“He Descended Into Hell”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:1–10
We should, however, find great comfort and hope that Jesus descended into hell. We celebrate the Ascension; we should observe the “Descension” too.
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“Was Crucified”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 19:16–27
All of Jesus' ministry looks toward the crucifixion. He tells his disciples over and over that this is why he came to earth. Sometimes it is a veiled announcement...
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“Suffered Under Pontius Pilate”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 26:24–31
The trial, a sham, complete with trumped up charges, an all-too-literal whipping boy, and a villain set free, would see Jesus spit upon, humiliated, scourged, a crown of thorns pressed into his scalp, and finally crucified...
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The Apostles' Creed
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18–25
The divinity of Jesus is seen in the Spirit of God causing Mary to be pregnant. He came over her and overshadowed her. There was nothing physical in the act...
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“Conceived by the Holy Spirit”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 6:54–63
Even in the conception of Jesus in the womb of Mary we see that human works had no play. Mary did nothing. Joseph surely did nothing. The poor man was very likely stunned at the news...
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“Our Lord”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:14–17
A lord is one with authority over another. He has the power to exert his authority, and likely will do so. He is master and absolute ruler of all under his dominion. In one sense, this is the meaning of “our Lord.”
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“His Only Son”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 1 John 4:9–15
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who is “eternally begotten of the Father,” as we profess in the Nicene Creed. He is “God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God,” yet at the same time man. He is God in the flesh.
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“And in Jesus Christ”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: John 10:22–39
The conjunction “and” is important. It is not used for word flow alone; nor is it used as merely an “also,” as if to say: Additionally, we believe in Jesus Christ. It is an intensifier.
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“Maker of Heaven and Earth”
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Genesis 1:1–31
Here, the Apostles Creed echoes the opening words of Scripture. All things were created by the word of God. There is nothing that has been made apart from his word. Genesis tells us creation was spoken into existence...
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The Apostles’ Creed, part 3
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Matthew 7:7–11
Though the Apostles Creed was not written by the Apostles, we consider it apostolic because it teaches their chief doctrines, often doing so with the very words of Scripture. It begins with the doctrine of “God the Father"...
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The Apostles’ Creed, part 2
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 6:4
The Shema (meaning “hear” or “obey”) states that God is one God: “Hear, O Israel, the LORD, The LORD is one.” (Deut 6:4) However, the English translation obscures much in this verse.
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The Apostles’ Creed, part 1
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Mark 9:24
...Our word “creed” comes from the Latin “credo,” which means “I believe.” When we say a creed, we are concisely confessing what we believe.
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