LWF Hymns of Advent

During this Advent season, the LWF has invited some of its member churches to share hymns from their congregations to show how the communion of churches prepares for Christ’s coming into this world.

We want to use this period to reflect on and celebrate the diversity, uniqueness and oneness of God’s gifts to us.

Martin Luther wrote:
I would certainly like to praise music with all my heart as the excellent gift of God which it is and to commend it to everyone. . . it has been instilled and implanted in all creatures, individually and collectively. For nothing is without sound or harmony. Even the air. . .

Visit
https://www.lutheranworld.org/advent-hymns

Book: How to read the bible with understanding

Overview
The Bible is the most widely read book of all time. God communicated His message through Scripture over a period of many centuries and through a variety of human authors. Reading the Bible with understanding is not about merely learning the history of God’s people or the storyline of great literature. Instead, God desires readers to understand the facts in light of His salvation plan for the whole world.

With a pastoral heart, Dr. Burgland leads you into a deeper understanding of God’s life-giving Word, revealing how His words of Law and Gospel are meant for you!

How to Read the Bible with Understanding includes:

• Seven enduring principles of Biblical interpretation
• Guides for interpreting different kinds of Scripture
• History of early Biblical manuscripts
• Insight and checklist for teaching a Bible study
• A Biblical chronology and a history of Biblical interpretation

Endorsements
"Burgland’s little volume has proven to be a fantastic resource for my students, introducing them to the background of the Scriptures and to principles for reading them well. The ample examples from the Bible give readers experience in interpreting the text. Now in its second, retitled edition, the book has been revised and expanded to include even more practical help. This is an excellent introduction for anyone desiring to read the Bible with understanding!"
Rev. Philip W. Penhallegon, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Theology
Concordia University Ann Arbor

"Burgland’s book is a helpful tool in the study of Scripture. His clear organisation makes the book useful for individual or group Bible studies. The principles of interpretation that Burgland outlines help illuminate the truth of God’s Word regardless of one’s level of biblical knowledge."
Tim Hardy
Assistant Principal
Lutheran High North, Macomb, MI

EBOOK: The Gospel Centred Christian

This ebook  focuses on the nature of the relationship between the Gospel and
Scripture in our theology. It explores what happens when the relationship between the Gospel and Scripture become unbalanced, and the implications for the teaching and life of the church. The book explores  that the Lutheran understanding of the relationship between the Gospel and Scripture is not only an intellectual construct, it is also what we we embody it in our lives.

Available for downloading here

3 Advent songs of the month

Come to us

Words
Come To Us
Verse 1
Scattered and broken bent in our way
We are Your people gathered to praise You
A vineyard uprooted narrow in sight
Come Lord of glory come Lord of light

Chorus 1
Come to us O Lord of glory and shine in our hearts
Come to us O Lord of glory and make us anew
Lord we wait for You Lord we wait for You
Lord we wait for You come Lord of glory

(ADVENT CHORUS)

Chorus 2
Come to us O Child of glory be born in our hearts
Come to us O Child of glory and make us anew
We adore You we adore You
We adore You sweet Child of glory

(CHRISTMAS CHORUS)

Verse 2
Come Lord our dayspring come from on high
As we Your people gather to praise You
Unworthy to taste from Your heavenly vine
But Your word will heal us come light divine

Verse 3
Come Root of Jesse come David's son
Come Star of Morning we come to praise You
Hope of creation of all humankind
Reign over body spirit and mind

Ending
Lord we wait for You come Lord of glory

(ADVENT ENDING)

Ending
We adore You sweet Child of glory

(CHRISTMAS ENDING)

CCLI Song # 6149833
Greg Walton
© 2011 spiritandsong.com

Come Lord Jesus

Words

Verse 1
When the war is over and the battles are done
We shall see our Savior shining like the sun

Verse 2
Every tear He will dry every shadow will flee
All those in Christ Jesus will be made complete
Will be made complete

Chorus
Come Lord Jesus
Listen to creation groan
Come Lord Jesus
Come and take Your people home

Verse 3
Every tongue will praise Him every knee will bow
When we see our Savior riding on the clouds
Riding on the clouds

Bridge
Now we see in part then we'll see in full
Your glory Jesus will satisfy our souls

CCLI Song # 7096635

Marc Willerton

© Sovereign Grace Worship (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing)

Watchman

Words

Well His morning comes (morning comes)

And O the Son will rise again (rise again)

All of the earth will be filled

With His glorious light

And even when (even when)

The day is short and evening comes (evening comes)

