TABLE OF CONTENTS - Resurrection Lutheran Churchresurrectionpeople.org/resources/confcurr.docx · Web viewOpening prayer and introduction. The written word of God in which is found

Resurrection Lutheran Church

Confirmation CurriculumIn the Years of our Lord 2017 ndash 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sixth Grade Curriculum

I Torah (the teachings) II Nevirsquoim (the prophets)

III Ketuvim (the writings) IV Church History Grafted to the Root

Seventh Grade Curriculum

I The New Testament What So What II Who is Jesus (Prophecy lineage birth)

III Baptism and Beyond (The Crossroads of History and Hope) IV Church History The Great Commission and the Early Christian Church

Eighth Grade Curriculum

I The Rest of the Story Now What II The Acts of the Apostles

III The Epistles of Paul Peter and James IV The Letters and Revelation of John V Church History The Reformation and Beyond

Glossary

Resources

SIXTH GRADE CURRICULUMBecause Christ is Risen I Believe in God the Father

Session 1 Introduction to the Bible (Large Group in Sanctuary)

Opening prayer and introduction The written word of God in which is found the both Law and the Gospel of Christ Alpha and OmegahellipIn the beginninghellipAmen Come Lord Jesus Amen Law and Gospel in both Old and New Testaments Hebrew Old Testament ndash Jewish Bible (TaNaKh) ndash Torah Nevirsquoim and Ketuvim Greek New Testament ndash Gospels Acts of the Apostles Epistles Revelation to

John TranslationshellipSeptuagint Vulgate German English et al

wwwblueletterbibleorg Apocryphal Writings other histories and other sacred texts All creation is relative to Christ ndash the Word the Truth and the Life John 11-5 Adjourn to small groups for discussion and prayer

Session 2 Service at Worship as an Acolyte and Crucifer (Large Group in Sanctuary)

Opening prayer Liturgy ndash Work of Godrsquos People ndash arrive prepare pray ndash sacred solemnity Gathering ndash Light and Cross of Christ enters the sanctuary procession reverence Word ndash Readings Gospel Preaching Sacrament ndash Baptism Holy Communion Sending ndash Light of Christ is sent into the world Adjourn to small groups for practical application (acolyting and crucifering) discussion and prayer

I Torah (the teachings)

Session 3 Genesis Creation (Read Genesis Chapters 1 and 2)

In the beginning when God createdhellip in Hebrew ברא bara means to shape polish to lovingly bring into existence Note that God says that repeatedly that His creation is good

How did these earliest people ndash before scientific discovery ndash come to learn that all of creation was ordered in this way This ordering of the universe was revealed to mankind through the Holy Spirit

o Formless void (nothingness outer darkness outer spacehellipthen the great wind or Spirit of God)o Light (Explosion of the universe of starshellipever wonder what that sounded like)o 1 Rotating planets (day and night)o 2 Cloudy atmosphere around the eartho 3 Seas and continents with vegetation

o 4 Clouds clear so sun and moon and stars could be seeno 5 Fish and birdso 6 Mammals and human beings both male and femaleo 7 God rests

Earliest establishment of time ndash the day and the week God establishes the 7 day work week pattern with a Sabbath (day of rest) In Jewish tradition the Sabbath is on Saturday Sunday is the first day After the Resurrection God establishes a two-day weekend Thank God for weekends

The 7 days are understandable and have meaning for primordial people Through the use of 7 days God establishes order and structure for peoplersquos lives Measurement of time in billions of ldquoyearsrdquo has no meaning yet folks canrsquot count much past 10 Even today we donrsquot understand how big the universe is nor do we understand what the smallest particles are made of We know ldquogravityrdquo exists but we donrsquot understand how it works The part of the universe we can see is estimated to be 93 billion light years in diameter That means light travelling at 186282 miles per second would take 93 billion years to get across the universe that we know of That means many of the stars we see in the sky no longer exist Now try explaining that to a goat Maybe thatrsquos why God explained it to us in something usefulhellip7 days The goat doesnrsquot need to know and neither do wehellipyet

In time all the secrets of God will be made clear to us See Luke 817 -- For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light Also 1 Cor 1312 -- For now we see in a mirror dimly but then face to face Now I know in part then I shall understand fully even as I have been fully understood

