Introduction Pain. Grief. Depression. Hunger. Disease. Betrayal. Loneliness. Fear. People suffer in many different ways. We spend a lot of time and energy on finding ways to avoid and reduce suffering, both individually and for mankind in general. But when we turn to the Christian gospel to find a way out of suffering, we get … Continue reading The way of suffering (LD 15, q&a 37-39)
Category: Catechism
Heaven and earth meet (LD 14, q&a 35-36)
Introduction In the last several lessons we discussed the identity of our Redeemer. He is Jesus, Saviour; he is Christ, the Anointed One; he is the only-begotten Son of the Father, and he is our Lord. As we continue along in the Apostles’ Creed, we now discuss his work and life. Traditionally, we divide the … Continue reading Heaven and earth meet (LD 14, q&a 35-36)
God’s Son, our Lord (LD 13, q&a 33-34)
Introduction “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son, our Lord.” We discussed the meaning of the name Jesus, Saviour. We learned that he is the Anointed One, God’s ultimate agent in this world, our chief Prophet, only High Priest, and eternal King. Now we consider his last two titles in the Apostle’s Creed: only-begotten … Continue reading God’s Son, our Lord (LD 13, q&a 33-34)
The anointed ones (LD 12, q&a 32)
Introduction I once taught at a college where the football team was called: the Lakers. The merchandise store had t-shirts that said: “I am a Laker.” When my oldest son was born, the department gave us a gift basket, including a onesie that said: “Future Laker.” Even though only a few people were on the … Continue reading The anointed ones (LD 12, q&a 32)
The Anointed One (LD 12, q&a 31)
Introduction The name of our Saviour is “Jesus”. But we often call him “Jesus Christ”, or sometimes simply “Christ”. Technically, “Christ” is not a name but a title; so it is really “Jesus the Christ”. This title is commonly used in the New Testament: we find the name “Jesus” about 900 times, and the title … Continue reading The Anointed One (LD 12, q&a 31)
No other name (LD 11, q&a 29-30)
Introduction “I believe in Jesus…” Just like other names, we use the name “Jesus” to single out a specific person. The man called Jesus, born 2000 years ago, who lived in Nazareth and later in Capernaum, who was a famous preacher for some years—that is the person we believe to be the Son of God. … Continue reading No other name (LD 11, q&a 29-30)
In good times and bad times (LD 10, q&a 27-28)
Introduction God the Father is our Creator. The world in which we live was designed and put together by a God who is not only almighty but also good and faithful. But our God did not stop there. He also upholds and governs it with his counsel and providence, said the catechism in LD 9. … Continue reading In good times and bad times (LD 10, q&a 27-28)
The Creator is my Father (LD 9, q&a 26)
Introduction “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” That is how the book of Genesis introduces God, who is the main character not only of the Bible but in all of reality. In the previous lesson we mentioned that all three divine Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy … Continue reading The Creator is my Father (LD 9, q&a 26)
Knowing the Triune God (LD 8, q&a 24-25)
Introduction “I believe in God.” Many people say that. They believe that there is something, someone greater than they, who is in charge of their life and must be worshiped. But who is this God? What is he like? What is my relationship to him? What does he want of me? “I believe in God.” … Continue reading Knowing the Triune God (LD 8, q&a 24-25)
What to believe? (LD 7, q&a 22)
Introduction You can only be saved if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The catechism made that very clear in q&a 20. Faith is what “grafts you into” the Saviour, that is, connects you with him on an essential level, so that his righteousness becomes your righteousness, and his holiness becomes your holiness, and … Continue reading What to believe? (LD 7, q&a 22)