{"@attributes":{"version":"2.0"},"channel":{"title":"CPH Blog - Study","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study","description":"Find articles for studying the Old and New Testament Scriptures. Discover insights into the faith from Lutheran church fathers such as, Martin Luther, Johann Gerhard, and Martin Chemnitz.","language":"en","pubDate":"Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT","item":[{"title":"Martin Luther on Christ\u2019s Resurrection and Forgiveness of Sins","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/martin-luther-on-christs-resurrection-and-forgiveness-of-sins","description":"
\n \"Martin <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

As the church moves through Holy Week and toward the glorious resurrection of Christ on Easter, we reflect on Christ\u2019s sacrifice for our sins. Read this excerpt from <\/em>Luther\u2019s Works<\/span>, Volume 63 (Exodus 20\u201334 and Prophets)<\/a>, which showcases Martin Luther\u2019s insights into Christ\u2019s death and resurrection and how He forgives our sins. <\/p>","category":["Martin Luther","Featured","Holy Week"],"pubDate":"Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/martin-luther-on-christs-resurrection-and-forgiveness-of-sins"},{"title":"James: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/james-an-overview","description":"

\n \"James: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

In the Letter of James, we see most clearly how constant and severe the struggle for renewal of strength and purpose must have been among the first Christians. The high qualities of this new life were not the once-for-all and static possession of the Church. They had to be constantly reclaimed and reasserted in repentance under the implanted Word of the Lord. The letter also shows how vigorously the leaders of the Judaic churches aided those churches in that struggle, with what agonized and conscientious consecration they strove to keep the Word once implanted in the Church implanted and active in the hearts of the members of the Church. We see what a concentrated energy of inspired pastoral wisdom, \u201cwisdom from above,\u201d went into the human word that ensured the growth of the Word of the Lord and gave it firm and deep roots in the lives and words and deeds of people.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/james-an-overview"},{"title":"New Indexes for Johann Gerhard\u2019s Theological Commonplaces Now Available","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/new-indexes-for-johann-gerhards-theological-commonplaces-now-available","description":"

\n \"Johann <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Beginning in the 2000s, Concordia Publishing House committed to the publication of Johann Gerhard\u2019s monumental Theological Commonplaces.<\/a> This effort would become the most extensive work of confessional, conservative Lutheran theology in the English language. Addressing the chief points of doctrine\u2014the persons of the Trinity,<\/a> sin and the Law, justification and the Gospel, the church and ministry, the end times, and more\u2014the thousands of pages open the window into the early days of Lutheran Orthodoxy. <\/span><\/p>","category":"Featured","pubDate":"Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/new-indexes-for-johann-gerhards-theological-commonplaces-now-available"},{"title":"Discovering the Lutheran Tradition of Classical Education","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/discovering-the-lutheran-tradition-of-classical-education","description":"

\n \"Historical <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The Wittenberg Old Latin School is one of the city\u2019s heralded institutions for secondary education. It laid the groundwork for Western education and shaped the lives of countless students throughout the Reformation, the wars of religion, the rise of the Enlightenment, and the ascendancy of Prussian control. Learn more in this blog post adapted from The History of the Gymnasium and Educational Institutions of Wittenberg<\/em>. <\/p>","category":["Lutheran","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/discovering-the-lutheran-tradition-of-classical-education"},{"title":"Hebrews: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/hebrews-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Hebrews: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Peter, James, John, and Paul wrote letters to individual Christians, churches, regions, and groups of Christians to give encouragement, correct errors, and help Christ\u2019s people better understand the faith. The book of Hebrews is one of those letters, meant to strengthen the faith of those who receive it and quell any fear or unease amongst believers. Discover the academic discussion surrounding the claims of authorship, historical setting, and key points from each chapter in this blog post adapted from Lutheran Bible Companion, Volume 2: Int<\/a>ertestamental Era, New Testament, and Bible Dictionary<\/a>. <\/span><\/em><\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/hebrews-an-overview"},{"title":"Unpacking What the Nicene Creed Says About the Trinity","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/unpacking-what-the-nicene-creed-says-about-the-trinity","description":"

