Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: John 4:23–24

Worship in the New Testament is done “in spirit and truth.” This kind of worship means that the active agent is the Spirit of God—not us. Our works do not count for anything.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 50:14–15

The ancients never intended to deliver the patriarch, prophets, and apostles from a so-called purgatory. They only wished to offer up thanks together with them for the blessings that have been given to them and to us,

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 4:2

Why is Scripture, or the Word of God, so important? Why is its authority paramount? It is the only objective way we have of knowing who God is, and of discerning his will among the countless voices demanding our attention.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Colossians 2:13–14

Using the Sacrament in a way that Christ did not intend, abuses and profanes his Holy Supper. Offering his blessed promises to the dead and to those who do not believe makes it an occasion for sin and judgment.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2

Ceremonies and rituals are nice. But a ceremony or a ritual is not fine in and of itself. For example, if I go through the motions of living with my wife but do not believe that she loves me, consider the relational benefits alone that are absent to me.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1–2

The word “bodies,” used in nearly every English translation of Romans 12:1, does not mean body in the way we think. The Greek somata means more than the physical.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 10:11–14

The origin and therefore, original meaning of the term “Mass” is widely disputed. That it originates in the Latin word missa is not disputed. That word means “sending” or “dismissal.”

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1

The sacrifice, or re-sacrifice, of Christ is not to be added to Holy Communion. It cannot be added, since it has already been accomplished. However, we may add our own sacrifice...

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 116:12–13

Liturgy does not mean sacrifice. It never meant that in secular Greek and in biblical Greek it is a word related to the ministry of the Church. The term “liturgy” means a required, public service that is of benefit to others.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:26

Though some call it the sacrifice of the Mass, it still would not mean that this service of thanksgiving, or Eucharist, bestows God’s grace upon people whether they have faith in him or not.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 11:6

Faith is the byword of the Lutheran Reformation. The Church could only be reformed, shaped back to what it was meant to be, through faith in God. Each person receives forgiveness when they have faith in the forgiving God.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 1:17

In Confession and Absolution, we are to carefully consider our sins. We stare squarely into our souls and see who we truly are, and recognize that we are sinners.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 22:19–20

Do your sins torment you? Go to the forgiver of sin. Do you fear eternal death? Go to the source of life. Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? Then go to the table where the righteousness of another is served.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:10–15

Faith is the very thing that determines the right to eat at the Lord’s table. A person must first examine himself to see whether he has faith to eat and drink.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 2:25–29

The New Testament teaches that the highest form of worship happens within, spiritually, in the heart. One may do all the outward, religious services but do so with a corrupt heart.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 9:23–24

The Word has been given to reveal God and arouse faith in him. The Sacrament of Holy Communion was instituted so that, in remembering Christ, that faith may be strengthened.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 5:1–2

A husband may buy his wife diamonds, flowers, and many other things, but if his word does not accompany them, it is difficult to believe for long that these are signs of his love.

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 11:27–29

Drawing significance to professions, making divisions among ourselves, is the furthest thing from the focus of the Lord’s Supper. Christ is the emphasis of our communion. Christ is our communion.


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