For 33 days*, more than 100 organ collections are available for only $3.33 each. Hymn preludes galore are available for every season of the Church Year. No congregation or organist should miss out on this unique opportunity!
Call 1.800.325.3040 or visit cph.org/333 to expand your collection today!
*offer ends April 1, 2012
We just received the first print run of a new translation of Martin Luther’s classic work explaining what freedom in Christ is all about. And, it’s a fantastic little book. Beautifully printed and illustrated, filled with great helpful notes and reading aids. Christian Freedom: Faith Working Through Love A Reader’s Edition is available now for you and your congregation to order. We are offering special pricing on group orders. If you order ten or more copies you can get them for only $8 each. Quite a great bargain for this hardback, 268 page book. Click here to place your order and get the discount code. We have a bulletin insert for you to print out and share, and a sign up sheet. PLUS, if you place an order of $75 or more, you will receive free shipping. Read all about it here.
Here some views of the interior.
Special Introductory Offer: Purchase 10 or more copies for only $7.99 each. Enter promotional code LFR on the checkout screen after you “Add to Cart.”
In Luther’s day, the precious message of Christian freedom was readily misunderstood by those whose focus was on the things of this world rather than Christ and the cross. Luther was not a politician; he was a pastor who found real freedom in the Gospel. Christian Freedom: Faith Working through Love is the most comprehensive, well-rounded version of this classic writing. A new translation using the longer official version. In this book, Luther offers an understanding of Christian freedom based on the Bible. He connects the challenges of Christian life with Scripture, with salvation in Christ, with freedom in the Gospel, and with the way a Christian can make God-pleasing choices in life.
In the book, there is a a forty-day reading plan that will guide the reader through Luther’s teaching on Christian freedom. This schedule may be followed at any time or during the forty days of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, which makes an excellent plan for congregational reflection.
Introductory notes, illustrations, and glossaries help these classic writings become meaningful in today’s world.
Check out this great deal on copies of the Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord. With orders of $75 or more you will qualify for free shipping. Read all it here. And please pass/spread/share the news.
“Gerhard’s Loci is the greatest doctrinal text in the entire history of Lutheranism. By putting these splendid volumes in the English language, CPH ensures access to the solid teaching of the orthodox Lutheran Church in one of its greatest expressions ever penned. And CPH is virtually the only Lutheran publishing house in the world with the capacity, fidelity, and will to produce such gems!” -Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Follow this link to subscribe.
About Johann Gerhard’s Theological Commonplaces
Johann Gerhard (1582–1637) was the premier Lutheran theologian of the baroque period. Never before translated, his Theological Commonplaces will appear in seventeen volumes. The Theological Commonplaces series is the most significant theological work of Lutheran orthodoxy after the Reformation and remains a classic of Lutheran theology. With skill and precision, Gerhard sets forth the Christian faith from Scripture in dialogue with the Church Fathers, medieval theology, Luther, and a multitude of contemporary theologians. Each hardback volume includes: the translation of Gerhard’s Loci (originally published from 1610 to 1625) a glossary of key theological, rhetorical, and philosophical terms a name index a Scripture index a carefully researched list of works cited, which presents guidance for deciphering the numerous abbreviations of the other titles from which Gerhard quotes. Call 1-800-325-3040 or fill out the information below to become a subscriber today!
We have revamped our professional and academic book site on our web page, and I invite you to look around. Just click on the image below:
January is over, the groundhog is back in his home, and everyone has finished The Course, right?
Okay, maybe not everyone. But we know a lot of congregations have been making their way through The Course in small groups and Sunday School since the beginning of the year.
While working through The Course, you are directed to several resources that will help you work through the questions: a Bible, the Book of Concord, a hymnal, and Luther’s Small Catechism. Which of these resources have been most helpful to you? Was there one that you opened for the first time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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I’m very pleased to tell you about an exciting new Bible commentary project that Concordia Publishing House is launching at the end of March, 2012, the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary. We will be sending out a significant mailing of information and promotional resources for congregations to use to promote this new series. Simply put, these new Bible commentaries are superb. Drawing on the rich resource of scholarship and study used to compile all the study notes in The Lutheran Study Bible, we are extending that kind of approach to Scripture in this new series of commentaries. The first volume available will be on Colossians and Thessalonians, and we will be completing volumes for the New Testament first. You can see a sample of the commentary and learn what it is about by clicking on this link.