I know in Him even darkness

Even the darkness is light

I know in Him even darkness

Even the darkness is light

Verse 1

Tell me watchman now what of the morning

Is the end of the night coming soon

I've been waiting and praying and longing

For the One Who is faithful and true

But I know He's the hope for the helpless

And a comfort to all those who mourn

Is the song of His glorious returning

Rising up on the wings of the dawn

Verse 2

Tell me watchman now what of the morning

For we sing of the light of the world

And we sing of the one they call Jesus

Who is mighty in deed and in word

For I know He's the Son of the Highest

And I know that His vict'ry is won

And the song of His glorious returning

Rises up on the wings of the dawn

CCLI Song # 5462463

Robin Mark

© 2009 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing)

3 Advent Hymns for the month

Come thou long expected Jesus

Contemporary Style
'

Traditional


Words
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.

Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Charles Wesley

Saviour of the nations come

Contemporary Style

Traditional Style


Words
1 Savior of the nations, come, 
virgin's Son, make here Thy home!
Marvel now, O heav'n and earth,
that the Lord chose such a birth.

2 Not by human flesh and blood,
but the Spirit of our God,
was the Word of God made flesh--
woman's Offspring, pure and fresh.

3 Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child
Of the Virgin undefiled!
Though by all the world disowned,
still to be in heav'n enthroned.

4 From the Father forth He came
and returneth to the same,
captive leading death and hell--
high the song of triumph swell!

5 Thou the Father's only Son,
hast o'er sin the vict'ry won.
Boundless shall Thy kingdom be;
when shall we its glories see?

6 Brightly doth Thy manger shine,
glorious is its light divine.
Let not sin o'ercloud this light;
ever be our faith thus bright.

7 Praise to God the Father sing,
Praise to God the Son, our King,
Praise to God the Spirit be
Ever and eternally. 

St Ambrose

Creator of the Stars of Night

Contemporary 

Traditional


Words
Creator of the stars of night,
Thy people’s everlasting light,
Jesu, Redeemer, save us all,
And hear Thy servants when they call.

Thou, grieving that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
Hast found the medicine, full of grace,
To save and heal a ruined race.

Thou cam’st, the Bridegroom of the bride,
As drew the world to evening-tide;
Proceeding from a virgin shrine,
The spotless victim all divine.

At whose dread name, majestic now,
All knees must bend, all hearts must bow;
And things celestial Thee shall own,
And things terrestrial, Lord alone.

O Thou whose coming is with dread
To judge and doom the quick and dead,
Preserve us, while we dwell below,
From every insult of the foe.

To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Laud, honor, might, and glory be
From age to age eternally.

Unknown 7th Century hymn

Web page to visit Glocalmission

The vision of Glocal Mission is to raise up one million disciple makers for the task of the Great Commission in USA and around the world by 2031.  So far more than 50 churches being planted in USA and around the world and thousands of pastors and leaders are being trained.

Visit www,glocalmission.org

At the glocalmission web site you will discover:

Downloadable resources including 

• Missional Activity Plan
• 110 Glocal Ways
• 110 Glocal Ways to Reach Your Community 
• 110 Glocal Ways Planning Worksheet
• Strategic Planning
• GM.Strategic Planning.Questions   
• Head, Heart, Hands, Habits Card
• 3 Missional Outcomes Card
• How To Pray For The Lost
• 31 Day Devotional on 12 Disciples
• How to Reach the Unchurched TODAY
• How to Share Christ with Your Friends of Another Faith
• 15 SIGNS YOUR CHURCH IS IN TROUBLE BY Perry Noble
• Start Church step by setp Sequence Book
• Writing a Church-Planting Proposal
• Steps to Planting a church
• Common Objections to Church Planting
• GM Church Planting Manual 
• How to Assess, Empower, and Multiply Missional Leaders
• SERVANT LEADERSHIP The Art of The Basin and the Towel
• Where to find New Leaders
• Local Church Leadership Development
• How to Discover Your Leadership Blind Spots
• Do’s and Don’ts in the community outreach & missions
• Holistic Community Outreach and Transformation
• Healthy Partnership and Community Development
• 101 Ways to Help People in Need by Steve and Janie Sjogren

FREE E BOOKS

• Why God Made Cities- By Tim Keller 
• Romans Commentary
• Transcend by Matt Smay
• Vital Signs by Tony Morgan
• Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray
• The Mission of God ebook

DISCIPLESHIP

• Finding the lost, mobilizing the saved
• The Lost Art Of Disciple Making by Leroy Eims
• 9 principles of Master plan of Evangelism and Discipleship
• Am I Growing in my Level of Spiritual Maturity?
• Understanding the Great Commission

RECOMMENDED READING

Book: Every Moment Holy

Every Moment Holy Contains more than 100 liturgies, including:

