Exploring the

Lutheran

Faith

Online

Video Study Guide

Hope Lutheran Church32400 Hoover Rd.

Warren, MI586-979-9055

www.hopelutheranwarren.com

EXPLORING THE LUTHERAN FAITH An adult study of Lutheran Christian beliefs at:

Hope Lutheran Church 32400 Hoover Rd. Warren, MI 48093 (586)979-9055 www.hopelutheranwarren.com

Session #1 Knowing God - The Bible

Session #2 Who is God? - The Apostle’s Creed

Session #3 How am I Saved?

Session #4 The 10 Commandments

Session #5 The Lord’s Prayer

Session #6a The Sacraments - The Lord’s Supper

Session #6b The Sacraments - Holy Baptism

Movie Days “Luther” - Who was Martin Luther?

Session #7a What is a Lutheran? – The History

Session #7b What is a Lutheran? – The Confessions

Session #8 How Do Lutherans Worship?

Session #9 Membership at Hope

Session #1 - Knowing God - The Bible (Catechism pp. 47-53)

#1 “Can we know about God, if so, how?” (Romans 1:20, 2:14-15, 10:17)

a) Created nature - _______________knowledge.

b) Our consciences - _______________knowledge.

c) The Bible - _______________knowledge.

#2 “Who wrote the Bible?”

OT -_______________ NT - _____________________________

#3 “If men wrote the Bible. How can it be God’s Word?” (II Timothy 3:16)

_________________- God breathed His message into them.

#4 “What is the message of the Bible?” (I John 4:8, John 3:16)

“ !” God wants a relationship with you.

#5 “How is this message divided in the Bible?”

a) Law - 1- A __________to keep the coarse nature of the world in check.2- A __________reflects who we are, sinners, and our need for God.3- A __________be an instruction manual on how to live our new life.4- S O S

b) Gospel - “Good News!” Despite our unfaithfulness, God loves us and:1- God has fulfilled the __________for us so we are right with God..2- God paid the __________for our sins, and forgives our unfaithfulness.3- God loves us, gives us His own life, and restores our_____________.4- S O S

#6 “Why did God give us the Bible? How does He want us to use it?” (John 20:31)

To bring you into a _________________________with Himself for all eternity.

#7 “How is the Bible Arranged?”

a) Old Testament - The Promised Messiah. ___ Booksb) New Testament - The Messiah Comes. ___ Books - ___ Total books.(See the Catechism pp. 269-274 for information on the time between the testaments)

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- OT Timeline -

- NT Timeline -

Session #2 - Who Is God? - The Apostle’s Creed (Catechism p. 15-17, 102-173)

#1 “What do you know about this God who loves you? What is He like?”

#2 “What is the Apostle’s Creed, and who does it talk about?”

a) The most ancient creed (means _______________). Probably a baptismal creed.

b) The Apostles’ Creed confesses the Triune God in three articles:

1- First Article - God the ____________- Creator and Preserver. 2- Second Article - God the ____________- Redeemer. 3- Third Article - God the _______________- Sanctifier.

#3 “What does it mean that God in Triune, or the Trinity?” (Deut. 6:4, Matt. 28:19)

Tri - A _________________about God - Three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Unity - A ___________________about God - One God revealed in three persons.

#4 “Why do we refer to the First Person of the Trinity as the Father?”

a) The _______________of the world.

b) The _______________of Jesus Christ.

c) The _______________of all who believe in Jesus.

#5 “Why do we refer to the Second Person of the Trinity as the Son?”

a) He is the ______________________________of God.

b) The Bible refers to Jesus as the __________of God and the __________of Man.

#6 “What does the name ‘Jesus Christ’ mean?”

Jesus - “_______________.” Christ - (Hebrew - Messiah) “__________________.“

#7 What do each of these terms mean when speaking about Jesus?”

a) The Incarnation - Jesus came “____________________” at Christmas.

b) The Two Natures of Christ: 1-_______________ 2- _______________

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c) The “Three-fold Office” of Christ:

1- (John 1:1) ______________- The Word of God to His people.

2- (Hebrews 9:11-12) ______________- The Perfect Sacrifice for our sins.

3- (Matthew 25:31-32) ______________- The Ruler and Protector of the world.

d) The “Two States” In Christ’s work of Redemption from the Second Article.

