The gospel in song
Luther’s first congregational hymn puts the gospel right where it belongs: in the mouths of God’s people. Not everyone rejoiced when Luther’s first congregational hymn “Dear Christians, One and All,…
Psalms for the seasons of life: June
June 4–10 Psalm 129: “Psalm 129 contrasts with Psalm 128, which speaks of the blessing of the godly. The ungodly, who oppress the godly, will experience no blessing. . .…
Psalms for the seasons of life: May
April 30–May 6 Psalm 103: “Psalm 103 is one of the most beautiful psalms of comfort. It is especially appropriate during sickness or hospitalization. . . . We can say…
Psalms for the seasons of life: April
April 2–8 Psalm 78: “The introduction stresses the depth and the permanent relevance of God’s revelation. . . . The permanent and enduring relevance of God’s word is shown by…
Psalms for the seasons of life: March
March 5–March 11 Psalm 55: “Everything in this psalm fits with the time of Absalom’s conspiracy. . . . David repeats his confidence that the Lord will deliver him. Verse…
Psalms for the seasons of life: February
Jan. 29–Feb. 4 Psalm 25: “The first and last [parts of the psalm] look outward [and] deal with the psalmist’s enemies and afflictions. The middle [part looks] inward [and deals]…
Savor the rain
Martin Luther was not only a student of the Scriptures but also a keen observer of history. He was well aware of how the Christian church spread and grew from…
Psalms for the seasons of life: January
Jan. 1–7 Psalm 1 : “We often use the word law to refer to God’s commandments, in which he tells us what to do. But in this psalm and in…
A heart captured by the gospel: Article 2
When we know God has declared us righteous because of Jesus, we are consumed by a desire to share that truth. On April 17, 1521, Martin Luther stood before the…