In Chapter 2 we learn that God hallowed the seventh day ndash a day of rest ndash and provided for mankind the abundance of the Garden of Eden giving us responsibility as stewards to keep watch over and care for the garden of Godrsquos creation with all its creatures God establishes the mandate of labor ndash man is to till the soil and keep it God also establishes marriage between a man and a woman ndash an equal partnership of people of the same flesh This chapter is a transition between Godrsquos grace and manrsquos response Then in Chapter 3 we learn of manrsquos responsehellip

Session 4 Genesis Adam Eve and the boys (Read Genesis Chapters 3 and 4 skim 5)

The serpent is a symbol of evil of the tempter of the devil Why is there evil For every action there must be an equal and opposite reaction So for all the good

created there had to be an opposite ndash evil God established rules for good living but man went and broke the rules Man has consciencehellipis aware of good and evil and now can judge between the two Guilt and punishment For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction God sees that physical man has the potential to be spiritual like God Godrsquos love for creation takes risk Man sent out from the garden to work the ground The tree of life is reserved for those of Godrsquos choosing later along the way Cain and Abel and the importance of first-fruits giving God knows the heart of the giver Cain kills Abel out of jealousy Guilt and condemnation But God forgives and saves even Cain Generations go on and on through bronze and iron ages Folks living a long time (Methuselah tops

the chart at 969 years) I wonder how long a year was back then

Session 5 Genesis Noah and the Ark (Read Genesis Chapters 6-8)

Life expectancy bounded at 120 years (age of Moses at death) Wickedness of human kind grieved God God was sorry he mad man But Noah a righteous man found favor in the sight of the Lord Noahrsquos sons Shem Ham and Japheth (Asia Africa Europe ndash Chapter 10) Earth filled with violence because of man God decides to destroy mankind

Make an ark (תבה tebah) of Gopher Wood (Cypress) covered with pitch

300 cubits long 50 cubits wide 30 cubits highhellip with a roof Cubit Approximately 18rdquo (or about fingertip to elbow) Noah Mrs Noah Sons and Wives get aboard with at least two of every kind 40 days of rain seven months at sea landing on Mt Ararat (Eastern Turkey) Scouting by Doves Noah builds an altar and gives thanks Rainbow Covenant (Chapter 8 20-22 Chapter 913-17) Where do you see Jesus in this scripture (In Divinity and in Humanity)

Session 6 Genesis The Nations Divided (Read Genesis Chapters 10-11)

Shem Ham and Japeth all go to different regions to settle Get a map and try to find all these places Shem goes to the ldquoorientrdquo ndash the ldquomiddle eastrdquo as we know it today Ham goes to Africa Japeth goes to Europe Tower of Babelhellippeople want to concentrate ndash God wants us to spread out across the world Confusion of language People want to be in control Rulers want to exercise power over people and

use them to build up stuff to make the leaders seem great Pharaohs of Egypt are another great example These arenrsquot leadershellipthey are ldquomisleadersrdquo (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) God confounds the designs of mankind whenever it works for evil and not for good All the great designs of mankind come to naught if they do not put God first and work for goodhellipfor justice and mercy and humility

Out of the lineage of Shem comes Abram Carefully read Genesis 1124-32 ndash it sets the stage for Abraham Point out Ur and Haran on the map

Session 7 Genesis Abraham Isaac and Jacob (Skim Genesis Chapters 12-35)

Abram and Sarai their travels and deception in Egypt (Gen 12) Abram rescues Lot ndash first recorded hostage rescue (Gen 14) The order of Melchizedeck (Gen 1418) ndash bread and winehellipwowhellipcommunion Jesus doesnrsquot claim

ancestry through from the ldquoPriestlyrdquo line through Aaron ndash he comes through the Order of Melchizidek (Read Psalm 1104 Hebrews 56-10 Hebrews 620 Hebrews 711)

Tithing established (Gen 1420) ndash Abramrsquos free will offering Ever since then people of God have given 10 to the work of the church

Sarai and Hagar birth of Ishmael (Gen 16) Ishmael is the line through which Islam tradition runs back to Abraham Jewish and Christian tradition through Isaac

Abram renamed Abraham Sarai renamed Sarah birth of Isaac to Sarah when Ishmael was 13 years old circumcision established (Gen 17)

