In the month of May the Church experiences another transition according to the Church year calendar. We celebrate Jesus’ Ascension on May 9th and the Day of Pentecost on May 19th. Throughout the season of Pentecost the Church remembers that she and her members live a new life in God’s Son through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In chapter 2 of the book of Acts, Peter gives a sermon proclaiming God’s plan of salvation in Christ. The day he gives this sermon is the Day of Pentecost. At the end of his proclamation the people ask this question, “Brothers, what shall we do” (Acts 2:37)? Peter responds, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). As we look forward to the summer months of “life in the Spirit” as God’s forgiven, Spirit-filled, baptized children, let us consider some educational and devotional resources (in addition to the Bible) that can help us grow in our Christian faith and in our boldness to “give a reason for the hope that we have with all gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
Below is a list of educational and devotional resources that are great for personal and family use in the home. All of them are published by our Synod’s publishing company, Concordia Publishing House (CPH). You can find all of them online at cph.org and/or in CPH’s catalog. The list is as follows:
Below is a list of educational and devotional resources that are great for personal and family use in the home. All of them are published by our Synod’s publishing company, Concordia Publishing House (CPH). You can find all of them online at cph.org and/or in CPH’s catalog. The list is as follows:
The Lutheran Service Book (2006)—Our Synod’s newest hymnal and worship book that we use for corporate worship on Sunday mornings. This is also a great devotional and prayer resource for the home.
Treasury of Daily Prayer (2008)—A great resource for building and encouraging the habit of an ongoing home devotional life. This book combines various readings from the Bible with readings from various Christians throughout Church History while also incorporating various orders of service, hymns, and prayers.
Portals of Prayer (continuous publication)—A devotional resource that encourages the habit of daily devotion to God’s written Word.
Lutheranism 101 (2010)—A thorough overview of the beliefs and practices of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. It contains many helpful charts and diagrams.
Lutheranism 101 for Kids. Written by Scott and Julie Stiegmeyer (2012)—The name says it all, right? Similar to Lutheranism 101, this book is written specifically for the instruction of children.
Lutheranism 101 for Kids. Written by Scott and Julie Stiegmeyer (2012)—The name says it all, right? Similar to Lutheranism 101, this book is written specifically for the instruction of children.
The Lutheran Witness (continuous publication). This is an informational and instructional magazine from Concordia Publishing House. It engages the current issues from a Lutheran-Christian theological perspective.
The Lutheran Difference (2010)— This book identifies how Lutherans differ from other Christians and shows from the Bible why Lutherans differ. Such information prepares Lutherans to share their faith clearly and also helps non-Lutherans understand the Lutheran difference.
This is by no means a complete list. For additional resources, please see the website, cph.org. It is my prayer for all of you that God continue to strengthen your faith as you continue to form the habit of regularly hearing his Word, receiving his grace in the Sacraments, devoting on the treasures of God’s love in Christ, and learning more about the Christian Faith. May the Pentecost gift of God’s Spirit who has begun the good work of faith in you carry to completion until the Day of our Lord Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor Josh
In Christ,
Pastor Josh
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