The OT Daily Bible Study Series, “Job” looks at personal learning and the theology of late Old Testament Judaism. That book is, however, a horrible book to read. I was never able to read as many pages as I wanted in one sitting and Tim consistently fell asleep trying to read it. Understanding the theology and therefore the moral thinking. Easter Week: Sacrifice and Salvation. A week of contrasts—from the Triumphal Entry to the Passion. 4 Session Bible Study. Holy Week changed the world, with the Cross as the turning point for all. . Disciple Bible Study (1987) was developed by Bishop (of Arkansas) Richard Wilke of The United Methodist Church. It is a 34-lesson study of the OT and NT (17 lessons each) that focuses on becoming disciples (“followers”) of Jesus. The student manuals are excellent, with. Strohl Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Berkeley, CA Timothy J. Wengert The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Contributors: Book introductions and study notes Terence E. Fretheim Luther Seminary St. Paul, MN Genesis Esther M. Menn Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Chicago, IL Exodus.

The courses taught at the Summer Institute of Theology are some of the best evangelical Biblical Lutheran courses available. The following Free Lutheran Seminary (FLS) courses have been recorded because of our desire to distribute sound Biblical and theological education throughout the world.

Below you can see the instructors and the courses that are available.
Click on a course name to view the course description and/or link to the course videos.

Dr. Francis Monseth was a professor of Systematic Theology at FLS. He joined the faculty in 1971 and was elected as the Dean of the Seminary in 1981. His courses seek to ground students in the Word of God and its application to our lives and ministry.

The Doctrine of Salvation is a Biblical study on the 'Order of Salvation', the nature of conversion, and justification by grace alone. The goal is to realize a greater effectiveness in presenting 'so great a salvation' in preaching, teaching, and personal evangelism. An emphasis is placed on 'experienced salvation' as understood in Lutheran pietism.

The ten class hours is a Biblical study of the nature of the Lord's Supper with special attention to the 'Real Presence' of Christ, the assurance of the forgiveness of sins, and the 'worthy' recipients of this sacrament. The spiritual nature of the Lord's Supper for Christian life and work is also treated in application to the strengthening received for preaching the Gospel in all the world. Consideration is given to the distinctive heritage of the AFLC in regard to special concerns in the administration of the Lord's Supper.

This ten hour course is a study of the Biblical doctrine of the Church with its foundation in Christ and its consequent nature and resources because of that relationship. In light of the polity and structure of the New Testament congregation, the God-given purposes of the congregation will be observed in their dependence for fulfillment upon the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the Means of Grace, Word and Sacraments. These purposes include evangelizing unbelievers and building up the Body of Christ.

A biblical study of the Second Coming of Christ and related themes in the prophetic Word. Emphasis also on the accompanying call to the Church for personal and corporate holiness as well as urgency in proclaiming the Gospel to lost and dying eternal souls.

The ten class hours study the doctrinal contents of the ancient creeds and the Lutheran confessions of the 16th century with special attention given to the Augsburg Confession and Small Catechism. Consideration will be given to the historical and theological setting of the confessions and the meaning of subscription to them.

The ten class hours investigate the varieties of Lutheran Pietism with an emphasis upon the most Biblical manifestations in the history of the Church. Pietism's historical roots, its theological emphasis, and its unique characteristics are also studied. Evaluation of its various forms in the light of Scripture is included with an endeavor to make application of the most positive contributions to the 21st century church. Among those contributions was a renewed commitment to missions, preaching the Gospel in all the world.

This course surveys the history of Lutheranism in America with special attention given to the theological roots of the several Lutheran church bodies as well as their relationship to each other today. Of special interest in the course will be a consideration of Lutheranism in America presently in terms of faithfulness to 'the sure prophetic Word.'

This course will study movements of spiritual awakening, with special attention to their role in th formation of the historical anecedents of the AFLC. Consideration will also be given to practical lessons that can be gleaned from the past revival history.

With a view to build up the Body of Christ, this ten hour course includes a consideration of Biblical and practical principles related to the pastor as 'servant-leader' in the congregation as well as his role in the administration of ministry programs and business aspects related to the local church. The course includes basic instruction in church finances, organizational structure, congregational meetings, legal and ethical issues, and church facility maintenance and development.

