Bible Basics Three

Bible Basics Three

A Catechism

The Whole Counsel of God in Forty-Four Lessons

Rev. Fr. Steven D. Spencer The OLF, Inc. © 2020

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INTRODUCTION

Excerpts from

Luther's Preface to the Small Catechism

Especially Concerning the Learning and Living of the Catechism By All Who Would Be Christians

“Martin Luther to All Faithful and Godly Pastors and Preachers: Grace, Mercy, and Peace in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

“The deplorable, miserable condition which I discovered lately when I, too, was a visitor, has forced and urged me to prepare this Catechism, or Christian doctrine, in this small, plain, simple form.

“Mercy! Good God! what manifold misery I beheld! The common

people, especially in the villages, have no knowledge whatever of Christian doctrine, and, alas! many pastors are altogether incapable and incompetent to teach so much so, that one is ashamed to speak of it. Nevertheless, all maintain that they are Christians, have been baptized and receive the holy Sacraments. Yet they do not understand and cannot even recite either the Lord's Prayer, or the Creed, or the Ten Commandments; they live like dumb brutes and irrational hogs; and yet, now that the Gospel has come, they have nicely learned to abuse all liberty like experts.

“Therefore I entreat you all for God's sake, my dear sirs and brethren, who are pastors or preachers, to devote yourselves heartily to your office, to have pity on the people who are entrusted to you, and to help us inculcate the Catechism upon the people, and especially upon the young.

“But those who are unwilling to learn it should be told that they

deny Christ and are no Christians, neither should they be admitted to the Sacrament, accepted as sponsors at baptism, nor exercise any part of Christian liberty, but should simply be turned back to the Pope and his officials, yea, to the devil himself.

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“Moreover, their parents and employers should refuse them food and drink, and notify them that the prince will drive such rude people from the country, etc. For although we cannot and should not force any one to believe, yet we should insist and urge the people that they know what is right and wrong with those among whom they dwell and wish to make their living.

“After they have well learned the text, then teach them the sense

also, so that they know what it means, and . . . it is not necessary that you take up all the parts at once, but one after the other. After they understand the First Commandment well, then take up the Second, and so on, otherwise they will be overwhelmed, so as not to be able to retain any well.

“Since the tyranny of the Pope has been abolished, people are no longer willing to go to the Sacrament and despise it as something useless and unnecessary. Here again urging is necessary, however, with this understanding: We are to force no one to believe, or to receive the Sacrament, nor fix any law, nor time, nor place for it, but are to preach in such a manner that of their own accord, without our law, they will urge themselves and, as it were, compel us pastors to administer the Sacrament. This is done by telling them: Whoever does not seek or desire the Sacrament at least some four times a year, it is to be feared that he despises the Sacrament and is no Christian, just as he is no Christian who does not believe or hear the Gospel; for Christ did not say, ‘This omit,’ or, ‘This despise,’ but, ‘This do, as oft as you drink it, etc.’ Verily, He wants it done, and not entirely neglected and despised.

“Therefore look to it, ye pastors and preachers. Our office is now become a different thing from what it was under the Pope; it is now become serious and salutary. Accordingly, it now involves much more trouble and labor, danger and trials, and, in addition thereto, little reward and gratitude in the world. But Christ Himself will be our reward if we labor faithfully. To this end may the Father of all grace help us, to whom be praise and thanks forever through Christ, our Lord! Amen.”

M. Luther

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Class Procedure This course in Luther’s Small Catechism has been produced especially for Instruction in the Basics of the Bible, both for youth, pre-teens and older, and for adults. It can be used by youth in preparation for Holy Communion, and by adults both in preparation for membership in a Confessional Lutheran Congregation, and for review of the fundamental doctrines of the Holy Scriptures.

There are forty-four separate Lessons, however, more than one Lesson can be covered during a class session, but also some Lessons can take up more than one class session.

The only texts used are The Holy Bible (we use the NASB translation in class) and an expanded version of Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation, published by Concordia Publishing House in 2017.

In addition, I will provide an overview of each of the Six Chief Parts of the Catechism, along with a number of questions for each Lesson. We will look up various Bible passages relative to the subject of the lesson and discuss the meaning of these passages with regard to the subject. Then, together we will agree on a clear and succinct answer to each question before we move on to the next one. In this way, each member of the class will have their own personal notebook on Luther’s Small Catechism.

It is my hope that everyone who takes this class will have, when it is over, a good and thorough knowledge and understanding of the Basic doctrines of God’s Holy Word, as confessed and taught by the historic and orthodox Lutheran Church since the days of Martin Luther, and also two handy references to review on a regular basis – the Small Catechism with Explanation, and the class notes.

All to Christ’s glory alone!

Pastor Spencer

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The First Chief Part – The Ten Commandments

Overview

By nature, all people have some knowledge of the Law of God. For example, they know it is wrong to kill and steal. All mankind inherited this knowledge from Adam who was created in the Image of God and once had a perfect understanding of His Holy Will. When humanity fell into sin through Adam this knowledge was significantly blurred and partly muted, but not entirely erased. A portion of the Law remains in every person, although it is far from perfect. Besides this “Natural Knowledge of the Law” people also have a conscience which encourages compliance with the Law and tries to keep people from knowingly breaking the Law. God purposely preserved a remnant of His Will in fallen mankind to serve a check against complete lawlessness so that people could live together in relative peace and harmony. As Believers, we too should listen to our consciences and never intentionally go against what it tells us. (see Romans 14:23). Our children must be trained from an early age to respect their consciences, but also learn that God’s Word is the only true guide for their conscience. In order that Believers would have a better and clearer understanding of God’s Law, He revealed it to Moses, as the representative of all Believers, on Mount Sinai during the Exodus of Israel from Egypt around 1500 B.C. (see Exodus 19-20 and Deuteronomy 10)

We do not know how God divided the Ten Commandments on the two tablets He provided Moses. For our purposes we divide them into Two Tables; the first three Commandments which deal with our service to God in the First Table, and the other seven Commandments which deal with our service to our fellow human beings in the Second Table.

Luther’s main point in his explanations of the Ten Commandments is that God does not merely require outward obedience to His Law, but a desire to obey that truly comes from inside us – from a living faith in Him! It is because we love God who loved us and send His Son to pay for our sins, that we desire to serve God and our neighbor. The more we know and understand God’s love for us to more and better we keep His Law.

