Some Recommended Books

Listed below are books and resources that feature LCMC, NALC, CALC or Lutheran CORE authors.  These items are produced independently or are available through other publishers.* The links below will take you to external websites where you can order these materials.

So What's a Lutheran, Don'tcha Know?

[Kindle Edition] - by Rev. D.J. Lura

What does it mean to be Lutheran? In the vast spectrum of Christianity how do Lutherans differ from other Christians? With a bit of humor and an intentional effort to simplify “theological” language, this book looks at the Augsburg Confession; the official declaration of faith that began the Evangelical Lutheran Church. It highlights the unique message of the Gospel, and explains what Lutherans offer the Evangelical witness of Jesus Christ in the world today. This is an e-book available only at Amazon for $2.99 (Go HERE).

(Parts of Pastor Lura's e-book were included in printed form in the leader's guide of Sola Publishing's study on the Augsburg Confession.)

The Great Jesus Debates
Four Early Church Battles About the Person and Work of Jesus 

- Douglas W. Johnson

Who is this Jesus in whom the Christian Church professes faith? What has He accomplished? What is His relation to God the Father? What is the human problem related to this Jesus? What is necessary for our salvation? The Christian Church lias struggled with these five questions for centuries. Author Douglas W. Johnson in The Great Jesus Debates explains how the Gnostic, Arian, Christological, and Pelagian controversies in the Early Church helped influence the development of the historic Christian creeds that we use to this day to describe the person and work of Jesus Christ. To order, go to the CPH website HERE.
 

Wheat — a ‘Lutheran’ Guide to World Domination

- G.J. McPherson

The fictional story Wheat offers a unique perspective on the modern day issues of the Church. Through allegory and illustration, McPherson weaves a tale that reflects upon real-world experience and the theological tensions of the age.  

“Wheat, a ‘Lutheran’ guide to world domination” is a winsome story of a young Lutheran pastor's son named James, growing up in Prayrain a small town in Eastern Montana. The author artfully blends his life in small town America with the troubles brewing in the Church and in the culture. In several “accidents” James finds himself mysteriously going to the Land of Wheat, where he gets answers to his questions about the sins of the church, both on the far right (Skinks) and the far left (Frogs). In the attempt to try to understand both positions that have created the war between the cultural and church, James discovers a universal truth of wisdom that has existed for more than two millennia. To order, go to the out on the porch website: HERE

Baptism - God’s Activity of Grace   - by Morris Vaagnes

Baptism, a universal Christian activity, should be a mark of unity, yet practice and theology are often divisive. The author explores the biblical foundations for baptism and explains the various modes of baptism to provide assurances that God is at work through the water and the word. His thesis is that through baptism a person enters into a new life, with a new relationship to God. Available for $15.00 through Kirk House Publishers

Church on Fire! - A Testimony of Revival  - by Morris Vaagenes

Church on Fire is the miraculous story of how the Lord Jesus Christ responded to one pastor's prayer, sending His Holy Spirit to transform a congregation. It is an inspiring and challenging account of how those flames of revival fanned out to consume individuals, families, congregations, and communities in an ever-increasing spiritual renewal that continues to this day. Available for $15.00 at Amazon.com Or contact: Renewal International: 3540 Harriet Avenue, Shoreview MN 55126

Come Unto Me - Resting in the Favor Of the King  - by Tania Frankie

“Come Unto Me - Resting in the Favor Of the King” is a unique and heart-touching collection of 52 devotional readings. Written with the voice of God, this motivational and inspirational book gives scriptural guidance on how to live life with love, peace, purpose, and joy. Suggested Retail Price: $13.95. To Order, call 1-800-AUTHORS, or visit www.iUniverse.com

Faith Ethics - The Future of Christianity in North America

- by Harold D. Schlachtenhaufen

Is it good if a morally confused village raises our children? What can we do to keep our family, church, and society under the guidance of a good moral compass? This book talks about the many moral standards and ethical principles and beliefs within our society and churches today. It gives a current assessment of ethics within Christianity and gives answers to difficult and sometimes confusing moral choices.

Author Harold D. Schlachtenhaufen has been teaching as Adjunct Faculty in Christian Ethics at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, since February, 2006. He is a co-president and co-founder of the Diversity Leadership Institute, Inc.

Faith Ethics can be ordered through any bookstore at $19.99 per copy, or on the internet through the publisher at: www.authorhouse.com (in "Search" atthe top center of the page, type in the name of the book) It can be downloaded for $4.95 or mailed for $12.30 paperback. Dial: 1-888-280-7715 for phone orders.

Fingerprints of Faith    Gift Book/Devotional

- by Lenore Else and Jim Sheard, Ph.D.

This beautiful little book provides encouragement and insight for the believer or seeker. “Fingerprints of Faith” gives evidence of God’s Presence and eternal love in our lives. This evidence is revealed in creation, the human body, the Word and love of Jesus. You will find the book easy to read and enlightening. There is a short reflective study after each chapter.  The cost of the 146 page book is $15.99. To see the book and be encouraged go to http://www.fingerprintsoffaith.org/.