This commentary series is prepared for laity and clergy alike who wish to have an accessible, easy to read and use faithful commentary on the Scriptures. I would say this would be said to be an “intermediate” Bible commentary, offering more than is available in the very fine People’s Bible Commentary series, but less than is found in the higher end academic commentaries in the Concordia Commentary series. Every Lutheran home would do well to start acquiring the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary.
Become a subscriber to the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary Series and save 20% off every volume and to celebrate the launch of this new series we will also provide free shipping on this first volume. Offer expires April 30, 2012. Shipping costs will apply to each volume afterwards. Subscribers receive two volumes per year for a total of 14 New Testament volumes. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Call us at 1-800-325-3040 to sign up.
Here are more details
The great reformers’ influence upon the Bible’s interpretation and application could not help but revitalize the Church. This is as true today as it was five hundred years ago. The reformers taught with special insight due to their constant reading, study, translating, and preaching of the Sacred Scriptures. This commentary series shares with readers today insights from the reformers and faithful commentary that stems from their heritage.
Similar to the NIV People’s Bible Commentary Series, this lay-level commentary allows readers to study the Word in a deep and meaningful way with devotional warmth and readability.
The Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary Series provides readers with an insightful New Testament commentary in the English Standard Version translation. This new series is perfect for church workers, Bible class teachers, or anyone interested in learning more about the Bible.
The series’ unique layout features both the English Standard Version and King James Version; the complimentary versions and parallel format allow readers to see both the classic and modern translations side by side.
Starting with the Pauline epistles, two volumes of the series will be released per year. Each commentary will feature introductions, notes, charts, maps, applications, articles, and quotes from ancient, medieval, and evangelical Church Fathers. Through both broad contexts and specific verses, these historical, cultural, and doctrinal insights will surely lead readers to a sound interpretation and application of the biblical text. Features of the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary Series:
Endorsements
“The Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary is a unique series that promises to be a valuable resource for laity and preachers. The verse-by-verse commentary focuses on major topics, providing clear interpretation and devotional insight in keeping with how the Reformers approached Scripture, and emphasizing themes that were central in their teaching. Illustrative quotes from key Reformers and their heirs, including Lutheran, Calvinist, Anglican, and Wesleyan sources, provide insights in their own words, without trying to survey the range of views represented in this heritage. This focused approach gives a clear reading of the text which engages one’s mind and heart.” — The Rev. Dr. Rodney A. Whitacre Professor of Biblical Studies Trinity School for Ministry Ambridge, Pennsylvania
“Busy pastors and teachers of the scriptures need commentaries that are biblical, theological, and practical. Fortunately, the present commentary on Colossians and the Thessalonian letters fulfills those requirements. In addition, the commentary is accessible to a wide variety of readers, for it is written in a wonderfully clear way. I commend this work gladly.” — Thomas R. Schreiner James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky
“If the commentaries on Colossians and I and II Thessalonians is indicative of the entire series, the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary promises to be an asset to the library of serious Bible students, whether layman or clergy. This series exemplifies the reformers commitment to sola scriptura, that the revelation of God’s saving purposes is in scripture alone, which is primarily about Christ alone. The blend of overviews and insights from our protestant forefathers with exegesis and application from contemporary reformed theologians makes for an interesting read. Contemporary readers will also appreciate the devotional notes in these commentaries. Because the study of God’s word is not just an academic endeavor, it engages the mind, heart and will of those who trust Christ for their salvation. While many modern commentaries seem to focus on the application of the scriptures, the intent here is gospel centered interpretation, resulting in devotional application. This is a work of serious scholastic intent combined with theological scrutiny and integrity. I am grateful for such a work and confident that it will be profitable for years to come in aiding the church’s effort to know Christ more fully as He is revealed in Holy Scripture.” — Kenneth R. Jones Pastor of Glendale Baptist Church, Miami, FL Co-host of nationally syndicated talk show – White Horse Inn Contributed to: “Experiencing the Truth”, “Glory Road”, and “Keep Your Head Up”; all published by Crossway. Contributed to Table Talk and Modern Reformation magazines
