I'm not Lutheran, but the Christian world owes a huge debt to this saint, who though flawed like all who need a Savior, was used mightily to recover the Gospel of Grace and set the Word of God free among the people.
Luther's Small Catechism has been that sound pattern of words for millions of Christians since Dr. Luther published it in 1525. His preface points to conditions not much different than ours today, when most who call themselves Christians cannot in the simpleast way state what they believe as such.
While Dr. Luther is predominantly considered an enemy of the Roman Catholic Church, the fact is he earnestly sought to retain as much of its practice as possible. It simply stands as a matter of fact, too, that wherever truth is brought to bear, the devil's lies assert themselves.
Diligence in matters of the Christian faith, meanwhile, remains the mark of those who cling to Christ Jesus and His benefits by grace, through faith, as the Word is made known.
Happy Reformation day + 504 - the day the Gospel of grace alone by faith alone was returned to the Church. It’s all about Jesus! During confirmation we had to memorize the small catechism and face public questioning from the congregation on any aspect of it. 50 years later i still remember it.
Ping for later. Thanks.
A Blessed Reformation Day to you! Thank you for posting this.
We are Lutheran. Our children learned the words of Small Catechism at a very young age. It is important to have that organized way of learning the basics of the Christian faith as taught in the Bible to layer on it more depth and applications to all of our lives. As young adults, they can refer every trouble to something in that little book and use it as a guide to where to find help within the Bible for whatever they are facing.
The conditions described sound too much as today in the West, but the remedy is the same.
I'm not Lutheran, but the Christian world owes a huge debt to this saint, who though flawed like all who need a Savior, was used mightily to recover the Gospel of Grace and set the Word of God free among the people.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Good advice from the Old German Pastor.
Many Denominations have fallen short in training the children in the way they must go.
All Churches need a great renewal, starting with the basic catechetical truths.
bump
First, a black cross in a heart, to remind us that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who believes from the heart will be justified (Rom 10:10).
It is a black cross, which mortifies and causes pain; but it leaves the heart its natural color. It doesn’t destroy nature; it does not kill us but keeps us alive, for the just shall live by faith in the Crucified One (Rom 1:17).
The heart stands in the center of a joyous rose, to show that faith gives the believer joy, comfort, and peace—from God, and not as the world gives (Jn 14:27); this is why the rose is white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and angels (Matt 28:3; Jn 20:12).
The rose stands in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is a beginning of heavenly, future joy, which begins now, but is grasped in hope, not yet fully revealed.
Around the field of blue is a golden ring to symbolize that, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal, the blessedness is exquisite—beyond all joy and better than any possessions.
Thank you and happy Reformation Day.
I hope Christians had a good Reformation Sunday.