_______________- To change something into something else - sin into holiness.

The State of_______________ The State of_______________

1_______________ 5______________

2_______________ 4_______________

3_______________ 3_______________

4_______________ 2_______________

5_______________ 1_______________

6_______________

#8 “Who is the Holy Ghost/Spirit, and what does He do?”

a) (Matthew 28:19-20) The Holy Spirit is the _______________Person of the Trinity.

b) (John 14:16) The Holy Spirit is sent by the _____________and the____________.

c) (John 3:5-6) The Holy Spirit works ____________________in the heart of man.

d) (Titus 3:5) The Holy Spirit is responsible for_______________, making man holy.

#9 “What other topics does the Third Article cover?”

a) The Holy Christian_______________, The Communion of_______________.

b) The _______________of sins.

c) The _______________of the dead, and life everlasting.

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Session #3 - How am I Saved? (Catechism p. 258 and other various locations)

#1 “What is “Salvation?”

a) _______________- a rusted auto sitting in a junk yard is restored to mint condition.

b) The _______________of ruined people to holiness before God.

#2 “Why does man need to be saved?” (Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1)

a) Man is a_______________, an offense to a holy God.

b) Man is _______________in his sins.

c) Man is unable to help himself, and is _______________before a holy God.

#3 “What is God’s dilemma when dealing with sinful man?” (Rom. 6:23, John 3:16)

_______________- As a just God, He must punish sinful man in hell.

_______________- Loves His creation and does not want to destroy him.

#4 “What is God’s answer to this dilemma?” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

G______ R________ A__ C___________ E____________

#5 “How does God’s grace given in Jesus Christ save me?”

Sentence: . JUDGE Verdict: .

DEFENSE PROSECUTORL

A W

DEFENDANT

#6 “What is “Faith” in Jesus?” (Proverbs 3:5)

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K_______________

A_______________

T_______________

#7 “How do I get this faith?” (I Corinthians 2:14, I Corinthians 12:3)

a) The ____________________ works faith in your heart.

b) The Spirit works through what we call the “_______________________”.

c) The Means of Grace are: Baptism, the _______________ and the Word of God.

#8 “Do I need to do good works along with my faith to be saved?” (Eph. 2:8-9)

No - Grace means that it is a______________. Our works add nothing to our salvation.

Yes - Good works are a necessary part of ___________who you are as a child of God.

#9 “What is Justification?” (II Corinthians 5:18-19)

a) Justification is the two-step way that God saves you.

b) Step 1 - _____________Justification - God forgave the world’s sins on Good Friday.

c) Step 2 - _____________Justification - God gives us this forgiveness through faith.

#10 “What is Sanctification?” (Titus 3:5)

a) Being ____________________by God.

b) Living the ____________________of a child of God.

#11 “How do other Christian’s belief on salvation differ from Lutherans?”

a) Roman Catholic - Baptism saves, and penance pays for sins.

b) Calvinism - Pure, double (to heaven or hell) predestination by a sovereign God.

c) Arminianism - Man is free to accept or reject God’s grace. God justifies in response.

d) Ritualistic/Traditional - Various beliefs.

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“Who We Are As Lutheran Christians” A study in Denominations

Roman CatholicSource of Authority - The Bible, Decrees of the Church & Pope.Church Structure - Hierarchical - Church is the Pope/Priests, not people.Justification - Baptism & PenanceSanctification - Making satisfaction for sins and trying not to sin.

LutheranSource of Authority - The Bible, Lutheran Confessions (normed by Bible).Church Structure - Church is the people & the clergy are called servants.Justification - By grace through faith alone.Sanctification - Living the life of Children of God through the Holy Spirit.

CalvinismSource of Authority - The Bible, human reason.Church Structure - The Church is God’s chosen elect.Justification - Pure, Double Predestination by the sovereign God.Sanctification - Living a life that proves you are indeed one of the elect.Examples - Reformed, Presbyterian, & Southern Baptism.

ArminianismSource of Authority - The Bible, human reason.Church Structure - The Church is the body of individual, free Christians.Justification - It is man’s free decision to accept/reject God’s grace. Then God gives grace & justifies in response to his decision.Sanctification - Using free will to work with God to achieve justification.Examples - Methodist, Evangelical Free, Salvation Army, Pentecostal.

Ritualistic/TraditionalSource of Authority - The Bible, religious traditions & rituals.Church Structure - Episcopal (hierarchical without a Pope.)Justification - Orthodox - Church distributes grace to attain to the deity.

Episcopal - Varies depending on church - Latitudinarianism.Sanctification - Orthodox - Attaining to the deity through ritual worship.