Pastor Phil Haugen has taught New Testament at FLS and Seminary for 27 years. A humble Greek scholar, the course available on Galatians emphasizes the need for a living faith in Christ and the reality of the spiritual struggle in one’s walk in the Christian life.

This ten hour course will focus on the essence and application of the Gospel of God's grace in Christ as set forth by the Apostle Paul. In addition to the study of 'so great a salvation,' there will be discussion of the Christian life in terms of the 'fruits of the Spirit' flowing from a living faith in Christ as well as the reality of spiritual struggle in one's walk with the Lord.

The ten class hours give a brief introduction to the Gospel engaging such issues as authorship, structure, chronology, etc. This is followed by numerous textual studies from the first three chapters of the gospel.

Pastor Jerry Moan has been a professor of New Testament for 14 years. Walking through the Biblical texts thoroughly with well-considered conclusions, he also seeks to acquaint his students with alternative views on the subjects he treats.

The ten class hours will include a brief introduction to the Gospel of Mark and its distinctive features as one of the Synoptic Gospels. The structure of the book is considered along with its special themes. Attention is given to some of the main interpretive issues of the book. Of chief interest is the exegesis and application of selected passages including several of the pericope texts, among them the commission of our Lord to be engaged in preaching the Gospel in all the world.

This is a study of the biblical components of corporate worship within the context of the Lutheran Church generally and the AFLC specifically. Emphasis is placed on the nature of worship in its biblical context.

In this 10 hour course, the superiority of Jesus Christ, the primary theme of the epistle, will be closely observed. It will be noted how the epistle demonstrates conclusively that Christ has fulfilled the requirements of the Law for every person and has provided access to God through a 'new and living way' - His atoning death on the cross. The doctrine of the security of the believer in light of the danger of apostasy also will be probed in concert with the pressing need for building up the Body of Christ.

The ten class hours are a study of the main themes of the Book of Revelation including the centrality of Christ, the course will also consider the importance of principles of interpretation which lead to an understanding of its contents that honors the Holy Spirit's purposes in inspiring the Apostle John to pen this 'sure prophetic Word.'

Pastor Jerry Holmaas was a professor of Old Testament at FLS for fourteen years. His teaching style has a light-hearted spirit as he brings to life the message of the prophets of old and makes application to his students.

The ten class hours in this study of 'the sure prophetic Word' look at the twelve books of the 'minor prophets'. The prophetic books are surveyed with special consideration given to selected themes and texts. The vital place of these prophetic books in the Old Testament canon will also be emphasized.

Pastor Marty Horn has a passion for the Word of God and an excellent eye for detail. He has taught several courses for the FLS as a part-time instructor.

The ten class hours follow the central theme of 'Covenant Faithfulness' throughout the text as select passages are discussed. The lectures will also focus on other themes of Biblical theology as they are developed within Joshua including the promised land inheritance, rest, holy war and the presence of God.

Narrative Ot Theology Notes Online Lutheran Bible Study Workbook

This 10 hour course will focus upon the Ten Commandments in terms of their origin, their meaning, and their application today including their impact upon the foundation of modern theological and legal traditions. An examination of the Law/Gospel distinction as uniquely emphasized in Lutheran theology with an application to Biblical faithfulness in preaching and teaching, will be emphasized, all with the prayerful aim of building up the Body of Christ.

Mr. Andrew Hanson is the music director for FLS. His love for worship to the Lord is evident as he leads the class.

This is a study of the biblical components of corporate worship within the context of the Lutheran Church generally and the AFLC specifically. Emphasis is placed on the nature of worship in its biblical context.

The distribution of these Summer Institute Courses is done by the permission of the Board of Trustees and each instructor for each course. The courses are offered:

• Through the Ambassador Institute to international church bodies for the training of their pastors and church leaders.
• Nationally as a spiritual encouragement and an opportunity for individuals and churches to grow in the Lord. Courses can be taken for credit in the U.S. through attendance at the Summer Institute of Theology.

