These four books plus the Bible should be in every Christian home and used regularly.

The premier book of the faith is the Bible. It is God’s inspired and inerrant word that brings us our salvation. We recommend The Lutheran Study Bible.

In addition to the Bible the four basic books for the faith are:
1. Luther’s Small Catechism (We recommend the 1991 Edition.)
2. The Lutheran Confessions (We recommend the Reader’s Edition or the Pocket Edition.)
3. The Treasury of Daily Prayer.
4. The Hymnbook (We currently use The Lutheran Service Book.)

1. Luther’s Small Catechism is a summary of the faith that all Lutherans learn in preparation for being confirmed into the faith. It is written in a simple question and answer style that is useful for daily review of the faith for even the most mature Christians. Luther himself used it into the latter years of his life.
2. The Lutheran Confessions are not the Word of God but are based on the word of God make clear what the Bible is teaching. The teachings of the Bible are not given to us in a systematic fashion but are spread out through various letters, history books, prayers, and prophecies. The Lutheran Confessions (contained in the Book of Concord) take the teachings of Scripture and arrange them an organized and systematic way.
3. The Treasury of Daily Prayer is an excellent book that provides the individual and family a year long series of daily devotions. The devotions include scripture readings, readings from the Lutheran Confessions, and readings from the best theologians and pastors in the history of the church.
4. The hymnal’s liturgies, hymns and songs are based on the Bible. It is the primary tool for Christian piety, that is, how we give expression to the faith God has given us. In addition to the liturgies and hymns the hymnbook contains numerous prayers, a yearly Bible reading plan, the three year cycle of readings used in church and numerous other helps for the daily Christian life.

The Essential Lutheran Library

More Suggested Resources and Books

Each resource listed below is categorized from novice level to advanced level.

Bible Study

• Ylsivaker (Intermediate)
• Internet Bible Dictionary – …
• Internet Bible Search Program – ESV
• Kleinig Coomentary on Leviticus (Advanced)
• People’s Commentary (Intermediate)

Doctrine

• Pieper (Advanced)
• Koehler (Novice to Intermediate)

History of Christianity

• Bainton (Intermediate)
• Haaglund (Intermediate)

Liturgy and the Christian Life

• Why I am A Lutheran
• The Fire and the Staff
• Spirituality Series

(see Redeemer’s book list on file)