Contrary to societal norm, true vocation is not defined by income, or accolades, or personal satisfaction. True vocation is defined by God's call to serve those around us. Faith at Work offers insights for Christian professionals working in various fields. With contributions from professionals in Christian higher education, he seeks to encourage graduate students and working professionals to develop a theological, economic and philosophical foundation for understanding how professionals help others flourish, to examine several vocations from a Christian perspective, and to discover how said professions inform ethical issues in their field and society.
Most leaders have learned from experience that there isn't a one-size-fits-all roadmap for leadership. Nonetheless, they press on, forging their way and creating their own leadership story. Jim Sanft, CEO of a complex financial services non-profit with 25 years of executive experience, shares his reflections along the way. Though not providing "all the answers," these experiences and lessons will encourage the Christian leader on his or her way.
Without the meaning behind sacred symbolism, its beauty quickly fades. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols provides a wealth of Christian symbolism in one place, in one artistic style, in one format. It briefly explains each symbol, offering a bit of historical use and practical advice on their use. Sacred art follows a parallel path with sacred music. Both point us to the Word of God by emphasizing Scripture or illustrating it or repeating it. Christian symbolism takes things another step by condensing narratives and ideas into concise visuals. By pondering them, it is possible to accent the richness of Scripture from a simple design. Readers will appreciate this guidebook of symbolism when confronted with unfamiliar sanctuaries, denominations, or sacred art.
A collection of essays on various aspects of the life, thought, and ministry of Hermann Sasse, a theologian at the university in Erlangen. Essays contributed by numerous Sasse scholars, many of whom knew Dr. Sasse personally.These essays are from the 1995 Lutheran Life Lectures at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
"These can seem like hopeless times. To faithful Christians, life can feel like everything is against them. But precisely in these hopeless times, Christians hear an other-worldly comfort in the eternal promise of Jesus: "Take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). In these brief chapters Matthew C. Harrison offers words of encouragement that have sustained him throughout these hopeless times: Take courage. Jesus, who has overcome the world, is for you, for your good. In Him is courage"--
Drawn from the Scriptures, the Apostles' Creed is a statement of what Christians believe. Simple, concise, and familiar, the Creed expresses what Christians know and believe from God's Word and is the foundation on which Christians build their understanding. Yet when you speak the Creed, do you think about what you are confessing? This Bible study examines the three articles of the Creed and how this ancient summary of the Christian faith articulates Christians' beliefs. Each lesson considers a portion of the Creed and its biblical foundations, then digs deeper into the meaning of the words to help readers connect the text to everyday thoughts and actions. Designed for small groups, each session includes discussion questions, prayer time, and a suggested hymn. Supplementing the sessions are topical essays that help readers put the Creed and its significance into perspective.
"When reading the Bible, it can be overwhelming to sort through all the details, such as unfamiliar names, places, and words. Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible provides a simple set of questions that will take readers through a biblical account, teaching them to analyze unfamiliar stories, discern Law and Gospel, and understand God's plan of salvation. Each of the 10 questions is expounded upon in its own chapter. Each chapter unpacks why each question is important and what it can teach us, and then puts that question to a particular biblical text or two in order to demonstrate the question's usefulness. The book concludes with some practice example texts for readers to practice"--
"Who is Jesus? What did Jesus do? Where is Jesus present? When is Jesus coming back? Why did Jesus do all of this? These are the main questions of Christianity and Lutheranism, because Jesus is the center and heart of our faith. But Lutherans speak about Jesus Christ in a distinct way. This book answers those questions, addressing Christ's real presence, substitutionary atonement, and the ever-present Christocentricity found in Luther's Small Catechism and throughout the Lutheran Confessions. The divine person and saving work of Jesus drive every sentence of this book, giving readers (college age and up) answers to questions about Christ's person, work, and presence in their lives"--
Jesus doesn't always tell you what you want to hear. But He always tells you what you need to hear, and even the hard words are a gift given to you in love.In Jesus Said What?, author Christopher Kennedy tackles some of Jesus' words that people may struggle to understand. It may seem easier to avoid some of Jesus' tough sayings, but instead of shying away from these passages, Kennedy urges readers to look to Scripture to understand Scripture.As the Ten Commandments are connected with the words of Jesus, Kennedy demonstrates the Law, but reminds Christians to stay firmly focused on the forgiveness and grace that comes through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He brings clarity to fifteen of Jesus' most difficult teachings, on topics such as money, family relationships, and consequences for sin. Each chapter explores one teaching of Jesus by looking at His full treatment of the topic, parallel passages throughout the Bible, and the biblical context to help readers come to a faithful and faith-enriching understanding of Jesus' words.