Unbelievers also obey the Law, but whether they realize it or not, they do so only out of selfish motives – i.e. to earn favor with God or other people – thus, they do not actually keep God’s Law. In fact, unbelievers are totally incapable of doing true “good works” at all! Any good that they do is merely “civic righteousness,” which will not help them in any way on Judgment Day. Still, we praise God that unbelievers at least attempt to keep parts of His Law. Otherwise, this world would be much worse that it is! Thank You, LORD!

Pastor Spencer

5 NOTE: The Bible verses listed under each lesson are basic passages from God’s

Holy Word concerning the subject matter of the lesson and so would be good to memorize by EVERY Believer!

Lesson 1 – The Bible

Ø Luke 11:28, Second Timothy 3:16, Second Peter 1:21

What is the Bible?

Who wrote the Bible? How was the Bible written? What are the two main parts of the Bible? How are these parts different? How are they similar? How did Jesus Christ regard the Bible? Why did God give us the Bible? How is the Bible to be used?

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Lesson 2 – Teachings of the Bible

Ø Romans 3:20, John 3:16, Romans 10:4

What two great doctrines of God does the Bible reveal? What do the commandments of God tell us about His will? What do these commandments tell us about ourselves? How does God want us to use His Law in our lives? What does the account of the life and ministry of Jesus tell us about God? What does the history of Jesus tell us about God’s will toward mankind? Summarize Jesus’ message during His ministry on earth:

1.)

2.)

3.)

4.)

5.)

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Lesson 3 – God’s Law

Ø Leviticus 19:37, Galatians 3:19, First John 4:19

What is God’s Law? Why does God have a right to have His Law obeyed? What is “sin?” How did sin come to be part of God’s perfect creation? [NOTE: We will discuss the creation of Lucifer/Satan in Lesson 14.] In what ways does sin affect the entire creation? What does God require of us in His Law? Why is this impossible? How must we regard our relationship to God? For what can we rely upon God?

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Lesson 4 – First Commandment

Ø Proverbs 8:13, Proverbs 3:5, Isaiah 42:8; Matthew 4:10

What is “idolatry?” What kinds of idolatry are there?

How is idolatry shown in our lives?

How do we refrain from idolatry? What place does God deserve in our life? What does it mean to “fear” God? What does it mean to “trust” God? Why did God at one time forbid Believers to make images of Him? Why are “images” no longer forbidden by this Commandment?

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Lesson 5 – Second Commandment

Ø Exodus 34:6-7, Galatians 6:7, Romans 16:17, Psalm 50:15 John 16:23, Psalm 118:1

What is God’s full and complete name? By what other names is God known? How are God’s names abused? What is “blasphemy?” What is included and not included in the sin of “cursing?”

What is included and not included in the sin of “swearing?” What kinds of “superstition” are violations of this Commandment? What is the best and easiest way to determine “false doctrine?” How is God’s name used to “deceive” people?

10 What are the best and most honorable uses of God’s Name? How do we know the Bible is the Very Word of God? What is meant when we describe the Bible as: “Inspired?” “Infallible?” “Inerrant?” What must our attitude be toward God’s Word? How do we show this attitude in our daily lives? How is God’s Word despised?

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Lesson 6 – Third Commandment

Ø Exodus 35:2, Psalm 122:1, Luke 11:28, James 1:22, Psalm 84:10, Hebrews 10:25

What day of the week did God institute as the holy day for Believers in the Old Testament? Why did He choose this day? What does “Sabbath” mean? Of what great truth is the Sabbath a picture? How do we obtain God’s true Sabbath? Why do we worship on Sundays? What is the “Church Year?” Why do we use a “liturgy” in our worship of our God? Of what kind of relationship between us and God is the historic Liturgy a fitting picture?

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Lesson 7 – Fourth Commandment

Ø Romans 13:1, Ephesians 6:1-3, Colossians 3:20

List the superiors we have over us?

Why does God want us to honor our superiors? Who places our superiors in their positions? What are the main duties of those in authority over us? How do we show honor and respect to those God has placed over us?

Is God’s promise at the end of this Commandment as absolute guarantee? Why or why not? What are the effects of rebellion against authorities? When is disobedience of our superiors necessary?

What types of governments are approved by God?

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Lesson 8 – Fifth Commandment

Ø Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:27, Genesis 9:6, Deuteronomy 32:39, Isaiah 55:6, Romans 13:4, First John 3:15

What is the origin of all life? What is the “Image of God?” What is the purpose of human life?

What special blessing from God can come only during a person’s life on earth?

Who alone has the right to end any human life? What is included in a Biblical definition of “murder?” Who is included in the term “neighbor?” Does God command that Believers must be pacifists? Why or why not? What is a “just war?”

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Lesson 9 – Sixth Commandment

Ø Genesis 2:18, Matthew 5:28, Matthew 19:6, First Corinthians 6:19, Ephesians 5:22-23, Ephesians 5:25 Second Timothy 2:22

What is the Biblical definition of marriage? What are the blessings of marriage? What is “adultery?” What does God say about polygamy? What is God’s view of divorce? What does God ask of people while they are not married? What kinds of behavior does God consider indecent and immoral? Why is being “chaste” so difficult in our day and age? What can be done about this problem? How does God want us to understand “sexual identity?”

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Lesson 10 – Seventh Commandment

Ø Genesis 2:15, Psalm 37:21, Psalm 104:14-15, Matthew 5:42, Ephesians 4:28, Philippians 2:4

What is the origin of all property and wealth in this world? Who is the real “owner” of all these things? Who decides who will be rich and who will be poor? What is God’s view of work? What is God’s Will concerning our “making a living” in this world? What are the various ways of “stealing” man has invented? How does God view “wealth redistribution?”

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Lesson 11 – Eighth Commandment

Ø Proverbs 11:13, Proverbs 19:5, Luke 6:37, John 8:44, Ephesians 4:25, James 4:11

What is God saying here in this Commandment about truth and lies? What is included in a person’s reputation? What is the most important reason why a Believer needs to have a good reputation? Which part of our body is the hardest to tame? Why is lying so very prevalent and even dominating in our world today? When is it permissible and even necessary for a Believer to lie? Why is this NOT “situation ethics?”

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Lesson 12 – Ninth & Tenth Commandments

Ø Isaiah 5:8, Matthew 23:14, Luke 12:15, Romans 7:7, First Timothy 6:6-11, James 1:14

What does “covet” mean? Why does God give us TWO Commandments against this sin? What is the difference between these two Commandments? Ninth deals with – Tenth deals with – What is the main lesson of BOTH these Commandments? How can we be content at any point in our life, with whatever we have? Why is this so difficult for us? What are good Biblical antidotes for our discontentment?

1.)

2.)

3.)

