3-class series: October 21/22 – November 4/5
Wednesdays Online @ 11am
Thursdays @ 1pm, Community Classroom
Join Vicar Mitchell during this Reformation season as we explore a lesser known work from our Lutheran roots. Written by Philip Melanchthon, a colleague of Martin Luther who was also responsible for helping to shape the Augsburg Confessions. In this work Melanchthon clearly and systematically walks the reader through the topics that were at the core of the Reformation debate: free will, the law, sin, gospel, grace, and justification and faith. We will explore what these topics meant to Melanchthon and reflect on what they mean for us 500 years later.
Dr. Christian Preus’ translation of this text is written in a clear and easy to understand way so that this 500 year old theological text can be easily accessible to all. He makes a lengthy effort to include footnotes to help fill in any contextual gaps to help us understand the text more fully. The text is translated both plainly and faithfully so that we are able to carry it with us as Lutherans today.
This three-week class will be presented in two formats: Wednesdays at 11:00AM online and Thursdays at 1:00PM in-person in the Community Classroom. Grab your favorite Bible and come for either class or join us or use the recorded sessions for a self-guided study! Please RSVP for the online class to receive the contact information.
The class includes a participant book, which is not required. If you would like your own copy of the book, please contact Pastor Danielle or email info@tllc.org ASAP to reserve a copy. If you are able to make a donation for the book, the suggested donation is $20. Please note “Pastor’s Bible Study” on your gift. Copies of the book are also available from your favorite bookseller in print or e-book. NOTE: Release date is August 4, 2026. BOOK INFO
Class Schedule:
Week 1: October 21/22
Free Will and Sin
This week we will read and discuss the first two sections that were at the heart of Lutheran theology for Melanchthon.
Week 2: October 28/29
The Law and The Gospels and Grace
For the second session we will go through one of Luther’s favorite dichotomies: The Law and The Gospels, as well as a working definition of Grace.
Week 3: November 4/5
Justification and Faith, and Love
For the last class we discuss how we are justified by our faith, as well as what Love means to us.
As this class is only 3 sessions long we will not be covering every section of this rich text, but I hope your participation will encourage you to continue to wrestle with it!