Pastor's Bookshelf

What makes the Lutheran confession of faith unique? Why is Lutheran worship different than at the church next door? Does it have to be confusing? If you’re a lifelong Lutheran looking to dig deeper, new to Lutheranism and want answers, or are just curious about the Lutheran church—this book is for you! Conversational and fun to flip through, this reference guide helps you easily get to know theology basics in a way that won’t make your brain hurt.

Inside this second edition, you'll find new and updated sections on topics such as:

• Marriage ("What God Has Joined Together")
• Justification ("All that Jesus Did As Our Savior")
• Prayer
• The works of unbelievers
• Early Lutheranism
• End times predictions

Rev. Philip Hale’s new book, “CONFESSING THE SCRIPTURAL CHRIST AGAINST MODERN IDOLATRY: Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Truth in Scientific and Biblical Conflict” is a must read for every serious LCMS theologian, whether pastor, professor, synodical official or layman.
Rev. Hale exposes how the “battle for the bible” in our Synod is far from over, by citing alarming statements made by current professors at both our seminaries, especially in the exegetical departments. If you think that man asserting himself as the authority over God’s Word was a problem resolved after the “walk-out”, think again. Destructive higher and lower criticism of God’s authoritative Word abound in our Synod today, both in the seminaries and in the parishes served by men trained by them. You will be scandalized, or should be, by hearing exactly how God’s words are being treated within our Synod.
 

Real Answers
Real Religion
Real Holy Spirituality

There are only two kinds of spirituality in the world. One is false, and one is true. One is the manifestation of the old evil foe who has sent many false spiritualties out into the world, and the other is the holy spirituality found only in faith in the one true God. One is a lie, and one is real.

But which is which?

There is a cultural perfect storm shredding the spiritual landscape of the United States. It travels on the wind of a growing ignorance of both history and the Bible. Christians are losing faith because the kind of Christianity they are trying to believe is

BROKEN

This book examines seven of the most common spiritual traditions and how they use speculation, mysticism, and moralism to break Christianity. Author Jonathan Fisk calls them the seven “counterfeit Christian rules that every Christian ought to break as often as possible,” because they are seven myths that have infiltrated the churches in our age, seven teachings taught as if they were doctrine, but which are nothing more than the traditions of men.

The dark secret of Christianity in America is that we are losing.
We hide it with light shows, Christian dance and music, and video games,
but it’s true. And it’s not new.

The house has grown too dirty. Fisk is going to sweep it clean. All of it: the dusty corners where spores of speculation lay, the air filled with the mustiness of mysticism, the grout where the mold of moralism has grown thick over our clean confidence in Christ. Once the grime has been scrubbed away, Fisk shows how, under the cross of Jesus, you will find that your mind, heart, and hands, your reason, emotions, and sense of mercy, are the very things that our Lord has redeemed. In the resurrection of Jesus, in His fulfillment of the Law, in the essence of His Gospel, in the pure Word of God, you will find the truth.
 

by Bryan Wolfmueller
Overview
American Christianity teaches the centrality of the individual—my will, my experiences, my decision, my heart, my work, and my dedication. Yet we couldn’t be more unaware that Christ and His saving and comforting work are being lost. Our minds and hearts are captivated in some way by those who often preach the Christian instead of Christ.
Wolfmueller sounds the alarm against the false teaching and dangerous practices of Christianity in America. He offers a beautiful alternative: the sweet savor of the Gospel, which brings us to the real comfort, joy, peace, freedom, and sure hope of Christ.
And it’s for you.
 

You can read chapter one for free as a preview at this link.

by Daniel Preus 
Through a blend of understandable explanations and real-life stories, Why I Am a Lutheran explores the foundational teachings of the Christian church. In each chapter, Daniel Preus calls upon more than twenty years of pastoral experience to reveal Jesus as the center of the Christian faith. As he addresses central doctrines such as sin and grace, Law and Gospel, the person and work of Jesus Christ, worship, the Sacraments, and the office of the ministry, Preus keeps the focus on Jesus Christ—who is "always and only at the center of all Christian teaching."
 

Spirituality of the Cross - Expanded & Revised by Gene Veith

Veith explores and presents a true understanding of justification by faith, the means of grace, vocation, theology of the cross, the two kingdoms, worship, and the church.
This is a revised edition of the original text written in 1999. This revised edition contains an updated bibliography, useful clarifications, and some new material.

Veith goes into greater depth especially relating to the theology of the cross and vocation. More resources including Luther's Catechism, the Book of Concord, the rite of Confession and Absolution, and the writings of Martin Luther are included as invaluable resources for Christians living a life under the cross.  

by Craig A. Parton

This powerful critique of American Christianity chronicles the spiritual pilgrimage of one man and provides a defense of the pure Gospel.
 