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Lesson 13 – Summary of God’s Law

Ø Genesis 2:17, Exodus 20:1-6, Deuteronomy 27:26, Ezekiel 18:20, Matthew 5:48, Romans 6:23, James 2:10, James 4:12

God describes Himself as “jealous.” Why might this surprise us? Does God have a right to be jealous? Why or why not? What are the earthly consequences of any and all sins? How do we see this played out in our world? What are the spiritual consequences of any and all sins? When will we see this take place? Why does God threaten us when giving His Commandments? What are the results of obeying God’s will in our lives? Are these guaranteed to us? Why or why not? What one great truth do we learn from God’s Commandments?

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The Second Chief Part – The Apostles’ Creed

Overview

Although man can know there is a God, and certain of His attributes, by and of himself no person can know WHO God is and what exactly He has done to save him. God alone can tell us these truths for certain. God has revealed these truths to us clearly and precisely in His perfect Word, the Sacred Scriptures, what we call the Holy Bible. Only in the Bible do we learn Who the One True God is, and all He has done to remove our sins as a barrier to eternal life in heaven. All the necessary teaching about God are found only in the Bible, and everything is there that we must know and believe to be acceptable in His sight so that we can live with Him forever. The information regarding God’s redeeming work, the essential content of our faith, and how we receive this faith so that we are saved is called the Gospel, or Good News. A summary of the Gospel has been written for our learning in what are called “creeds,” from the Latin word for “believe” (credo). Creeds are a confession of what we believe in our hearts about God. For a creed to be a true confession all its words must agree completely with what is revealed about God and His works in the Bible. Indeed, there are wonderful examples of creeds contained in the Bible. When Peter declared of Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16), that was a creed. Note also that Jesus told Peter that he did not come to this belief all by himself, but that it was revealed to him by God through the Word of God. Three particular historic creeds are confessed by nearly all Christian churches thus they are often referred to as the “Ecumenical Creeds.” Ecumenical comes from the Greek word “oikoumene,” meaning “the whole inhabited world.” The names are: The Nicene Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Apostles’ Creed. The Nicene Creed was written at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, the first Council of the entire Christian Church after the days of the Apostles. The Athanasian Creed was not written by Saint Athanasius but named in his honor around the time of the Council of Ephesus in 341. The Apostles’ Creed was not written by the Apostles but developed over time beginning in the days when the Apostles lived, and reached its final form we know today by the end of the Sixth Century AD. Doctor Luther chose the Apostle’s Creed for his Small Catechism because of its brevity and clarity. By his time, this Creed had fallen out of use in the regular worship of most of the Western Church. The Nicene Creed was used exclusively in the Roman Mass of his day. The Apostles’ Creed was used only for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, and in the various services of the Liturgical Hours, which were almost exclusive to monasteries and convents. We can thank Martin Luther for the pedagogical use of the Apostles’ Creed in the Christian Church today. Pastor Spencer

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Lesson 14 – Apostles’ Creed, First Article, Part One: God’s Creation of the Universe Ø Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 2:7, Psalm 19:1, Isaiah 14:12, Ezekiel

28:15-17, Acts 14:17, Acts 17:26-27, Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:16 Why is it important that where the Nicene Creed begins, “We believe . . .,” the Apostles’ Creed begins “I believe . . .?” How is this creed divided and why? Who are the Three Persons of the Trinity? Why are they named as they are? How do we know that the One True God is Three Persons in One Godhead, that is, “triune?” What can the universe around us tell us about God? What is the one outstanding and unique characteristic of God’s original creative activity? How long did it take God to create the universe? What is the meaning of the Hebrew word for “day” in Genesis 1?

21 What was created on each of the days of creation – Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: What does it mean that humans are created in God’s image? What is the soul? What other living beings were created sometime during these six days? What are the main characteristics of these beings? What is their purpose? Who was their leader? What happened to him, and why?

22 How many others joined him? What became their main focus and goal? What two forms of evolution are there? Which of these agrees with the Biblical account of creation? What is Scripturally wrong about the other form of evolution? What are some scientific problems with this form of evolution? What are the moral and ethical conclusions that come from evolution? What are the results of these conclusions on society? How can we see these results at work around us today?

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Lesson 15 – Apostles’ Creed, First Article, Part Two: God’s Ongoing Preservation of the Universe

Ø Genesis 8:22, Genesis 50:20, Job 12:10, Psalm 91:10-12, Psalm 145:15-16,

Matthew 5:45, Matthew 10:29-30, Hebrews 1:3, First Peter 5:7 How does God preserve the universe? How do we know He is doing this work? Why is God doing this work? What kinds of actions does God cause or allow in doing this work? What roles do humans play in this process? How has God made this work on our part possible? Does God need our participation in His work of preservation? Why or why not? Why do we thank Him for this participation in our preservation? What does God’s preservation of the universe tell us about Him?

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Lesson 16 – Apostles’ Creed, First Article, Part Three: God’s Sufficiency in His Governing of the Universe

Ø Genesis 1:28, First Chronicles 29:12-13, Proverbs 16:9, Habakkuk 3:17-19, John 3:27, Romans 8:28-29, Galatians 5:13, First Timothy 4:4-5, James 1:17

How complete and detailed is God’s governance of the universe? Why does anyone exist? Why does anyone have anything? For whom is God especially governing the universe? What is His purpose is doing this? Why do “bad” things happen to anyone at any time? Do humans have “free will” in their thoughts and actions? Why? Why not? Who alone has perfect free will at all times?

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Lesson 17 – Apostles’ Creed, Second Article, Part One: Jesus Christ, Son of God, Lord and Savior

Ø Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 17:5, Luke 2:4-7, Luke 24:39, John 1:1-3, John 14:9, Acts 4:12, Colossians 2:9, First Timothy 2:5

What does it mean when we say people are “lost?” What does it mean to be “found” by God? What does the name “Jesus” mean? What does the name “Christ” mean? What truths are included when we say we “believe in Jesus Christ?” How do we know that Jesus of Nazareth is True God? How do we know that Jesus of Nazareth is True Man? Why it is important that Jesus be both God and Man? How was Jesus’ life on earth very much like the lives of all humans?

26 What was the one very big difference between Jesus’ life and ours? What specific act of Christ’s made Him our Savior, and why? Into what two parts is the life of Christ on earth divided? List in order the main events of Jesus’ earthly life: We speak of Christ filling three specific “offices” in His ministry; what are they, and give an example of how he filled that office while on earth?

1.)

2.)

3.) Why did Jesus descend into hell?