“The Reformation of the church brought with it biblical insights that revitalized churches and radically changed the course of theological studies as giants like Luther, Melanchthon, Calvin, Chemnitz, and Wesley commented extensively on Holy Scripture. The new Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary is a one-stop-resource where the observations of these and other distinguished Reformation leaders are brought together around specific books of the New Testament. This first volume in the series, Colossians/1 & 2 Thessalonians, is an impressive treatment of these Pauline letters that pastors, laypeople, and professional scholars will treasure and find eminently useful.” — Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of the Graduate School Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
“There is little doubt that CPH will market the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary as a bunch of books. Having read Colossians and 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, I believe that would be a mistake. This was not a ponderous tome to be endured; it was an opportunity to monitor a lively seminar. As leader, St. Paul places on the table church doctrines, heresies, and challenges. These topics are then discussed by the minds and pens of Luther, Melanchthon, Hus, Cranmer, Chemnitz, and others. It was a joy to hear them and a comfort to find their struggles and successes are mine.” — Pastor Ken Klaus Speaker Emeritus, The Lutheran Hour
“This first volume of the Reformation Heritage Bible Commentary proves itself to be a useful resource for pastors and laity. The brief modern commentary focuses on the key features of each verse. Also, references are interspersed throughout the commentary to the great reformers and to the creeds of the Reformation. The results are illuminating and theologically informed.” — David W. Chapman Associate Professor of New Testament and Archaeology Covenant Theological Seminary
As many of you know, or perhaps, many of you do not know, Concordia Publishing House has embarked on an extension to the definitive translation of Martin Luther’s writings in English, the American Edition. So far three volumes have come out in the series, which is projected to number perhaps up to twenty more. Did you know that as a subscriber you get these volumes at the best, and lowest, possible price? You “set it and forget it” and we send the volumes when they come out, once a year, around October-ish. Here’s what you need to know and here is where you need to go to get yourself all squared away with a subscription.
Never before in English, the new series of Luther’s Works consists of the reformer’s Bible commentaries, sermons, prefaces, disputations, letters, theology, and polemics—translated and published in English for the first time. No library is complete without these new volumes.
Subscribe and Save!
Want to see what others are saying about these volumes? Here you go.
Want to read what the new series of Luther’s Works is all about? Read this.
And if you want to see all the volumes in the American Edition, in the original series, here’s a link to them.
Christianity — more than a list of rules. You’d think that would be obvious, but it is amazing how many Christians actually enjoy rules, regulations, laws. As much as they complain about feel “tied down” many people actually like being told what to do, or think that if they follow a simple set of “how to” rules their lives will be better. I see it all the time in the latest self-help titles that remain so popular in secular publishing. “Follow these ten principles and you will have happiness and joy like you’ve never known before!”
Concordia Publishing House offers a Biblical antidote to all that thinking. We like to help out the losers, the sinners, the failures, people who feel trapped and guilty and beaten down by expectations placed upon them. We are publishing a fresh new translation of one of Martin Luther’s key Reformation writings, titled, “Christian Freedom” and it is … well … it is fantastic. Here are more details about this new translation:
Pictured below are the materials being sent out to every Lutheran congregation: camera-ready promotional inserts, the 57 page sampler so you can take a closer look at the new translation, an explanatory letter, and a sign up sheet.
Here’s some great news…it is on sale for only $7.99 a copy if your congregation places an order for ten or more copies, otherwise they are $9.99 each. And because this book is part of our Spring Catalog, orders of $75 or more will receive free shipping.
Content of the Mailing
A friend recently sent me a old photo of me with Dr. Barry, President of The LCMS, sitting at his favorite round table during a morning staff meeting. It was my privilege to serve with Dr. Barry during the years of his presidency as his assistant. One of the projects he was most pleased with was the series of little tracts that we produced in the series known as “What About . . . ” The genesis of the project came from the years he served in Iowa as a district president. When I came into the district, I got to know Dr. Barry and served the district in a news and information capacity, with a title I can’t remember now. During that time we came across a little pamphlet one of the district’s pastors had written titled something like, “Pastor, I need to talk to you about…” and that gave us the idea of a series of pamphlets on various subjects. When Dr. Barry was elected president of the Missouri Synod, in 1992, he brought me and the “What About” idea with him to Saint Louis and over the years in St. Louis a series of pamphlets were developed and generously funded so that we were able to distribute them for free. They really became popular and we ended up distributing, literally, tens of millions of copies of these little pamphlets. When death cut short Dr. Barry’s service as president, his successor, Dr. Robert Kuhn, asked me to compile the What About pamphlets into a single paperback volume that could be used to easily photocopy the content. To this day, all the What About pamphlets are available as black/white PDF files from the Missouri Synod’s web site, and nicely printed full color copies are still for sale from Concordia Publishing House at very reasonable prices.
