Background Information: (Taken from Colaborate Leader Handbook)
The Lutheran Confessions are the compilation of Reformation-era theological writings and the three ecumenical creeds written in the early centuries of the Christian church. They are collected in The Book of Concord
as a tool to help believers understand God as revealed through Scripture.
Over the fifty-year span of the Reformation, believers sought to name (and often defend) their beliefs in the absence of a pope telling them what they had
to believe. In refining doctrine, the reformers sought to return the church to beliefs grounded in the Bible, especially in cases where they had been in conflict with human authority and recent church practice. Similarly, the three creeds had been assembled centuries earlier to state conclusive beliefs against the many fringe dogmas that were not scripturally based.
The words confession and apology have confusing double meanings in the church. A confession in this context isn't an admission of wrong, but a statement of belief. Likewise, an apology in this context is not saying you're sorry, but laying out theological defense for your belief. Often, an apology was written in response to an accusation. The works of the early church and the reformers help guide our understanding of Scripture and God today.
The Lutheran Confessions are the compilation of Reformation-era theological writings and the three ecumenical creeds written in the early centuries of the Christian church. They are collected in The Book of Concord
as a tool to help believers understand God as revealed through Scripture.
Over the fifty-year span of the Reformation, believers sought to name (and often defend) their beliefs in the absence of a pope telling them what they had
to believe. In refining doctrine, the reformers sought to return the church to beliefs grounded in the Bible, especially in cases where they had been in conflict with human authority and recent church practice. Similarly, the three creeds had been assembled centuries earlier to state conclusive beliefs against the many fringe dogmas that were not scripturally based.
The words confession and apology have confusing double meanings in the church. A confession in this context isn't an admission of wrong, but a statement of belief. Likewise, an apology in this context is not saying you're sorry, but laying out theological defense for your belief. Often, an apology was written in response to an accusation. The works of the early church and the reformers help guide our understanding of Scripture and God today.
Share a high from the past week.
Share a low from the past week.
Parents/Guardians be sure to share as well!
Share a low from the past week.
Parents/Guardians be sure to share as well!
Matthew 16:13-16
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
Martin Luther and the other reformers had to have confidence in their faith in order to stand up to the wrongs they saw and seek to correct them. How would you describe Jesus to someone who might not know much about him?
Why do you think Jesus asked this question of his disciples? Wouldn't he already know their answer? Why is Peter's response important?
Why do you think Jesus asked this question of his disciples? Wouldn't he already know their answer? Why is Peter's response important?
Pray a simple prayer for your highs and lows. Spend time quietly saying your prayers out loud or to yourself.
End your time together with the following blessing, marking the cross of Christ on your forehead as a reminder of your baptism. Parents/Guardians be sure to have your child mark your forehead as well!
(Name), you are a Child of God!
(Name), you are a Child of God!
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