Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 8:36
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John 8:36
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
Those who are unwilling to learn it should be told that they deny Christ and are not Christians. They should not be admitted to the Sacrament, be sponsors at baptisms, nor enjoy any part of Christian liberty. Simply return them to the pope and his officials, indeed, to the devil himself. Moreover, their parents and employers should refuse them food and drink, and notify them that the prince will drive such crude people from the country, etc.
Pulling It Together
The point here is that our people are to take the catechism seriously. But why?, one might object. It’s only some program Luther invented. First, there were many catechisms before Luther (and since). Second, and most importantly, when Luther’s Small Catechism is taught correctly, Christians learn to follow Christ instead of religion. In other words, the catechism teaches us and will thereafter remind us that it is Christ who sets us free of sin and death—of the devil too. If people are unwilling to learn about God’s grace, we may as well be done with them.
Prayer: I want to follow you, Lord. Amen.
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The Minor Prophets in Sola's "Old Places, New Faces" series is a twelve lesson study that peeks at each of the dozen books we call the minor prophets, books that are often forgotten or neglected. Yet, their messages are deeply relevant for today's believer. The prophetical books contain God's call upon His followers of every century. These exhortations are either calls to positive actions that honor God or warnings to stop attitudes and behaviors that dishonor Him. As we rediscover these profound words, we will be reminded of what it means to follow and obey God, as well as be challenged to live a life that glorifies God in greater and more significant ways.
Author
Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has served other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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