\n \"Unpacking <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

I am not entirely sure who invented the idea of the \u201csuppressed binary opposite,\u201d but it is a favorite concept of mine. Essentially, it refers to the thing one is arguing against (binary opposite) without naming that opposing position, hence \u201csuppressed.\u201d One opposite in my mind when it comes to theology is those who think that theology is primarily an intellectual exercise and that theological concepts are conceived in some kind of tower\u2014ivory or otherwise.<\/p>","category":"Featured","pubDate":"Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:03 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/unpacking-what-the-nicene-creed-says-about-the-trinity"},{"title":"What Does God\u2019s Word Say About Transgenderism?","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-does-gods-word-say-about-transgenderism","description":"

\n \"What <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This blog is an excerpt from <\/em>Responding to Transgenderism in Light of God\u2019s Word<\/a> by Scott Stiegemeyer. <\/em><\/p> \n

Theological anthropology is one of the most important theological and moral concerns of today. The Christian doctrine of anthropology refers to what Scripture teaches about human beings. There is much more to this doctrinal topic than mere discussions of sin and free will. Many of the most prominent problems we face\u2014everything from abortion<\/a> to same-sex marriage to genetic engineering to transgenderism\u2014emerge from a distorted understanding of human nature. The church must learn to express with greater clarity what God says about human nature, embodiment, male and female<\/a>, creation, and the resurrection<\/a>.<\/p>","category":["Apologetics","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:00:01 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-does-gods-word-say-about-transgenderism"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: Matthew 2","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-matthew-2","description":"

\n \"Digging <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Some of the most well-educated people in the world are not Christians. In fact, some of the best minds on the subject of Christianity are not Christians. How can this be? A talented mind can grasp the breadth and depth of Christianity\u2019s history, literature, customs, languages, and even theology without ever truly knowing Christ as the believer does. Many Lutheran pastors, myself included, draw upon expertly researched books and articles written by intelligent, well-trained unbelievers. This is possible because there is a sharp distinction between understanding Christianity and trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.<\/p>","category":["Gospels","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 31 Dec 2025 11:59:59 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-matthew-2"},{"title":"The Pauline Epistles: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-pauline-epistles-an-overview","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

\u201cWhen you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. \u2026 You received from us how you ought to walk and to please God. \u2026 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus\u201d (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 4:1, 2).<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:00:02 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-pauline-epistles-an-overview"},{"title":"Is the Separation of Church and State in the Bible?","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/is-the-separation-of-church-and-state-in-the-bible","description":"

\n \"Two <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Like most Americans, I was raised to believe there should be a separation between church and state. Christian things belonged in one place, separate from the worldly, earthly parts of our life. It was as if the two should be separated and never touch up against each other. But is that in the Bible? Is that the way God wants it in His world?<\/p>","category":["Apologetics","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 03 Dec 2025 11:59:59 GMT","author":"wayne.palmer@cph.org (Wayne Palmer)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/is-the-separation-of-church-and-state-in-the-bible"},{"title":"What Do Lutherans Believe About Mary?","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-do-lutherans-believe-about-mary","description":"

\n \"What <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

In a doctrinal note issued on October 7 with the approval of Pope Leo XIV<\/a>, the Roman Catholic Church set aside the sometimes-used reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, as \u201cco-redemptrix.\u201d Lutherans will universally consider this a faithful decision, but it might raise some questions: What do we teach about Mary? Does she have special status among us? Do Lutherans practice the same kind of devotion to Mary that exists among Roman Catholics?<\/p>","category":["Lutheran","Featured"],"pubDate":"Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:59:59 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-do-lutherans-believe-about-mary"},{"title":"Ten Questions to Ask Yourself While Reading 2 Thessalonians 3:1\u201313","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/ten-questions-to-ask-yourself-while-reading-2-thessalonians-31-13","description":"

\n \"Ten <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

My book Ten Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible<\/a> <\/em>is all about building biblical fluency through the practice of curiosity. In the final chapters, I provide examples of what it looks like to ask all ten questions of different texts. In this blog, I will provide another example from a lectionary text and will walk this text through the ten questions.<\/p>","category":["Bible Reading","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:59:59 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/ten-questions-to-ask-yourself-while-reading-2-thessalonians-31-13"},{"title":"Philemon: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/philemon-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Philemon: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Paul\u2019s experience under house arrest at Rome is well described by his frequent companion, Luke, in the last chapter of Acts<\/a> (cf Phm 24). Paul had to pay his own expenses for the house while being allowed to receive guests and to teach them about Jesus, the Messiah. He wrote this letter to Philemon, who lived in Colossae, Asia Minor. One of Paul\u2019s prison companions, Epaphras, was also from Colossae.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:00:01 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/philemon-an-overview"},{"title":"What Does Mission Work Have to Do with Me?","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-does-mission-work-have-to-do-with-me","description":"

