NAVIGATING

 History and design of The Lutheran Study Bible (TLSB).  Why a Study Bible?  Getting to know the rigging and cargo, the basic tools in TLSB.  Applying the basic tools.  Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Steve Mueller.  Setting sail beyond the basics.  The TLSB in the Christian life.

 The story of TLSB has a rich history, stemming back to Luther and the Reformation.  Audio from Rev. Paul McCain, publisher and executive director of the editorial department of Concordia Publishing House.  Listen for historical highlights.  Why is it important to begin with a brief look at the history of TLSB?  Turn to the foreword on page xi of your study bibles.

This is the story of The Lutheran Study Bible. It is a story that began with a pastor’s desire to help people understand the Word of God and the Gospel message that permeates it throughout. May God bless all who use The Lutheran Study Bible so that they “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

 The story begins in 1521 in the Wartburg Castle with Luther:  New Testament published in September  The “Luther Bible”, including the Old Testament, was published in  Study bibles are historical, catechetical and scriptural. See Acts 8:  The “Bach Bible” prepared by Abraham Calov.  Dr. C.F.W. Walther and the Altenburg Bible.  Concordia Self Study Bible, with NIV translation.  The planning and development of TLSB.

Whoever believes and holds to Christ’s Word, heaven stands open to him, hell is shut, the devil imprisoned, sins are forgiven, and he is a child of eternal life. That is what this book teaches you – the Holy Scripture – and no other book on earth. - Martin Luther

You must always God’s Word in your heart, upon your lips, and in your ears. But where the heart is idle and the Word does not sound, the devil breaks in and has done the damage before we are aware. On the other hand, the Word is so effective that whenever it is seriously contemplated, heard, and used it is bound never to be without fruit. It always awakens new understanding, pleasure, and devoutness and produces a pure heart and pure thoughts. For these words are not lazy or dead, but are creative, living words. – Martin Luther

 Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark learn and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.  What does this collect teach us about the study of God’s Word?  This prayer and others can be found in the front and back cover of TLSB.  Luther’s Prayer to Receive the Word.  In general, what the purpose of using a study bible?

 It’s repeated for a reason.  Think of the center of the circle as the verse you are looking at. Chapter, book, testament, etc. all are part of the context. context

 In other words, “what does this mean?”  One of the main features of a study bible are the commentary notes.  What purpose(s) do these commentary notes serve?  What questions would we ask to understanding the context of John 12:12-19?

 Turn to page xxvi in the first pages of your TLSB.  The Lord speaks through His Word.  The Lord speaks through the words of the Bible.  The Lord speaks in two ways: Law and Gospel.  The Lord makes promises and fulfills His Word.  Taking a closer look at God’s two-fold Word of Law and Gospel. Turn to page xxxi in TLSB.

THE LAWTHE GOSPEL  Command/threat.  Shows our sin.  Lex semper accusat, the Law always accuses.  Slavery.  Kills and destroys  Conditional.  God’s secondary work ( alien ).  Results in pride or despair.  Promise.  Shows our Savior.  The Gospel acquits and declares us not guilty.  Freedom.  Brings to life and recreates.  Unconditional.  God’s primary work ( proper ).  Divine comfort and trust.

Getting to know the rigging and cargo, the basic tools of The Lutheran Study Bible.