Recommended Reading

*Available to borrow from the Pastor's library.

(1991) Free_Download_Here	Luther's Small Catechism by Martin Luther* Written by Martin Luther in 1529 in question and answer format, the Small Catechism explores the Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar. Also included are daily prayers, a table of duties for Christians in their various callings in life, and a guide for Christians to use as they prepare to receive Holy Communion. Luther intended the catechism to be a prayer book for individuals and families and a powerful tool for the Christian life because it provides a brief, clear summary of God’s Word on the essentials of the Christian faith.
(2007)	*Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions* edited by Paul T. McCain* The Book of Concord is the authoritative collection of the Lutheran Church’s statements of faith. It contains documents which Lutheran Christians have used since the sixteenth century to explain, defend, and advance their witness to the truth of God’s Word.
(2012)	*Treasury of Daily Prayer* Cultivate an enriching devotional life with a book that nourishes your time with God. This comprehensive Lutheran resource brings together Scripture readings, prayers, psalms, hymns, and devotional readings from the church fathers to guide daily prayer and meditation on God's Word. Organized around the Christian Church Year, Treasury of Daily Prayer is designed to be an all-in-one tool for daily devotions for individuals, families, and small groups. View the "How to Use" helpful download below for a complete overview.
(2015)	*Handling the Word of Truth* by John T. Pless* Handling the Word of Truth—Revised Edition takes C.F.W. Walther’s twenty-five theses on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel and offers a fresh exposition for modern Christians. The revised edition is updated to work in tandem with a new edition of Walther’s classic work, Law & Gospel: How to Read and Apply the Bible. Pless provides a solid introduction both to the theological framework of Law & Gospel and to the variety of life settings and issues that require God’s people to think about and act on their faith. The book serves as an entry point to access Walther’s text and helps believers to read, understand, and apply God’s Word to life’s many circumstances through reflection and discussion.
(2016)	*Has American Christianity Failed?* by Bryan Wolfmueller 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.
(2011)	*A Little Book on Joy: The Secret of Living a Good News Life in a Bad News World* by Matthew Harrison* Rediscover the joy of being a Christian! LCMS president Matthew Harrison has produced a well written exploration of the nature of life in the fallen world and the joy that we have in Christ. Read about the joy of life together in community, marriage, and family, or the joys of humor, worship, the sanctity of life, and the wonders of creation.
(2015)	*Lutheranism 101* by Concordia Publishing House & Scot A. Kinnaman* 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.
(2009)	*The Universe Next Door: A Basic World View Catalog* by James Sire* The Universe Next Door offers a unique resource for understanding the variety of worldviews that compete with Christianity for the allegiance of minds and hearts.
(2004)	*Why I Am a Lutheran* 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."
(1994)	Why Should Anyone Believe Anything at All? by James Sire* Believing. Most of us take it for granted. We just do it--whether it's trusting that the sun will come up tomorrow, that the lunch we are about to eat is not poisoned or that our religious beliefs are not ill-founded. But why should we believe any of these things? Why should anyone believe anything at all? With insight and humor, James W. Sire examines the reasons people give for believing what they do and suggests what are truly satisfying and compelling reasons for belief. He then turns to the question of a specific belief--namely, belief that the Christian faith is true. Sire tackles both the best reason for belief in Christianity (the identity of Jesus ) and the chief reason against it (the problem of evil). And he responds to these issues personally and philosophically. Here is a book to challenge the skeptic and reassure the doubter in us all.

Recommended Reading

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