Resources for Christian Faith and Life

Christians are blessed today with access to more books, articles, Bible studies, devotional materials, and online resources than at almost any other point in history. Yet the abundance of information makes discernment increasingly important. St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Shaker Heights provides these links to help members, visitors, families, and neighbors find trustworthy resources for learning, service, and growth in the Christian faith.

Our starting point is always Holy Scripture. The Formula of Concord confesses that the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments alone are the rule and standard by which all doctrine and teachers are judged. Other Christian writings can be valuable, but they serve the Church faithfully only insofar as they bear witness to and explain the teaching of God’s Word.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

St. Peter’s is a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The LCMS provides resources concerning Lutheran doctrine, missions, worship, education, mercy work, congregational life, and the ministries carried out by the Synod throughout the United States and around the world. Visitors who want to understand what LCMS Lutherans believe about Scripture, Christ, salvation, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the Church will find helpful materials there.

The Ohio District of the LCMS

The Ohio District connects LCMS congregations and ministries throughout Ohio. Its resources help congregations remain connected to the broader life of the Church while supporting pastors, church workers, schools, missions, and mercy ministries. For members of St. Peter’s and Lutherans throughout the Greater Cleveland area, the Ohio District provides a helpful picture of the wider work we share with fellow congregations.

Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House provides Bible studies, devotional materials, Lutheran books, hymnals, catechetical resources, and materials for children and families. Luther’s Catechisms remind us that Christians never graduate from hearing and learning God’s Word. Resources that faithfully return us to Scripture, the Gospel of Christ, and the historic confession of the Church can therefore serve both individual study and family devotion.

Love in the Name of Christ

Christian faith also bears fruit in love toward our neighbor. We include Love in the Name of Christ as a resource for learning about opportunities to serve people facing practical needs. Good works do not earn salvation; rather, they flow from faith in the Savior who has already reconciled us to God. The Augsburg Confession teaches both truths clearly: sinners are justified freely for Christ’s sake, and saving faith is bound to bring forth good fruits.

Resources Grounded in God’s Word

Whether you are a member of St. Peter’s, a neighbor in Shaker Heights, or searching for Lutheran Christian resources from Cleveland Heights, Beachwood, University Heights, South Euclid, or elsewhere in Greater Cleveland, we hope these links are useful. We encourage you to read carefully, ask questions, and compare all Christian teaching with Holy Scripture.

Most importantly, resources are never a replacement for the life of the congregation. Christians are gathered together to hear God’s Word, receive His gifts, pray, learn, and encourage one another. We invite you not only to explore these materials online, but also to join us at St. Peter’s as we continue together in the Word of Christ.