I was recently reading a Lutheran pastor’s comments about the Lord’s Supper and found them, frankly, shocking and woefully deficient, reflecting a view of fellowship at the altar that is quite contrary to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions and an understanding of the Supper that is not Lutheran, but basically Evangelical/Reformed.
So, I thought here I’d share the What About on fellowship and the Lord’s Supper, one of my favorite in the series.
What About Fellowship in the Lord’s Supper
Fellowship in the Lord’s Supper is the basis for the practice of “close” or “closed communion.” (The phrases “close communion” and “closed communion” refer to one and the same practice). This pamphlet will help you appreciate, understand and explain to others the practice of close communion.
What does God teach in His Word?
“Jesus took bread,gave thanks and broke it,and gave it to his disciples, saying,‘Take and eat; this is my body.’Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them,saying,‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant,which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’ ”(cf.Matt. 26:26–28;Mark 14:22–25;Luke 22:14–20; 1 Cor.11:17–29). “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup,you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. Therefore,whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself”(1 Cor.11:26–29).
What does the Lutheran church believe about the Lord’s Supper?
The Lutheran church believes, teaches and confesses that the Lord’s Supper is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,under the bread and wine, given to us Christians to eat and to drink. We hold that the bread and the wine in the Supper are the true body and blood of Christ and that these are given and received into the mouths of all who commune. Those who believe the promise: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,”receive forgiveness of sins,life and salvation. This promise, along with the bodily eating and drinking, is the main thing in the Sacrament. The Lutheran church rejects and condemns incorrect understandings of the Lord’s Supper,such as the view that the sacrifice of the Mass delivers man from his sins,or that the substance of the consecrated bread and wine is actually changed into the body and blood of Christ.We also reject and condemn the view that in the Lord’s Supper the true body and blood of Christ is not received by the mouth of the communicants, under the bread and wine,but is received only spiritually in the heart by faith,or that the bread and wine are only symbols of the far-distant body and blood of our Lord.
How is the Lord’s Supper an expression of church fellowship?
While the Lord’s Supper is always a personal matter, it is never a private matter.That is an important truth that is often overlooked.Those who commune at the same altar are thereby declaring publicly that they are united in the doctrine of the Apostles (Acts 2:42). Therefore, fellowship in the Supper is church fellowship.This is what is taught by Holy Scripture in 1 Cor. 10 and 11. Here is how one of our church’s teachers explained this truth. “As there is but one bread,one loaf, from which we eat,so we who are eating of this loaf are one body.The eating of one and the same loaf of bread unifies us to one body.Our participation in the Lord’s Supper is a public profession on our part that we are not only in fellowship with Christ,but that we also are in fellowship with those with whom we commune at the Lord’s Table.We all eat the same bread, the body of Christ. Through that act we indicate that we belong together.All of us Christians who in the Lord’s Supper eat the body of Christ and drink His blood present ourselves as one spiritual family. What we eat and drink together, Christ’s body and blood, ties us together more closely than the bonds of blood. We declare ourselves to be brothers and sisters in Christ. Upon this Bible passage do we base the saying, ‘Altar Fellowship is Church Fellowship.’ “This passage in Corinthians strikes a crushing blow at unionism. To admit those who believe differently to our Communion,and so to our church fellowship, is a contradiction in itself. For those who approach the same altar together profess to be one—one in all points of Christian doctrine and practice—while in reality they disagree. It would be shameful hypocrisy on our part if we would have those who actually profess a different faith than we do join us at the Lord’s Altar”(Stoeckhardt,1 Corinthians, p.60–61).
