Reprised from January 9, 2016
Scripture Text: John 20:24-26
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John 20:24-26
From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Concerning the Church – part 22
Just as the differences in length of day and night does not injure the unity of the Church, so we believe that the true unity of the Church is not injured by different rites instituted by men. However, it is pleasing to us that universal rites are observed for the sake of order. So, in our churches we willingly observe the order of the Mass, the Lord’s Day, and other more important feast days. We embrace the profitable and ancient ordinances with a very grateful mind, especially since they contain a discipline that is profitable for the instruction and training of people and those who are uneducated.
Pulling It Together
I once went to a church where you had to use two service books plus music and text from other service books printed in the bulletin in order to follow the service. I felt like a juggler. In my opinion, it did not promote good order. However, the true unity of the church was not damaged by their choice of liturgical sources. The Church is that gathering of saints where the Gospel is correctly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. As I tried to determine which service book to use next, I was certain that the other worshipers shared my faith and desired the means of grace as much as I did. And there—right there—is the true church. There is the truest order and real peace, for there—in the midst of we who had gathered around his Word and Sacraments—Jesus came and stood among us.
Prayer: Lord, do not just give me peace; be my peace. Amen.
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The Sacraments is one of four books in the Sola Confirmation Series and serves as a simple and practical resource for teaching the biblical Word of God according to the traditional pattern of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Each book in the series may be used as the basis for a “come as you are” small group Bible study, as a student book for home school or independent study programs, or as a classroom tool and homework resource as part of an existing confirmation program.
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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