Convicted by the Spirit

Convicted by the Spirit published by Lutheran Press is the written record of Luther’s Postil 235 – John 16:8‒13. This sermon was never preached publicly by Luther but was published with the intent that it would be read in public by someone other than the author. It’s committed to being a help in the preparation of a sermon or is to be read for personal edification of the one reading it.

Reading the Psalms with Luther

Reading the Psalms with Luther (published by Concordia Publishing House, 2007) serves as a simple but excellent daily devotional book for meditation on the Psalms. The book consists of brief meditations on all 150 psalms. Each meditation in the book is followed by the text of the Psalm drawn from the English Standard Version. The text of the Psalm is then followed by a brief prayer.

Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom

Carl R. Trueman has given us a gem with this book because it allows us to sit at Dr. Martin’s feet and learn about the Christian life. This book has eight chapters that summarize Luther’s thought and experience all with a view to the Christian life. I’ll share a few highlights here.

God’s Outlaw

The back of the DVD case begins, “A true story, God’s Outlaw is about international politics, church intrigue, cold-blooded betrayal, and false justice ending in a criminal’s death. But it’s also about victorious faith and spiritual triumph over some of the greatest political and religious forces known in the 16th century.”

Luther: The Graphic Novel

The opening statement on page 5 of this book is: “This is the story of Martin Luther, a hero of the church”—and that it is. It is a biography of the life and times of Martin Luther from birth to death.

This biography is presented in a high quality graphic novel format, a modern-day version of what I knew as a comic book. It is a quick read of 142 pages divided into 5 sections:

Luther Discovers the Gospel

In a sleuth-like manner, Dr. Uuras Saarnivaara in Luther Discovers the Gospel seeks the solution to the question of when Martin Luther became a “Lutheran.” Saarnivaara, the first theology professor at the AFLC Seminary, offers the purpose of this book in the preface:

Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World

When browsing recently at the Ambassador Publications store, I picked up and began reading Martin Luther, a Man Who Changed the World. Within moments I knew I had to purchase the book. The twenty-six page, large format book would be perfect to share with my grandchildren. Yes, the oldest is only two, but it is always good to be ahead of the curve.

An Unexpected Book Club

In this interview, youth leader Cody Halverson shares how a few book recommendations turned into a book club with several youth in the church. Read below for the story.

An Interview with Diane Brubakken

Diane Brubakken, who has served as AFLC Parish Education’s administrative assistant for 14 years, has accepted a new position with AFLC Home Missions. We are deeply grateful for all Diane’s work to support Parish Ed in making trustworthy, biblical materials accessible to our congregations and for her helpful service to our customers. To honor her contributions to this ministry, we asked her some questions about her time with Parish Ed. 

Cradle Roll Ministry: What’s It All About?

♫Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so!♫ Do you remember the first time you heard that song? It may have been in cradle roll. If you grew up in a Christian family or going to church, God may have been writing this biblical truth on your mind and heart since infancy. Children are never too young to hear the beautiful truths of Scripture spoken, sung, and prayed. 

Jesus A-Z and the Children’s Message

Children’s messages during a Sunday morning service are a wonderful tool for introducing children to biblical truths, stories, and applicable godly wisdom. I’ve had adults share with me time and time again how they enjoy the children’s messages as well,