Fritz a wonderful lesson – and esp. reading has a flow I found encompassing. If only …….. yes we can…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 8: The Sacrament of Holy Communion in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 8: The Sacrament of Holy Communion in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismUnderstanding Luther’s understanding of the Sacrament of the Altar has become more relevant recently as many churches engage in a largely unnoticed ecumenical movement toward full communion. The term is almost a play on words as it primarily means efforts…
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Lesson 7: The Sacrament of Baptism in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 7: The Sacrament of Baptism in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismYou get an idea of the critical role played by the sacraments in Lutheran thought by examining Article VII of the Augsburg Confession. It defines the Holy Christian Church as “the assembly of all believers among whom the Gospel is…
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Lesson 6: The Lord’s Prayer in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 6: The Lord’s Prayer in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismI am going to examine the primary thoughts that appear throughout Luther’s explanation. You can study his treatment of particular petitions here. Perhaps the first thing that jumps out is Luther’s use of justification by grace through faith alone. His…
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Lesson 5: The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 5: The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismThis is one of the best statements of Luther’s signature theological principle, justification by grace through faith alone. Implications of the doctrine have permeated every other explanation in the Small Catechism. At this place, we get the full effect. I…
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Lesson 4: The Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 4: The Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismLuther’s explanation is a beautiful short statement of the Gospel. He conveys the unbounded joy associated with this good news by placing it in the context of an individual hearing it for the first time. All seems to have been…
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Lesson 3: The First Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 3: The First Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismLuther’s explanation of the Creed’s first article is another classic. He uses everyday language to interpret creation as God’s ongoing action to provide for all our needs, protect us from all dangers, and preserve us through all changes. This is…
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Lesson 2: The Ten Commandments in Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 2: The Ten Commandments in Luther’s Small CatechismI do not intend to examine every part of the catechism. You can do that yourself here. Instead, I shall highlight some of the more important parts of Luther’s explanations, especially emphasizing some of his distinctive insights. He numbered the…
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Lesson 1: The First Commandment in Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 1: The First Commandment in Luther’s Small CatechismBeing that this is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting the 95 Theses Against Indulgences, I plan to offer two series on the reformer this fall. The second will expand on a lecture I am giving at La Roche…
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Lesson 15: An Advent Sermon Reflecting Revelation Teachings
Read MORE: Lesson 15: An Advent Sermon Reflecting Revelation TeachingsI preached this sermon the Sunday after one of the first major terrorist attacks in Europe. I was attempting to place this in the context of the Advent theme focusing on Jesus’ Second Coming. The sermon also incorporated the baptisms…
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Lesson 14: Gettysburg and Revelation
Read MORE: Lesson 14: Gettysburg and RevelationOne of the questions Revelation raises is, “For what should we give our lives?” Martyrdom is a primary feature from the beginning to the end of the book. The Apostle warns dying for the Pax Romana serves evil. Even though…
Recent Comments
So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!