Issue #6

David Chytraeus

by Nathaniel Biebert

Known as "The Last of the Lutheran Fathers," Chytraeus helped guide the Lutheran church through the controversy that arose after Luther's death. Although he is relatively little-known, he contributed to the framing of the Formula of Concord while it was in its final stages.

The European War in the Light of God's Word (Part I)

by August Pieper

translated by Caleb Bassett

Major war is always a traumatic event. It brings uncertainty and doubt to our lives. Yet, Christians have a special blessing in knowing that God's will prevails through the mess that mankind makes. August Pieper points out a Christian outlook during the time of war in "The European War in the Light of God's Word." This translation is published in two parts.

The War as a Visitation of God

by August Pieper

translated by Benjamin Foxen

War is a nasty affair. The shedding of blood and loss of life in mass quantities shakes people to their core. They may question if God can really exist amid such destruction. They may ask, as Jesus' disciples did in John 9:2, what fault has prompted such destruction. Is war a punishment of God on those nations involved? August Pieper wrestles with this difficult question drawing from God's own Word.

Sermon for Christmas Day

by Georg Stöckhardt

translated by Nathaniel Biebert

Georg Stöckhardt delivered this powerful sermon on the Christmas Gospel in 1879. He thoroughly treats the blessings that God has given us through the birth of his Son. He concludes by considering the Christian's response to those blessings.

Commentary on Genesis 3:15

by Martin Luther

translated by John Dermé

“He shall trample your head underfoot.” In Martin Luther's commentary on the first gospel promise, he beautifully captures Satan's sorry condition under God's curse and his vain efforts to ruin God's plan. More than that, Luther grasps the full significance of the victory of Christ promised here, which gives us the sure hope of life in a fallen world.

War and Peace

by Caleb Bassett

In his commentary on Genesis 3:15, Martin Luther says, “For immediately, from our mother’s womb forward, we begin to die.” Of course, this is not at all what new parents think about at the joyful birth of their child. The birth of a child is indeed cause for thankful praise to God who blesses parents with such wonderful gifts as children. But we cannot escape the wages of original sin.