\n \"Justification <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Concordia Publishing House is excited to be releasing a new series of compact books! The first title in our new series of polemic and apologetic books has been released, but perhaps you have not bought a copy quite yet. You may, like others, be waiting to hear from trusted friends what they think about the book. It may also be that the title itself has given you pause: Justification as the Formative Power of Mission<\/em>.<\/p>","category":["Featured","Polemics"],"pubDate":"Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:00:04 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-does-mission-work-have-to-do-with-me"},{"title":"Brain Strategies for Preaching","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/brain-strategies-for-preaching","description":"

\n \"Brain <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

It seems generally assumed that preachers want hearers to remember at least the main idea and purpose of the biblical truth considered in the sermon, as well as to reflect it in their lives. Here is a question that has not really been posed. How may preachers use new knowledge about the actual functioning of their hearers\u2019 brains to help the hearers remember the biblical truths\u2014ways that are more direct and beneficial than by just hoping the biblical truths will be remembered? How may the preachers\u2019 expressions and explanations of God\u2019s Word best reach this memory in hearers\u2019 brains?<\/a><\/p>","category":["Pastors","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:18:18 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/brain-strategies-for-preaching"},{"title":"Titus: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/titus-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Titus: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Nicopolis was a Roman colony on the west coast of Greece, on the isthmus separating the Ambracian Gulf from the Ionian Sea. The city would serve as winter quarters for Paul and his colleagues in AD 68 before his arrest and second imprisonment at Rome. Paul was on his way to Nicopolis, perhaps along the road from Macedonia, when he paused to write this letter to Titus, his representative serving congregations on the island of Crete. Paul urged Titus to sail to Nicopolis and join him for the winter (3:12).<\/p>","category":"New Testament","pubDate":"Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:58:44 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/titus-an-overview"},{"title":"2 Timothy: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/2-timothy-an-overview","description":"

\n \"2 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

While searching for Paul, Onesiphorus would tread the broad streets of Rome, passing beneath the archways of its aqueducts and walking beside its grand colonnaded porticos. But the prison where Paul was held would be out of the way, along an alley or even in a cave, requiring all of Onesiphorus\u2019s diligence to find his colleague.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Epistles"],"pubDate":"Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/2-timothy-an-overview"},{"title":"A New Series on Apologetics and Polemics","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/a-new-series-on-apologetics-and-polemics","description":"

\n \"Apologetics <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Have you ever wished there was a simple resource to help you better understand the prickly issues of our day or to give you the tools you need to talk with others about them? Have you been watching for weighty books that deal with doctrine and practice without swelling to the size of a complete systematic theology? Wouldn\u2019t it be nice if there were something available from a trusted theological source that could be easily shared? <\/p>","category":["Apologetics","Featured","Polemics"],"pubDate":"Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/a-new-series-on-apologetics-and-polemics"},{"title":"What Do Lutherans Believe About Baptism?","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-do-lutherans-believe-about-baptism","description":"

\n \"What <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

About the worst thing for a Lutheran is to find yourself thinking that your access to God isn\u2019t through His Word but through yourself, as if in a direct line from your heart to the Holy Spirit. He\u2019d call that Enthusiasm<\/em>, but He doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re too joyful and boisterous.<\/p>","category":["Lutheran","Baptism","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:17:53 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-do-lutherans-believe-about-baptism"},{"title":"Jesus Calls His Disciples: A Study of Matthew 10","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/jesus-calls-his-disciples-a-study-of-matthew-10","description":"

\n \"Jesus <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Let the kingdom of heaven be proclaimed! Jesus has chosen the Twelve, and their instructions are clear: Preach and heal so that the world knows the Kingdom has come. The proclamation of the Kingdom continues today, and so God continues to send and protect His disciples.<\/span><\/p> \n

This blog post is adapted from<\/span> Matthew 1:1\u201411:11 in the Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series<\/a>. <\/span><\/p>","category":["Bible Commentary","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/jesus-calls-his-disciples-a-study-of-matthew-10"},{"title":"1 Timothy: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/1-timothy-an-overview","description":"

\n \"1 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This blog post is adapted from <\/span><\/em>Lutheran Bible Companion Volume 2: Intertestamental Era, New Testament, and Bible Dictionary<\/a>.<\/span><\/p> \n