In the first half of the book, Parton explains his spiritual autobiography. Follow his journey from unbelief to American Evangelicalism and Campus Crusade staff work, to his discovery of the Lutheran church. In the chapters after his arrival at an understanding of Lutheranism, he presents a hard-hitting critique of shallow, pop-style worship and theology. Readers will also appreciate Parton's honest, systematic approach to apologetics that tackles the tough questions of how to explain the Christian faith in a way that always points back to Christ's work.

by Klemet Preus

Through stories of his own pastoral experiences, reflections on the Lutheran Confessions, the writings of Martin Luther, and Scripture itself, Klemet I. Preus explores the impact of the American Evangelical and Church Growth Movements on the modern Lutheran Church. He reminds readers that practice and doctrine are inextricably linked for those who are the body of Christ.

by Authur Just

This book is an introduction to the liturgy and its importance. It takes the liturgy and makes it easy for the layperson to understand that the New Testament church service brings God's presence, in Jesus the Christ to the people of God who have been cleansed from their sins. This is a holy meeting made possible by the blood of Christ that cleanses the believer. This understanding of the church service helps one to understand that the church service is more than a meeting place; it is the manifestation of the New Testament church on earth as Christ calls His bride around Word and Sacraments.

By John Kleinig

"Christian spirituality is, quite simply, following Jesus. It is the ordinary life of faith in which we receive Baptism, attend the Divine Service, participate in the Holy Supper, read the Scriptures, pray for ourselves and others, resist temptation, and work with Jesus in our given location here on earth." – from the Introduction

Mormons don’t look like they’re hurting. But Christians know that because Mormons don’t have Jesus, they suffer in the same ways all other unbelievers do. Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons takes a compassionate approach to sharing the Christian faith with them. You’ll learn that by focusing on the Gospel’s positive message, you’ll convey that you are trying to help Mormons rather than attack them.

by Veith Jr., Gene

Dr. Veith shows how fascism is shaping society, unwittingly as well as knowingly. He carefully clarifies fascism's relation to other ideas that also mold our thinking. Most important, he skillfully and convincingly combines historical narrative, cultural criticism, and theological analysis, offering guidance and hope for those jostled and shaken by ideological crosscurrents.

By Walther, C.F.W.

This edition of the classic work of The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel make this powerful tool available in a format for all readers of the Bible. Offering a fresh look of the older translation, it will provide comprehensive notes and annotations to aid reader's understanding, bringing to life the power and excitement of the original German lectures. This new unabridged edition restores Walther's witty, staccato fire, including text omitted in prior English versions

Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions-A Readers Edition of the Book of Concord - 2nd edition

by McCain, Paul T, General Editor

"The Book of Concord should be in every Lutheran home. If a person isn't familiar with this book, he'll think, 'That old book is just for pastors. I don't have to preach. After working all day, I can't sit down and study in the evening. If I read my morning and evening devotions, that's enough.' No, that is not enough! The Lord doesn't want us to remain children, blown to and fro by every wind of doctrine; instead of that, He wants us to grow in knowledge so that we can teach others." 

By Edgar Kaiser

Mormonism replaces the Gospel with a new law. The grace of God in Jesus Christ needs to be clearly proclaimed.

Who are the Mormons? It is common to see Mormon missionaries—usually two young men, clean, shaven, dressed in white shirts and ties knocking on doors in your neighborhood. What do these missionaries stand for? What do the Mormons believe? This book gives you the answers and necessary information to understand what Mormonism teaches.

By Edward Koehler

For nearly three-quarters of a century, A Summary of Christian Doctrine has been used to teach the faith. Its concise presentation of doctrine offers a unique introduction to the Lutheran Confessions for students of all ages.

Now updated and based on the New King James Version, this classic statement of Lutheran doctrine explores all the major topics of Christian theology and offers university and seminary students a solid foundation for advanced study.

by Robert Baker

This book, adapted from the popular Bible study series of the same name, explores the rich depths of a distinctively Lutheran spirituality. In Baptism founded upon God’s Word, the incarnate, crucified, and resurrected Lord proclaims His victory over sin, death, and the devil. From there flows the proclamation of His Gospel and the administration of His Sacraments. It is through these means presented within the liturgy of His Church that Christ communicates not merely spiritual energies, an emotional high, a method of reasoning, or a stringent morality, but He truly communicates Himself - God in human flesh.
 

Soon after Joseph Smith, Jr., founded the Mormon Church in 1830, newspaper editors called him “the American Mahomet,” “Modern Mahomet,” or “Yankee Mahomet.” In The American Muhammad, Alvin Schmidt has undertaken the challenging but informative task of documenting, discussing, and analyzing over seventy parallels that exist between Smith and Muhammad. He cites valid arguments why parallels between noteworthy individuals in history need to be studied in order to understand why they engaged in similar acts that left major marks in history. This fascinating book provides many facts not commonly known about Joseph Smith and Muhammad and will help readers see and understand how the teachings of these two men contradict biblical Christianity.

by Adam Francisco

Accessible to readers of all levels, Making the Case for Christianity introduces specific intellectual objections to the Christian faith and then demonstrates how these objections might rationally be answered. 

Following 1 Peter 3:15: “Always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you,” the book was written to prepare Christians to defend their faith. Topics covered include the existence of God, the Gospels as reliable history, Islam, the resurrection of Christ, the doctrine of salvation, good vs. evil, and atheism.

Admission to the Lord's Supper: Basics of Biblical and Confessional Teachings - CTCR

This report from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod addresses the basics of biblical and confessional teaching concerning admission to the Lord's Supper.