Another teacher of our church had this to say about why the Lord’s Supper is an expression of church fellowship: “The Holy Supper is one of the marks,one of the banners of the church,one of the seals of the church’s doctrine and faith (Rom.4:11; see 1 Cor.10:21; Ex.12:48). In whichever church one receives the Holy Supper,one is confessing that church and its doctrine.There cannot be a more inward,brotherly fellowship than that into which one enters with those in whose fellowship he receives the holy Supper. . . . Even one who confesses the Real Presence cannot ordinarily, except in the case of death, be admitted if he is and wants to remain,not a member of our orthodox church,but rather a Roman Catholic, Reformed,so-called Evangelical or Unionist,Methodist, Baptist, in short,a member of an erring fellowship.For the Sacrament,as it is a seal of faith,is also the banner of the fellowship in which it is administered” (Walther, Pastoral Theology, p.110–111,149).
What is the Lutheran church’s motive for practicing close communion?
Our Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations offers the following helpful explanation of why we practice close communion: “Close communion seeks to prevent a profession of confessional unity in faith where there is,in fact,disunity and disagreement. It would be neither faithful to the Scriptural requirements for admission to Holy Communion (1 Cor. 11:27ff; cf. 10:16–17) nor helpful to fallen humanity if the Christian Church welcomes to its altars those who deny or question clear Scriptural teachings. “The reasons for the practice of close Communion are often misunderstood by Christians who have been accustomed to an ‘open Communion’ policy. In a tract titled,Why Close Communion? the rationale for the practice of close communion is explained in this way: ‘So it is not that a Lutheran congregation wants to bar fellow- saints from the blessings of the Eucharist when they practice Close Communion. It is not that they want to be separatistic, or set themselves up as judges of other men.The practice of Close Communion is prompted by love and is born of the heartfelt conviction,on the basis of Scripture alone,that we must follow Christ’s command.This means refusing the Lord’s Supper to those whose belief is not known to us. It is not showing love to allow a person to do something harmful,even though he may think it is for his own good. It also means if they are members of a Christian body which departs from the full truth of the Scripture in some of its doctrines, that we must not minimize the evil of this false teaching by opening our fellowship to any and all Christians who err in the faith’ [Deffner,Why Close Communion?,p.14].
“In keeping with the principle that the celebration and reception of the Lord’s Supper is a confession of the unity of faith, while at the same time recognizing that there will be instances when sensitive pastoral care needs to be exercised, the Synod has established an official practice requiring,‘that pastors and congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod,except in situations of emergency and in special cases of pastoral care,commune individuals of only those synods that are now in fellowship with us.By following this practice whereby only those individuals who are members of the Synod or of a church body with which the Synod is in altar and pulpit fellowship are ordinarily communed,pastors and congregations preserve the integrity of their witness to the Gospel of Christ as it is revealed in the Scriptures and confessed in the Lutheran confessional writings.’”
“The Office of the Keys is less than faithfully exercised when admission to the Sacrament is granted to all who come to the altar regardless of their faith and congregational and/or denominational affiliation.The practice of open Communion renders it difficult,if not impossible, for church discipline to be exercised in a way that honors the ministrations being carried out by those to whom the responsibility of spiritual care for a member of God’s flock has been entrusted”(Heb. 13:17; cf. John 20:22–23; Acts 20:27–28; 1 Cor. 4:1–2). Theology and Practice of the Lord’s Supper, pp.21–23).
Conclusion
On the basis of God’s Holy Word,our Lutheran church continues to practice the ancient,Biblical and confessional practice of close communion as an opportunity to give joyful witness to our unity in the true faith.We practice close communion with the belief that this is what the Lord would have us do as we faithfully administer His body and blood in His holy Sacrament. Close communion is not a practice unique to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.It is also practiced by the majority of Christians in the world who are members of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox communions. Hopefully,this brief explanation will help you,or someone else,understand that our love for our Lord and His Sacrament, and our love for the individual, is the reason why we practice close communion.
— Dr.A.L.Barry
President
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Please be sure to take a look at our Spring catalog, with free shipping on any order of $75 or more on items in the catalog. This offer is good through May 31. You’ll find lots of great gifts and resources for Easter, Confirmation, Graduations, Baptisms, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Music and a variety of ministry resources. The Lutheran Study Bible is back on sale again as well. Here is a link to the items in the catalog, so enjoy browing.
I’ve got a fantastic new book I want to tell you about: Bearing the Cross: Devotions on Albrecht Dürer’s Small Passion. I’ve got a couple pictures I took at my desk. What is it? Well, glad you asked.
