On September 21, 2008, we had our first lesson in our Lutheran Theology and Doctrine setting. The class went well. We started out the class by prayer, checking in on the student’s definition of the church and then we watched two videos; one video that was “silly” and one that was a skit on the church.

 

Learners Goal: Learners will identify the True Church as wherever Jesus gives grace and salvation to gathered saints through Word and Sacrament.

- 1 Peter 2:9

- Acts 2:43-47

 

 

Key Words

- CHURCH is a group of people who believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and who gather for worship, learning, fellowship, and service.

- AUGSBURG CONFESSION is a document written in 1530 by early Lutheran leaders that spelled out the basic beliefs of the Lutheran church

- SACRAMENT is a gift that brings the grace of Jesus Christ to God’s people. Lutherans believe Holy Communion and Holy Baptism are the two sacraments of the church.

 - PROCLAMATION is preaching the word of God. This involves reading scripture aloud and preaching sermons that help God’s people interpret scripture.

Family Talk Time

 • Talk about times you felt God’s presence when you were at a church. Perhaps it was when you were visiting another church, attending camp, or participating in your local congregation. How did you know God was present? What was going on at the church that helped you connect with God in this special way?

 

• At some point, someone in your family made a conscious decision to be a part of your current congregation. How did you know this was the “right” church to be at? Why do you remain at this church? Have you ever doubted that your church was a “true Christian church”? If so, what caused you to doubt?

• The Lutheran Handbook II reminds us of the simple criteria for a “true Christian church,” as found in the Augsburg Confession—preaching and sacraments. Assuming these are both present at your local church, how do these two elements help you in your spiritual journey?

 

Students and Parents

- Students, what was something in class that you heard that you did not know ?

- Parents, share a positive experience from the family talk time ?

 

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** I apologize for the sentences being “bunched” together. I will try to fix the glitch for the next post **