Episcopal - Maintaining the true church ritual worship.Examples - Episcopal, Orthodox.

Other Misc. MovementsUnionistic Churches - Moravians, United Church of Christ.Adventist - Seventh Day Adventist.Inner Light Churches - Mennonites, Brethren, Quakers.

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Session #4 - The 10 Commandments(Catechism pp. 11-14, 54-101)

#1 “How, When and Why did God give the 10 Commandments?” (Exodus 19-20)

How? - Through _______________on Mt. Sinai.

When? - 3 ____________following the Exodus from Egypt in the lower Sinai peninsula.

Why? - To define the _______________ He wanted with His people.

#2 “How are the 10 Commandments divided?” (Matthew 22:34-40)

First Table – Commandments #______ - Love the Lord your God.

Second Table – Commandments #______ - Love your neighbor as yourself.

#3 “According to Matthew 22:34-40, what one word summarizes the Law?”

_______________

#4 “How does each of the Commandments fulfill the “Law of Love?”

First - “Love for ____________ as your one and only.” Have only 1 true love.

Second - “Love for God’s___________________.” Defend God’s name against abuse.

Third - “Love for God’s___________.” Have a date night with God. Stay close to Him.

Fourth - “Love for_______________.” They are your first relationship after God.

Fifth - “Love for God’s__________________.” Protect and nurture God’s gracious gift.

Sixth - “Love for your____________.” Your 2nd relationship after God - Image of Jesus.

Seventh - “Love for your______________.” Honor your neighbor’s right to own things.

Eighth - “Love for your neighbor’s______________.” Up hold another’s good name.

Ninth - “Love for your_____________.” Don’t ruin relationships by lusting for their stuff.

Tenth - “Love for you _____________.” Don’t ruin relationship by lusting after another.

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Session #5 - The Lord’s Prayer(Catechism pp. 18-22, 174-201)

#1 “What is Prayer?”

a) A gracious __________God has given us.

b) _______________with, spending time with God.

c) ______________our every thought, need, desire with the One who loves us most.

#2 “Why should we pray?” (Matthew 6:7-8)

a) To keep building our _______________with God.

b) _______________is everything.

c) It is a profound act of _______________.

#3 “When should we pray?” (I Thessalonians 5:17)

At all times and in all places. Without_______________.

#4 “How should we feel when we pray to Almighty God?” (Romans 8:15-17)

_______________. “Dad, can you fix this?”

#5 “How do I pray?”

a) Simply say what is in your_______________.

b) Use the ____________________as a model.

#6 “How and when did Jesus give the Lord’s Prayer?” (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:1-4)

In the Sermon on the Mount, and in request to some disciples’ request.

#7 “What does the ‘Introduction’ teach us about how to pray to God?”

a) We come as dear _______________to their dear Father.

b) We come as_______________. All God has belongs to us.

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#8 “What does each petition teach us about prayer?”

First “Name” - God’s name is in essence_______________.

“Hallowed” - As Christians, we honor God’s name by a_______________.

Second God’s three Kingdoms 1) _______________- do not pray for.2) _______________- pray for.3) _______________- pray for.

Third Pray God’s will be done over 1) My _______________2) My _______________3) My _______________4) My _______________

Fourth “Seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness.” Matthew 6:33

1) Jesus follows His own_______________.2) Since we struggle with “__________,” pray for the spiritual first.

Fifth Forgive our: 1) _______________- Something we owe.2) _______________- To step over the line.3) _______________- To miss the mark.

As we forgive: 1) If we_________________, we do not know Jesus.2) If we do not know Jesus, we _______be forgiven.

Sixth I Corinthians 10:13 - God will not let you be ________beyond your ability.

Seventh Protect us from the “Evil Three”: 1) _______________2) _______________3) _______________

How? Ephesians 6:10-18 - Pray on the ____________________of God.

#9 “What does the “Conclusion” teach us about prayer?”

a) It is not in the Bible. It was added later by the_______________.

b) If the Kingdom, Power and Glory are____________, who do you want to pray to?

c) Amen means “____________________!”

-9- (Break time - tour facility)

Session #6a - The Sacraments - The Lord’s Supper (Catechism: Baptism - pp. 202-216, Confession - pp.217-230, Lord’s Supper - pp. 213-245)

#1 “What is a Sacrament? What make it a Sacrament?”

a) It was _______________by God.

b) It includes ____________________connected specifically to God’s Word.

c) It offers God’s _______________(forgiveness) to those who participate in it.

#2 “How many Sacraments are there in the Lutheran Church? What are they?”

