Other Student Publications

Articles, devotions, meditations and books by present and former students at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

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God Loves Me Dearly: An Advent Meditation on Hymnody

Joshua Teggatz, Nathan Tritch, Jonathan Landrey, Cindy Koch, Wesley Deiss, Abigail Reynolds, Adam Hiles, Joshua Horst, Ryan Skove, Rory Fry, Brenna Mcguire, Nathan Bublitz, Gunstein Innvaer, Joshua Fields, Chase Greenhagen, Julia Witt, Jacob Bergstedt, Travis Ferguson, Peter Williams, Pamela Vue, Solomona Rakotonirina, Lydia Grabau, Nathaniel Demlow, Chris Atlee, Nathan Raugutt, Grant Burnham, Peter Pohlod, Eric Bear, Philip Norton, Joseph Eggerman, Rowan Turner, and Sarah Crowder

Devotion

Hymnody has a knack for proclaiming the gospel to us anew in such a way that is both simple and profound. When we join our voices in song to our Triune God, we join the voices of countless generations praising Him and singing once more the story of His salvation in Jesus Christ. These beloved hymns of the Church are a powerful vehicle by which the gospel is once more placed upon our lips, heard with our ears, and inwardly digested in our hearts, so that we might know once more the saving work of Jesus Christ for us.

The Advent and Christmas seasons are especially a time where gathering together around word and song are of utmost importance to God’s people. The birth of Christ, once surrounded by so much song, continues to be surrounded today by the cries of God’s faithful people, praising Him for His promises fulfilled in this babe lying in a manger and hoping in His promises which will be fulfilled at His second coming in glory.

This devotion, going through the month of December, will guide us through many of our beloved hymns of Advent and Christmas, each of which point us once more to our Lord Jesus Christ, who comes to dwell among his people in the flesh so that we might dwell with him forever. Students from both our seminary communities have come together to write these devotions, each day focusing on a different hymn in our Lutheran Service Book, focusing on either a particular verse of the hymn, the hymn’s flow as a whole, or a Scripture passage it is based on.

We encourage you to make use of this devotion for yourself and your family, following along with the hymn in the hymnal (and even singing it together!). May we join Mary, Zechariah, Simeon, the angels, all the heavenly host, and all God’s people throughout the world as we sing once more:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14).
Christ in All Times

Avery Hjulberg, Patrick W. Randolph, Drew Oswald, Jonah Clausen, Luther Cameron, Noah Dunsmore, Ryan Philpot, Nicholas Brusick, Justin Hilton, Tyler Bartels, Jonah Schultz, Paige Rebber, Joshua Teggatz, David Schotte, Henry Eising, Jacob Stefanec, Benjamin Vanderhyde, Conner Walts, Daniel Vanderhyde, Scott Woodhouse, Grant Burnham, Jesse O’Shell, Aine Molvik, Thomas Malmstrom, Travis Galle, Zigmas Kisielius, Isaiah Mudge, Josiah Coblentz, Andrew Frerichs, Ruth Ann Langness, Jacob Manning, Matthew Harrison, Andrew Cole, Seth Horn, Matthew Lynch, John Kastner, Case Farney, Nathan Tritch, Jordan DeBoer, Sam Aizenberg, John Carpenter, Sofia van Hattem, Jacob Bergstedt, Pamela Vue, Lydia Grabau, Marius-Sergiu Trifa, and Matt Doebler

Devotion

Throughout the Old Testament, there are prefigurations, foreshadows, and prophecies of the coming Messiah. Through the person and work of various people throughout the Scriptures, God’s people saw glimpses into the greater person and work of Christ Jesus. These figures are often called Christ figures because they in some way exemplify a characteristic of Christ: life, security, deliverance, promised land, king, prophet, priest, sacrifice. As St. Paul says, “These are but a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ” (Col. 2:7).

God’s people waited for the coming Messiah, and in Christ, the disciples saw this fulfilled. During the season of Lent, we will meditate on just a few of these Christ figures, and like the disciples, see how Christ is in all times.

Each Wednesday we will focus upon a new Old Testament character and see how their person is fulfilled in Christ. Each section is marked by an image representing the person and a corresponding stanza from an original hymn.