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Lesson 19 – Apostles’ Creed, Second Article, Part Two: Christ’s Universal Atonement, Redemption, and Resurrection

Ø Isaiah 53:4-6, Matthew 18:11, John 1:29, Romans 5:19, Second Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 2:3, First Timothy 2:5-6, First John 2:2

Why do we say that Christ has “purchased” us? Why can’t we pay for our own sins? How and with what did Christ purchase us? Why is blood such an important part of Atonement? What does it mean to “redeem” something or someone? What do call the period of intense suffering Christ went through? What was unique about Christ’s suffering and death? For whom did Christ suffer and die? What do Christ’s word from the Cross, “It is finished” mean for us? To whom does Christ’s Redemption and Resurrection apply?

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Lesson 20 – Apostles’ Creed, Second Article, Part Three: Jesus at the Right Hand of the Father

Ø Mark 13:32, Luke 1:74-75, Luke 24:50-51, John 14:3, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20-3, Ephesians 4:10-12, Second Timothy 4:18, First John 2:1

How many days elapsed between Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension? Where did He go during this time? Why did Jesus ascend in full view of His Disciples? What was the message of the angels to Jesus’ followers? What is indicated by Christ “sitting at the right hand of the Father?” Over what parts of the universe does Jesus exercise authority? What does this mean for His Church on earth? What does this mean for every Believer? How does Christ make “all things to work out for good?”

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Lesson 21 – Apostles’ Creed, Third Article, Part One: Work of the Holy Spirit – Saved By Grace Through Faith

Ø Isaiah 42:1&48:16, Matthew 16:17, John 6:65, John 15:16, Acts 16:31, First Corinthians 2:14, First Corinthians 12:3, Ephesians 2:1&8-9

How do we know that the Holy Spirit is also God? Why is the Holy Spirit sometimes called the “forgotten member of the Trinity? What is the specific work of the Holy Spirit and how does He carry out this work? Why is the work of the Spirit necessary? Can people “make a decision for Jesus?” Why or why not? Why is such thinking so popular in American Christianity? What is the grave danger in such thinking? How then is a person “saved?” What does “by grace through faith” mean?

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Lesson 22 – Apostles’ Creed, Third Article, Part Two: Sanctification, the Holy Christian Church Is a Communion of Saints, Justified By Faith

Ø Psalm 130:4, Matthew 16:18, Luke 18:9-14, John 15:5, First Corinthians 3:11&16, Second Corinthians 5:19, Ephesians 1:7, First Thessalonians 4:3, Second Timothy 2:19

What do we mean by “sanctification?” How do we know that this is what God wants in Believers? How is sanctification produced in Believers? What is the “Holy Christian Church?” Where does this Church exist? How do we know for sure who is and is not a member of this Church? What is the purpose of the Church? What is the Church’s most important teaching? What does “justify” mean?

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Lesson 23 – Apostles’ Creed, Third Article, Part Three: Christ’s Second Coming on Judgment Day and Beginning of Eternity

Ø Job 19:25-27, Psalm 16:11, Matthew 24-25, Luke 23:43, John 5:28-29, First Corinthians 15:51-52, First Thessalonians 4:16, First John 3:2, Revelation 22:3-5

What happens to a human being when he dies? When will the resurrection of our bodies take place? When will Jesus return? What will take place before this happens? Why is the Last Day also called “Judgment Day?” What is the ONLY basis for this judgment? What will happen to the present universe? List three things that will be missing from heaven in eternity.

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The Third Chief Part – The Lord’s Prayer

Overview

In the Eleventh Chapter of Luke’s Gospel we read that the Disciples of Jesus saw Him praying, speaking with His Father in heaven. This made such an impression on them that they ask Him to teach them to pray in the way that He did. Why would they do this? It could not be that they had never seen or heard Believers in the One True God praying before. The Patriarchs prayed, as did the Kings and Prophets of the Old Testament, and prayers were a central part of both Temple and Synagogue worship. Thus, these men would have seen and heard hundreds of prayers in their lifetimes, and no doubt made use of such prayers many times! What was it about Jesus’ praying that was so different from they had known that they needed to be taught how to pray all over again? As an answer to this question, suffice it to say that the types and methods of prayer taught by the other religious leaders of the day left much to be desired, otherwise Jesus would not have spent so much time on the topic of Prayer in His Sermon on the Mount early in His ministry. In addition, on that occasion He had few followers, whereas now in Luke Eleven, He is near the end of His earthly ministry, and has acquired literally hundreds of disciples, all of whom desired to follow His teachings in every way, including prayer. Finally, the full revelation of the Gospel in the preaching and teaching of Christ necessitated a new and different kind of prayer from the forms found during the time of the Old Testament. Many barriers between God and His Children that we needed as a form of tutoring before Christ came, are no longer needed in the New Testament era. Thus, an innovation in prayer is called for and provided in The Lord’s Prayer. One of the best summaries of The Lord’s Prayer – itself a summary of all Biblical prayer – is given to us by the Sainted Lutheran scholar J. Ylvisaker,

“The Lord’s Prayer also may be called a confession. The petitioner agrees that when he has become a child of God who may call God his Father, it is by grace alone, likewise that he is preserved as God’s child through grace. Of himself he has nothing, he must find refuge in the love, benevolence, and power of God. He acknowledges that he is a poor sinner, who must live through the grace of forgiveness, that there is no strength in him to resist that which is evil. He professes further his belief in the hope of eternal glory, and he recognizes his obligations to the brethren, to the brotherhood of faith, that is, his relation to God, to sin, to salvation, to humanity.” (The Gospels, pg. 283, Augsburg, 1932, translated from the original Norwegian)

Pastor Spencer

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Lesson 24 – The Lord’s Prayer, Address: Prayer is any form of communication with our God

Ø Book of Psalms, i.e. 19, 22, 51, 95, 103, 118; Isaiah 65:24, Matthew 6:6ff, Romans 8:26, Second Corinthians 12:8-9, Ephesians 4:6, Philippians 4:6, First Thessalonians 5:17-18, First Timothy 2:1-2, James 1:6-7

From where does true Christian prayer originate? Who is the only proper object for true Christian prayer? What are the proper subjects for true Christian prayer? What is the proper location for true Christian prayer? What is the proper occasion for true Christian prayer? What is the proper form of true Christian prayer? What response does God promise to true Christian prayer? To what kinds of prayers does this promise NOT apply? How is The Lord’s Prayer misused?

