| Bibles: Unfortunately, all of the good 21st century modern-language English Bible translations are copyrighted, and so cannot be placed on this website. At Bethlehem and St. John, we often recommend the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New International Version (NIV) as generally reliable translations of the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic Scripture texts. To look up individual verses in modern-English translations, go to the Bible Gateway (off-site link). American Standard Version (4.4 MB) download One of the best English translation available in the public domain is the American Standard Version (ASV), published in 1901. Although it does contain archaic language, it is much easier to read than the King James Version (KJV), published in 1611. Note, however, this translation is not built on the ancient texts discovered in the twentieth century and does not take into account the considerable Biblical scholarship that the last hundred years has produced. King James Version (5.8 MB) download Although much good scholarship has become available since the publishing of this "Authorized Version," the King James Version still has much to commend it. Whereas it should not be relied upon as anyone's only Bible, (the ASV concerns are much magnified with this translation), yet this text has largely stood the test of time. Note, however, that many of the archaic phrases and colloquialisms in this translation can be easily misinterpreted by today's speaker of English. If you wish, follow this off-site link to a King James Bible dictionary and have hard-to-understand words defined. Sermons & Treatises written by Dr. Martin Luther (1483-1546) Reformer and Rediscoverer of the Gospel of Christ who once wrote: "God has surely promised His grace to the humbled, that is, to those who mourn over and despair of themselves. But a man cannot be thoroughly humbled till he realizes that his salvation is utterly beyond his own powers, counsels, efforts, will and works, and depends, absolutely on the will, counsel, pleasure and works of Another - God alone. As long as he is persuaded that he can make even the smallest contribution to his salvation, he remains self-confident and does not utterly despair of himself, and so is not humbled before God." note: look for at least one new sermon to become available most weekdays (Monday through Friday) Treatise on Good Works (191 KB) download A seminal, influential work on the importance of good works, compared and contrasted with the central doctrine of justification by faith. Preface to His Latin Writings (39 KB) download Written later in his life, this preface to his published Latin writings gives us a remarkable window into Martin Luther's theology and into the truth revealed in God's inspired Word. Preface to the Book of Romans (43 KB) download When Martin Luther first translated the Bible into German (at that time, the Bible was only available to the lay people in the Latin, which no one could read. Working from Greek manuscripts, Luther translated the whole Bible into German so that the people could read the Bible for themselves. When first published, Luther also included an explanatory preface to each book of the New Testament. The preface to Romans is particularly good. The 95 Theses (32 KB) download The theses for debate on the sale of indulgences that Martin Luther posted on the door of the castle church. Intended to be the topics for debate and not intended to start a Church-wide Reformation, nevertheless they are the springboard from which the true Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to Christendom. Commentary on Galatians (662 KB) download His second commentary on this Gospel-centered letter of St. Paul. Recommended as basic reading for all Christians who wish to grow in their love for Scripture and for the Lord Jesus whom it proclaims. On the Bondage of the Will (817 KB) download One of the most difficult doctrines of the Bible to understand is the relationship between free will and salvation. Written as a part of a public debate with Erasmus of Rotterdam, Martin Luther clearly (and polemically) explicates the Bible's teaching on free will and demonstrates how it is of great comfort to the believer. Sermon on the Reception of the Holy Sacrament (35 KB) download An excellent sermon, calling us to mind as to what the meaning of the Sacrament of the Altar is, also reminding us of the importance of faith, of beliving in the Real Presence, and of having faith in the words "given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins." Sermon on How to Contemplate the Sufferings of our Lord (26 KB) download This was not only one of Luther's most popular published sermons, but one of his most popular writings during the formative years of the Reformation. An excellent corrective to today's overly pietist means of "hand-wrenching" on Good Friday. Assorted Sermons (292 KB) download A selection of eight sermons on various topics. Note: the translation of Scripture in this selection is slightly archaic (for example, it says "thee" instead of "you" and "believeth" instead of "believes." Lutheran Doctrine The Book of Concord of 1580, Triglotta English text (2.1 MB) download The collected Confession of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to which exposition of Scripture all true Lutheran subscribe unconditionally Brief Statement of 1932 (50 KB) download "A Brief Statement of the Doctrinal Position of the Missouri Synod " adopted by the Synod in convention in 1932. An excellent summary of our Confessional and Doctrinal beliefs, specifically in combating the major controversies and heresies of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. LC-MS 1973 Statement of Confessional Principles (100 KB) download This small