This document provides an agenda and discussion topics for a catechism class. The agenda includes introductions, objectives, prayers, and discussions on various theological topics like the two kingdoms, civil government, and Christian duties. Tables of duties are also provided that outline biblical teachings on roles like pastors, congregants, husbands, wives, children, employees and employers. Questions for Christian instruction are also listed that cover basic doctrines of sin, salvation through Christ, and the Trinity.
4. Who are we? Turn to someone you don’t know and tell them Your Name Ask them their name and one of the following questions: What is the greatest thing you accomplished in the last year What is the biggest thing you are looking forward to in the next year What city were you born in What does your first and last name mean? Where did you get your education and what did you focus on or what was your favorite subject What is your favorite time of year and why
6. Objective: For The Course To gain a greater understanding of the Creator of the Universe To Gain a greater understanding of the Lutheran understanding of the Christian Faith
8. Prayer Prior to Studying the Bible Almighty God, heavenly Father, you give all the gifts of life and living, and you bid us to love you with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. During this time of study and learning and writing, grant to us the protection of your Holy Spirit, that we become neither weary nor proud, and that in all things we might, with our words, bring honor and glory to your Word, Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Amen.
11. UnamSanctam, issued by Pope Boniface VIII – Doctrine of the Two Swords Bill of Rights Thomas Jefferson – Notes on Virginia, 1782 John Locke – On the Difference between Civil and Ecclesiastical Power John Milton – A Treatise of Civil Power James Madison – Letter to F.L. Shaeffer John Calvin – Institutions of Christian Religion Martin Luther – On Secular Authority St. Augustine - The Kingdom of God History of the Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms
12. The Two Kingdoms Christ is Ruler of Both Kingdoms Every Christian is a citizen of both kingdoms The Kingdom of Man is a post fall institution given by God to maintain order, administer justice, and restrain evil Non-Christians have a right and a place in the Kingdom of Man There is tension between the Two Kingdoms Render unto Caesar Render unto God It is God’s intent that until he returns again, the Kingdom of God will dwell in the midst of the Kingdom of Man. Salt Light Witness
15. Table of Duties – Bishop / Pastor / Preacher A Bishop / Pastor / Preacher must be Blameless, The husband of one wife, Vigilant, Sober, Of good behavior, Given to hospitality, Apt to teach; Patient Obedient Children Faithful to the Word Convincing to non-believers A Bishop / Pastor / Preacher Must Not Be A Drunk A Hitter Brawler Greedy Covetous A novice 1 Tim 3:2ff & Titus 1:6
16. Table of Duties – Congregants to Bishop / Pastor / Preacher Pay their Bishop / Pastor / Preacher enough so he doesn’t need another job to support his family (1 Cor 9:14) Share a piece of all the good gifts God has given him (Gal 6:6) Double this for the good Bishop / Pastor / Preacher (1 Tim 5:17-18) Obedience and Submission to the Bishop / Pastor / Preacher
17. Table of Duties – Civil Governments Administer justice Terrorize those who are evil Approve that which is good Avenge those who have been wrong Wield the sword against the belligerent Acknowledge the source of your power - (Romans 13:1-4)
18. Table of Duties – To Civil Magistrates Give to Magistrates that which is there's Matt. 22:21. Be Subject to the Higher Powers Not to avoid punishment, but because it’s the right thing to do Pay Taxes because the state is a minister of God Tribute Custom Fear Honor Rom. 13:1,5ff. Pray, intercede, and give thanks to All Men Kings Everyone in Authority 1 Tim. 2:1f Think of yourself as a subject - Titus 3:1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake King as supreme Governors Anyone sent by their authority - 1 Pet. 2:13f
19. Table of Duties – Husbands 1 Peter 3:7 Dwell with your wives Honor Them Treat them like a prized possession Treat them as co-heirs to God’s promise (even if they are not) Pray for them Col 3:9 – Do not be bitter against them
20. Table of Duties - Wives Submit yourself to your husband Do not fear Do Good 1 Pet. 3:6; Eph. 5:22
21. Table of Duties – Parents Do not Provoke your children Teach your Children Nurture your Children Eph 6:4
22. Table of Duties - Children Obey your Parents Honor your Parents Eph. 6:1-3
23. Table of Duties – Employees Obey your Boss as per the kingdom of man Fear them Serve them with the singleness that you sever Christ not with eye-service Serve from your heart Serve with good will Realize that God will bless you as you bless your boss Eph. 6:5ff ; Col. 3:22
24. Table of Duties – Employers Treat your employees the same way you are to treat your boss If you don’t have a boss; God is your boss. Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1.
25. Table of Duties – Young People Submit yourselves unto the older people Be subject one to another Act humble Show love to the humbled. Place yourself under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time. 1 Pet. 5:5-6.
26. Table of Duties – Widows Trust in God Pray during the day Pray during the evening 1 Tim. 5:5-6.
27. Table of Duties - Everyone Love everyone as you would love yourself – Rom. 13:8ff Pray for everyone – 1 Tim. 2:1-2
28. Christian Questions & Answers Do you believe that you are a sinner? - Yes, I believe it. I am a sinner. How do you know this? - From the Ten Commandments, which I have not kept. Are you sorry for your sins? - Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God. What have you deserved from God because of your sins?- His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation. See Romans 6:21,23. Do you hope to be saved?- Yes, that is my hope. In whom then do you trust? - In my dear Lord Jesus Christ. Who is Christ? - The Son of God, true God and man. How many Gods are there? - Only one, but there are three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What has Christ done for you that you trust in Him? - He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Did the Father also die for you?- He did not. The Father is God only, as is the Holy Spirit; but the Son is both true God and true man. He died for me and shed his blood for me. How do you know this? - From the holy Gospel, from the words instituting the Sacrament, and by His body and blood given me as a pledge in the Sacrament.