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Lesson 25 – The Lord’s Prayer, First Petition: God’s Name is EVERYTHING He reveals about Himself in His Holy Word, the Bible

Ø Exodus 20:7, Numbers 6:23-27, Isaiah 42:8, Jeremiah 23:28-31, John 17:17, Romans 16:17-18, Titus 1:9

What does it mean to keep God’s Name holy among us? Does God need us to do this for Him? Why or why not? Why is it essential for us and our salvation that this be done? Where do we find the complete revelation of God’s Name? Why do we call this Book “Holy?” What do these terms mean: “Inspired” – “Infallible” – “Inerrant” – Why are all three of these traits essential to be maintained concerning God’s Word? How are these characteristics properly maintained among Believers?

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Lesson 26 – The Lord’s Prayer, Second Petition: God’s Kingdom is created, maintained, and preserved by God’s power and grace alone

Ø Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 55:11, Matthew 9:38, Mark 1:15, Mark 16:15, Luke 12:32, Colossians 1:13-14, Second Thessalonians 3:1, Second Timothy 4:18

What, where, and of whom is the Kingdom of God? When was the Kingdom of God begun? How does a person become a member of the Kingdom of God? List four characteristics the Kingdom of God lacks:

1.)

2.)

3.)

4.) Who is the Head of this Kingdom? What is another name for the Kingdom of God? Of what two parts does this Kingdom consist? What is the relationship between God’s Kingdom and the world?

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Lesson 27 – The Lord’s Prayer, Third Petition: God’s holy and perfect will is that the most possible number of people that can be saved are indeed saved

Ø Genesis 50:15-21, Job 1, Psalm 119:35, Ezekiel 18:23, Matthew 26:39, John 6:40, Philippians 1:6, Second Thessalonians 3:3, First Timothy 2:4, First Peter 1:5

What is God’s Holy and perfect will concerning His entire creation? What is God’s specific will concerning all human beings? Is there any real difference between God’s will as it is carried out in heaven and His will as it is carried out here on earth? Why or why not? Does God need any human or any prayer in order that His will be accomplished? Why or why not? Why does Jesus teach us to pray that God’s will be done around us and in each of our lives? In what way do ALL events of nature and man belong to the holy and perfect will of God? When will God’s will end? Why? When will God’s will be fully accomplished?

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Lesson 28 – The Lord’s Prayer, Fourth Petition: We continue to exist only by the free and faithful undeserved kindness of God

Ø Psalm 127:2, Psalm 145:15-16, Proverbs 30:8-9, Isaiah 55:2, Matthew 5:45, Matthew 6:33-34, Second Thessalonians 3:10-12, First Timothy 5:8 & 6:8

What change in emphasis do we see between the first three Petitions, and those beginning here with the Fourth? What does Jesus mean here by “daily bread;” what does it include? Why does our Lord teach us to pray for necessities? Who receives their daily bread from God? What are the benefits of contentment? Why is contentment so hard to achieve? How do we come to be content in what God gives us? Note that Jesus teaches us to pray for “our” daily bread, not just “my.” Why is this important? Does this Petition forbid Believers from doing any planning ahead, or working to improve their lives? Why or why not?

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Lesson 29 – The Lord’s Prayer, Fifth Petition: God desires that we ask for His pardon, and that we pardon any who harm us in any way

Ø Genesis 32:10, Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 19:12, Psalm 51:1-2, Proverbs 28:13, Isaiah 59:2, Matthew 18:21-35, Mark 11:25-26, Luke 15:21, 18:13, & 23:34, Romans 5:6-10, Colossians 3:13, First John 1:8-10

What alone do we deserve because of our sins? Since all sins have already been removed by Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, why do we still need to ask God to forgive our sins? If we don’t ask God for forgiveness, are we forgiven? Why or why not? Is it humanly possible for us to remember ALL our sins? What is the result of this inability? What is the role of faith in God’s forgiveness of our sins? Is our forgiveness of others a condition for God’s forgiveness of us? Why or why not? Why then will we always forgive those who sin against us? How is it possible for us to forgive others when they do not repent?

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Lesson 30 – The Lord’s Prayer, Sixth Petition: God keeps many evil temptations away from us, otherwise we would lose saving faith

Ø Genesis 3:1-6, 4:5-8, & 22:9-12, Proverbs 1:10, Matthew 4:1-11 & 15:21-28, First Corinthians 10:12-13, Second Thessalonians 3:3, James 1:2-3 & 13-14, First Peter 5:8-9, Revelation 3:10

What kinds of “temptations” are there? How is God involved in these temptations? What does God bring into Believers’ lives that often seems like temptation? What three entities in the universe bring us evil temptations? What is their goal? What is the best way to fight against these enemies of our faith? What great and powerful weapon does God give us to aid us in this war? Will we win every battle in this war? Why or why not? Of what result, however, can we be supremely confident?

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Lesson 31 – The Lord’s Prayer, Seventh Petition: God keeps most evil away from us, so that we maintain our faith in Christ and are saved

Ø Job 5:19, Psalm 91:10, 121:7-8, Matthew 10:28, John 8:44, Acts 14:22, Second Corinthians 12:9, Second Thessalonians 3:3, Second Timothy 4:18, Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 12:7-9

What kinds of “evil” are there? Who is in control over all evil in the universe? Does God do evil? Why or why not? What particular evil is the main concern of this Petition? In what ways are various afflictions NOT really evil? In general terms, how does the Bible describe the life of a Believer? In what ways will this actually comfort us in our troubles? When will all our troubles end? When will all evil end – at least as far as we are concerned?

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Lesson 32 – The Lord’s Prayer, Conclusion: We can always be absolutely sure and certain that God hears and answers every prayer of every Believer

Ø First Chronicles 29:11, Proverbs 15:8 & 29, John 16:23, Second Corinthians 1:20, Ephesians 3:21, First Timothy 1:17, Revelation 1:7

Does it matter that Jesus didn’t actually say the words we call the “Doxology,” when He taught The Lord’s Prayer? Why or why not? What is the origin of the Doxology? What is the “kingdom” referred to in the Doxology? Of what “power” is the Doxology speaking? What “glory” do we ascribe to God in the Doxology? What does “Amen” mean? What great comfort is contained in this small word? Is there any difference in the meaning of Amen regarding its use in the Old Testament and its use in the New Testament?

