1. Chain the Catechism: A topical study through the Lutheran confessions Apostle’s Creed Intro Memorization Verses: Rm 10:10 It is with your heart… Heb 11:1 Faith is…. Ps 19:1 The heavens… Rm 2:15 They show that the requirements… Jn 20:31 These [acts of Jesus] are written…

2. Symbols for the Trinitarian God--Draw as many symbols as you can think of associated with each member of the trinity, and be ready to discuss how you visualize and address The Divine 3in1 in your prayer life.

3. God is three in one, three in one, three in one… The Father makes us all. The Son sets us free. The Ho-ly Spirit breathes life in me. Three in One

4. Heavenly Father…. Dear Jesus… O Holy Spirit… Pray

5. LSB 953 lutheran-hymnal.com/online/tlh-252.mid G-|GBAG|FFG-|FGAG|FFE- 1. We All Believe in One True God Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Ever-present Help in need, Praised by all the heavenly host, By whose mighty power alone All is made and wrought and done. 2. We all believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and Mary's Son, Who descended from His thrones And for us salvation won; By whose cross and death are we Rescued from all misery. 3. We all confess the Holy Ghost, Who from both fore'er proceeds; Who uphold and comforts us In all trials, fears, and needs. Blest and holy Trinity, Praise forever be to Thee!

6. Discussion: Arius If the Father begat the Son, he that was begotten had a beginning of existence: and from this it is evident, that there was a time when the Son was not. It therefore necessarily follows, that he had his substance from nothing. Arius, 4th Century Church History, Book I, Ch. 5, by Socrates of Constantinople

7. Discussion Quote: Rick Warren The first Reformation was about doctrine; the second one needs to be about behavior, We need a reformation not of creeds but deeds. Throughout the speech, as reported on the group's website, Pastor Warren announced that a new movement is underway in the church, shifting the emphasis from doctrinal issues to service in the world. "It's time to stop debating the Bible and start doing it...This is the new reformation I'm praying for."

8. Discussion: Augustine “We have, however, the catholic faith in the Creed, known to the faithful and committed to memory, contained in a form of expression as concise as has been rendered admissible by the circumstances of the case; the purpose of which compilation was, that individuals who are but beginners and sucklings among those who have been born again in Christ, and who have not yet been strengthened by most diligent and spiritual handling and understanding of the divine Scriptures, should be furnished with a summary, expressed in few words…” ~Augustine, 4th Century

9. Discussion Quote: Large Catechism Now, there properly follows the Creed, which sets forth to us everything that we must expect and receive from God, and, to state it quite briefly, teaches us to know Him fully. 2] And this is intended to help us do that which according to the Ten Commandments we ought to do. For (as said above) they are set so high that all human ability is far too feeble and weak to [attain to or] keep them. Therefore it is as necessary to learn this part as the former in order that we may know how to attain thereto, whence and whereby to obtain such power.

11. These first Christians had doctrine prior to having a complete NT

12. The purpose of a creed or doctrine is to summarize the meaning of the many words of Scripture and apostolic teaching. Whenever we try to explain Christianity to someone else we partake in this same summarizing action.

15. Maker, Creator, Provider, Father

16. Redeemer, incarnate, begotten, eternal Son

17. Inspiring, faithful, bolstering Spirit

18. It stipulates not only the functions of each person in the Godhead, but also expression of their relationship to one another.

20. Both a rock and Reed have “being,” but only one has “personality” ;)

22. Largest section of EVERY creed since the 1st cent.

23. Focuses on deity, humanity, and historicity of the crucifixion and resurrection

24. Therefore, we allow proper doctrine to transform our behavior in the world.

25. Carrying a concise summary of the Christian faith is the most rational means in contending for the truth within an unbelieving world

