Read the Bible
Lutherans believe that people meet God in Scripture, where God’s heart, mind, relationship to — and intention for — humankind are revealed. Through an ongoing dialogue with the God revealed in the Bible, people in every age are called to a living faith.
Most Americans, religious or not, have heard of and read part or even all of the Bible. It is arguably one of the most often referenced books — or set of books — in our culture.
In its most basic definition, the Bible is a diverse collection of writings, divided into two main sections:
- the Old Testament, which tells the story of God’s relationship with and work on behalf of the Hebrew people
- the New Testament, which shares the story of Jesus, God’s Son, and his teachings, death and resurrection, as well as the experiences and faith of the first followers of Jesus
Lutherans believe that the Bible is the written Word of God. It creates and nurtures faith through the work of the Holy Spirit and points us to Jesus Christ, the living Word and center of our faith. And in reading the Bible, we are invited into a relationship with God that both challenges us and promises us new life.
Biblical Resources...
Bible Gateway
Oremus Bible Browser. The Oremus (Latin for let us pray) browser includes the New Revised Standard Version and the King James Version and more. It allows custom printing options: whether or not to display of verse and chapter numbers, footnote markers and section headings.
Interlinear Bible is keyed to the Greek and Hebrew text using Strong’s Concordance. Read the original and literal Greek or Hebrew text with Strong’s words using the King James Version or the New American Standard Version.
Hebrew and Greek Fonts: Viewing interlinear text requires the Greek and Hebrew fonts be installed on your system. Please ensure they are installed to properly view Greek and Hebrew text. Install Greek font. Install Hebrew font.
Parallel Study Bible Allows users to study verses using more than one translation and version. This study tool can help people see how different translators have interpreted the original language.
Lectionary
The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) provides a three-year plan for Sunday readings starting with the season of Advent, four weeks before Christmas. Each year of the RCL centers on one of the synoptic Gospels (Year A – Matthew, Year B – Mark, Year C – Luke). John is read in each year during the major seasons of Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
Year A focuses on the gospel of Matthew. The semicontinuous Old Testament readings focus on major Genesis narratives, the covenant with Moses, and the establishment of Israel in the promised land. The second, New Testament, readings are from Romans, Philippians, and 1 Thessalonians.
Year B focuses on the gospel of Mark with more selections from the gospel of John than any other year. The semicontinuous readings from the Old Testament focus on the covenant of David and Wisdom literature. The second, New Testament, readings are from 1 and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, James, and Hebrews.
Year C focuses on the gospel of Luke. The semicontinuous Old Testament readings are of prophetic proclamation chosen in chronological order and highlighting Jeremiah. The second, New Testament, readings are chosen mainly from Galatians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and 2 Thessalonians.
Text This Week. A virtual study desk for students, teachers and preachers. Click on a date to find direct links to a wide variety of contemporary and historical resources for study and liturgy for each lectionary week.
Daily Bible Reading Read or subscribe to ELCA Daily Bible Readings.
Read the Bible in One Year (pdf)
Read the Bible in One Year (html)
What Does the Bible Say to You? Bible verses by theme. Though the Bible was written centuries ago, it is the Word of God and it still speaks to us today. Are you anxious, depressed, stressed out, having work problems, facing divorce and more.