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The Second Half of the Catechism – The Means of Grace

Overview

The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Chief Parts of the Lutheran Catechism teach us concerning the visible Means of Grace, or Sacraments Christ gave His Church in the New Testament. The term “Means of Grace” signifies the ways in which the Gospel – the Good News of Salvation By Grace Through Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are bestowed on individuals. There are only two Means of Grace: the proclamation of the Gospel, and the administration of the Holy Sacraments. The term “sacrament” is not found anywhere in the Bible. At the time of Christ, a sacramentum was the Latin term for the military oath of a Roman soldier by which he renounced all affiliation and allegiance to any master or ruler and swore complete obedience to the Emperor of Rome and to the officers of the Legion of which he was a member. In the early Church when new Believers were baptized, they renounced their former idols and vowed absolute loyalty to the one True Triune God of the Bible. Over time Baptism came to be referred to as a sacramentum. Soon, Confession/Absolution and the Lord’s Supper also took on this term.

By the time of the Reformation the Roman Church had identified seven Sacraments: the first three just listed, plus Confirmation, Ordination, Marriage, and Last Rites (aka Extreme Unction). This is because the definition used in Roman theology for Sacrament is much broader than that used by the Lutheran Church.

The definition for sacrament used in the Lutheran Confessions is quite narrow: A) An action of the Church instituted and commanded by Christ, and B) gives blessings from God – creates saving faith, forgives sins, strengthens saving faith. Thus, Baptism, Penance (aka Confession/Absolution), and the Lord’s Supper, fit this definition. If the necessity of a visible element is added, then only Baptism and Communion are considered Sacraments. This is the norm in most Lutheran churches today. The validity and effectiveness of a sacrament does not depend on the personal faith of those involved, but only on the administration done according to the command of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 23:2-3, Romans 3:3-4) Therefore, an unbeliever may both administer and receive a sacrament, and his unbelief has no effect on the validity of that sacrament. However, while an unbeliever can certainly receive the blessing of the creation of saving faith through Holy Baptism, since that is one of its purposes, the unbeliever will not receive any blessings from Holy Absolution or Holy Communion because he rejects the Savior and His Gospel upon which these sacraments are based. It is not as though the power of God is not in the sacrament because of a person’s unbelief, but the blessings cannot apply because of unbelief. Pastor Spencer

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The Fourth Chief Part – Holy Baptism

Overview

The use of water for spiritual reasons was common in the Jewish world. The Law of Moses required washings on the part of priests following certain sacrifices and on certain individuals who were unclean (see Numbers 19, and Leviticus 14,15, & 16). Indeed, the method of cleansing the body by washing and bathing in water was always customary in Israel. As noted in Exodus 19, the washing of their clothes was an important means of sanctification imposed on the Israelites even before the law was given at Mt. Sinai. Water for cleansing was used symbolically as well in such passages as Ezekiel 36:25 where God says, "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities . . ."

In the same way, the practice of baptism in pagan religions was based on the belief in the cleansing properties of water. In ancient Babylon water was important for spiritual cleansing in the cult of Eridu. In ancient Egypt, there has been found an entire treatise on the baptism of newborn children, which is performed to purify them of blemishes acquired in the womb. Water, especially the Nile's cold water, was believed to have regenerative powers, and was used to baptize the dead in a ritual based on the Osiris myth.

Elsewhere in the Mediterranean world, for example in the cult of Cybele in Asia Minor, a baptism of blood was practiced wherein one was covered with the blood of a bull. One inscription proclaims that he who has received the baptism of blood has received a new birth in eternity.

The property of immortality was also associated with baptism in the ancient Greek world. A bath in the sanctuary of Trophonion procured for the initiate a blessed immortality even while in this world. The mystery religions of that period often included baptismal rites of either immersion or a washing of the body for the purposes of purification or initiation. Other concepts associated with these forms of cultic baptisms included the transformation of one's life, the removal of sins, the attainment of greater physical vitality, a new beginning, and spiritual regeneration. All ancient religions recognized some form of spiritual cleansing, renewal, or initiation that was accomplished through a washing or immersion in water.

When John the Baptist came on the scene, his teaching also included the necessity of baptism. As noted, the people of his day were familiar with the act or practice of baptism. However, John's baptism was clearly not based on either Jewish law or pagan religious customs. John was called to preach by God Himself. (Luke 3:2) Jesus tells us that the baptism of John was from heaven, not from men ( Matthew 21:25). So also the Baptism Jesus instituted and commanded came directly from God for the salvation of sinners. Pastor Spencer

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Lesson 33 – Holy Baptism, Part I, The Nature of Baptism: Through Holy Baptism God establishes His covenant of grace with each Believer personally

Ø Exodus 13:21 & 14:22, Matthew 18:6 & 28:19, Mark 7:4, 10:14 & 16:15-16, Acts 2:38-39, First Corinthians 10:2

What does the term “baptize” mean in its original language? What substance gives Holy Baptism its visible element, and what form must this substance take? What is added to this substance in Holy Baptism? What form must this addition take? Why? To whom is Christ’s command to baptize given? Who usually administers this Sacrament? Who may administer Holy Baptism in cases of necessity? Does the manner of baptism affect the validity of this Sacrament? Why or why not? Who is to be baptized?

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Lesson 34 – Holy Baptism, Part II, The Blessings of Baptism: Baptism creates saving faith, and therefore gives great spiritual blessings

Ø Isaiah 54:10, Luke 7:29-30, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, First Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 3:26-27, Colossians 2:12, Titus 3:5-6, First Peter 3:21

What is the first and main benefit of Holy Baptism? Who is working through the words of Holy Baptism? Why is this essential? What is the effect of Holy Baptism on our sins? What is the effect of Holy Baptism on the devil? What is the effect of Holy Baptism on death? Physical? Spiritual? How does Holy Baptism connect us to Christ? How to the various methods of Holy Baptism mirror this connection?

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Lesson 35 – Holy Baptism, Part III, The Power of Baptism: Through God’s Word in Holy Baptism the individual is Born Again and assured of going to heaven

Ø Second Kings 5:8-14, John 3:3-8, First Corinthians 12:13, Second Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:5 & 5:25-26

From what does Holy Baptism receive its power? Who receives the blessings of Holy Baptism? Besides creating saving faith what other blessing does Holy Baptism give regarding this faith? What is meant by “regeneration?” What does it mean to be “Born Again?” How is this accomplished? What great comfort does a Christian’s Baptism give him? Can the power of Holy Baptism be nullified? If not, why not? If so, How?

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Lesson 36 – Holy Baptism, Part IV, The Significance of Holy Baptism: Through daily remembrance of Holy Baptism, Believers drown their Old Adam in order to serve God and their fellow man

Ø Genesis 1:26-27, Romans 7:19-25, Galatians 2:20, 5:6, 17, & 24, Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:1-10

What is the meaning of Holy Baptism in our daily lives? How does our evil nature (aka “Old Adam”) show itself? What effect does contrition and repentance have on our Old Adam? Is there any substantial difference between contrition and repentance? If so, how would it be explained? What is the “New Man?” How does this New Man arise in the Believer? What is the “Image of God?” How does this Image of God show itself in the lives of Believers?