The Institute for Luther Studies serves the Seminary as the center that promotes in-depth study of Luther and interdisciplinary Reformation scholarship with inclusive, ecumenical, and global perspectives.

Established in 1970, the Institute seeks to support both scholarship and ministry, responding to issues facing Lutherans today. Its original purpose of “critical reassessment of Luther and his heritage in terms of their significance for modern ecumenical Christianity” is enhanced by renewed focus on supportive interdisciplinary scholarship in the field.

The Institute for Luther Studies sponsors the annual Luther Colloquy.

Previous Luther Colloquy Presenters

2018
Theology and Exegesis in African Contexts
Presenters:
Rev. Dr. Elieshi Ayo Mungure — “Churches in Transforming Mission: A Story of the Lutheran Communion in Africa”
Dr. Madipoane Masenya — “Whose reading matters? The Bible and African (South African) Women”
Rev. Dr. Andrea Ng’weshemi — “Lutheran Churches in Africa: Vitality, Challenges, and Opportunities for the New Face of Lutheranism in the 21st Century”
Rev. Deborah Lyanga — “Narrative Theology, Cultural Practices and the Lost Sheep: The Significance of the Church and Rethinking of the Mission in Tanzania”

2016
Facing Suffering: The search for meaning, consolation and strength
Presenters:
Austra Reinis– “The Lutheran Art of Dying in 16th Century Wittenberg”
Ronald K. Rittgers — “Luther’s Reformation of Suffering”
Leonard Hummel — “Clothed in Nothingness: Consolation for Suffering in Luther and the Confessions”

2015
Luther and Lutherans on the Holy Spirit
Presenters:
Karin Johannesson — “The Holy Spirit and Lutheran Spirituality in the 21st Century”
Nelson Rivera — “Spirit in the World: Cry and Comfort–A Lutheran Perspective”
Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth — “Spirit and Letter, Gospel and Law: Augustine and Luther in Conversation”

2014
Reforming: From Conflict to Communion and Reconciliation
Presenters:
Eero Huovinen — “Martin Luther: A Common Teacher, Doctor Communis? The Ecumenical Significance of Martin Luther”
Susan Wood — “Is Baptism Complete or Part of a Larger Christian Initiation? A Dialogue with Lutheran Sacramental Theology”
Elina Vuola — “The Ecumenical Mother Mary and Her Significance for the Luther Tradition”
Christine Helmer — “Lutherans, Ecumenical Relations, and Doctrine”

2013
Reforming: Our Battles with Sex, War, and Demons of Violence
Presenters:
Volker Leppin — “Luther and the Devil”
Mickey Mattox — “Warrior Saints? Luther on Violence in the Patriarchal Narratives of Genesis”
Nelson Strobert — “Black Soldiers, Education, and the U.S. Civil War”
B. Bohleke — “Fighting for the Union auf Deutsch: A Lutheran Immigrant’s Service in the 27th Connecticut Infantry”

2012
Luther and Lutherans on Marriage
Presenters:
John Witte, Jr. – “The Lutheran Reformation of Marriage and Family Law: An Enduring Contribution to the Western Legal Tradition”
Christopher Boyd Brown – “The Reformation of Marriage in Lutheran Wedding Preaching”

2011
Fifty Years After the Berlin Wall: Luther, Lutherans and Freedom in “Lutherland”
Presenters:
Claudia Bergman – “Rebuilding Lutheran ministry in the land of atheists: Lutherstadt Eisleben”
Scott A. Moore – “Lutherland as the end of modern pilgrimages: strengthening Lutheran identity”
Gunther Gassmann – “Lutherans and Catholics in the Homeland of the Reformation: From Bitter Battles to Common Witness and Celebration.”
Martin Treu – “Did Luther really nail his 90 thesis? Myths and evidence from Wittenberg”
Martin Treu, Dirk Lange, Gunther Gassmann, Claudia Bergmann, Scott Moore, panel discussion – “The price of freedom. Issues of religious and academic freedom, and the Iron Curtain.”

