Church Resources
Below are links to excellent reading material that we have drawn much from and are appreciative.
Literature Sources and References
Luther’s Small Catechism
By: Martin Luther
God in the Wasteland
By: David Wells
Secondary Confirmation
By: James Nestingen
Preaching Repentance
By: James Nestingen
The Faith We Hold
By: James Nestingen
Free to Be
By: Gerhard Forde and James Nestingen
Theology is for Proclamation
By: Gerhard Forde
On Being a Theologian of the Cross
By: Gerhard Forde
The Preached God
By: Gerhard Forde
Justification is for Preaching
By: Oswald Bayer, Gerhard Forde and others
Martin Luther’s Theology
By: Oswald Bayer
The Living Word: A Theological Study of Preaching and the Church
By: Gustaf Wingren and Alan Richardson
Kingdom, Grace, Judgment
By: Robert Farrar Capon
The Theology of the Cross
By: Daniel Deutschlander
Till We Have Faces
By: C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce
By: C.S. Lewis
External Links:
Gospel Outreach Web Site
The Apostles' Creed
The First Article - Of Creation
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
What is meant by this?
I believe that God has made me, together with all creatures;
that He has given and still preserves to me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members,
my reason and all my senses; also clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and home,
wife and child, land, cattle and all my goods; that He richly and daily provides me with all that
I need for this body and life, protects me against all danger and guards and keeps me from all evil;
and all this purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me;
for all which I am in duty bound to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him.
This is most certainly true.
The Second Article - Of Redemption
And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried;
He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
What is meant by this?
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity,
and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord; who hath redeemed me,
a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins,
from death and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver, but with His holy,
precious blood and with His innocent sufferings and death; in order that I might be His own,
live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness,
innocence and blessedness, even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.
This is most certainly true.
The Third Article - Of Sanctification
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Christian church, the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.
What is meant by this?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord,
or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts
and sanctified and preserved me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens and
sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and preserves it in union with Jesus Christ
in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He daily and richly forgives me and all believers
all our sins, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead,
and will grant me and all believers in Christ everlasting life.
This is most certainly true.
The Ten Commandments
The Introduction: I AM THE LORD THY GOD.
The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
What is meant by this?
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
The Second Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not
hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God and not curse, swear, conjure, lie or deceive by His name, but call upon
His name in every time of need and worship Him with prayer,praise and thanksgiving.
The Third Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God and not despise preaching and His Word,
but deem it holy and gladly hear and learn it.
The Fourth Commandment
Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee,
and thou mayest live long on the earth.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God and not despise our parents and superiors, nor provoke
them to anger, buthonor, serve, obey, love and esteem them.
The Fifth Commandment
Thou shalt not kill.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God and not hurt nor harm our neighbor in his body,
but help and befriend him in every bodily need.
The Sixth Commandment
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God and live chaste and pure in words and deeds,
and husband and wife each love and honor the other.
The Seventh Commandment
Thou shalt not steal.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God, and not take our neighbor's money or property,
nor get it by false wares or false dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and living.
The Eighth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God, and not falsely belie, betray, backbite nor slander our neighbor,
but excuse him, speak well of him and put the best construction on all he does.
The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God and not craftily seek to gain our neighbor's inheritance or home,
nor get it by a show of right, but help and serve him in keeping it.
The Tenth Commandment
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's ·wife, nor his man servant, nor his
maid servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is his.
What is meant by this?
We should fear and love God and not estrange, force or entice away from our neighbor,
his wife, servants or cattle, but urge them to stay and do their duty.
The Conclusion of the Commandments
What does God say of all these commandments?
He says: "I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the
children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto
thousands of them that love me and keep My commandments."
What is meant by this?
God threatens to punish all who transgress these commandments, therefore we should fear His wrath,
and do nothing against such commandments. But He promises Grace and every blessing to all who keep these
commandments; therefore, we should love and trust in Him and gladly do according to His commandments.
The Lord's Prayer
The Introduction
Our Father who art in heaven.
What is meant by this?
God would hereby tenderly invite us to believe that He is truly our Father and we are truly His children, so
that we may ask Him with all cheerfulness and confidence, as dear children ask of their dear father.
The First Petition
Hallowed be Thy name.
What is meant by this?
The name of God is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may be hallowed also among us.
How is this done?
When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity and we as the children of God lead holy lives,
in accordance with it; this grant us, dear Father in heaven! But be that teaches and lives otherwise than the
Word of God teaches, profanes the name of God among us; from this preserve us, Heavenly Father.
The Second Petition
Thy kingdom come.
What is meant by this?
The kingdom of God comes indeed of itself, without our prayer; but we pray in
this petition that it may come also to us.
How is this done?
When our Heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit. so that by His grace we believe His
Holy Word and live godly, here in time, and in heaven forever.
The Third Petition
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.
What is meant by this?
The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer;
but we pray in this petition that it may be clone also among us.
How is this done?
When God defeats and hinders every evil counsel and purpose, which would not let us hallow
God's name nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our own flesh;
but strengthens and keeps us steadfast in His word and in faith unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.
The Fourth Petition
Give us this day our daily bread.
What is meant by this?
God gives daily bread indeed without our prayer even to all the wicked; but we pray in this petition
that He would lead us to acknowledge and receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
What is meant by "daily bread"?
All that belongs to the wants and support of the body, such as meat, mink, clothing, shoes, house,
home, land, cattle, money, goods, a pious spouse, pious children, pious servants, pious and faithful rulers,
good government, good weather, peace, health, order, honor, good friends, trusty neighbors and the like.