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The Fifth Chief Part – Holy Absolution

Overview

The Blessed Sacrament of Penance, aka Private Confession, aka Confession/Absolution, aka Holy Absolution, has sadly become the “lost stepchild” of confessional American Lutheranism. It is seldom taught outside of youth catechism class, and even less seldom practiced in this country, even in otherwise staunchly conservative Lutheran churches.

One of the reasons for this is that this sacrament was not included in Luther’s original Small Catechism., and therefore often thought of and treated as a “secondary” part of instruction. Yet, we must remember that the Small Catechism did not spring from Luther's mind finished and complete at one sitting. Originally, he considered only the first three Chief Parts to be included in a catechism. Before long, however, he added the parts of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. It was these five Parts that were printed together in the first Lutheran Catechism, “Booklet for Laymen and Children.”

In the history of the Small Catechism, Confession is the most movable part. In some early editions it is found after the Lord's Supper as a Sixth Chief Part, but in other cases it is entirely omitted. The same is true of the Office of the Keys. As for Luther, as soon as he began to work on a catechism, he planned to include a Part on Confession and the Keys. Yet nothing of Confession was embodied in the first book edition of the Small Catechism.

I believe the reason that this Fifth Chief Part of the Catechism receives so little attention in Lutheran churches in America is that Private Confession and Absolution has almost completely disappeared from the regular practice of these churches. Indeed, it never really got started here. The early years of Lutheranism in the United States was completely under the influence of the Pietists back in Germany and their “Mission Houses” which started and supported most early Lutheran congregations here. While there have been many attempts over the years to return to this very Biblical and historically Lutheran practice, none have succeeded in any great measure.

So, the gradual insertion of a complete new chief part (of Confession, Absolution, and the Keys) between Baptism and the Lord's Supper was entirely according to Luther's mind; indeed, it had been planned by him as early as 1529. Luther placed the Part Of Confession between Baptism and the Lord's Supper, thereby actually making this the Fifth and the Lord's Supper the Sixth Chief Part.

The three questions on the Office of the Keys in the Fifth Chief Part were most certainly not penned by Luther directly. Still, they are not only in complete agreement with Luther's doctrine of Absolution, but, in substance, also contained what he himself offered in his writings on Confession. Pastor Spencer

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Lesson 37 – Holy Absolution, Part I, Confession: A true confession consists in acknowledging our sins, desiring forgiveness, and intending to amend our sinful lives

Ø Second Samuel 11 & 12, Psalm 19:12, 32 & 51, Matthew 5:23-24, 9:2, & 18:18, Luke 10:16, John 20:23, James 5:16, First John 1:8-9

List and describe the steps in true Biblical Confession: What is the most important element in this process? Why? How was Confession practiced during Old Testament times? How was Confession practiced in the Age of the Apostles? How was Confession practiced up to and including the time of the Reformation? How is Confession practiced today in confessional Lutheran churches in the U.S.? What are the reasons for this stark change in practice? How can confessional Lutheran churches in the U.S. return to a historic Biblical practice of Confession?

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Lesson 38 – Holy Absolution, Part II, The Office of the Keys: It is the sole duty and prerogative of the Church to proclaim the Gospel of forgiveness and declare heaven open to all

Ø Matthew 16:19, 18:17-20 & 28:18-20, Mark 1:15, 16:15, John 20:19-23, First Peter 2:9

What ONE great task did Jesus Christ give His Church on earth? What is the most important aspect of this task for sinful souls? According to Christ’s own command, how is this task to be carried out? Why does forgiveness apply to all people, even unbelievers? Why is this truth so important and essential to the Church’s work? What would it mean even for Believers if forgiveness only applied to those with saving faith? Why then does the Bible say of those like the unbelieving Pharisee, that they “will die in their sins?” How does this truth apply to the Church’s work?

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Lesson 39 – Holy Absolution, Part III, The Public Ministry of the Gospel: Every congregation may administer the Keys publicly because of the Believers in it

Ø (review Matthew 18:15-18) Luke 15:7, Romans 10:15, First Corinthians 5, 14:33-36, Second Corinthians 2:7-8, Ephesians 4:11, First Timothy 2:11-14 & 3:1-2, Titus 1:5-9, James 3:1

What in our practice today is the most visible public use of the Keys? How is this often misunderstood by non-members who see it? Why? From whom must God’s forgiveness be withheld both privately and publicly? How is this done publicly?

Why does this apply ONLY to GOD’s forgiveness? Why must this very important distinction be always maintained? When can and must this public withholding of forgiveness be rescinded? Is this process still used in confessional Lutheran congregations today? Why or why not?

52 To whom has Christ given the responsibility to act publicly on behalf of a Christian congregation? What are the qualifications for this Office of the Public Ministry? How does a man become a “Pastor?” What is the “Call?” How is this Call given? Is an “inner Call” required for this Office? Why or why not? Why are women not normally Called to be Pastors?

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Lesson 40 – Holy Absolution, Part III, Private Priesthood of All Believers: Every Believer may administer the Keys privately because he is a member of the Holy Christian Church

Ø (Note once again Christ’s discussion in Matthew 18) Galatians 6:1-2, First Peter 2:9-10 & 4:10

What right does Christ gives His Believers regarding forgiving sins? What is the basis for this right? How is this right to be used? What precaution must be observed in making use of this right? What ability does this right NOT give a Believer to carry out? Why is this? At the same time, under what circumstances may this prohibition be waved? Why might this become very important in the future?

