John T Pless

This book has grown out of a ministry that has spanned nearly four decades. It is built around the conviction that theology does matter for theology has to do with words from God, words spoken back to God and words spoken to the world. Luther once remarked something to the effect that the cross alone is our theology. Before Luther there was the Apostle Paul who came to the Corinthians with “the word of the cross” (1 Cor. 1:18) determined to know nothing among them but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (see 1 Cor. 2:2). In essays, sermons, and homiletical studies this volume seeks to continue that apostolic aim. A significant portion of this book is devoted to sermons. Sermons, of course, are written to be preached rather than published. None the less, there is value in reading sermons. Such reading is a way of meditating on God's Word. This reading might also prompt other preachers to explore an overlooked dimension of a text for their proclamation. Sermons are never generic; they always have a context. Many of these sermons were preached in Kramer Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne where the author has served as a professor since 2000. These sermons are preaching for future preachers, equipping them in the way of Luther's oratio, meditatio, and tentatio for the burdens and joys of the pastoral office. There are occasional sermons from conferences, funerals, and ordinary congregations. Over the years, Prof. Pless has preached at over thirty ordinations or installations of pastors. A sampling of these sermons are included. They bear the imprint of the bond that exist between professor and student. More importantly they promote Jesus Christ as the Lord who calls men into the ministry and enlivens and sustains them there with His Gospel for the good of His flock. The remainder of the book is devoted to essays in pastoral theology covering the range of the author's interest from Hermann Sasse to vocation, liturgical practice to the Small Catechism, challenges to confessional Lutheranism in North America to the office of the ministry. Many of these essays originated at conferences both in the USA and abroad. The contents of this volume flow from the pulpit, desk, and podium of a man who seeks not novelty or creativity but faithfulness to the word of the cross.

Who are disciples? What is a life of discipleship?This book answers those important questions by looking at Luther's Small Catechism as a field manual for how to live in faith and serve in love according to God's commandments.Lutherans have a unique view of discipleship. Disciples of Jesus Christ continue in His Word, living by faith in the promises of God and serving the neighbor with love according to God's commandments. This is the essential aspect of a Christian's vocation.Author John Pless capitalizes on the Lutheran view of discipleship to equip pastors and laity to better utilize Luther's Small Catechism as a guide for a life of discipleship.

Mark Mattes' hope is not only to secure believers' consciences in Christ but also to reclaim theological and social turf which mainline Protestants have too quickly ceded to various secular agendas. The collected essays engage the reality of believers' death and resurrection in Christ, and how that bears upon the life of faith while also attending to a wide range of relevant theological topics such as scriptural authority, apologetics, a critique of contemporary mainline Protestant and Evangelical Catholic ethics, a critique of Lutheran-Reformed ecumenism, and the church's mission and outreach. The collection concludes with several sermons based on Old Testament lessons seeking to show how the theology embedded in the essays can be used for proclamation.

Mark Mattes' hope is not only to secure believers' consciences in Christ but also to reclaim theological and social turf which mainline Protestants have too quickly ceded to various secular agendas. The collected essays engage the reality of believers' death and resurrection in Christ, and how that bears upon the life of faith while also attending to a wide range of relevant theological topics such as scriptural authority, apologetics, a critique of contemporary mainline Protestant and Evangelical Catholic ethics, a critique of Lutheran-Reformed ecumenism, and the church's mission and outreach. The collection concludes with several sermons based on Old Testament lessons seeking to show how the theology embedded in the essays can be used for proclamation.

That little book called Luther's Small Catechism is the one you see stacked in church classrooms and tucked under teenage arms, filled with their scribbles and spiritual growth. Decades later, the same small book is often collecting dust on shelves in Christian homes around the world.Praying Luther's Small Catechism invites you, your family, and the church to return to the riches of this treasure. Beyond its purpose as a handbook and outline of Christian teachings, Luther's Small Catechism is also a prayer book for every age. Not a textbook, a homework assignment, or a friend for children only.Far from limiting and restricting your prayer life, Luther's Small Catechism anchors you in God's Word where the expansive skies of His mercy in Christ are wide and wonderfully never-ending. The carefully written words of the catechism offer both depth and simplicity for your meditation, accessible to the beginner learning the ABCs and valuable for stirring the hearts and minds of the wisest.Journey through the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism as well as the Daily Prayers and Table of Duties, and discover how these scripturally sound words (2 Timothy 1:13) shape our praying for a lifetime.

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.FeaturesUses Walther's classic Law & Gospel: How to Read and Apply the Bible as the foundation for discussion.Makes classic theological treatise accessible for the contemporary Christian.Incorporates questions for personal reflection or group discussion.