This booklet is the product of a joint effort between the students from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. It serves as a reminder that we are one Body in Christ Jesus. Thank you to everyone for all the time and effort you put into writing devotions. A special thank you to Henry Eising for designing the art. Also a special thank you to Owen Duncan for composing an original hymn for this series, that is printed in the back.
Devotions for Advent 2023 Return & Rebuild The Temple of God An Advent & Christmastide Devotional

Avery Hjulberg, Patrick W. Randolph, Aaron Coggins, Abby Reynolds, Julie Baumann, Brenna McGuire, Brian Frank, Nathan Bublitz, Danniel Christensen, Cody MacMillin, Dan Hollister, David Scarborough, Henry Eising, Ezekiel Grabau, Gavin Johnson, Lydia Grabau, Haley Randolph, Harvey Peters, Tim Hendrick, Peyton Holland, Hunter Kinnison, Jackson Scofield, Josiah Coblentz, Kevin McGladdery, Kyle Bliss, Luke Otten, Josh Marlatt, Lara McCormack, Kyle Moellenhoff, Morgan Phillips, Isaiah Mudge, Luke Onken, Vincent Otto, Dillon Weber, Wesley Deiss, and William Ebel

Devotion

Greetings in the name of Christ! Across two seminaries, across several states, and across this Advent and Christmastide, we have gathered devotions from several students- both at CTSFW and CSL- to guide us in our consideration of this season. As new theologians and workers in the Church, we have a chance to encourage our brothers and sisters and stir each other up to look to Christ. So who is this Christ? He is the culmination of the entire Scriptures, and so we find Him everywhere.

The books of Ezra and Haggai are center stage in the Advent portion: God provides a way to return, to contribute to the presence of God among His people by building His Temple. Yes, Advent is a penitential season, a season of recognizing our vocations and how we have fallen short- but also how Christ comes among us nevertheless. We all have a part to play in rebuilding the body of Christ, the true Temple of God. Let not fear of our persecutors rule over us, because God will shame them and vindicate those who wait for Him!

In the joy of Christmastide, enjoy the season with a smattering of texts and devotions (as well as 3 sermons!) on the fulfillment of God’s Temple, the incarnate God! What Zerubabbel sought to accomplish, Christ has fulfilled, and He will not let us go without a reminder of our duties to the Church. His body is worthy of every gift we can bring! The Church is now God’s Temple, and even our individual bodies. How great a stewardship that we have, to build up the Body of the crucified, risen, and ascended Lord! Indeed, God’s manifold word, both Law and Gospel, have much to say to us this season.

Thank you to all who contributed your wisdom and meditations for the communities’ use- and may God bless your reading and prayer.
Devotions for Lent 2023 Hymns of Lent

Brennan DeForest, Daniel Warner, Stephanie Kinley, Nash Ringquist, Noah Dunsmore, Jacob Sipes, Jonathan Lackey, Devin Murphy, Daniel Bueckman, Nick Palmer, Luke Frauenhoff, Aidan Moon, Daniel Kinley, Carter Thorman, Morgan Phillips, Josh Kintz, Simon Niemtschk, Zachary Roll, Lara McComack, Dale Krienke, Melissa Pflug, Caleb Hoverson, Josiah Junkin, James Gramzow, Jacob Garrison, Spencer Warehime, Drew Oswald, Matt Gerzevske, Travis Galle, Kyle Lewis, Benjamin Wessel, Jesse Brubaker, Jonathan Poppe, Isaiah Armbrecht, Peyton Holland, Brandon Bettcher, Zak Kreitler, Paul Mroczenski, Melissa Harnden, Ezekiel Grabau, Julie Baumann, and Joseph Eggerman

Devotion

This Lent, we will continue reflecting on hymns of faith, namely, some of our most beloved Lenten hymns. 10 such hymns have been chosen to fill the 40(+) days of Lent. Therefore, this devotional, different from previous editions, does not proceed on a weekly basis, but merely flows from one hymn to the next. Also different from previous editions, the devotional reflections are specifically based on the stanzas of the selected hymns. Therefore, each day’s reflection features the text of the hymn stanza, a devotion based on that stanza, a prayer, and then a Scripture passage or passages for further meditation. I pray these reflections may be of edification for you during this Lenten season.
Devotions for Advent 2022 Canticles of Luke