26. When we seek to “move beyond” teaching, we are already undermining the application

27. The Spirit of God is one of truth

29. SS Creeds: “I Believe…” What is a creed? What other creeds? Apostles? What is meant by “I believe in God”? We believe a creed is a statement of what we believe, teach, and confess. It means “I trust in God and His promises and accept as true all He teaches in the Holy Scriptures.” Everyone must believe for himself; no one can be saved by another’s faith. The church uses 3: Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian. The Apostles’ is in the Lutheran Catechism and it was not written by the apostles themselves, but it states briefly the doctrine (teaching) which God gave through the apostles in the Bible. The Scriptures reveal God as triune and Christians are baptized in the triune name. Rom. 10:10 It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Ps. 31:14 I trust in You, 0 Lord; I say, "You are my God.” Ps. 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him. Rom. 10:17 Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Heb. 11:1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hab. 2:4 The righteous will live by his faith. Luke 7:50 Your faith has saved you; go in peace. The foolish virgins could not obtain oil from the wise virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). Matt. 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Eph. 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

30. SS Creeds: “I Believe…”: Pray: During the carefree days of childhood You drew us unto You, some through pious parents, others through faithful teachers. When we forsook You, You drew us to You again. You did not desert us and sweep us, like many others, into eternity when we were unprepared to meet You; no, You extended the day of grace for us. You sought us as a shepherd seeks his lost lamb, not abandoning the search until You had found us and restored us to faith in Your Son. Amen. (C.F.W. Walther, 1811-1887) Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling, and scatter there Your cheerful beams. Dwell in that soul that longs to be Your temple. Water that barren soil, overrun with weeds and briars, and lost for want of cultivating, and make it fruitful with Your dew from heaven. Oh come, You refreshment of them that languish and faint. Come, You Star and Guide of them that sail in the tempestuous sea of the world; You only Haven off the tossed and shipwrecked. Come, You Glory and Crown of the living, and only Safeguard the dying. Come, Holy Spirit, in much mercy, and make me fit to receive You. Amen. (Augustine of Hippo, 354-430)

31. M The Triune God Made Known: In what ways does the triune God make himself known? Who is God? We believe: A. Through the existence of the world (natural knowledge). B. Through conscience (natural). C. Especially through the Holy Scriptures in which God clearly reveals Himself and His gift of salvation in Christ (revealed). Ps. 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies declare the work of His hands. Rom. 1:19-20 What may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-His eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse. Heb. 3:4 Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Rom. 2:15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them. John 20:31 These [acts of Jesus] are written that You may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. 2 Tim. 3:15 From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus Heb. 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.

32. M The Triune God Made Known Pray: O Father, the light of the farthest galaxies declares Your existence to me. Your most humble creatures astound me with their complexity. The Word and all creation teaches me that only fools can say, “There is no God.” Yet by my sins I show myself to be a fool. By my doubt I deny Your grace. Through the humility of Your Son, Jesus Christ, enlighten me. Humble this foolish heart of mine and call me to sincere faith by Your Spirit. Grant me all boldness to bear witness to Your grace. Amen. (EE). O heavenly Father, You have created all things and have brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, across the wilderness, and over the Jordan. All this is of no help to me. What is it to me that You have done great wonders to Noah, and enabled Peter to walk on the sea, and commanded the leper to show himself to the priest? But it is important for me to call upon You and hold fast to You. I do so by this word and assurance: You, Lord, have redeemed me through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. This word concerns me, for it penetrates heaven and with it I surely touch You. You have bound Yourself to it so that I might find You and cling to You. Hear me! Although neither I nor any angel can stand before Your Majesty, I still have Christ whom You cannot hate. I depend on Him and on the assurance that You will receive me through Him. You must reject Him before rejecting me. Amen. (Luther)

33. T God Is…Pt 1: Who is God? We believe in His Word God has told us that He is: a spirit (personal being without a body), eternal (without beginning/end), unchangeable (immutable); almighty, all powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), present everywhere (omnipresent). A. spirit (a personal being without a body); John 4:24 God is spirit. B. eternal (without beginning and without end); Ps. 90:1-2 Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. 1 Tim. 1:17 To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. C. unchangeable (immutable); Ps. 102:27 You remain the same, and Your years will never end. Mal. 3:6 1 the Lord do not change. James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. D. almighty, all-powerful (omnipotent); Gen. 17:1 I am God Almighty. Matt. 19:26 With God all things are possible. E. all-knowing (omniscient); Ps. 139:1-4 O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord. John 21:17 Lord, You know all things. F. present everywhere (omnipresent); Jer. 23:24 "Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord. "Do not I fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord. Acts 17:27 He is not far from each one of us. Pray: O God, You are the unsearchable abyss of peace, the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of blessing, and the bestowed of affection. You send peace to those that receive it. Open to us this day the sea of Your love, and water us with the plenteous streams from the riches of Your grace. Make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace. Enkindle in us the fire of Your life. Sow in us Your fear. Strengthen our weakness by Your power. Bind us closely to You and to each other in one firm bond of unity; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. (Apostolic Constitutions, c. 350-80).