Paul, on his way to Macedonia, has left Timothy<\/a> at Ephesus with instructions to \u201ccharge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine\u201d (1 Timothy 1:3). Paul does not describe this \u201cdifferent doctrine\u201d systematically, but from his attacks upon it in 1:3\u20137; 4:1\u20133, 7; 6:3\u20135, 20\u201321 and from the tenor of his instructions for the regulation of the life of the Church, it is clear that Timothy must do battle with a deeply troubling heresy.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/1-timothy-an-overview"},{"title":"How God Speaks with His People","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/how-god-speaks-with-his-people","description":"

\n \"How <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This blog post is excerpted from<\/em> The Christian Faith: A Lutheran Exposition, second edition<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> by Theodore J. Hopkins and Robert Kolb. <\/em><\/p> \n

God used the many and varied voices of the prophets to convey His message to His people (Hebrews 1:1), and He spoke the final, complete Word through His Son (Hebrews 1:1\u20132). His Word, His message for us, came in human flesh, as Jesus of Nazareth, who claimed all authority in heaven and earth because He is the author of life and the author of new life (Matthew 28:18).<\/p>","category":["Bible Reading","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/how-god-speaks-with-his-people"},{"title":"What Does a Good Law-Gospel Sermon Look Like?","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-makes-a-good-law-gospel-sermon","description":"

\n \"What <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This blog is excerpted from an article by <\/span>Rev. Carl C. Fickenscher II <\/a> that was published in a previous edition of <\/span>Concordia Pulpit Resources<\/a>.<\/p> \n

So much has been written on the dynamics of Law and Gospel\u2014by classic authors such as Luther and Walther as well as more contemporary ones such as Gerhard Aho, Richard Lischer, Herman Stuempfle, and Gerhard Forde\u2014that Law-Gospel preaching might be evaluated from any number of perspectives. In this study, though, seven criteria have been distilled from the various sources. While these are not exhaustive, they will be sufficient to determine whether meaningful differences in Law-Gospel effectiveness exist among sermon forms. In addition, it is hoped that the criteria can be guidelines which we preachers use personally to sharpen the Law and Gospel of our own messages.<\/p>","category":["Law and Gospel","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:25:15 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-makes-a-good-law-gospel-sermon"},{"title":"2 Thessalonians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/2-thessalonians-an-overview","description":"

\n \"2 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The city of Thessalonica, named after a sister of Alexander the Great, was 
built within sight of one of the great religious landmarks of ancient Greece. 
Southward, across the Thermaikos Bay, the people could see the distant 
slopes of Mount Olympus, traditional home of the gods in their culture. <\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/2-thessalonians-an-overview"},{"title":"Time in the Biblical World","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/time-in-the-biblical-world-","description":"

\n \"Time <\/a> \n<\/div> \n
\n
\n
\n   \n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
\n
\n This blog post is adapted from<\/em> From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology, Second Edition.<\/a> Select in-text citations and original Hebrew have been omitted for readability.<\/span><\/span> \n <\/div> \n
\n   \n <\/div> \n

While we take for granted that time is divided into units of minutes, hours, <\/span>days, weeks, months, and years, as well as an annual calendar of twelve <\/span>months, when considering biblical chronology we cannot assume that our <\/span>understanding of the passage of time is the same as that of the biblical <\/span>writers. <\/span><\/p> \n

Moreover, since the various books of the Bible were written over a <\/span>number of centuries and in different places, we cannot assume that every <\/span>biblical author was referring to units of time in the same way. Therefore, we <\/span>must first familiarize ourselves with the reckoning of time at various times <\/span>and places in the ancient world.<\/span> <\/span><\/p> \n

<\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/div>","category":["Bible Commentary","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/time-in-the-biblical-world-"},{"title":"1 Thessalonians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/1-thessalonians-an-overview","description":"
\n \"1 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Founded in 316 BC, Thessalonica became an important harbor and leading city in the region. When the Romans built the Egnatian Way to connect Rome to its eastern interests, Thessalonica was a major stop and the first point of the road that reached the Aegean Sea. It was a natural stopping point also for the apostle Paul as he began mission work in Europe.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 11 Jun 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/1-thessalonians-an-overview"},{"title":"What Do Lutherans Say About the Great Commission","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-do-lutherans-say-about-the-great-commission","description":"

