Sunday at 9:00 AM. Celebrated at every service. We celebrate communion at all services. Albany Lutheran Ministries is St. Paul's Lutheran Church and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Albany and are members of The Lutheran Church. Join us Mondays 6:30-8:00 PM in January to study Debby Irving’s book, Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race. Note this is a congregational study; however, not limited as such, this invitation is open for any who would like to join in our conversation. I originally read the book “Waking Up White” in early 2017. The Essential Lutheran Library. Since the days of the Reformation, certain key books have been a part of the life of Lutherans: the Bible, the hymnal, the catechism. In addition, Lutherans have treasured prayer books and the Book of Concord as essential texts to keep their eyes fixed on Christ.

1. Lutheran Bible Study Ideas
2. Why Worship Is Important Online Lutheran Bible Study Scriptures
3. Why Worship Is Important Online Lutheran Bible Study Guide
4. The Lutheran Study Bible Download

Has it ever struck you as “odd” that Matthew – who writes specifically to the Jews – includes this story of the Gentile Christmas; and Luke – who writes specifically to the Gentile, Theophilus – gives us the Jewish Christmas story? What a GREAT REMINDER that Jesus is “the baby born King of the Jews and the Gentiles!”

We celebrate “the Gentile Christmas” / Epiphany (January 6) – “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, behold Magi from the east came to Jerusalem…” Who were these “Magi?” The Christmas carol says: “We Three Kings of Orient are, bearing gifts, we travel afar…” This is a favorite carol, but not very accurate. God’s Word tells us these were Magi – (where we get the word “magicians”) – they were very educated astrologers, with great knowledge and high positions in society; but not “kings” as we might understand the term.

Over 600 years prior to Jesus’ birth, during the Babylonian captivity, God’s Word tells us about a well-known “magi” named Daniel: “Now king Nebuchadnezzar placed Daniel… as chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners… over all the wise men of Babylon.” (Daniel 2:48) Daniel and the “wise men” were the advisors to the king; the most knowledgeable of the nation!

But what was it that made them truly “wise?” There is a difference between “wisdom” and “knowledge.” “Knowledge” has to do with the learning of facts and figures, but “wisdom” has to do with the life application of such facts and figures.

What a contrast in today’s Gospel: Gentile men followed the star some 2-300 miles seeking to worship the “King of the Jews.” But the Jews in Jerusalem, particularly the chief priests and teachers of the Law, who had the knowledge that He would be born “in Bethlehem of Judea;” foolishly did not travel the less than six miles (down to Bethlehem)! These Gentiles were “wise men” because they applied the knowledge to their lives. As a result, they “saw the Child…bowed down and worshiped Him and presented Him with gifts.” (Matthew 2:11-12) Returning home, and for the rest of their lives, they must have shared the wonderful news!

Would you and I have joined these Wise Men? Are we willing to leave our “comfort zone;” go to a different culture under the rule of a foreign, pagan government; follow a “star” for directions (without GPS), and wise enough even to stop to ask for directions? They did all this by faith to worship not a powerful king, but a baby! But this baby was JESUS!

According to worldly standards – it made absolutely NO SENSE! What a great sacrifice these men made, with such an expensive trip and gifts! All this because they wisely were led by the Holy Spirit to the King of Kings!

True wisdom only comes from God’s Word which tells us: “The fear of the Lord (faith) is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it.” (Psalm 111:10) All the facts and figures in the world will never bring meaning and purpose to life, nor do they bring comfort at the time of cancer, sickness, loss and death. Only the God-given wisdom of the fear, love and trust in God makes a person truly “wise.” God’s Word reminds us that “the Holy Scriptures are able to make us WISE unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) IT IS ONLY by God’s gift of faith that we are among The Wise Men (women/children) who still worship Christ.

The Wise men “bowed down and worshiped Him.” The first action in our worship also must be honest humility. Only through the wisdom of God do we recognize our sinfulness and the great privilege to be in His presence.

Secondly, these wise men “opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts.” The first Wise Men brought only the best for this “newborn King.” Do we present our best offerings of time, abilities and money to Jesus and His work through His Church? This is how “Wise men (and women and children) still worship Christ.”

