Concordia Publishing House announces the release of a new book from Reverend Bryan Wolfmueller: A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World.

Faith is following Jesus through death to life. But first through death. This is why Christians have always considered those who die for their faith to be heroes. They preach with their lives, their lips, and their blood. They endure terrible afflictions and abuse because they confess Christ. In the lives and deaths of the martyrs, we see the devil’s rage on full display, and we see that his rage comes to nothing—that he is impotent and overcome by the blood of the Lamb.

The martyrs remind us there is nothing the devil can do to us. The martyrs remind us death is nothing to fear. These Christian heroes encourage us to finish our race, reminding us what—or better, who—is at the finish line waiting for us: Jesus.

In A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World, readers will study the lives of five martyrs, learn about the theology that inspired and guided them, and grow in appreciation for the faith God has given them.

What people are saying about A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World:

Reflecting the heart of a pastor and the sober mind of one who knows well the realities that threaten trust in Christ’s promises, Bryan Wolfmueller has crafted a little handbook that will equip Christians for faithful confession. Using the stories of five martyrs from the Ancient Church, Pastor Wolfmueller draws contemporary readers into that great cloud of witnesses, who even now surround us as reminders of God’s steadfast promises fulfilled in Christ. The book is at once both catechetical and comforting. I am delighted to recommend it for devotional reading as well as a text for group study and discussion.

Dr. John T. Pless, Concordia Theological Seminary, author of Luther's Small Catechism: A Manual for Discipleship

In the gathering gloom of persecutions both overt and covert, Christians these days are prone to panic. Pastor Wolfmueller’s little book will calm you down for faithful service to the Lord, who bought you with His blood. Chock-full of Scripture, laced with the inspirational stories of the saints who have gone on ahead, this book will encourage you to run the race set before you with confidence and hope.

Rev. Dr. Harold L. Senkbeil, Executive Director for Spiritual Care, DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel

Using the parable of the sower as a framework, Pastor Wolfmueller takes you through the journey of the Christian life. He teaches you how to withstand the attacks of Satan, the wicked bird. He prepares you to face suffering with hope and joy. He guides you through the thorns and thistles of daily idols to live a full and free Christian life. Finally, he points you to the good dirt in which the Christian, firmly rooted in Christ, bears good fruit. This introduction to the fundamentals of the Christian life will leave you eager to dig deeper into this faith, once delivered to the saints—martyrs and all.

Rev. Roy S. Askins, Communications Manager, Asia, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

What an unexpected treat! This well-written, lively, encouraging book is full of many surprises: surprise that it provides us with a pastoral study of spiritual warfare rather than a clinical anatomy of Christian martyrdom; surprise that it does not focus on the heroic death of martyrs, but on their heroic faith; surprise that it does not concentrate on those who have been put to death for their faith in Jesus, but on all Christians who are called to bear witness to Him as they live and suffer and die with Him. And all that biblically! It is a most timely study because we live in an era where more Christians have died for their faith in Jesus than ever before, and we face a world where faithful believers are increasingly sidelined, belittled, and hated.

Rev. Dr. John Kleinig, professor emeritus, Luther College, Adelaide, SA, Australia 

For more information on A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World, contact Lindsey Martie, public relations, by phone at 314-268-1303 or Email lindsey.martie@cph.org 

About the Author

Bryan Wolfmueller is pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. He is co-host of Table Talk Radio, the world’s most famous Lutheran theological game show. Bryan has a new hobby every day, but he always comes back to reading about Law and Gospel. He lives in Texas with his wife, Keri, and their four children.

About Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For 150 years, CPH has been providing individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 10,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.