The Small Catechism – part 77
Scripture Text: Genesis 2:18–24
The Sixth Commandment is worded in the negative, but we readily perceive that “thou shalt not” (Exod 20:14 KJV) implies we must also do something.
The Small Catechism – part 76
Scripture Text: Philippians 4:6–7
We live in a time that is sometimes lamented as a post-Christian era in the United States. Complaints range from social media shutting out anything Christian, to the public square no longer allowing the church a voice.
The Small Catechism – part 75
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:5
The temptation is to lash out, to retaliate, to pay back. But that is not Jesus’ way, though he was tempted. When he was criticized and even beaten, Jesus could have called down legions of angels...
The Small Catechism – part 74
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:23–24
The greatest need our neighbors have, whether they know it or not, is emotional. We must not cause them any anguish, as it is ongoing, causing stress that mounts on stress, a daily trauma to be withstood.
The Small Catechism – part 73
Scripture Text: Psalm 4:4–5
Followers of Christ do not carry their anger with them day after day, nor are they to act on their anger in a way that wounds another, especially those “of the household of faith.”
The Small Catechism – part 72
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:21–22
In case you think Luther takes his explanation of the Fifth Commandment too far, consider Jesus. The catechism explains not killing in terms of fighting and of being a caring friend to our neighbors.
The Small Catechism – part 71
Scripture Text: Romans 12:20–21
The motivation for taking care of our neighbor, including our enemies, is the fear and love of God. We help others because we understand our own need of assistance.
The Small Catechism – part 70
Scripture Text: Isaiah 58:6–7
The faith is not about religious practice alone; it is not even just about God. Our devotion to God is most keenly observed, not in our worship and service, as much as God cherishes these acts, but in the love of our neighbor.
The Small Catechism – part 69
Scripture Text: Matthew 15:18–19
A mountain seems to stand steadfastly—until the plates far beneath the surface shift. Not murdering someone seems simpler to pull off than not saying something nasty.
The Small Catechism – part 68
Scripture Text: Romans 12:19
Leave it to God. It may sting your sense of honor if you do not avenge your dignity. But the honor belongs to the Lord anyway, and your own honor depends upon God.
The Small Catechism – part 67
Scripture Text: Genesis 37:18
It is difficult to like some people. They may differ politically, religiously, culturally; they may be better off than you are and even flaunt it; they may be downright nasty.
The Small Catechism – part 66
Scripture Text: 1 John 3:13–16
Be careful that you do not imagine yourself exempt from bothering with the Fifth Commandment. You may say that you have never murdered anyone. Think again.
The Small Catechism – part 65
Scripture Text: Genesis 9:6
Human life is precious to the Lord. It does not matter whether that life is another’s life or one’s own, whether that life is nascent or full-formed. It is life; and it is life in God’s image.
The Small Catechism – part 64
Scripture Text: Genesis 4:5–8
It is an instinct that goes all the way back to Cain: we imagine that we may solve our personal problems with violence, and if necessary, the final violence of death.
The Small Catechism – part 63
Scripture Text: Romans 13:1–7
God has placed additional people in authority over us. We are to honor our parents above all others, second only to God, but the Scripture and the Catechism teach us to honor other authorities too.
The Small Catechism – part 62
Scripture Text: Luke 2:51–52
Of all people, Jesus might have insisted on being right when confronted with his parents’ demands upon him. Yet, he was obedient and submissive to them.
The Small Catechism – part 61
Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:32
They took a photograph of the men at church yesterday, in honor of Fathers’ Day. It was a collection of hoary-headed fellows.
The Athanasian Creed - Contents
This is an index or table of contents of the none lessons based on The Athanasian Creed — an Overview and "Whole and Inviolable,” "Trinity in Unity," "Compulsion" "Addressing Heresies," "Equal and Subordinate," "One Christ," "Likewise," and "Standing on Your Own Feet."
The Small Catechism – part 60
Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:17
God has set others over you, besides your parents. They too, are in their positions for your benefit. Before we move on to civil authorities, let us consider a few others.
The Small Catechism – part 59
Scripture Text: Luke 18:20
Honoring parents is not the privilege of young children alone. Children who still live at home with their parents are of course, expected to love them, be obedient, and esteem them as blessed gifts of God.
The Small Catechism – part 58
Scripture Text: Philippians 2:14–15
God expects us to behave for our parents the way we would act in his presence. Therefore, we are to obey our parents as we would obey God: without complaining or asking why.
The Small Catechism – part 57
Scripture Text: Proverbs 23:20
Our parents are God’s agents to and for us. They are meant to be his blessed envoys, graciously given to us by God so that we may begin our education in the catechism.
The Small Catechism – part 56
Scripture Text: Colossians 3:20
Even Jesus honored his parents with submissive behavior. This pleased his mother, and it pleases the Father when we follow the Lord’s example by being obedient to our parents.
The Small Catechism – part 55
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 4:15–16
They say that imitation is the sincerest or best form of flattery. That must be very true for parents. It is satisfying and rewarding when children reproduce their parents’ good character and conduct.
The Small Catechism – part 54
Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:3
God’s promise to be a Father to us demonstrates the importance he places on the role of parenting. It is the first commandment on the second tablet...
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