German

This hymn, which focuses on the importance and blessings of being connected to God, draws from the imagery of Psalm 84. It is set to the melody “Erhalt Uns, Herr” (Christian Worship 203).

Does Lutheranism consist of certain phraseology, private practices, church customs, or liturgical rites? What exactly does it mean to say that one is a Lutheran? In an age when many equate Lutheranism with the decisions of the largest Lutheran church body in the world, the ELCA, and at a time when the Wisconsin Lutheran Synod is asking its members to consider anew why they are Lutheran, Prof. Edward Moldehnke speaks to us from the past and gives us a convincing look at what Lutheranism is not. He follows with a refreshing review of what Lutheranism is and must be in its essence.

In this brief excursus from his commentary on Ephesians, Georg Stöckhardt takes some time to explain the doctrine of election as God presents it in his Word.

Johannes Olearius (1611-1684) served as a pastor and General Superintendant. Other hymns by him include “Comfort, Comfort All My People” (CW 11) and “Lord, Open Now My Heart to Hear” (CW 282). This beautiful Christmas hymn basks in the glow of the incarnation of our God.

Philip von Zesen (1619-1689) was a very influential German writer and poet. The son of a Lutheran pastor, many of his writings contain references to Christianity. This hymn, which specifically describes the joy of Jesus’ coming at Christmas, is set to the melody “Wie Schön Leuchtet” (CW 79).

Preached Dec. 7, 1891 for his farewell to the congregation of St. Matthew’s, Milwaukee.

Stöckhardt expertly guides the reader through Paul's Greek in Romans 11:33-36. After Paul's discussion of God's turning to the Gentiles and the Jews' rejection of Christ, the age-old question naturally arises: Why some and not others? Walking through Paul's answer to that question, Stöckhardt encourages us to let the mysteries of God remain as such.

These two children's Bible stories presented by Carl Manthey-Zorn provide an excellent model for teaching the Old Testament to little children. Zorn retells the stories in a simple and suspenseful manner and concludes with a brief prayer and a hymn verse.

Faith is a saving gift from God. It is the Christian's life–both here on this earth and in the world to come. Johannes Brenz, an early reformer, preaches a sermon answering the question, "Where does faith come from?"

During the first part of the 20th century, the Lutheran churches in America found themselves embroiled in a controversy over the doctrine of election by grace. At that time theologians and seminaries from around the country were publishing their stances on the doctrine of election. This article is no different. August Pieper writes the Wisconsin Synod stance on election.