The Hours: Morning, Midday, Nightfall

Table Blessings: Sunday through Saturday

Labor and Vocation: Domestic Days, One Who Is Employed, Those Who Employ Others, Laundering, Preparation of a Meal, Preparation of an Artisanal Meal, Preparation of a Hurried Meal, Keeping of Bees, Washing of Windows, Home Repairs, Students & Scholars, Waiters & Waitresses, First Responders, Medical Providers, Before Taking the Stage, Fiction Writers, Changing of Diapers (2), Those Who Work in Wood or Stone or Metal or Clay, Labors of Community

Creation & Recreation: Arriving at the Ocean, Leaving on Holiday, Those Who Sleep Tents, the Enjoyment of Bonfires, Sunsets, Stargazing, the Watching of Storms, the First Snow, Before Consuming Media, the Planting of Flowers, Gardening, Before Beginning a Book, Upon the Finishing of a Beloved Book, Competitors

Blessing & Celebration: Those Gathered on the Eve of a Wedding, to Begin a Purposeful Gathering, Feasting with Friends, Moving Into a New Home, the First Hearthfire of the Season, the Start of the Christmas Season, Setting up a Christmas Tree, Welcoming of a New Pet, Morning of a Yard Sale, Marking of Birthdays

Petition & Provision: Ritual of Morning Coffee, Sick Day, Morning of a Medical Procedure, Husband & Wife at Start of Day, Husband & Wife at Close of Day, Those Who Suffer Loss from Storm, Flood, or Fire, the Loss of Electricity, Before Serving Others, Before a Meal Eaten Alone, Those Flooded by Too Much Information, Those Who Covet the Latest Technology, Battling a Destructive Desire, Nights & Days of Doubt, Those with a Sudden Burden to Intercede, Those Who Feel Awkward in Social Gatherings, Dating & Courtship, Before Giving (2), Those Feeling the Impulse to Buy, Before Shopping, the Paying of Bills, One Who Has Suffered a Nightmare, Those Who Cannot Sleep, Upon First Waking

Sorrow & Lament: Those Who Have Not Done Great Things for God, Anniversary of a Loss, Loss of a Living Thing, Missing Someone, Leavings, Inconsolable Homesickness, Those Facing Slow Loss of Memory, Feeling of Infirmities, Fearing Failure, Death of a Dream, Those Who Have Done Harm, Those Who Weep Without Knowing Why

Liturgies of the Moment: Upon Seeing a Beautiful Person, Tasting Pleasurable Food, Experiencing Laughter, Randomly Thinking of Another Person, Being Moved by a Song, Hearing Birdsong, Sighting a Flower in Bloom, Unexpected Sighting of Wildlife, Observing a Tree Swaying in the Wind, Pleasure of a Warm Shower, the Sound of Sirens, a Fleeting Irritation, Moments of Emergency, Moment of Frustration at a Child, Experiencing Road Rage, Waiting in Line

Benediction: A Liturgy of Praise to the King of Creation

It is available from Rabbit Room Press and Amazon

Devotional - Sinner/Saint devotional 60 days in the Psalms

There is a Psalm for just about everything. Defeated? It's there. Joyful? That is there too. Angry with God? There are a lot of Psalms for that. Some of them give us great comfort, and some of them make us uncomfortable, but in the end, all of them point us to Jesus.
This is a 60-day devotional that deals with us right where we are because that is where the Psalms deal with us. You won't find a bunch of platitudes or Christian fluff. The Psalms are too gritty and honest for that. This devotional is written by and for real sinners in daily need of a God offering real promises of forgiveness, grace, and hope.

Advent Devotions and activties

Advent can be a busy time, yet amongst this busyness we can be blessed when we intentionally stop to make sure we are receiving from God not just some wise words, but some inspiring and life giving words.

Free Devotions
The following organisations provide free Advent Devotions that can be printed and distributed to congregations or viewed via an app.

Lutheran Hour Ministries - The Coming King
Easter Lutheran Church - Christianity is a verb
Luther Seminary - Hark the Glad Sound
Lutheran Tract Mission Australia - Jesus is coming
Lutheran Tract Mission Australia - Countdown to Christmas kids


More Devotions and activities
Illustrated Children's Ministry 
Advent Resource Kit from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Grow Ministries Inter generational Advent 
Advent Pack - Secondary and Primary School aged activities 


Advent Resources
Concordia Publishing House
Augsburg Fortress
Sola Publishing 
North Western Publishing 
Emmanuel Press

Book: Last Summer at Eden (Young Adult novel)

A Young Adult novel

Introduction
From the moment nineteen-year-old Poppi Savot steps out of her car and into Camp Eden, she feels at home. This is her dream: a new job as Summer Director in the beautiful southern California hills. Life will be one long songfest around a campfire with s’mores and stories and kids learning about Jesus.