Brennan DeForest, Alexander Ogden, Rod Stewart, Andrew Hill, Eva Aiello, Joshua Benish, Nathan Raugutt, James Bruss, Daniel Bueckman, Joshua Steele, Kyle Lewis, Jacob Moore, Daniel Thoelke, Nick Palmer, Simon Niemtschk, Zachary Wessel, Adam Hiles, Peter Wagner, Claire Gerrard, Mark Zieroth, Micah Brooks, Zachary Thornton, Luke Frauenhoff, Zachary Roll, Henry Eising, Peyton Holland, Garrett Anklam, Jacob Sipes, and Jonathan Lackey

Devotion

Each week of this Advent devotional will focus on one of the four Lukan canticles, putting it in its context as well as making connections to other portions of Scripture. At the end of this Advent season, may we, like those who have gone before us, “sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (Ps. 96:2).

Many thanks to all the CSL and CTSFW students who contributed devotional reflections. A special note of thanks to my counterpart, Zachary Roll, who organized this effort at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis who has been a joy to work with and to get to know. A final note of thanks to Kim Hosier in the print shop and Rev. Dr. Paul Grime for their aid in completing this devotional booklet.
And the government will be upon his shoulder

Mark Steiner

Devotion

This chancel drama represents meditation on Isaiah 9:6, particularly the phrase: “and the government will be upon his shoulder.” Rome, the most powerful government in the Rome, exercised a monopoly on the use of force through crucifixion. The cross struck terror in the hearts of the people. Our Savior carried a cross and was nailed to it.

Various medical experts have provided graphic accounts of the physiological effects of crucifixion and pain endured by our Savior. It should also be noted that our Savior endured scourging prior to crucifixion. One of the scourging instruments was a whip with leather tails. To each leather tail was attached a bone to tear open the flesh.

This chancel drama assists those gathered in reflecting on our brokenness, the brokenness of this world and how God the Father sent His Son to enter this brokenness to suffer the most humiliating and excruciating deaths for mankind. Rome, the most powerful government in the world, exercised the power of taxation, vanquished the world with its military might and subdued the population through the threat of crucifixion.

As this chancel drama unfolds, from the time he was conceived by the Holy Spirit, the most powerful government in the world was on the shoulder of Jesus. Jesus did not come into this world to overthrow earthly governments. Recall how Jesus said his kingdom was not of this world. As you participate in this chancel drama, meditate on what Christ’s death and resurrection mean for you. We live in highly charged political times. One cannot escape politics and government. Yet, all government rests on Christ’s shoulder for he is King of all. That means, he is your King, your Savior, your Lord.
First Sunday in Advent Devotion 2020

Christopher Sturges

Devotion

The reading for the first week of Advent on 11/29/2020 is Matthew 1:1-17.
Third Sunday in Advent Devotion

Alex Shick

Devotion

The reading for the third week of Advent is Isaiah 35:1-10.
Second Sunday in Advent Devotion

Joseph Highley

Devotion

The reading for the second week of Advent is Isaiah 11:1-10.

Isaiah 11 tells us that out of the stump of Jesse comes a shoot. Out of death comes life. Jesus is the life coming into the world and bringing with him a whole new world order. This order is unlike anything we have ever seen. That day is here now and it is also fast approaching.
First Sunday in Advent Devotion

John Karolus

Devotion

The reading for the first week of Advent is Isaiah 2:1-5.
2018 Advent Devotional

Christian Jones, Austin Wellhousen, Justin Cullen, David Edwards, Benjamin Hayter, Coleman Geraci, Caleb Weight, Brian Muldowney, Kyle Will, Ian Thormodson, Samuel Fink, Will Fredstrom, Bradley Wellik, Nicholas Gonzalez, Ryan Maser, Alex Lahue, Chad Bolosan, Alvaro Witt Duarte, Gregory Moffitt, Adam Rodriguez, and Luke Scheele

Devotion

2018 Advent Devotions written by the students of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
SA Lenten Devotions 2018 "The Beloved of God" Week 7

Bekah Karolus, Andrew Coop, Joshua Joshua Otterman, and Anthony Diliberto

Devotion

During the seventh week, let us focus our eyes on that cross, and as we see the Beloved hanging there in our place satisfying justice, let us take comfort in knowing that in this action He makes us His beloved children, gives us a new identity, and provides us with rest. And certain of the Resurrection to come, may we go forward in confidence and trust to carry this message of “foolishness” to the world in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, just as our Lord came to use.
SA Lenten Devotions 2018 “The Love of God” Week 6

