Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ecclesiastes 12:13
• Index
Click for audio of today's lesson.
From the Word: Ecclesiastes 12:13
From the Confessions: The Large Catechism, Preface
For in these three parts everything that we have in the Scriptures is comprehended in short, plain, and simple terms. In these, the holy Fathers or apostles (whoever they were) have summarized the doctrine, life, wisdom, and study that occupies the conversation and interests of Christians.
Pulling It Together: James is correct: faith must be shown in deeds (James 2:18). In other words, we are to love our neighbor. Yet, duty is learned; keeping the commandments does not happen naturally. Unless a thing is viewed as a responsibility before God, we will naturally put self before neighbor. In other words, if you do not know the commandments, how will you keep them? And when you do not keep them, how will you know there is a First Commandment and a God to whom you may turn to and receive forgiveness?
Prayer: Oh, most holy God, give me such love for you that I may rightly fear you and so, keep your commandments, and trust in your faithful love when I fail to do so. Amen.
The ReClaim Hymnal for Church and Home contains three Communion Settings along with liturgies for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals, and other occasional services. It also includes the Small Catechism, as well as 275 beloved hymns from various hymn traditions. It is a resource that would be suitable for confirmation and graduation gifts as well as congregational use.
Most of the hymns and other resources in ReClaim are part of Sola's Online Worship Electronic Resource. Check out all that is in SOWER here.
Share this post
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.
Click Here For Content Archives