\n \"What <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

If you only know a few Bible passages, Matthew 28:19 is probably one of them: \u201cGo therefore and make disciples of all nations \u2026.\u201d It\u2019s an easy passage for the Christian heart to embrace.<\/p>","category":["Lutheran","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 28 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-do-lutherans-say-about-the-great-commission"},{"title":"Colossians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/colossians-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Colossians: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Travelers from the west coast of Asia Minor would walk up the Maeander River Valley on their journeys east. If they continued passed Laodicea, along the Lycos River, they would reach the Phrygian city of Colossae in a mountain valley about 125 miles from the coast along a major trade route to Persia.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured","Epistles"],"pubDate":"Wed, 14 May 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/colossians-an-overview"},{"title":"The Proverbial Design","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-proverbial-design","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This blog is excerpted from an article by Rev. Dr. David R. Schmitt<\/a> that was published in a previous edition of Concordia Pulpit Resources<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>","category":["Pastors","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 07 May 2025 11:17:35 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-proverbial-design"},{"title":"How Christ\u2019s Resurrection Changes Everything","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/how-christs-resurrection-changes-everything","description":"

\n \"Empty <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

T<\/span>he bodily resurrection of Jesus is central to the understanding of the Gospel of John. The comfort that Jesus offers twenty-first-century Christians is rooted in His first-century words and actions. The Comforter brings the peace that Jesus spoke and did in all these words and actions for us. What He accomplishes in His resurrection thus directly impacts our lives in the present.<\/p>","category":["Easter","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/how-christs-resurrection-changes-everything"},{"title":"Philippians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/philippians-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Philippians: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

On the edge of the Datos plain, about six miles from the Aegean Sea, Greek colonists founded the city of Philippi in 356 BC. Philip II of Macedon soon took the city and named it after himself. The Roman Empire recognized the city\u2019s worth, making it one of the last points along the Egnatian Way, which linked Rome with the east and was strategically located in the system of Roman roads for the security of the empire.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured","Epistles"],"pubDate":"Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/philippians-an-overview"},{"title":"Ephesians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/ephesians-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Ephesians: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The mountain chains of western Asia Minor reach for the Aegean Sea. Where the Ayden range points finger-like toward the island of Samos and the Cayster River flows into the Sea, Ionian Greek colonists founded the prosperous port city of Ephesus (near modern Selcuk).<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured","Epistles"],"pubDate":"Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:28:28 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/ephesians-an-overview"},{"title":"Matthias Flacius and His Contributions to Protestant Teachings","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/matthias-flacius-and-his-contributions-to-protestant-teachings","description":"

\n \"Matthias <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This blog post is adapted from Life Under the Cross: A Biography of the Reformer Matthias Flacius Illyricus<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>","category":["Lutheran","Church History","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:58:28 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/matthias-flacius-and-his-contributions-to-protestant-teachings"},{"title":"Galatians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/galatians-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Galatians: <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The Taurus Mountains of south central Asia Minor form the southern rim of a great basin in which one finds the central Anatolian steppe. Grass, shrubs, and salty lakes fill this dry, lower ground over which enterprising Greeks passed in search of Persian riches to the east. Greek (Hellenistic) settlements grew up at Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe alongside the Taurus Mountains.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured","Epistles"],"pubDate":"Wed, 19 Feb 2025 13:13:11 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/galatians-an-overview"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: Luke 3:15\u201322","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-luke-315-22","description":"

\n \"Digging <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

I was a kid in the late seventies and the early eighties. At the time, Sears was a popular department store. This long-standing company sold a brand of children\u2019s pants called \u201cToughskins,\u201d named so for their sturdy fabrication, especially at the knees. Like many kids who wore Toughskins, I did my best to test their durability by falling out of trees and sliding into home base. I consistently wore the knees out. So my Mom would iron patches onto the knees to get a few more months out of them. Despite all the protection Toughskins afforded, I still came home with abrasions\u2014red, tender, and filled with dirt. When my Mom would spray on disinfectant, there was the predictable sting, which I always figured was the chemical killing the germs. She always said it was necessary to apply disinfectant to allow the abrasion to heal properly.<\/p>","category":["Baptism","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:25:07 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-luke-315-22"},{"title":"The Gospel Assumed Is the Gospel Denied","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-gospel-assumed-is-the-gospel-denied","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