Daniel Warner, John Karolus, Jonathan Torreson, and Elizabeth Pederson

Devotion

During the sixth week our writers explore the theme, “The Love of God” from various angles. It is at once more abundant, more steadfast, more truthful, more tender, and more powerful than ours.
SA Lenten Devotions 2018 “The Beloved on the Cross” Week 5

Jared Townley, Sam Handschke, Brad Singer, and Cameron Harms

Devotion

During the fifth week we take a turn in our meditations, returning again to the cross from our thoughts on discipleship last week. Instead of the foolishness of the cross, we see the beloved Son of God on the cross. We are invited to consider its foreshadowing in the Old Testament. We note the seemingly stark contrast between the beginning of His ministry when he had been called "my beloved Son" by the Father, and this day of his death.
SA Lenten Devotions 2018 “The Foolishness of Discipleship” Week 4

Chris Heaton, Bill Grueninger, Jeremiah Jording, Kendall Davis, and Ben Spaulding

Devotion

During the fourth week, with the help of several students, we explore and meditate on some of these calls just a bit, as we consider this “foolishness” of discipleship.
SA Lenten Devotions 2018 "The Foolishness of the Cross" Week 3

Hayden Lukas, Jarod Koenig, Daniel Clemens, Joel Newton, and Joshua Ulm

Devotion

During this third week we consider the “foolishness of the cross” from several vantage points.
SA Lenten Devotions 2018 "The 'Foolishness' of God" Week 2

Sam Sessa, Andrew Belt, Jeremiah Jording, Jaron Melin, and Noah Kegley

Devotion

During this second week we take a look at “The Foolishness of God.”
SA Lenten Devotions 2018 "The Fool" Week 1

Ahren Reiter and Ryan Maser

Devotion

During this first week we focus on the theme of “The Fool.” May our God bless your Lenten journey!
An Evangelical Lutheran Presence: A Retreat for Congregational Elders

Mark Steiner

Book

The purpose of Even unto Death: The Spiritual Armory of the Evangelical Lutheran Church is to serve as a resource for Lutheran congregations to understand what it means to be Lutheran and why it matters in our spiritual warfare. Similarly, the purpose of this retreat is to assist congregational elders in evaluating the practices and activities of their congregations to determine if they bear faithful witness to the teachings of Scripture. I recommend congregational elders first complete Even to Death before engaging in the retreat.
Even Unto Death: The Spiritual Armory of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

Mark Steiner

Book

Even unto Death: The Spiritual Armory of the Evangelical Lutheran Church is a resource for Lutheran congregations to understand what it means to be Lutheran and why it matters in our spiritual warfare. My conversations with fellow Lutherans have led me to conclude that many Lutherans do not know how to articulate what it means to be Lutheran, do not recognize that we are in the midst of spiritual warfare, and do not understand how our Lutheran heritage can assist us in spiritual warfare.
The house swept clean : a biblically balanced pattern for the diagnosis, exorcism, and pastoral care of the victims of demonic possession

Darrell Arthur McCulley

Book

This was a difficult project to undertake for a number of reasons. First of all, for various reasons it became expeditious to self-publish, and that is a bit of a nightmare. Second, there is little in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to which it may be compared. Thus, any doctrinal comparison to pre-existing teachings might be problematic in some places. Third, my biggest fear is that this work would be seen as an accusation or an indictment of the LC–MS. It is not intended as such.Any hyperbolic moments herein are not to point a finger of blame, but to call for discussion. Fourth and most importantly, this is a subject that makes people uncomfortable.
Call Day Devotions 1992

Ronald Feuerhahn and David Kuhfal

Devotion

This devotional booklet has been prepared by men of 1992 graduating class to be used by seminarians awaiting a call to the Office of the Holy Ministry. The purpose is to strengthen those facing such a watershed event in their lives with the Gospel. May the following devotions be a blessing to you. My thanks goes to Professor Feuerhahn as faculty editor and especially the contributing writers, without whom this would not be possible.
Meditations on the Lord's Prayer

Donald Jerke

Meditation

The Rev. Donald Lynn Jerke (1941-1981) first presented these sermons to the University community in a series of chapel services in 1976 in his role as University minister. Then, in August of 1981, he presented the same series, somewhat edited, over KPLU's "Morning Prayer" broadcast.