read More >
The Ninety-Five Theses
by Dr. Jack Kilcrease To understand the 95 Theses, we must first examine the nature of indulgences. According Roman Catholic theology, within the process of confession and absolution there is a distinction between “eternal punishment” and “temporal punishment” due to sin. All sin is worthy of damnation (i.e., eternal punishment). When a person comes to… Read More >
Formula of Concord Study: Article VI
by Rev. Mark Bestul Even during Luther’s lifetime, a strong “antinomian” (against the Law) spirit had risen up among certain theologians who claimed that, once the Gospel regenerates the heart, the Law is no longer needed. Luther defended against such dangerous notions (championed by John Agricola), saying, “The Law must be retained, that the saints… Read More >
Philipp Nicolai
by Rev. Stephen Preus If you are a Lutheran, chances are that the music of Philipp Nicolai has delighted your ears and his words have flowed joyfully from your tongue.[1] Nicolai is the writer of text and tune of what have become known as the “Queen of Chorales” (“O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright”)[2]… Read More >
“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”
by Rev. Dr. Mark Birkholz Luther’s Reformation hymn, “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” (LSB 655) is one of his best known compositions. When it was published in 1542, it appeared with the subtitle, “A Children’s Hymn, to be Sung Against the Two Archenemies of Christ and His Holy Church, the Pope and Turk.”[1] … Read More >
A Foundation and Structure for Faith
by Rev. A. Brian Flamme Books are like buildings. Think of them as constructed with words and thoughts rather than with bricks and mortar. The author lays one idea upon the other to form sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and conclusions. To be sure, not all books have the same architecture. Some are beautiful in their eloquence… Read More >
A Simple Way to Pray
by Rev. Matthew L.G. Zickler Something I always say as a pastor is that our sinful nature prevents us from seeing just how broken we really are by sin. One of the effects of this is found in the inability that we have to even pray properly. I don’t know about you but I find… Read More >
Solus Christus
by Rev. Dr. Mark Birkholz What was the Reformation about? Indulgences? Purgatory? The authority of the pope? Education? Luther? Here (as in Sunday School) the answer is simple: Jesus. The Reformation was all about Jesus. Specifically, the Reformation was about Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as our only source of forgiveness, life, and salvation…. Read More >
Bible Study with Luther: Galatians 5:1-6
by Rev. Jesse Burns In chapter 4 of Galatians, St. Paul uses Sarah and Hagar to illustrate that salvation comes not by works of the law, but according to the promise of God. In the final verse, Paul declares that Christians are children of the free woman (4:31). We are heirs of eternal life by… Read More >