It is a complicated question. What makes a Lutheran? Belief in grace alone, faith alone, and Scripture alone is often used to describe the essence of a Lutheran. These three “solas” are a good overview of what Lutheranism is and what defines our relationship with God. Dr. Daniel E. Paavola addresses this and other questions about his new book Grace, Faith, Scripture: Portrait of a Lutheran.

Today we focus on the Old Testament Reading, Proverbs 31:10–31.

Today’s Gospel is Luke 10:38–42, which is the account of Jesus’ interaction with Mary and Martha. We focus on this text with a devotion from the Arch Book Jesus Visits Mary and Martha.

Today's Gospel is Luke’s account of the parable of the Good Samaritan.

The Epistle for today comes from the sixth chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

Today we commemorate the prophet Isaiah, the most-quoted pre-Christ prophet in the New Testament. Our devotion comes from Treasury of Daily Prayer.

The appointed Psalm for today is Psalm 16. Our devotional reading comes from Martin Luther’s First Lectures on Psalms, as found in Psalm by Psalm: 365 Selected Readings from Martin Luther.

Today is the day we commemorate Jeremiah, appointed by God to be a prophet to Judah.

The Old Testament Reading for the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist tells of a voice in the wilderness speaking comfort to God’s people.

The Gospel reading for the today accounts Jesus healing a man possessed by a legion of demons.