Not so fast.

Eden isn’t paradise.

First, there’s this guy—Jake—who complicates everything. Then, there’s her boss—Bryan—who wastes no time telling her the bad news: There aren’t enough campers. There isn’t enough money. This is Eden’s last summer. She will be unemployed and homeless.

But Poppi has hope. Ridiculous, outrageous, faith-driven hope. Still . . . is that enough?

Book: The Gates of Hell: Confessing Christ in a Hostile World

The Church is no longer the darling of the culture. Those who have the courage to confess the Bible’s truths are labeled haters, enemies of culture, and hurtful to the state. The adversarial relationship between our culture and Christians is not unlike the one faced by our fathers in the earliest days of the Church.

But the Bible was written in a cultural situation far worse than the one we face today. When we begin to fear that Satan is triumphing, we must hear our Lord tell us that He will build His Church, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). So even though it seems like Satan is winning, Christ promises that the devil will not prevail.

Each sermon and essay in this volume testifies to the power of Christ’s promise to defend His Church. The Word of God does what it says, and the gates of hell will never prevail against the kingdom of Christ, the Church. Christ promises.

A collaboration of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's Praesidium, The Gates of Hell gives practical advice to confessional leaders, showing them how to encourage God's people to keep confessing and retain hope as society degrates and becomes even more hostile to the Gospel.

The Gates of Hell includes sermons given at the 2016 LCMS convention, along with newly written chapters addressing how the Church has power to fight back against the empire of darkness.

Contains 6 sermons, 1 essay and 7 articles

Book: Cross Vision - How the crucifixion of Jesus makes sense of the Old Testament

The Old Testament God of wrath and violence versus the New Testament God of love and peace it's a difference that has troubled Christians since the first century. Now, with the sensitivity of a pastor and the intellect of a theologian, Gregory A. Boyd proposes the "cruciform hermeneutic," a way to read the Old Testament portraits of God through the lens of Jesus' crucifixion.

In Cross Vision, Boyd follows up on his epic and groundbreaking study, The Crucifixion of the Warrior God. He shows how the death and resurrection of Jesus reframes the troubling violence of the Old Testament, how all of Scripture reveals God's self-sacrificial love, and, most importantly, how we can follow Jesus' example of peace.

Book: Holy Grounds: The Surprising Connection between Coffee and Faith - From Dancing Goats to Satan's Drink

If you're religious about your coffee, you're in holy company.

If you like your coffee with a bit of inspiration, a hint of humor, and a dose of insight, you'll enjoy pouring a mug full of java and curling up with Holy Grounds. Popular author and avid coffee drinker Tim Schenck brews just the right blend of the personal and historical as he explores the sometimes amusing and often profound intersection between faith and coffee.

From the coffee bean's discovery by ninth-century Ethiopian Muslims to being condemned as "Satan's drink" by medieval Christians, to becoming an integral part of Passover in America, coffee has fueled prayer and shaped religious culture for generations.

In Holy Grounds, Schenck explores the relationship between coffee and religion, moving from faith-based legends that have become entwined with the history of coffee to personal narrative. He takes readers on a journey through coffee farms in Central America, a pilgrimage to Seattle, coffeehouses in Rome, and a monastic community in Pennsylvania.

Along the way, he examines the power of ritual, mocks bad church coffee, introduces readers to the patron saint of coffee, wonders about ethical considerations for today's faith-based coffee lovers, and explores lessons people of faith should learn from coffeehouse culture about building healthy, authentic community.

Book: The sacrament of evangelism

A recent statistic suggests that 15% of the churches in America are growing but only 2.2% are growing evangelistically.

Much of the church in America has lost its evangelistic zeal and forgotten how to re-ignite it; this book is an attempt to light the fuse of the powder keg so that the church, long-distracted by so many things, might return to its primary mission in the world.

We do not take Christ to anyone; He is already there. We go to make explicit what we see Him doing implicitly. It is not a question of whether God is at work in His world . . . Our hope is to see more of God’s people at work with Him! Learn about why we share our faith, Christ's role in our evangelism, the deep longings in all our hearts, and how to effectively live a sacramentally evangelistic lifestyle.

We are offering a way of looking at life and the world that is open to God’s presence everywhere. This approach is called sacramental. And where better to experience God’s presence than in His workplace? This is the Sacrament of Evangelism.

Contents

Section One:  Preliminaries
Section Two:  Abiding in Christ
Section Three: The Gospel and Humanity
Section Four:  Content and follow up