"I like Jesus, but I'm not sure about the Church."For lifelong Christians, that phrase isn't foreign, but it also isn't comforting to hear. Through our fallen world of sin, humans-including those within the congregation-can hurt others and push people out rather than inviting them in. Yet, Christ calls us to shepherd all people back to Him and to His Church, no matter how people have been led astray.Author Christa Petzold empathizes and understands how Christians outside the physical church maybe be hesitant to return, yet she encourages them to come back and see the gifts Jesus gives through His Church. She brings light and emphasis to the ways Jesus sees His community of believers, founded securely on Him and His Word.Dive into the gifts that He brings His believers in Gathered by Christ with introductory quotes from church fathers, historical context, discussion questions, and a leader guide. As you're working through Petzold's insights, she provides sidebar definition of specific terms to help you understand the heart of the matter. See how Christ sees His Church and how He gives His people beautiful gifts through Her."Sin, division, confusion, false teaching, and hypocrisy-seeing these in the Church is enough to make anyone want to walk away. This may be how our experiences have led us to see the Church, but how does Jesus see her?" -from the Introduction
The confessional writings of the Lutheran church, including the Augsburg Confessions, the Apology, the Smalcald Articles, and the Large and Small Catechisms."
These are only a few of the women mentioned in God's Word. In it's pages we learn of their weaknesses and their strengths, their trials and their triumphs. Above all, we see God in His abundant grace forgiving, sustaining, and inspiring His beloved daughters for service in His name.In this four-session, small-group Bible study series, participants will look at the lives of only the most familiar women in God's Word. From Eve, the first woman, to those women who helped Jesus' apostles, participants will see God's grace in action as He calls and leads these women in their daily lives. Through their God-given faith and their faith-filled deeds, you will be inspired by these great women of the Bible.Session 1: Jochebed and MiriamSession 2: DeborahSession 3: RuthSession 4: Hannah
Concordia Hebrew Reader: Ruth featuresThe Hebrew text from Biblia Hebraica StuttgartensiaA literal translation that indicates Hebrew line breaksReferences to more than 20 advance reference tools Nearly 100 exegetical studiesA full works cited list
A 26-lesson study guide on Luther's Small Catechism. Sections cover the Law and Gospel, Apostles's Creed, the Lord¿s Prayer, the sacraments, Martin Luther, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and more. Lessons provide hymns, prayers, proof texts and a review.
In short, concise chapters, author Richard Eyer guides readers through the process of making ethical decisions from a Law/Gospel perspective. Eyer's easy-to-read style helps readers focus on the issues that confront people in this modern, high-tech age, including reproductive technology and end-of-life issues. In the course of the discussion, Eyer presents biblical and Gospel insights into living as God's holy people, redeemed in Christ.
This one-year curriculum follows the 1991 edition of Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation and can be augmented with the junior high minicourse, Charting the Course.The Teacher Guide provides easy-to teach lessons and reproducible test questions with answers. 40 sessions.
Charges of forgery, heresy, legalism, and immorality turn on the question of whether Martin Luther taught a third use of the Law for the Christian life. For the past sixty years, well-meaning scholars believed they settled the question-with dire consequences.Friends of the Law sets forth a completely new body of evidence that shows how little Luther's teaching was understood. This new book looks at the doctrine of the Law and invites a new consensus that could change the way Christians view the Reformation and even their daily walk with God.Containsdata tablestranslations of passages not available in Englishappendicesbibliography on Law and Gospel
This book is a historical study of Africian American Christians who choose to stay within white denominations. Four key objectives are covered, first to propose an alternative framework for the study of black Lutheranism, second this book will trace the development of black Lutheranism beginning with the middle of the 17th century, third it examine the development of black Lutheranism in the larger social context in which it occurred, and finally identifies the strategies Lutherans have used in working with black people.