Albrecht Dürer, 1471–1528, is said to be the greatest German artist of the Northern Renaissance. His works include woodcuts, engravings, sketches, and paintings of both oils and watercolors. Born into a Nuremburg family of goldsmiths, he learned the art of engraving at an early age.
Dürer’s genius in printmaking forever changed the world of art. Up until this time woodcuts had been merely combinations of black and white. His innovative technique of cross hatching brought new shades of grays making a pallet of contrasts between light and dark. This greatly enhanced the woodcuts of his Small Passion giving visual depth, dimension, and drama to the biblical narratives.The Small Passion contains the largest number of scenes, but is known as “small” due to the 3×5 inch size of the intricate woodcuts.
Bearing the Cross combines the great artwork of Albrecht Dürer’s Small Passion, gems of hymnody, and Holy Scripture into faith enriching devotional vignettes. The reader is escorted from Genesis to Revelation in a personal, intimate journey with Christ.
Foreword by Matthew Harrison.
You can take a look at a sample from the book.
You can buy a copy online. Please note this item qualifies for free shipping, when ordered in combination with other items totaling at least $75 from our Spring Catalog.
Apple released their new publishing tool called iBooks Author and it is designed to allow for the production of iBook textbooks. We thought about it and quickly realized that we should put our number one best selling “textbook” of all time, the Small Catechism, into an iBook edition. This edition will feature all of Luther’s catechism hymns, a complete audio recording of the Catechism and a complete sung version of the text of the Catechism. Pretty awesome. Here’s an early proof of how it will look, a screenshot from my iPad. Enjoy.
I expect this to be out in a couple months. And, no, there is no Android version of the Catechism like this. Somebody tell Google to get cracking on their own iBooks software! Click on the image to see the 1080 version.
Concordia Publishing House recently published Dr. Scott Murray’s book A Year with the Church Fathers. You can read more about it here and see a sample from the book. At the recently concluded theological symposium in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Mayes made a formal presentation of the book to Dr. Murray, with these words. I thought you would appreciate them.
“Christianity is a historical religion. And we know from the fourth commandment that we have the obligation to honor not only our physical fathers and mothers, but also our fathers in the faith, and our mother the Church. Thus, we should hear the voice of our church fathers, those who have taught Holy Scripture in the history of the Church. These church fathers, of course, are not infallible oracles, but fathers and teachers.
“Dr. Scott Murray’s A Year With the Church Fathers shows that among these fathers and teachers, the Gospel was alive and well. This book is:
• Much more than a devotional book.
• It’s a garden of sweet spices having the aroma of Jesus Christ.
• It is a liturgical book, following the daily lectionary of Lutheran Service Book and the Treasury of Daily Prayer.
• It is well suited for daily personal use, and daily use amid a worshipping community.
• It is a patristic commentary on nearly the whole Bible, offering thoughts and comments for preaching, teaching, and devotions.
“Dr. Murray sums up what we can gain from the fathers when he writes:
“I am continually amazed by the courage and true leadership displayed by the ancient Fathers. Upon reading the work of these saints, bishops, presbyters, and theologians, I have often prayed for leaders like them who, conversant with Scripture as their meat and drink, would write sublimely Gospel-centered sermons, letters, and courageous defenses of the faith of the Church. Upon reading their words, I repent of my arrogant modernism that presumes that what was written before I was born is unimportant, stuffy, and faded. Upon studying them, I grieve for the lack of immediacy in my own expression and my inability to paint a picture of Christ crucified with sufficiently compelling colors (Galatians 3:1). Their speech is full of the Gospel. They are clear that salvation comes not from us but from God. John Chrysostom, the great preacher and bishop, testified that “Nothing is from ourselves” (John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Corinthians, 11.4). Everything comes from God. No wonder then that the Fathers often exhibit powerful insights into the Word of God.
“Dr. Murray, Concordia Publishing House congratulates you on the occasion of the publication of your new book, the best treasury of the fathers that the English language has yet seen. Thank you.”
Just a quick reminder/note and word of encouragement. Lent begins in less than a month and I simply wanted to remind you pastor-types out there that Concordia Publishing House has a great Lenten package for you, including all you need to sermons, midweek services, bulletins and so forth. Please take a look here. Our comprehensive Lent preaching and worship resource is titled God’s Gift of Forgiveness. Complete details available here.
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