Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 16:1–4
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From the Word: 1 And the Pharisees and Sadducees approaching, testing, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather because the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today because the sky is red and gloomy.’ You know how to evaluate the appearance of the sky, but you unable to perceive the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but there will no sign given to it save the sign of Jonah.” And he departed from them, and went away. (Matthew 16:1–4)
From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, Preface
These are the most necessary parts of Christian education, so we should learn to repeat them word for word.
Pulling It Together: These lessons are primary and, therefore, necessary because they point beyond us. They direct us to God, instead of to ourselves, with our limited grasping. There is so much uproar surrounding us, demanding our attention, approval, and finally, allegiance. If that is all we listen to, we are undone. There must be a ready word within us, to which we may appeal for truth, and so, for peace. Memorize Scripture; store it up in your heart (Luke 6:45). Meditate upon it day and night (Psa 1:2). A good place to begin your memorization and meditation would be with these three principal lessons found in the Catechism. The Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Creed will always point you back to Christ Jesus.
Prayer: Turn my eyes and tune my ears to you, Lord. Amen.
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Pastor Kent Groethe's study of the Book of Acts, Acts - Old Places, New Faces, focuses on the life of the early church as a model for church life today. The message and power of the church today needs to be revitalized and renewed by the power of God's Spirit, just as it was in the early church.
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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