Two: _______________ & ____________________ (Holy Communion)

#3 “How did the Lord’s Supper come to be?” (Mt. 26:17-30, Mk. 14:22-25, Lk. 22:7-23)

Instituted by Jesus during the celebration of the ______________on Maundy Thursday.

#4 “What are the Benefits of receiving the Lord’s Supper?”

a) _______________our sins and opens heaven to us.

b) Builds our _______________and assures us of God’s love for us.

c) Builds the _______________between you and God.

#5 “What is the mystery of the Lord’s Supper?”

How can it be both bread and wine and Jesus’ body and blood at the same time?

#6 “How do various Christians deal with the mystery of the Lord’s Supper?”Bread & Wine? Body & Blood? How?

Catholics Transubstantiation

Calvinists Symbolic Presence

Lutherans Real Presence

#7 “Where does the power come from to celebrate the Lord’s Supper?”

From the power of ____________________ spoken almost 2,000 years ago.

#8 “When and How should you receive the Lord’s Supper?”

When? - As often as it is celebrated and you are a_______________.

How? - By being in a _______________relationship with God.-10-

Session #6b - The Sacraments - The Holy Baptism (Catechism: Baptism - pp. 202-216, Confession - pp.217-230, Lord’s Supper - pp. 213-245)

#1 “What is Baptism? What does the word ”Baptism” mean?” (Titus 3:5, I Peter 3:21)

The Sacrament of entry into the_________________________. To_______________.

#2 “How and when was Baptism instituted?” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, as part of the_____________________________.

#3 “What constitutes a valid Baptism?”

a) Application of _______________in a washing manner to a living person.

b) The______________, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

#4 “What are the blessings of Baptism?”

a) It gives you entry into the family of God as a______________________________.

b) It works _______________in your heart.

c) It forgives your __________ and _______________you from death and the Devil.

#5 “Who can perform a Baptism?”

a) Usually the _____________. b) Any _____________in an emergency situation.

#6 “Why does the Lutheran Church baptize infants?”

a) Acts 2:38-39 - God tells us the _______________is for them too.

b) Romans 3:23, 6:23 - They _______________t in order to be saved.

c) Colossians 2:11-12 - It is the “_______________made without hands.”

d) The earliest _______________of the early church is for infant baptism.

#7 “Does a person ever need to be rebaptized? Why?”

No. Baptism is__________________, and God will always keep His promises to us.

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Movie “Luther”- Who was Martin Luther?

Note and Question Sheet for Day 1:

- Movie Day 1 -

Movie “Luther”- Who was Martin Luther?

Note and Question Sheet for Day 2:

- Movie Day 2 -Session #7a - What is a Lutheran? – The History

#1 “How and When did the Christian Church begin? What’s its birthday?”

On the Day of_______________, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Disciples.

#2 “What is the history of the Christian Church and the Lutheran Church?”

AD 30 Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus.

32 Stephen is the first Martyr for Christianity.

47-57 St. Paul’s missionary journeys.

67 Peter and Paul are martyred.

100 Death of the last apostle John, and the NT is completed.

315 The Edict of Milan gives Christianity its freedom.

325 Council of Nicea, first ecumenical council, Nicene Creed is adopted.

1054 The Great Schism divided the Eastern and Western Church.

1415 Jon Hus is martyred for the faith.

1483 Martin Luther in born.

1517 Luther posts the 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.

1530 Augsberg Confession is written explaining the Lutheran faith.

1546 Luther’s death.

1580 The Book of Concord unites Germany and establishes Lutheran doctrine.

1664 First Lutheran Church is begun in America.

1839 Saxon immigrants fleeing religious persecution settle in Perry County, MO

1847 Those Saxon immigrants form the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

#3 “How and Why did Luther break with the Roman Catholic Church?”

a) Source of _______________- Scriptures alone.

b) _______________- By grace alone, through faith alone.

c) _______________and Papal abuses - The Church was out of control.

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Session #7b - What is a Lutheran? – The Confessions

#4 “What are the Lutheran Confessions?” (Catechism pp. 255-256)

a) Generally:

Statements written by the Lutheran reformers explaining their _____________to Rome.

b) Specifically:

Apostle’s, Nicene & Athanasian Creeds.Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms - 1529.The Augsberg Confession - 1530.The Apology to the Augsberg Confession - 1531.The Smalcald Articles - 1537.The Tretise on the Power and the Primacy of the Pope - 1537.The Formula of Concord - 1577.