This blog is excerpted from an article by Herbet C. Mueller Jr.<\/a>, published in a previous edition of Concordia Pulpit Resources<\/em><\/a>. <\/p>","category":["Law and Gospel","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:06:58 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-gospel-assumed-is-the-gospel-denied"},{"title":"2 Corinthians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/2-corinthians-an-overview","description":"

\n \"2 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The surpassing value of 2 Corinthians is the opportunity it gives us to view the great care\u2014through both Law and Gospel<\/a>\u2014that Paul and his colleagues provided to a wayward congregation. We read about the sharpness of his rebuke by which he prodded the congregation toward repentance and the soothing comfort he poured out to them as they welcomed the Lord\u2019s Word.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured","Epistles"],"pubDate":"Wed, 22 Jan 2025 12:05:28 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/2-corinthians-an-overview"},{"title":"What the Old Testament Teaches About Vocation","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-the-old-testament-teaches-about-vocation","description":"

\n \"What <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

There are plenty of places in the Bible to turn to when you need guidance. While the New Testament is filled with Christ\u2019s parables that offer strong advice, the Old Testament is also brimming with narratives that can help guide you in life. With kings, queens, and workers all throughout these books of the Bible, you can find vocational life advice. Read below to see how with an excerpt adapted from Faith at Work: Christian Vocation in the Professions<\/a>. <\/em><\/p>","category":["Old Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/what-the-old-testament-teaches-about-vocation"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: Luke 7:18\u201328","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-luke-7-18-28","description":"

\n \"John <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Visiting the homebound, the hospitalized, those living in nursing homes, and the imprisoned is a privilege and a joy. Those in such circumstances are welcoming and happy to receive visitors. One of the challenges for them is dealing with isolation. Even with radio, television, and social media, it is easy to become out of touch with what is happening in the world if you can\u2019t be part of it. Such was the case for John the Baptist.<\/p>","category":["Gospels","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-luke-7-18-28"},{"title":"1 Corinthians: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/1-corinthians-an-overview","description":"

\n \"1 <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Waves of the Aegean Sea lap the north shore of the Saronic Gulf in southeastern Greece. From Athens on the east end of the gulf to Cenchreae on the west, the apostle Paul had a 65-mile journey by sea or coastal road, which brought him to the Isthmus of Corinth, that low-lying neck of land that joins Attica (northeast) to the Peloponnese (southwest). High hills and cliffs line the route. But from Cenchreae to Corinth the ground is low enough that ancient merchants could draw their ships overland to the Gulf of Corinth, making that city rich from traders moving east and west. Corinth was a cosmopolitan city that attracted Asians, North Africans, and Westerners to its crowded markets. Along with their trade goods, they supplied a wealth of ideas to the wisdom-hungry Greeks.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/1-corinthians-an-overview"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: Mark 13:1\u201313","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-mark-13-1-13","description":"

\n \"Digging <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

As I am writing this blog, Christmas is still two months away. However, there are already signs of its coming. Recently, I did some shopping. Halloween has yet to pass and there are already Christmas items on the shelves. I love this time of year, not only because of the weather in Indiana but also because there is a wonderful succession of holidays leading to the celebration of Christmas. These holidays are signs leading to the birth of our Lord. The church has signs of its own. The weeks of Advent bring Scripture readings related to Jesus\u2019 birth<\/a>, and we light a new candle each week.<\/p>","category":["Gospels","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-mark-13-1-13"},{"title":"The Book of Acts: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-books-of-acts-an-overview","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

\u201cThe word of God increased,\u201d\u2014three times in the Book of Acts Luke uses this sentence to sum up a period of the history of the Early Church (6:7; 12:24; 19:20). These words are a telling expression of the biblical conception of the divine Word. Our Lord Himself compared the Word with a seed that is sown and sprouts and grows<\/a>: \u201cThe seed is the word of God\u201d (Lk 8:11; cf Col 1:6; 1Pt 1:23). The Word of the Lord is powerful and active; it \u201cprevails mightily,\u201d as Luke puts it in Ac 19:20. <\/span><\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:22:21 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-books-of-acts-an-overview"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: Mark 10:17\u201322","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-mark-10-17-22","description":"