Birth of Ishmael which means ldquoGod Hearsrdquo (Gen 1611-12) Islam claims lineage to Abraham through Ishmael while Judaism claims it through Isaac (ldquoHe Laughsrdquo) (Gen 1811-15)

Abraham discusses with God the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 1816-33) Abraham and Isaac sacrifice a ram (Gen 221-18) ndash focus on God saving Isaac and providing a ram

Talk a little about why Abraham would sacrifice his own son Why did he need to be tested Was he misled in understanding this is what God wanted Does this sound like being led into temptation God did not want it and put a stop to it ndash God did not permit this to happen There are demons that we all face but by turning our hearts to God and trusting God God will provide the answers And Godrsquos answers always work for goodhellipnot evil Beware of people who claim to have heard God tell them to do what seems to be wrong But then againhellipit is God who sacrifices his own son Jesus for us Why is this so wrong and so right at the same time God shares completely in our suffering through Jesushellipand provides us proof that no evil can separate us from the love of God If we live we are Christrsquos if we die we are Christrsquos no matter when we live and when we die we are loved by Jesus eternally God gives us the gift of eternal life through Christ Jesus

Isaac marries Rebekah Sons Esau (older) and Jacob (younger) Jacob gets Isaacrsquos blessing (Gen 27) ndash tension between Esau and Jacob hellip like Cain and Abel

Jacob marries Rachel Difficult family relationships (Gen 28-30) Jacob and Rachel are parents of Joseph (Gen 3022-25)

Jacob ldquowrestles with Godrdquo and is renamed Israel (Gen 32) Esau and Jacob both bury Isaac when he dies (Gen 35)

Session 8 Genesis Joseph and the boys go to Egypt (Skim Genesis Chapters 37-50)

Joseph is Jacobrsquos favorite son his youngest Jacob gives him a coat of many colors (Gen 373) Josephrsquos brothers are jealous and throw him in a well (Gen 3719-24) Then they decide to sell him to a caravan bound for Egypt (Gen 3725-36) The Lord blesses Joseph and he is given success in Egypt (Gen 391-5) A famine forces the brothers to go to Egypt to beg for food Joseph reveals himself (Gen 451-10) and brings the people of Israel to live in Goshen This is how the Israelites get to Egypt where they are later enslaved Jacob dies in Egypt and Joseph takes his remains back to be buried in Canaan Joseph later dies and is buried in Egypt After Joseph dies a new Pharoah has all these Israelites to deal with so they become slaves

Session 9 Exodus Moses and the Ark (Commandment 1) (Read Exodus Chapters 1-3)

MEMORIZE I AM the Lord your God you shall have no other gods before me Remember talking about Pharaohs misleading the people Here they are again misleading

folks and telling them to kill their children (boys) because there are too many Israelite men and the Pharaoh is afraid of losing control

Remember the ark (תבה tebah) that Noah built Here it is again ndash Exodus 23 ndash the word for ldquobasketrdquo in Hebrew is tebahhellipthe same ark saving little Moses so God can use him to save the people of Israel

Exodus 27 ldquohis sisterrdquo is Miriam ndash sister of Moses and Aaron (see Numbers 2659)

Exodus 31-10 The burning bush ndash intense light radiates from God in the bush and he calls Moses How does Moses respond (311) But Moses said to God Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt

And who is God I AM (היה hayah) (314) Tetragrammaton YHWH = YahWeh = JehovaIt has most often been proposed that the name YHWH is a verb form derived from the Biblical Hebrew triconsonantal root היה (h-y-h) to be which has הוה (h-w-h) as a variant form with a third person masculine y- prefix[28] This would connect it to the passage in verse Exodus 314 where God gives his name as אהיה אשר אהיה (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh) translated most basically as I am that I am (or I will be that which I now am) יהוה with the vocalization Yahweh could theoretically be a hifil verb inflection of root HWH with a meaning something like he who causes to exist or who gives life (the root idea of the word perhaps being to breathe and hence to live)[29] As a qal (basic stem) verb inflection it could mean he who is who exists[

Session 10 Exodus The Exodus (Commandment 2) (Skim Exodus Chapters 4-15)

MEMORIZE Do not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord

Session 11 ExodusDeuteronomy The Ten Commandments (Commandment 3) (Read Exodus Chapters 16-20 and Deuteronomy 5)