#5 “How is the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod organized? How does Hope fit in?”

a) Synod (___) LCMS

b) Districts (___) Michigan

c) Circuits (?) #19

d) Congregations (_____) Hope Lutheran Church, Warren, MI

e) Members (_______________) 900

#6 “Who controls the congregations of the LCMS? The synod or congregation?”

X_____________________________________________________________X(congregational) (hierarchical)

#7 “What is the value of a synodical structure? Why not just be congregational?”

a) It allows for _______________of doctrine and practice.

b) It allows for expanded _______________like: Colleges, seminaries, missionaries...

-13-Session #8 - How Lutheran Worship

#1 “What makes a worship service uniquely ‘Lutheran?’”

a) A _______________or a liturgical form of worship.

b) A liturgy is a distribution of the ______________________on behalf of the people.

c) Liturgical worship seeks to distribute God’s _______________to His people.

d) The __________is from God to His people. The people respond in praise & service.

#2 “What are the essential ingredients of a Lutheran worship service?”

a) Confession and absolution.

b) Reading God’s Word.

c) An exposition of God’s Word - the sermon or homily.

d) Praise to God, as in the hymns, creeds, and offering.

e) Special prayers on behalf of the Church and her people.

f) Benediction - either Aaronic or Apostolic.

(With the Lord’s Supper)

g) Preface / preparation for Communion including the Consecration of the elements.

h) The Distribution to God’s people of a common belief. (Close Communion)

#3 “What is a Divine Worship Service?”

Divine - It is of, by and for God.

Worship - From “_____________.” We come to receive our worth from our worthy God.

Service - Jesus ____________His people by forgiving them and giving them His worth.

#4 “So, Why do we go to Church?”

a) Because we broke our _____________with God and are unworthy - broken window.

b) Because we trust Jesus to forgive us and _____________our relationship with God.

c) Because Jesus alone is worthy, and we praise Him for making us ___________too.

-14-(See Catechism pp. 265-268 for the definition of 50 common terms used in Lutheran worship.)

#5 “How often should you go to Church?”

Whenever you are a _______________and in need of God’s forgiveness.

#6 “How are the readings of God’s Word chosen each Sunday?”

a) _______________, or short sections of Scripture are prescribed for each Sunday.

b) Readings from the Old Testament, Epistles (letters), and Gospels are included.

#7 “Why does the Pastor wear robes?”

a) That his clothes may not become a _______________to worship.

b) To set him apart as a _______________of God, as in the Old Testament.

#8 “What is the ‘Liturgical Calendar?’” (Catechism pp. 259-264)

(See Catechism pp. 275-283 for common Christian symbols and their meanings.)

-15-Session #9 – Membership at Hope

#1 “What kinds of Church Membership are there?”

a) _______________

b) _______________

c) _______________

#2 “Is Church Membership:

a) a right or a privilege? It is a_______________.

b) necessary for my salvation? ____, but why wouldn’t you belong to a church?

c) my responsibility or the Church’s responsibility?

#3 “What are the Church’s responsibilities to me?”

a) To preach the ____________________in truth.

b) To administer the ____________________in a decent and orderly way.

c) To provide _______________opportunities for the members.

d) To meet the special ___________(spiritual, emotional and physical) of its members.

e) To _______________members who begin to stray. TLC Ministry.

#4 “What are my responsibilities to the Church?”

a) To provide for the ongoing ______________of the Church. Time, Talents & Tithing.

b) To worship and study the Bible regularly. Use a _______________standards.

c) To personally _______________spiritually as an individual and as families.

d) To build a spiritual _______________and fellowship.

e) To reach out with the Gospel and be a _______________in your world.

#5 “How does one become a Baptized Member?”

By being_______________. By _______________that membership to another church.

-16-#6 “How does one become a Communicant Member?”

P _______________of faith ( 1st time)

A _______________of faith (a reaffirming of past faith)

T _______________ (moving from one LCMS congregation to another)

#7 “How can you become a Voting Member?”

a) Simply _______________to a Voters’ Assembly Meeting and sign in.

b) You will be eligible to _______________at the next meeting.

c) The _______________stays good if you attend 1 meeting/year.

d) Meetings are held the 1st ______________of October, December, February, & May.

#8 “How can my Church Membership end?”

T _______________ R _______________ R _______________

W _______________ E _______________

#9 “How can I help be a part of the life of the Church?”

________________ = Using the _______________ Gifts that God gives to you.

#10 “What are Spiritual Gifts?”