From Death to Life - by Rev. Scott Block

From Death to Life examines what happens when people die, from a biblical perspective. Have you ever wondered or are you curious about end of life moments? Is there actually a splitting of the body and soul at the time of death, or is there something else? What happens to the survivors after their loved one dies, and how are they comforted in their time of sorrow and grief? In this book the words of the Holy Bible, and others like Martin Luther, will speak to you, tell you the truth, and give you words of comfort, so that you too can have the sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. Order from Wipf and Stock publishers.

Suddenly Your World Falls Apart - A Guide To Grieving Well

- by Nancy Markworth Brown

This book is a personal testimony and practical guide in dealing with life changes when the death of a spouse occurs. Even when there has been a long illness, adjusting to that loss can be hard and seem sudden. Nancy Markworth Brown has written an inspiring book that evolved through her own losses of two husbands' sudden deaths only five years apart. Nancy has lead a grief support group at her church for eight years and has included a workbook page after each chapter to help participants stay close to God through scripture and meditation questions.  It is intended for use by the bereaved — support groups or individuals. It would also be helpful for ministers and those trying to help a friend through a loss. I do appreciate your kind response via email. Thank you for your consideration.

To order, you can go to the website of Xulon Press at http://www.xulonpress.com or find it at http://www.Amazon.com under the author's name or title.  

Walking Together Through the Bible

- by Neal E. Snider

Pastor Neal Snider's book, Walking Together Through the Bible, provides an overview to the Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation). It is written to help reader's get a basic grasp on the various books and sections of Scripture, highlighting key themes and emphases.  (337 page, softcover, 5x8")

The book is $19.95 (with shipping and handling costs included). Order a copy directly from the author by calling 253-583-8293 (home) or 425-359-2715 (cell), or contact him by email at: nealandjudysnider@gmail.com.

Pastor Snider is also available to present a day-long seminar or workshop on the topic to congregations or communities, adjusted to fit local needs.

The Camels Are Coming - by Gretchen C. Nelson

The twenty-fourth chapter of Genesis contains a timelss tale of a father, his son, a bride, and the servant who guides her. It is where we find the account of Rebekah's journey to her betrothed, Isaac, across wide and uncertain terrain. But this story is much more than a biblical history lesson. It is also a retelling and foretelling of our own Spirit-led trek toward the Son - atop some unsighlty and uncomfortable, but nonetheless God-ordained, beasts of burden. In The Camels Are Coming, read what Gretchen Nelson learned about why God allows us to experience troubles and how He desires to bring us through them. Discussion questions are available.  Please contact Gretchen at: gcnelson@gctel.net

CDs and DVDs

My Messiah — A Celebration of Jesus Christ (Music CD)
- by Peter Churness 

LCMC Pastor Peter Churness has released a music CD called “My Messiah — A Celebration of Jesus Christ,” inspired by Handel's Messiah. This guitar-based version uses the same words (all taken from Scripture) but with a contemporary-folk musical style.  It can be purchased from his website at: www.mymessiah.org  or downloaded from iTunes, Amazon MP3, CDBaby, etc.

The website also has more information about the project, as well as sample songs you can listen to.

The Census and the Star (DVD)

Explore the mysterious circumstances of Christ's birth in this captivating look at the first Christmas. Explore the circumstances of the Roman census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Consider the evidence for the star that led the Magi to Jerusalem and Bethlehem seeking Jesus. Trace what the Magi saw as they gazed into the night sky those thousands of years ago. Developed by Warren and Frederick Baltz, this DVD is a great resource in Advent, the Christmas season, or Epiphany. To order, visit www.visionvideo.com

Herod's Temple:
The Temple Jesus Knew (DVD)

Travel back in time to see the Jerusalem Temple the way Jesus and his disciples did over 2,000 years ago. Imagine the scene as Jesus expelled the moneychangers from its outer court and as the veil of the temple leading to its holiest chamber was torn at the time of Christ's crucifixion. Through the use of beautiful animation, the temple is reconstructed and we are brought within its precincts to identify with the experience of those living in Jesus' day, and witness the horror of the fiery destruction of the Temple by the Romans in A.D. 70. Through this DVD developed by Warren and Frederick Baltz, you can come to appreciate the central role of the Temple in the life of first century Jews and Christians. To order, visit www.visionvideo.com

Other  

Reclaim Lutheran Hymnal for Church and Home

The 128-page Introductory Edition of “Reclaim Lutheran Hymnal for Church and Home” is a transitional resource for use and consideration until the complete Reclaim hymnal (in print and electronic formats) is published. The Introductory Edition is a worship and devotional resource that offers classic Lutheran theology applied in practical ways in hymns, names for God, liturgy, and the various orders. To Order, call 1-800-590-6001, or visit www.reclaimlutheranworship.org

Concordia Publishing: The Lutheran Study Bible

Recently, various publishers have produced new Study Bibles with notes, introductions, and supplementary resources — but not all reflect the traditional teaching of the Christian tradition, and orthodox Lutheran Theology. One highly recommended Study Bible is the new Lutheran Study Bible from Concordia Publishing House (LC-MS), based on the English Standard Version (ESV). For more information, go to the CPH website at: http://www.cph.org/t-tlsb.aspx

* Sola Publishing has no legal relationship with these authors or publishers, and has no oversight of the content of these resources. We encourage you to make use of resources that best fit the ministry of your local congregation.