The Small Catechism – part 7
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 8:36
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Small Catechism
Those who are unwilling to learn it should be told that they deny Christ and are not Christians. They should not be admitted to the Sacrament, be sponsors at baptisms, nor enjoy any part of Christian liberty. Simply return them to the pope and his officials, indeed, to the devil himself. Moreover, their parents and employers should refuse them food and drink, and notify them that the prince will drive such crude people from the country, etc.
Pulling It Together
The point here is that our people are to take the catechism seriously. But why?, one might object. It’s only some program Luther invented. First, there were many catechisms before Luther (and since). Second, and most importantly, when Luther’s Small Catechism is taught correctly, Christians learn to follow Christ instead of religion. In other words, the catechism teaches us and will thereafter remind us that it is Christ who sets us free from sin and death — from the devil too. If people are unwilling to learn about God’s grace, we may as well be done with them.
Prayer: I want to follow you, Lord. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
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Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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