God has gifted His people with the _____________ / _____________ / _____________

necessary to keep the _______________a living and healthy witness to this sinful world.

#11 “How do I know what my Spiritual Gifts are?”

a) From _______________ - What do you like to do and where do you talents lie.

b) From _______________ - Ask others you trust what they see as your abilities.

c) Try _________________ - And see how it works/fits.

-17-ADULT CONFIRMATION VOWS - For Hope Lutheran Church, Warren, MI

BELOVED IN THE LORD. YOU HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED AND YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT THE FAITH ACCORDING TO OUR LORD'S DIRECTION. THE FULFILLMENT OF HIS COMMAND WE NOW CELEBRATE WITH THANKFUL HEARTS, REJOICING IN YOUR ABILITY TO CONFESS THE FAITH INTO WHICH YOU WERE BAPTIZED AND WHICH YOU YOURSELVES WILL NOW PROFESS BEFORE GOD'S CHURCH. JESUS SAID, 'WHOEVER ACKNOWLEGES ME BEFORE MEN, I WILL ALOS ACKNOWLEDGE BEFORE MY FATHER IN HEAVEN." I INVITE YOU NOW TO LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR VOICES TO THE GOD OF ALL MERCY & GIVE ANSWER TO WHAT, IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD, I ASK:

++DO YOU, THIS DAY, IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND THIS CONGREGATION UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE GIFTS AND BLESSINGS WHICH GOD GAVE YOU ON THE DAY OF YOUR BAPTISM? THEN SAY, 'I DO!'

++DO YOU REJECT AND RENOUNCE SATAN AND THE DESTRUCTIVE WAYS HE HAS TRIED AND WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO DESTROY THE FAITH GIVEN TO YOU AT YOUR BAPTISM? THEN SAY,'I REJECT THE DEVIL AND EVERYTHIN!G HE STANDS FOR!'

++DO YOU BELIEVE THE DOCTRINES SUMMARIZED BY THE APOSTLES CREED, PROCLAIMING GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY AS YOUR CREATOR, JESUS--GOD'S SON-- AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT--CO-EQUAL WITH GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE SON, AS THE SANCTIFIER WHO BROUGHT YOU TO FAITH AND WHO WILL PRESERVE YOU IN THE ONE TRUE FAITH? THEN SAY, "THIS I BELIEVE WITH ALL MY HEART."

++RELYING TOTALLY ON GOD'S POWER THROUGH CONSTANT CONTACT WITH HIS WORD, DO YOU PROMISE TO CONTINUE STEADFASTLY IN THE FAITH AND CONFESSION OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND EVEN BE WILLING TO FORFIT YOUR PHYSICAL LIFE BEFORE LOSING YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE? THEN SAY, "YES, WITH THE HELP OF GOD!"

++DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ALL OF THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED, FAITHFUL AND TRUE WORD OF GOD, AND DO YOU CONFESS THAT THE DOCTRINE OF OUR LUTHERAN CHURCH, DRAWN FROM THOSE SCRIPTURES AS YOU'VE COME TO KNOW IT FROM THE SMALL CATECHISM, IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE? THEN SAY, “I DO!”

++DO YOU DESIRE TO BE A FAITHFUL MEMBER OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND OF THIS CONGREGATION, IN PARTICULAR? THEN SAY, “YES!”

++IF YOU WERE TO DIE TODAY, ARE YOU ABSOUTELY SURE THAT YOU WOULD GO TO HEAVEN? AND IS YOUR ASSURANCE BASED ONLY ON WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU? THEN SAY, "I AM CERTAIN!"

++AND FINALLY, DO YOU INTEND FAITHFULLY TO CONFORM YOUR LIFE TO THE DIRECTION OF GOD'S WORD AND THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST, TO THE FAITHFUL USE OF WORD AND SACRAMENTS, AND TO A LIFE OF TOTAL STEWARDSHIP WHICH WILL BRING GLORY TO GOD UNTIL THE DAY OUR LORD CALLS YOU TO HIMSELF IN HEAVEN? THEN SAY,"THIS IS MY INTENT, WITH THE HELP OF GOD!"

BASED ON THE INTERGRITY OF YOUR PERSONAL PROMISES AND ON THE BINDING NATURE OF THESE OATHS, WHICH YOU HAVE TAKEN BEFORE GOD AND HIS CHURCH, I WELCOME YOU TO HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH WITH ALL THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILIGES THEREOF, IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.

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