MEMORIZE Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy

Session 12 Leviticus and Numbers Law and Government (Commandments 4 - 10) (Skim Leviticus and Numbers)

MEMORIZE Honor your father and mother You shall not murder You shall not commit adultery You shall not steal You shall not bear false witness You shall not covet your neighborrsquos house You shall not covet anything of your neighborrsquos

Session 13 Deuteronomy Letrsquos go over this again (Commandments 1 ndash 10) (Skim Deuteronomy which means ldquosecond lookrdquo)

MEMORIZE1 I AM the Lord your God you shall have no other gods before me2 Do not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord3 Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy4 Honor your father and mother5 You shall not steal

6 You shall not murder7 You shall not commit adultery8 You shall not bear false witness9 You shall not covet your neighborrsquos house10 You shall not covet anything of your neighborrsquos

Session 14 Midterm Review Advent (Review the Torah Genesis through Deuteronomy and recite the 10 Commandments)

II Nevirsquoim (the prophets)

Session 15 Christmas Joshua Joshua and the Promised Land (Skim Joshua)

Who is Joshua son of Nun He is first mentioned in Exodus 17 as a warrior-leader chosen by Moses to lead the fight against Amalek ndash a son or grandson of Esau (Esau is the brother of Jacob through both of whom descendants claim lineage to Isaac and Abraham) In Numbers (11-34) we find that Joshua is a trusted assistant to Moses essentially raised by Moses as a mentor who serves as a ldquodirected-telescoperdquo to gather information on the land of Israel along with Caleb In Deuteronomy (1-34) we find that as Moses prepares to enter life eternal he passes on all authority to Joshua to lead the people of Israel into the promised land ldquoNow Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom for Moses had laid his hands on him and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the LORD had commanded Mosesrdquo

Joshua means ldquoGod is our Salvationrdquo or ldquoGod Saves Usrdquo The Book of Joshua has an introduction (Chapters 1-5 and a conclusion (chapters 20-24 In between are

two major narratives ndash the conquest of the promised land (chapters 6-12) and the settlement and apportionment of the land to the tribes of Israel (chapters 13-19)

Joshua is commissioned by God to lead the nation of Israel In that role he is much like a modern day general and officer ldquocommissionedrdquo by a King or President to lead in battle Read Chapter 513-15 ndash could this vision be that of the archangel Michael As a leader it is important to have vision Do you think Joshua prayed for vision and strength and courage to lead the people

Session 16 Judges and Samuel Leading the People Israel (Skim Judges and Samuel)

Session 17 Solomon and David (Skim Kings)

Session 18 Isaiah and the Messiah (Skim Isaiah)

Session 19 Ezekiel and the Son of Man (Skim Ezekiel)

Session 20 Jeremiah A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (Skim Jeremiah and the Minor Prophets)

The Twelve1 Hosea2 Joel3 Amos4 Obadiah

5 Jonah6 Micah7 Nahum8 Habakkuk9 Zephaniah10 Haggai11 Zechariah12 Malachi

III Ketuvim (the writings)

Session 21 Lamentations Wrestling with God in Adversity (Skim Lamentations 1-2 Read Lamentations 3 Skim Lamentations 4-5)

Session 22 Psalms Songs of David ndash Selah (Skim the Psalms)

Session 23 Proverbs Wisdom of Solomon (Skim Proverbs)

Session 24 Ecclesiastes A Time for Everything Under Heaven (Read Ecclesiastes 1-3 11-12)

Session 25 Midterm Review (Review Prophets and Writings)

Session 26 Daniel Esther Life in Babylonian Captivity (Skim Daniel and Esther)

Session 27 Job Life is Tough (Read Job 1-2 Skim 3-41 Read Job 42)

Session 28 Ezra and Nehemiah Church and State Work Together (Read Ezra 1 and Nehemiah 1-2 Skim the rest of both)

IV Church History Grafted to the Root

Session 29 Genesis Abraham and the Order of Melchizedek (Read Genesis 12-17 reread Gen 1413-20)

Session 30 Exodus Aaron Brother of Moses (Read Exodus Chapters 4 6 1243-51 16)

Session 31 Exodus The Tabernacle and the Ark (Read Exodus Chapters 24-26 Skim Chapters 27-33 Read chapters 34-37)

