Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:11-16
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Ephesians 4:11-16
From the Confessions: The Chief Articles of Faith in the Augsburg Confession
Concerning Ecclesiastical Order
Of Ecclesiastical Order they teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church or administer the Sacraments unless he be regularly called.
Pulling It Together
The Lutherans did not profess that ordination was a sacrament. That would make of the office something of merit that demanded God's grace. They did however, believe that God had established the office of ministry by calling some to be pastors and teachers, and others to fulfill various duties of orderly ministry as they were called by God. God does not call all to these responsibilities, as some of the more radical wings of the Reformation taught. He calls “some” (Eph 4:11) so that the whole Body of Christ may be equipped for ministry, each to his own calling. This Article forbids anyone not duly called by God and the Church to the office of ordained ministry to exercise God-given authority to preach and administer the Sacraments. In so doing, Article 14 seeks to maintain good order in the Church of Christ.
Prayer: Father, establish your Church according to your Word so that she may be rightly ordered to bring you glory. Amen.
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 believers. 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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