treatise was adopted in 1973 during a time of great confessional confusion and identity crisis in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. To combat false teachings and improper means of exegesis (Scripture interpretation), this statement was adopted. "The Small Catechism" by Martin Luther (71 KB) download The basics of Christian doctrine which every Evangelical Lutheran is taught. Used as the basic text for Confirmation instruction. "Theses on Law and Gospel" by C.F.W. Walther (22KB) download On the making of a true theologian. Walther argues from Luther and Scripture that the proper distinction between Law and Gospel is an essential element of true theology. The most important and most difficult skill a Christian can learn is to properly differentiate between the two. Only the theses (and not the text of his lectures) are available here. "Why Should Our Pastors, Teachers and Professors Subscribe Unconditionally to the Symbolical Writings of Our Church" by C.F.W. Walther (61 KB) download All pastors, teachers, and congregations in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod subscribe unconditionally to the Lutheran confessions, that is to the 1580 Book of Concord. Read this important lecture delivered in 1858 by the founder of the LC-MS to see why this is so important to the health of our Church. Introduction to the Common Service (100 KB) download An older tract on the Lutheran Divine Service, but still full of good information. Informative, and to the point. It is the Introduction to a Public Domain book entitled, "An Explanation of The Common Service; with Appendices on Christian Hymnody and Liturgical Colors and a Glossary of Liturgical Terms, "5th ed., rev. and enlarged (Philadelphia: The United Lutheran Publication House, 1908), 9-15. The Small Catechism in Prayer Form (34 KB) download Martin Luther's Small Catechism adapted so that it can be used in weekly prayer. Other Christian Resources and Writings The Confession of St. Patrick (50 KB) download St. Patrick (386-461). Briton Missionary to Ireland. Captured as a youth by slavery and sold to an Irish Druidic priest, he escaped captivity and eventually returned to Ireland as a missionary. Credited with the wholesale evangelism of Ireland. His Confession is an eloquent and important confession of the Trinitarian faith. "Confessions" by St. Augustine (581 KB) download Augustine of Hippo (354-430). African bishop and important theologian of the Church who was active in defending the faith against numerous 4th century heresies. This is his Confessions- an autobiographicl account of his sinful life before conversion and an eloquent testimony to the grace of God in his life and in the world. "The Story of Our Hymns " (each chapter approx. 220 KB) Click on chapter to download A book by Ernest Edwin Ryden , "The Story of Our Hymns, Rock Island, Illinois: Augustana Book Concern, 1930. Early Christian Hymnody: Chapter 1 (The Early Christian Chants), Chapter 2 (Greek and Syriac Hymns), Chapter 3 (The Rise of Latin Hymnody), Chapter 4 (An Ancient Singer Who Glorified the Cross), Chapter 5 (The Golden Age of Latin Hymnody); German Hymnody: Chapter 6 (Martin Luther, Father of Evangelical Hymnody), Chapter 7 (The Hymn-Writers of the Reformation), Chapter 8 (Hymnody of the Controversial Period), Chapter 9 (The King and Queen of Chorales), Chapter 10 (Hymns of the 30 Years' War), Chapter 11 (A Hymn Made Famous on a Battle Field), Chapter 12 (The Lutheran Te Deum), Chapter 13 (Paul Gerhardt, Prince of Lutheran Hymnists); Scandinavian Hymnody: Chapter 14 (Kingo, the Poet of Eastertide), Chapter 15 (Brorson, the Poet of Christmas), Chapter 16 (Grundtvig, the Poet of Whitsuntide) "The Imitation of Christ" by St. Thomas á Kempis (652 KB) download Thomas á Kempis (1380-1471), devotional writer and Christian mystic who once wrote: "if you would receive profit, read with humility, simplicity and faith, and never seek the fame of being learned." While at times this work wrongly elevates Christian experience over the objective truth of Holy Scripture, it is still worth reading carefully. C.F.W. Walther's First Presidential Address (36 KB) download This first convention address by the first president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is entitled "The Scriptural truths regarding the relationship of a church organization and its members, as they are exemplified in our Synodical Constitution." It is surprisingly relevant for our times and our situation today. C.F.W. Walther's Address to New Church Members (14 KB) download An interesting window into the past; it is amazin to see (and instructive for us today) how important Lutheran doctrine and the teachings of Holy Scripture were in those heady days when the Missouri Synod was new. "Sacred Meditations" by Johann Gerhard (534 KB) download Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) was an early Christian leader, theologian, and hymn writer. Written early in his life at age 23, this writing (while at times running in an overly pietistic vein) is a classic of devotional literature. "Paradise Lost" by John Milton (452 KB) download John Milton (1608-1674) was an English Puritan, and Secretary during the regime of Oliver Cromwell in England, He wrote his epic-sized poem "Paradise Lost" later in life, after losing his eyesight. Caution: "Paradise Lost" is well-worth reading. Beware of the anti-Trinitarian (Arian) elements, however. While it is debated whether or not John Milton was or wasn't an Arian, it is undeniable that Arian elements are present in some of his writings. Arianism is that ancient false teaching that teaches that Jesus was just a man before he was elevated to the right hand of God. In other words, Jesus is not co-eternal with God the Father.. In contrast, the true faith