2010
40 years of Luther Colloquy – Luther, Faith, and Prayer
Presenters:
Hans Hillerbrand – “Luther and Social Order”
Denis Janz – “To Hell (and Back) with Luther: The Dialectic of Anfechtung and Faith”
Mary Jane Haemig – “Luther and Prayer”
Eric Gritsch – Sermon

2009
Luther, Cranach and Calvin – Reformation Teams
Presenters:
Steven Ozement – “Cranach, Luther and the Reformation” and “Cranach’s Women and the Reformation’s Moral-Domestic Front”
Barbara Pitkin – “Calvin, Theology and History”

2008
Luther and Care for Souls
Presenters:
J. Paul Balas – “Pastoral Theology in Luther’s Tradition: A Re-membering”
Philip Krey – “Luther and the Spiritual Lilfe in Lutheran Tradition”
Peter Krey – “Luther’s In-Depth Theology and Theological Therapy”

2007
Luther and the Sacrament of the Table
Presenters:
Brian Gerrish – “Luther and the Reformed Eucharist: What Luther Said, or Might Have Said, About Calvin”
Kurt Hendel – “The Finite as a Vehicle of the Divine: Luther’s Defense of the Real Presence”

2006
Luther, war and violence
Presenters:
Stanley Hauerwas
Greg Miller – “Wars of Religion and Religion in Wars: Luther and the 16th Century Islamic Advance into Europe”
Joy Schroeder – “Dismembering the Adulteress: 16th Century Commentary on the Narrative of the Levite’s Concubine”

2005
Luther and the Theology of the Cross
Presenters:
Douglass John Hall – “The Theology of the Cross: A Usable Past”
Vitor Westhelle – “Usus Passionis: On the Use and Abuse of the Cross for Life”
Deanna Thompson – “On Becoming a Feminist Theologian of the Cross”

2004
Luther, Social Justice and Diakonia
Presenters:
Carter Lindberg – “Luther on Government Responsibility for the Poor”
Gerald Christianson – “Lutherans Face the Industrial Revolution: Awakening, Social Justice, and Diakonia”
Jeannine Olsen – “Calvin, Social Justice and Diakonia, a Comparative Perspective”

2003
Luther, Genesis and Gender
Presenters:
Kirsi Stjerna – “Grief, Grace and Glory. Luther’s insights on Eve and Tamar in Genesis”
Jane Strohl – “Mother Knows Best: The Role of the Matriarchs in Luther’s Genesis Commentary”
Kristen Kvam – “Equality in Eden?: Gender Dynamics and Luther’s Lectures on the Creation of Adam and Eve”

2002
New Ways to Understand Luther: Finnish and American Perspectives
Presenters:
Sammeli Juntunen
Risto Saarinen
David Tracy

2001
The Significance of Luther and the Lutheran Confessions Today
Presenters:
Birgit Stolt – “Joy, Love and Trust: Basic Ingredients in Martin Luther’s Theology of the Faith of the Heart”
Timothy Wengert – “The Rhetorical Key to the Lutheran Confessions for Faith and Life in Today’s Church”
Kirsi Stjerna – “The Unbearable Lightness of Teaching Luther and the Confessions”

2000
Episcopacy in Global Perspective
Presenters:
Gillian Evans
Martin Lind
Manas Buthelezi

1999
Justification: Lutherans and Roman Catholics in Dialogue
Presenters:
Margaret O’Gara – “An Exchange of Gifts”
Bruce Marshall
Günther Gassman – “Justification: Much ado about its Right Understanding – But What About Its Pastoral and Ecclesiological Significance?”
Frank Matera

1998
Luther and Spirituality
Presenters:
Simo Peura – “The Essence of Luther’s Spirituality”
H. Lawrence Bond – “Bengt Hoffman’s Luther and the Mystics: A Retrospective”
Bernard McGinn
Scott Hendrix

1997
Philip Melanchthon
Presenters:
Timothy Wengert
Mary Havens
Walter Bouwman
Scott Hendrix

1996
Luther and Judaism
Presenters:
Heiko Oberman – “Luther and the Jews”
Maryanne Horowitz
Michael Cook – “The Jewish Scholar and New Testament Images of Judaism”
Brooks Schramm – “The Christian Scholar and Images of Judaism – Christians and the Old Testament”