Now, as the decorations and lights, the Christmas trees and garlands are all coming down, you and I, made “wise” through faith in Jesus Christ, are led by Jesus living in our lives through Holy Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and the hearing of God’s Word. Now we, like the Wise Men, continue our lives of worshiping Jesus, the King, as we too “bow down in worship,” “present gifts” worthy of Jesus; and as we “wisely,” joyfully and willingly live in the blessings of “the One born King of kings and Lord of lords;”

In the precious name of Jesus,
Pastor Myers

There are two decisions you need to make when choosing a Bible:

1. What translation is best for you?
2. Do you want just the Bible text, some devotional helps or a full study Bible?

What translation is best for you?

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Since most people can’t read these languages today, Bible scholars have provided versions of the Bible in English. There are basically two versions of the Bible today: Translations and Paraphrases.

Translations look at the original text and translate it into English. There are many Bible translations available today that fall somewhere on a continuum with Word-For-Word translations on one side and Thought-For-Thought on the other. Word-For-Word translations exchange one word in the original for its English equivalent. The goal is to change as little of the original text and word-choice as possible. Thought-For-Thought translations work at the level of individual words, but preference is given to the basic thought or idea the author is trying to communicate.

Paraphrases, on the other hand, make the Bible easier to understand. The translator rewrites the original text in his own words and style. A paraphrase is a great second Bible, but not good for study.

Here are some popular translations and one paraphrase, along with a brief explanation of them:

New American Standard Bible (NASB, Word-For-Word)

This is one of the most accurate translations for detailed study. Colleges and seminaries frequently recommend this translation for their students. It’s fairly challenging in some places because it holds so tightly to original texts. While it can be used for devotional reading, it is used more often for study. This is Pastor Chuck’s favorite translation! He loves it because it is the most accurate, word-for-word to the original languages.

English Standard Version (ESV, Word-For-Word)

Another very accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible, the ESV, is good for study and devotional reading. The translators intent was to follow an “essentially literal” translation philosophy while taking into account differences of grammar, and syntax between current literary English and the original languages. This translation is used for the Scripture readings in worship at First Trinity and in our hymnal. Our national church body, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has chosen the ESV as its official translation.

New International Version (NIV, Thought-For-Thought)

The NIV is the best-selling Bible translation today. It has a good balance between precision (like a word-for-word translation) and being easy to read (like a thought-for-thought translation). The 0003NIV is used widely for both devotional reading and Bible study.

Lutheran Bible Study Ideas

New Living Translation (NLT, Thought-For-Thought)

The NLT allows for more creativity in translating from the original text than most other translations. Its very modern language and style helps to clarify the meaning of passages in a new way that’s designed to catch the reader’s attention. First Trinity’s Vacation Bible School curriculum uses the NLT for memory verses.

The Message (MSG, Paraphrase)

The Message paraphrase, written by biblical scholar Eugene Peterson, is current, creative and understandable. As a second Bible, it is great for seeing familiar passages in a new light, or learning how to share God’s word in your own words. It can be difficult to use in a small group or Bible study.

Matthew 5:13-16 (A Comparison of Translations)

To help you decide which translation is best for you, here’s a sample from Matthew 5 in each of the above translations:

New American Standard Bible

Why Worship Is Important Online Lutheran Bible Study Scriptures

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

English Standard Version

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

New International Version

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

New Living Translation

You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

The Message

Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Do you want just the Bible text, some devotional helps or a full study Bible?

Why Worship Is Important Online Lutheran Bible Study Guide

Translators and publishers address the unique characteristics of the Bible and the needs of readers by putting together special editions of specific translations. These fall into three primary categories:

The Lutheran Study Bible Download

1. Straight TextBiblescontain only the original text with little or no additional notes or commentary.
2. Application Bibles are also called devotional Bibles and focus on the application of Biblical concepts to your daily life. They often include added stories, analogies and questions to increase your understanding.
3. Study Bibles include notes from scholars that clarify and amplify the text itself. If you are looking for a study Bible, we recommend “The Lutheran Study Bible” from Concordia Publishing House.