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The Sixth Chief Part – Holy Communion

Overview

The last true Holy Sacrament we take up will also conclude this catechism, as it has most others in the history of the Lutheran Church. It is, of course, the Sacrament of Holy Communion. It also has many other names used in the Church since it was instituted by Jesus Christ on that first Maundy Thursday evening: The Lord’s Supper, Sacrament of the Altar, The Lord’s Table, Mass, and Holy Eucharist. Unlike the Sacrament of Penance or Holy Absolution, the Lord’s Supper has seldom ever been hidden, forgotten, or little used in the Christian Church. It is, in fact, perhaps the most visible and recognized part of Christian Worship. It is also at one and the same time the most unifying and yet divisive acts carried out in the regular worship life of the Church. This is due to its essential and unique nature as a Sacrament. From the very beginning of the Christian Church the Sacrament of the Altar played an important part in how Believers worshipped their Savior. We know from the Book of Acts that the Christians during the days of the Apostles conducted worship services every day, and that every worship service contained the Lord’s Supper. Later, in the Second Century, when Sunday became the preferred day of worship for the majority of Christian congregations, again, Holy Communion was included in this worship every Sunday. In fact, it is safe to say that aside from the Daily Office of prayer services in monasteries and convents, it was unthinkable for a regular worship service, on Sunday or a Feast or Festival of the Church, to be without the Sacrament of the Altar. This was true in every part of the Christian world, from all of North Africa to Scotland and Norway, and from France to the Ural Mountains of Russia. This is still the regular practice in the Churches of Eastern Orthodoxy. For numerous theological and philosophical reasons, the Lord’s Supper was a very contentious battleground during and after the Reformation, and in many ways still is today. Indeed, Sacraments themselves came under fire from one side of the Protestant Movement, that of the Reformed. Led by the French theologian, John Calvin, the Reformed denied the basic definition of and the essential need for sacraments. Instead, they saw both Baptism and Holy Communion as “ordinances,” or laws instituted by Christ, the obedience of which were to accompany an individual’s faith and prove salvation. Lutherans too battled over Holy Communion, sometimes for the same reason as the Reformed, but also for different reasons: What is the purpose and meaning of Communion; Who may commune and when; How often should a Christian commune; With whom may Christians commune; When is the moment of the Real Presence and how does it last, and so forth. Pastor Spencer

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Lesson 41 – Holy Communion, Part I, The Essence of the Lord’s Supper: Jesus Himself gave us this spiritual meal in which we eat and drink His True Body and Blood under the forms of bread and wine

Ø Exodus 24:1-11, Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, First Corinthians 10:16 & 11:23-29, Galatians 3:15

When was this Sacrament instituted? What are the significant connections between this occasion and this Sacrament? What are the visible elements of the Lord’s Supper? May substitutes be used for these elements? If so, which ones would invalidate the Sacrament, and which do not, and why or why not? Substitutes for the bread – Substitutes for the wine – May only one or the other of these visible elements be used and the Sacrament remain valid? Why or why not? What are the invisible elements of the Lord’s Supper? How do we know this is true?

56 Why is it important that Christ referred to this Sacrament as His “Testament?” What is unbiblical about the Roman teaching of “transubstantiation?” Does the Roman Church have a valid Sacrament of the Altar? Why or why not? What is unbiblical about the Reformed teaching of “representation?” Do Reformed Churches have a valid Sacrament of the Altar? Why or why not? What actions are included in Jesus’ command at the Institution of His Supper, “This do!”? Is “Elevation/Adoration” of the visible elements of the Lord’s Supper permitted in the confessional Lutheran Church? Why or why not? What does Jesus mean regarding Holy Communion when He says, “Do this in remembrance of Me?”

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Lesson 42 – Holy Communion, Part II, The Purpose of the Lord’s Supper: According to Christ’s own words the main benefit received in this meal is the forgiveness of sins

Ø Exodus 12:1-14, Matthew 11:28, Second Corinthians 5:15-17, Hebrews 10:10-18, First John 1:7, Revelation 2:10 & 3:11

How does the receiving of Holy Communion give the forgiveness of sins? Why is this so? What do unbelievers receive and why? Is receiving Holy Communion a Good Work? Why or why not? In addition to the forgiveness of sin, what else to Believers receive in the Lord’s Supper? What is the Biblical proof of this? Of what double meaning does the word “communion” remind us? What does our receiving the Sacrament of the Altar at a particular church say about what we believe?

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Lesson 43 – Holy Communion, Part III, The Effect of the Lord’s Supper: It is the Word of Christ alone which gives this meal its power and makes it more than a mere ceremony

Ø Matthew 9:20-29, Mark 4:35-41, John 20:29, Romans 4:23-25 What is the term coined by Reformation Lutherans to teach that the True Body and Blood of Jesus Christ are indeed in, with, and under, the elements of bread of wine in Holy Communion? Why do we use the words, “in, with, and under” to describe this truth? What is the Biblical proof for the correctness of this doctrine? What ALONE produces the spiritual elements of the Lord’s Supper? Do we know the “moment” when this takes place? Why or why not? What part does a person’s faith have in relation to Holy Communion? Why is this understanding important to maintain? When speaking of the benefits of the Lord’s Supper, how should the terms “pledge,” “token,” “sign,” and “seal” be correctly understood? What is meant by the term “relinqua,” and how should this be treated?

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Lesson 44 – Holy Communion, Part IV, The Worthy Reception of the Lord’s Supper: Preparation is necessary to receive Communion properly, and that preparation consists of one thing ONLY – True faith in Jesus and His Word

Ø Isaiah 42:3, Matthew 5:23-24 & 7:6, Mark 9:24, John 6:37, Acts 2:42, Romans 6:11-14 & 16:17-18, First Corinthians 10:20-21 & 11:28, Ephesians 4:1-4 & 22-24

What is meant by “worthy” communicants? Why is it necessary to be such in order to receive Holy Communion? How does a person become worthy? Who is specified by St. Paul to carry out the “examination” for participation in the Lord’s Supper? What basic questions should be asked in such an examination?

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- Why have pastors assumed this role? Is this Biblically supported? Why or why not?

60 What is the essential difficulty for anyone attempting to ascertain the worthiness of someone else to partake of Holy Communion? Is there any Biblical impediment for the following to partake of the Lord’s Supper; why or why not? - Infants? Comatose? Mentally disabled? Insane? Possessed? What are the minimum Biblical requirements for someone to receive the Lord’s Supper here in our congregation? What are some good physical preparations for receiving Holy Communion? Are any of these required by the Bible? Why or why not? Is Confirmation a Biblical requirement for receiving Holy Communion? Why or why not? Why is Confirmation not included among the Sacraments of the confessional Lutheran Church?

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Conclusion During the school terms of 1531 through 1533, Luther lectured on Psalms 120 through 134 at the University of Wittenberg. Commenting on Psalm 126 verse 4 he said: “I, too, am a theologian who has attained a fairly good practical knowledge and experience of Holy Scripture through various dangers. But I do not glory in this gift so much as to not join my children daily in prayerfully reciting the [Small] Catechism, that is, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer and meditating on them with an attentive heart. I do not merely pass over the words hurriedly, but I carefully observe what the individual word means.

And really, if I do not do this but am preoccupied with other business, I feel a definite loss because of the neglect. For God gave the Word that we should impress it on ourselves, as Moses says in Deuteronomy (6:7), and practice it. Without this practice our souls become rusty, as it were, and we lose ourselves.” Dr. Martin Luther