This unique volume offers a handbook for busy pastor, student or interested layperson to better understand the use of Christian art and the history of its use in Lutheranism since the time of the Reformation. The author states in the introduction to the book: "The Lutheran Church was never an enemy of the art, neither the fine arts nor industrialized arts. . . . The Lutheran Church, to confess its faith did not hesitate to enlist the aid of pure and beautiful art forms, not only in the harmonies of poetry and music, but also in archictecture, sculpture, painting, bronze work, wood-carving, and embroidery." This book concerns itself chiefly with church architecture, but necessarily also discusses the place of the fine arts in the construction and use of spaces consecrated to the worship of the One True God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, where God's people are gathered to receive His gifts of grace and mercy through His Holy Word and the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
Though perhaps the most common practice of all those who claim to be religious, prayer is often misunderstood, used incorrectly, or avoided for fear of doing it wrong, or unbelief that praying has any purpose or result. This little book walks through the reader through an examination of common beliefs about prayer, what the Bible teaches us about prayer, and how we can, and should, pray in a manner that is faithful to God's Word and based on God's Word and promises associated with prayer.
Day by day, minute by minute, those who are struggling with the hurt of divorce need help grasping the reality of a healing God who is still in their lives, still for them. Constant emotional, physical, and mental struggles are a daily occurrence. This book points those in need of comfort, support and encouragement to the source of light and hope in any situation....the Lord Himself.
(11 sessions) Behind the historical details and the epic battles recorded in the Book of Joshua lies a covenant of grace, God's promise that He made with Abraham and his descendents forever. Although covering a time span of only about thirty years, the Book of Joshua points forward in time to another Joshua-Jesus of Nazareth-who's coming is significant forever. In both rite and event, Joshua both anticipates the fulfillment of Abraham's promise in Christ. In this study you will learn:¿the importance of the land promised to Abraham and its connection to and fulfillment in the coming Messiah;¿the seriousness of sin as exemplified by the destruction of the great city of Jericho and of the inhabitants of Canaan;¿the sweetness of God's grace as shown to those finding sanctuary in the cities of refuge and especially to Rahab and her family.
Dare to Be Different in the New Life Bible study series offers encouragement and practical suggestions for those who desire to be more faithful in their life of confessing Christ. This six-session study includes: No-Threat ChristiansOnly a ChristianNo Contest-Wielding the SwordKnow Your EnemyAn Attitude of GratitudeThe World Has ChangedMission, Values, and Vision
A down-to-earth resource to help teachers build strategies for their student's faith development. Offers suggestions for preparing age-appropriate lessons and activities.
A commentary on 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon by Victor A. Bartling.
A classic Lutheran work of personal devotion and spirituality, this volume is translation from the original Norwegian of N.J. Laache's collection of readings from the Scripture with meditations for every day, based on the historic one-year lectionary, through the Church Year, beginning with the first Sunday in Advent. There are prayers for evening and morning at the end of the book to assist families and individuals in their daily devotions. N. J. Laache was a widely read and beloved Norwegian Lutheran pastor.
This volume remains the most definitive study and discussion of the rite of confirmation in the Lutheran Church. In recent years there has been a renewed interest in offering Holy Communion to children at an earlier age, as was the practice in the Lutheran Church up to the time when Pietism and then Rationalism elevated the rite of Confirmation to a near-sacramental nature. This volume was commissioned by The Missouri Synod's Board of Parish Education and addressed the concerns then that remain today: how best to offer formal instruction in the faith to the church's young people in such a manner that it helps them grow in the grace of their Lord Jesus Christ and into Christian maturity.
This work remains the classic and formative study of the development of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's system of church organization and governance. The analysis in this volume has proven over the years to be of ongoing interest and the cause even of controversy and disagreement, as The Missouri Synod continues the task of understanding how best to organize itself for work in a country where there are no regulations and forms imposed on it by a central governing or ecclesiastical authority. It is as timely, if not more so, than ever before.
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