teaches that Jesus is co-eternal and co-majestic with the Father and the Spirit. Arian elements in "Paradise Lost" include an episode where the Father exalts his Son to sit at his right hand (thereby implying he was once just a man). Milton argues that jealousy of this move led to Satan's rebellion. "Pilgim's Progress by John Bunyan (744 KB) download John Bunyan (1628-1688) was an American Puritan who wrote extensively using allegory. Best known for his extended allegory "Pilgrim's Progress." Church Fathers (Bishops and Theologians of the Early Church Ante-Nicene Fathers : The Writings of the Church Fathers Down to A.D. 325 Volume 1. The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (6.1 MB) download (Clement of Rome, Mathetes, Polycarp, Ignatius, Barnabas, Papias, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus) Volume 2. Fathers of the Second Century (5.3 MB) download (Hermas, Tatian, Theophilus, Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria) Volume 3. Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian (7.8 MB) download (Three Parts: I. Apologetic; II. Anti-Marcion; III. Ethical) Volume 4. The Fathers of the Third Century (4.7 MB) download (Tertullian Part IV; Minucius Felix; Commodian; Origen) Volume 5. The Fathers of the Third Century (4.9 MB) download (Hippolytus; Cyprian; Caius; Novatian; Appendix) Volume 6. The Fathers of the Third Century 3.7 MB) download (Gregory Thaumaturgus; Dinoysius the Great; Julius Africanus; Anatolius and Minor Writers; Methodius; Arnobius) Volume 7. Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries (6.2 MB) download (Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, Homily, Liturgies) Volume 8. Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries (9.1 MB) download (The Twelve Patriarchs, Excerpts and Epistles, The Clementia, Apocrypha, Decretals, Memoirs of Edessa and Syriac Documents, Remains of the First Ages) Volume 9. Recently Discovered Early Christian Literature; Commentaries of Origen (7.2 MB) download (The Gospel of Peter, The Diatessaron of Tatian, The Apocalypse of Peter, The Visio Pauli, The Apocalypses of the Virgin and Sedrach, The Testament of Abraham, The Acts of Xanthippe and Polyxena, The Narrative of Zosimus, The Apology of Aristides, The Epistles of Clement (Complete Text), Origen's Commentary on John, Books I-X, Origen's Commentary on Mathew, Books I, II, and X-XIV) Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: the works of St. Augustine Volume 1. Prolegomena: St. Augustine's Life and Work, Confessions, Letters (4.7 MB) download Volume 2. The City of God, Christian Doctrine (7.5 MB) download Volume 3. On the Holy Trinity, Doctrinal Treatises, Moral Treatises (5.1 MB) download Volume 4. The Anti-Manichaean Writings, The Anti-Donatist Writings (7.8 MB) download Volume 5. Anti-Pelagian Writings (5.6 MB) download Volume 6. Sermon on the Mount, Harmony of the Gospels, Homilies on the Gospels (5.4 MB) download Volume 7. Homilies on the Gospel of John, Homilies on the First ohn, Soliloquies (4.0 MB) download Volume 8. Expositions on the Psalms (7.7 MB) download Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: the works of St. Chrysostom Volume 9. On the Priesthood, Ascetic Treatises, Select Homilies and Letters (3.5 MB) download Volume 10. Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew (4.5 MB) download Volume 11. Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistle to the Romans (6.2 MB) download Volume 12. Homilies on First and Second Corinthians (4.2 MB) download Volume 13. Homilies on the Epistles to the Pauline Epistles Galatians - Philemon (5.3 MB) download Volume 14. Homilies on the Gospel of St. John and the Epistle to the Hebrews (7.3 MB) download Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers Series II Volume 1. Eusebius: Church History from A.D. 1-324, Life of Constantine the Great (5.8 MB) download Volume 2. Socrates: Church History A.D. 305-438; Sozomenus: Church History A.D. 323-425 (3.8 MB) download Volume 3. Theodoret, Jerome and Gennadius, Rufinus and Jerome (4.5 MB) download Volume 4. Athanasius: Select Writings and Letters (6.2 MB) download Volume 5. Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises; Select Writings and Letters (4.3 MB) download Volume 6. Jerome: Letters and Select Works (5.3 MB) download Volume 7. Cyril of Jerusalem, Gregory Nazianzen (7.1 MB) download Volume 8. Basil: Letters and Select Works (5.6 MB) download Volume 9. Hilary of Poitiers, John of Damascus (3.3 MB) download Volume 10. Ambrose: Select Works and Letters (5.8 MB) download Volume 11. Sulpitius Severus, Vincent of Lerins, John Cassian (5.0 MB) download Volume 12. Leo the Great, Gregory the Great (5.7 MB) download Volume 13. Gregory the Great II, Ephriam Syrus, Aphrahat (3.9 MB) download Volume 14. The Seven Ecumenical Councils (4.9 MB) download [Home] [Site map- explore further!] |
 |
| Christian Resources The Holy Scripture, Martin Luther Sermons, Lutheran Confessions, Church Fathers, & other Classic Works of Christian literature |
| All the materials listed on this page are public domain and you may freely copy and use them (if you have doubts or questions about the public domain status of anything listed here, please contact us). Disclaimer: although we commend these resources to you for your spiritiual growth and Christian edification, we cannot vouch for everything included herein. Please test everything you read against God's Holy Word and utilize your God-given reason and Christian knowledge. |
 |
| All files are in .pdf format. To view them, you will the free Adobe Acrobat viewer 7.0 or higher (get it here... offsite link). Click on the download link to view the file. Once the file is downloaded, you can save a copy to harddrive by clicking your Adobe "Save a Copy" tab. |
 |