34. W God Is…Pt 2: Who is God? We believe He is: holy (sinless and hating sin), just (fair and impartial); faithful (keeping His promises); good (kind, desiring our welfare), merciful (full of pity), gracious (showing undeserved kindness, forgiving), love. God’s attributes tell us what God is. God is each of these, all of these, and more than these. G. holy (sinless and hating sin); Lev. 19:2 I the Lord your God, am holy. Ps. 5:4-5 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with You the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in Your presence; You hate all who do wrong. Is. 6:3 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. H. just (fair and impartial); Deut. 32:4 He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He. I. faithful (keeping His promises); 2 Tim. 2:13 If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. J. good (kind, desiring our welfare); Ps. 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Ps. 145:9 The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made. K. merciful (full of pity); Jer. 3:12 “I am merciful," declares the Lord. Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. L. gracious (showing undeserved kindness, forgiving); Ex. 34:6-7 The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. M. love. John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 1 John 4:8 God is love.

35. Pray: We beg You, the Overseer and Lord and Fashioner of the body and Maker of the soul, assist and heal all that are sick. Rebuke the sicknesses. Raise up those that are lying down. Give glory to Your holy name and to that of Your only-begotten Jesus Christ, through whom to You is the glory and the strength in the Holy Spirit, both now and to all the ages of the ages. Amen. (Serapion of Thumuis, d. after 360). O Eternal Light, shine into our hearts. O Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil. O Eternal Power, be our support. Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance, Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us; that with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek Your face and be brought by Your infinite mercy to Your holy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Alcuin of York, 735-804) W God Is…Pt 2: Who is God?

36. ThThree Defined, Distinguished Persons Who is the only true God? How are the three divine persons distinguished from each other? We believe the only true God is the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 3 distinct persons in one divine being (the Holy Trinity). The Father has begotten the Son from eternity; the Son is begotten of the Father from eternity; the Holy Spirit from eternity proceeds from the Father and the Son. To the Father especially is ascribed the work of creation, to the Son, the work of redemption; to the Holy Spirit, the work of sanctification. Ps. 2:7 You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. John 15:26 When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me. Gal. 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father.“ Pray: O Lord, increase faith in us. Gladly and truly I would think of You as my dearly beloved Father, and Christ as my brother. But alas, my flesh will not follow. Therefore, help my unbelief, so I may receive Your Word as truth and glorify Your name by Your Holy Spirit. O Lord, end our captivity. Redeem us, for we are the firstborn of Your new creation. As redemption has been perfectly and sufficiently accomplished through Christ, so may we fully and truly know and accept it. As by Your mighty hand the sea was dried up by the parching wind, so let everything that remains of our bondage vanish. Amen. (Luther).

38. What other creeds?

39. Apostles?

40. What is meant by “I believe in God”?

41. In what ways does the triune God make himself known?

42. Who is God?

43. Who is the only true God?

45. The church uses 3: Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian. The Apostles is in the Lutheran Catechism and it was not written by the apostles themselves, but it states briefly the doctrine (teaching) which God gave through the apostles in the Bible. The Scriptures reveal God as triune and Christians are baptized in the triune name.

46. The Triune God is made known: A. Through the existence of the world (natural knowledge). B. Through conscience (natural). C. Especially through the Holy Scriptures in which God clearly reveals Himself and His gift of salvation in Christ (revealed).

47. In His Word God has told us that He is: a spirit (personal being without a body), eternal (without beginning/end), unchangeable (immutable); almighty, all powerful (omnipotent), all-knowing (omniscient), present everywhere (omnipresent). He is: holy (sinless and hating sin), just (fair and impartial); faithful (keeping His promises); good (kind, desiring our welfare), merciful (full of pity), gracious (showing undeserved kindness, forgiving), love. God’s attributes tell us what God is. God is each of these, all of these, and more than these.