The Fifth Petition
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
What is meant by this?
We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins, nor, on account of them,
deny our prayer; for we are not worthy of anything we ask,neither have we deserved it; but that He would
grant us all through grace; for we sin much every day and deserve nothing but punishment. And we on our
part will heartily forgive and readily do good to those who sin against us.
The Sixth Petition
And lead us not into temptation.
What is meant by this?
God indeed tempts no one; but we pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us, that the devil, the
world and our flesh may not deceive us, nor lead us into misbelief, despair and other shameful sin and vice;
and though we be thus tempted, that we may still in the end overcome and hold the victory.
The Seventh Petition
But deliver us from evil.
What is meant by this?
We pray in this petition, as the sum of all, that our Father in heaven would deliver us from all
manner of evil in body and soul, property and honor - and at last, when the hour of death shall come,
grant us a blessed end and graciously take us from this vale of sorrow to Himself in heaven.
Conclusion
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
What is meant by this?
That I should be sure that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven, and are
heard by Him; for He Himself has commanded us so to pray and has promised to hear us.
Amen, Amen, that is, yea, yea: it shall be so.
HOW THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY SHOULD TEACH HIS HOUSEHOLD TO PRAY, MORNING AND EVENING
MORNING PRAYER
In the morning when thou risest, thou shalt say: In the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the Apostles Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then mayest thou also say the this prayer:
I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ thy dear Son, that thou hast protected me
through the night from all danger and harm ; and I beseech Thee to preserve and keep me this day also from all sin and evil;
that in all my thoughts, words and deeds, I may serve and please Thee. Into Thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all
that is mine. Let Thy holy angel have charge concerning me, that the wicked one have no power over me. Amen.
Then after a hymn or the Ten Commandments, or whatever thy devotion may suggest, go joyfully to thy work.
EVENING PRAYER
In the evening, when thou goest to bed, thou shalt say: In the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then kneeling or standing, thou shalt say the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer. Then mayest thou say this prayer:
I give thanks unto Thee, Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, that thou hast this day so graciously protected me,
and I beseech Thee to forgive me all my sins, and the wrong which I have done, and by Thy great mercy defend me from all
the perils and dangers of this night. Into Thy hands I commend my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let Thy holy angel have charge
concerning me, that the wicked one have no power over me. Amen.
Then lie down in peace and sleep.
THE TABLE OF DUTIES
TO BISHOPS , PASTORS AND PREACHERS
A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality,
apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one
that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice. Holding fast the faithful word as he
hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. (1 Tim. 3: 2, 3, 4, 6. Tit. 1: 9.)
WHAT THE HEARERS OWE TO THEIR PASTORS.
Luke 10:7- Eat and drink such things as they give; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.
1 Cor 9:1- Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.
Gal. 6:6, 7- Let him that is taught in the Lord communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
1 Tim 5:17, 18- Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the Lord and
doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, the laborer is worthy of his reward.
1 Thess 5:12,13- And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in
the Lord and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Heb 13: 17.Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that
must give account that they may do it with joy; and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT
Rom 13:1-4- Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that
be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God; and they that resist shall receive
to themselves damnation. For rulers are not at error to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?
Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil,
be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
OF SUBJECTS
Matt 22:21- Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's.
Rom 13:5-7- Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also;
for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due;
custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
1 Tim 2:1-3- I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.
Tit 3:1- Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.
1 Pet 2:13, 14- Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors,
as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well.
TO HUSBANDS
1 Pet 3:7- Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the
weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Col 3:19- Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
TO WIVES
1 Pet 3:5,6- Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord;
whose daughters ye are as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
TO PARENTS
Eph 6:4- And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
TO CHILDREN.
Eph. 6: 1-3- Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is night. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first
commandment with promise: that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth.
TO SERVANTS, EMPLOYEES AND LABORERS
Eph. 6:5,8- Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart,
as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
with good will doing service, as to the Lord and not to men: knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth,
the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free .
TO MASTERS AND MISTRESSES
Eph 6:9- And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening; knowing that your master
also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him.
TO THE YOUNG IN GENERAL
1 Pet. 5: 5,6- Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:
for God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
TO WIDOWS
1 Tim 5: 5,6- Now she that is a widow indeed and desolate, trusteth in God and continueth in supplication and
prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
TO ALL IN COMMON
Rom. 13:9 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Herein are comprehended all the commandments.
1 Tim 2:1,9- And persevere in prayer for all men.
Let each his lessons learn with care and all the household well shall fare.
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water comprehended "in God's command, and connected with God's Word.
What is that Word of God?
That which Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Matthew: "Go ye and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."
What benefits does Baptism confer?
It works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation
to all who believe what the Words and promises of God declare.
Which are those words and promises of God?
Those which Christ, our Lord, says in the last chapter of Mark: "He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
How can water do such great things?
It is not water indeed that does it, but the Word of God, which is in and with the water, and faith which
trusts this Word of God in the water. For without the Word of God the water is simply water, and no baptism.
But with the Word of God, it is a baptism, that is a gracious water of life and a washing of
regeneration in the Holy Ghost; as St. Paul says, Titus 3: 5-8: "According to His mercy He saved us,
by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior;
that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying."
What does such baptizing with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us should, by daily sorrow and repentance, be drowned and die, with all sins and evil lusts;
and again a new man daily come forth and arise, who shall live before God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul says, Rom. 6: 4: "We are buried with Christ by baptism into death; that like as
He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."