1995
Luther, Bonhoeffer and public realm
Presenters:
Jane Bethke Elshtain – “Caesar, Sovereignty, and Bonhoeffer”
Robert Benne – “The Lutheran Tradition and Public Theology”
Wayne Whitson Floyd, Jr. – “These People I Have Loved Now Live: Bonhoeffer, Democracy and Public Theology”
panel with Kay Dowhower

1994
Luther studies: Where do we go from here?
Presenters:
Bernard Lohse – “Luther and the Common Christian Heritage”
Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. – “Luther Studies at Gettysburg: Recollections and Anticipations”
Scott Hendrix – “Beyond Erikson: The Relational Luther”

1993
Luther, Lincoln, Manifest Destiny
Presenters:
John Headley – “Luther and Manifest Destinies”
Gabor Boritt – “From Wittenberg to Gettysburg: Some Musings on Abraham Lincoln’s Responsibility for the Coming of the Civil War”
Jerald Brauer – “In God We Trust?”

1992
Luther, Faith and Human Sexuality
Presenters:
David Steinmetz – “Luther and Tamar”
Rick Carlson – New Testament Perspectives on Human Sexuality”
Karen Bloomquist – “How Adequate is the Category of ‘Natural’ for a Lutheran Sexual Ethic Today?”

1991
Luther and Global Christianity
Presenters:
Günther Gassman – “Luther, Lutherans and Global Christianity – A Dissonant Trio?”
Harding Meyer – “World Lutheranism: Movement – Communion – Church”
George Posfay – “The Whole Christian Church on Earth – Luther’s Conception of the Universality of the Church”

1990
Luther and Lutheranism in America
Presenters:
Harry McSorley – “Use and Underuse of Luther in the Lutheran/Roman Catholic Dialogues in the United States”
Mark Noll – “Ethinic, American, or Lutheran? Dilemmas for a Historic Confession in the New World”
George A. Lindbeck – “Lutheranism as Church and Movement: Trends in America Since 1980”

1989
Luther, Town and Gown
Presenters:
Steven E. Ozment – “The Public Reformation”
Eric W. Gritsch – “Academia and Forum: Luther’s Reformation in Wittenberg”
Carl E. Braaten – “God in Public Life – A Rehabilitation of the Lutheran Idea of the ‘Orders of Creation’”

1988
Luther and the Devil
Presenters:
Heiko A. Oberman – “Luther and the Devil”
Mark U. Edwards, Jr. – “Luther and the Servants of Satan”
Robert W. Jenson – “The Evil as Person”

1987
Luther and Liberation Theology
Presenters:
George W. Forell – “Luther and Christian Liberty”
José D. Rodriguez – “Theology from the Underside of History: The Perspective of Liberation Theology”
Scott W. Gustafson – “Some ‘Lutheranisms’ in Liberation Theology”

1986
Luther, Prayer and Pastoral Care
Presenters:
George Tavard – “Luther’s Teaching on Prayer”
Jane E. Strohl – “Luther and the Word of Consolation”
Herbert W. Stroup, Jr. – “Pastoral Theology: Reformation or Regression?”

1985
Luther, Music and Johann Sebastian Bach
Presenters:
Karlfried Froehlich – “Luther’s Hymns and Johann Sebastian Bach”
Almut Rössler – “The Problems of Church Music”
Almut Rössler – “The Protestant Bach and the Catholic Olivier Messiaen”

1984
Luther, Humanism and the Educated Pastor
Presenters:
Lewis W. Spitz – “Luther, Humanism and the Word”
James M. Kittelson – “Luther on Education for Ordination”
Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. – “From Wittenberg to Gettysburg: A Proposal”

1983 In Commemoration of Luther’s 500th Birthday
Luther and the Christian Tradition
Presenters:
Otto H. Pesch – “Luther and the Catholic Tradition”
Bernhard Lohse – “Luther and the Protestant Tradition”
Eric W. and Ruth C. Gritsch – “Luther at Gettysburg: A Birthday Party Playlet”