\n \"Digging <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Can you remember the last time you purchased a piece of furniture or appliance, understanding that your purchase would require some assembly at home? You likely returned home from the store, opened the box, read and followed the instructions, and then came to one of two sad realizations: (1) you still had pieces left over or (2) you were missing a piece\u2014maybe a screw, nut, or peg. Some of us are blessed with the ability to let good enough be good enough. Others struggle with the lack of completion.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 09 Oct 2024 11:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-mark-10-17-22"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: James 3:1\u201312","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-james-31-12","description":"

\n \"A <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

When I am counseling couples before marriage, I encourage them to avoid discussing any important issues before 9:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m. Most people are at their best in the 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. twelve-hour period. We think most clearly and are better at controlling our emotions<\/a>. Too early in the morning or too late at night is when we tend to struggle. Additionally, I urge them to avoid such discussions when one or both are tired, sick, hungry, or stressed. When we are not at our best, we are more tempted to speak irresponsibly, using sarcasm, terse words, and even foul language. Speech is powerful, and it can remain in our consciousness for many years.<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-james-31-12"},{"title":"The Book of Romans: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-book-of-romans-an-overview","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n
\n

Stepping from the shadows of the Ausoni Mountains, walking northward along the famous Appian Way, the apostle Paul reached the coastal plains of Italy that stretched all the way to Rome. Some five years earlier, Paul had expected to see the empire\u2019s capital and preach the Gospel there (Acts 19:21). Now drawing near the city and under guard, news of his arrival preceded him. Members of the church at Rome came more than 40 miles to greet him and escort him into the imperial city (28:11\u201316). They knew the apostle not merely by reputation but also by his most famous letter, penned on their behalf: the Book of Romans<\/a>.<\/span><\/p> \n<\/div>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 28 Aug 2024 11:28:17 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-book-of-romans-an-overview"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture:\u00a0John 6:51\u201369","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-john-6-51-69","description":"

\n \"Digging <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

With the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension in heaven, the early church had its beginning. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the apostles, and the first evangelists, the Gospel spread and the kingdom grew. Despite this success, there were also obstacles and resistance from some early Jewish Christians, the Roman Empire, and other religious groups. Additionally, Christians practiced their faith in ways which others found quite strange. The nascent Christian congregations celebrated Holy Communion, the receiving of Jesus\u2019 true body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. Those outside the Christian communities took offense at the idea of eating flesh and drinking blood\u2014common practices otherwise associated with pagan or even satanic rituals. <\/span><\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-john-6-51-69"},{"title":"The Gospel Accounts: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-gospels-an-overview","description":"

\n \"The <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Jesus Christ brought the Gospel (from older English, \u201cGood-spel,\u201d \u201cgood news\u201d) to the world. He announced that in His person the kingdom of God was coming to mankind and that through faith in Him people might find new and eternal life. He was Himself the Good News, or Gospel.<\/p>","category":["Gospels","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:26:34 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-gospels-an-overview"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: Ephesians 1:3\u201314","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-ephesians-13-14","description":"

\n \"Digging <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

Many teachings in the Bible are easy to understand and accept. Such teachings include the following:<\/p>","category":["New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-ephesians-13-14"},{"title":"The Gospel of John: An Overview","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-gospel-of-john-an-overview","description":"

\n \"Lutheran <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

The plain bows into the Sea of Galilee where families of fishers settled and built their homes. The villagers prospered and, with the help of a centurion, built a synagogue. The settlement became known as Capernaum, \u201cVillage of Comfort\u201d or perhaps \u201cVillage of Nahum,\u201d though there is no clear association with the Old Testament prophet by that name. Since the settlers built no wall to defend themselves, their lives must have been peaceful until the teacher from Nazareth arrived.<\/p>","category":["Gospels","New Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:00:00 GMT","author":"none.2@cph.org (Concordia Publishing House)","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/the-gospel-of-john-an-overview"},{"title":"Digging Deeper into Scripture: Melchizedek","link":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-melchizedek","description":"

\n \"Digging <\/a> \n<\/div> \n

My wife and I are blessed with a large group of nieces and nephews. Our oldest nephew, who is now all grown up, recently celebrated his birthday. As I spoke to him on the phone to wish him a happy birthday, it struck me that this man with whom I spoke was once a child with whom I played many years ago. Tempus fugit!<\/em> We love him, and we are proud of who he has become.<\/p>","category":["Old Testament","Featured"],"pubDate":"Wed, 12 Jun 2024 11:00:00 GMT","guid":"https:\/\/blog.cph.org\/study\/digging-deeper-into-scripture-melchizedek"}]}}