1982
Luther, The Church and Christian Unity
Presenters:
Eric W. Gritsch – “The Orthodoxy of Conflict: Luther’s Ecumenism”
John J. Hotchkin – “Koinonia and Exclusivity”
Daniel F. Martensen – “Lutheranism and the Ecumenical Challenge”

1981
Luther and the Lord’s Supper
Presenters:
Robert W. Jenson – “Of Another Spirit”
John Reumann – “The Last and the Lord’s Supper”
Gerald Christianson – “With Hearts and Hands and Voices”

1980
Luther and the Augsburg Confession
Presenters:
George A. Lindbeck – “Article IV and Lutheran/Catholic Dialogue: The Limits of Diversity in the Understanding of Justification”
Carl J. Peter – “Justification and the Catholic Principle”
Robert W. Jenson – “Quod Supra Nos, Nihil ad Nos (What is Above Us is None of Our Business)”

1979 In Commemoration of the 450th Anniversary of Luther’s Catechisms, 1529-1979
Luther and Parish Education
Presenters:
Eric W. Gritsch – “Luther’s Catechisms of 1529: Whetstones of the Church”
W. Kent Gilbert – “Is Parish Education Possible?”
A. Roger Gobbel – “Catechetical Instruction: An Invitation to Thinking”

1978
Luther, Baptism and Christian Formation
Presenters:
Leif Grane – “Luther, Baptism, and Christian Formation”
Marilyn J. Harran – “Conversion and Transformation in Luther’s Early Theology”
Robert W. Jenson – “The Return to Baptism”

1977
Luther and the Authority of Scripture
Presenters:
David W. Lotz – “Luther on Biblical Authority”
Scott H. Hendrix – “The Authority of Scripture at Work: Exegesis of the Psalms”
Lawrence D. Folkemer – “Word and Witness: What Manner of Authority?”

1976
Luther, the Gospel and Human Freedom
Presenters:
Gerhard O. Forde – “Bound to be Free: Luther on the Gospel and Human Freedom”
Avery Dulles, S.J. – “The Meaning of Freedom in the Church”
Leigh O. Jordahl – “Samuel Simon Schmucker and American Lutheranism”

1975
Luther, Worship and Liturgical Renewal
Presenters:
Richard R. Caemmerer Sr. – “Luther and Worship”
Eugene L. Brand – “Lutheran Liturgical Renewal: The Pastoral Motif”
Robert W. Jenson – “Toward Reform of the Lutheran Liturgical Tradition”

1974
Luther and the Moral Question
Presenters:
George W. Forell – “Luther and Conscience”
Bengt R. Hoffman – “On the Relationship Between the Mystical Faith and Moral Life in Luther’s Thought”
Robert W. Jenson – “The Division of the Moral Person”
Herbert W. Stroup, Jr. – “And So to Close…”

1973
Luther and Ministry
Presenters:
Roland H. Bainton – “Luther: Pastor, Consoler, Preacher”
Eric W. Gritsch – “The Ministry in Luther’s Theological Perspective”
Herbert W. Stroup, Jr. – “Up One Hill and Down Another: A Pastoral Exercise in Pursuit of Luther”
Gerald Christianson – “A Reformation Inventory”

1972
Luther, the Old Testament, and the Task of Preaching
Presenters:
James S. Preus – “From Promise to Presence: The Christ in Luther’s Old Testament”
Jacob M. Myers – “Salvation and Its Consequences in the Old Testament”
Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. – “How Preachers Should Regard Moses”
Lawrence D. Folkemer – “On Being Freed For”

1971
Luther in America
Presenters:
Jaroslav Pelikan – “Luther Comes to America”
Leigh D. Jordahl – “How Lutheran is American Lutheranism?”
Robert W. Jenson – “The Modernity of Lutheranism”
Eric W. Gritsch – “Reformation 1971 (John 8:31-36)

Narrative Ot Theology Notes Online Lutheran Bible Study Materials

1970
Luther and Violence
Presenters:
Eric W. Gritsch – “Martin Luther and the Revolutionary Tradition of the West”
Rosemary Ruether – “The Reformer Versus the Radical: The Problematic of Social Change”
Robert W. Jenson – “Violence as a Mode of Language”
Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. – “Reformation Sermon (Genesis 28:10-22)

‍