Session 32 Chronicles and Kings Church and State (1 Chronicles 13-17 2nd Chronicles 1-5 Ancient Judaism Faith Law and Sacrifice (Review the whole Old Testament by listing examples of Faith Law and Sacrifice)

Session 34 Plenary Session Questions and Answers with the Pastors

Pentecost

Summer Break

SEVENTH GRADE CURRICULUMBecause Christ is Risen I Believe in God the Son

Session 1 Review of the Bible and Confirmation (Large Group in Sanctuary)

Opening prayer and introduction The written word of God in which is found the both Law and the Gospel of Christ Alpha and OmegahellipIn the beginninghellipAmen Come Lord Jesus Amen Law and Gospel in both Old and New Testaments Hebrew Old Testament ndash Jewish Bible (TaNaKh) ndash Torah Nevirsquoim and Ketuvim Greek New Testament ndash Gospels Acts of the Apostles Epistles Revelation to John TranslationshellipSeptuagint Vulgate German English et al wwwblueletterbibleorg Apocryphal Writings other histories and other sacred texts All creation is relative to Christ ndash the Word the Truth and the Life John 11-5 Adjourn to small groups for discussion and prayer

Session 2 Service at Worship as a Greeter or Usher (Large Group in Sanctuary)

Opening prayer Liturgy ndash Work of Godrsquos People ndash arrive prepare pray ndash sacred solemnity Gathering ndash Light and Cross of Christ enters the sanctuary procession reverence Word ndash Readings Gospel Preaching Sacrament ndash Baptism Holy Communion Sending ndash Light of Christ is sent into the world Adjourn to small groups for practical application (greeting and ushering) discussion and prayer

I The New Testament What So What

Session 3 The Synoptic Gospels What is the News Teach us to Pray (Lordrsquos Prayer)

New Testament is written in Greek -- the most prevalent language in the Mediterranean Region The New Testament is all about Jesus The first 4 books of the New Testament are called the Gospels Gospel means Good News The Good News is that Jesus loves us and through him we have eternal

life Matthew Mark and Luke all tell the Good News of WHAT Happened They are history John tells the SO WHAT ndash it is Christology ndash the study of the Christ that gives meaning to the history The rest of the New Testament after the Gospels starts with the Acts of the Apostles after the

Ascension of Jesus and the letters (epistles in Greek) written by different authors that all testify to Jesus as the Christ These are the NOW WHAT Yoursquoll study those next year in the 8th grade

7th grade will study the Gospelshellipthe Good News about Jesus His birth life death and resurrection

Matthew Mark and Luke are called the ldquosynopticsrdquo They give us a synopsis ndash a summary ndash of what happened Thatrsquos why theyrsquore called ldquothe synopticsrdquo

God is with ushellipEmmanuel ndash in Hebrew ldquoElrdquo is God ldquoImmanurdquo is with us God (Jesus) experiences first-hand the life he has given for us to live Wersquoll study the three synoptic gospels in parallel ndash meaning wersquoll compare the descriptions of Jesus in

each one Mark was the first Gospel written followed by Matthew and then Luke Matthew arranged first

though because it provides a transition from Old Testament to New Talk about the ldquoQrdquo Source Compare notes from everyonersquos study bibles on the Gospels when they were written and by whom All must know the Lordrsquos Prayer Thatrsquos the main thing you need to memorize out of the 7th Grade

Read and compare Matthew 69-13 and Luke 112-4 The Roman Church ends their prayer with ldquodeliver us from evilrdquo Why do we add ldquofor thine is the

kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever Amenrdquo Answer Itrsquos in the Didache Didache ndash another 1st century manual on organization of the early churchhellipnot found till 1883 Pass out copies of the Didache and talk about the two ways The Way of Life and The Way of Death

Session 4 Mark Young and Fast (Read Study Bible Notes or Wikipedia on Gospel of Mark)

Mark is the oldest of the Gospels probably written in the late 60shellipabout 30 years after the Resurrection in AD 33 What does AD mean Anno Domini (Latin for In the Year of Our Lord) What does BC mean as in 587 BC Before Christ The birth of Jesus changed time

Why do you think it took so long to write this stuff down (Give them a piece of paper and a small paint brush with some paint then tell them to write down very neatly the most important thing theyrsquove ever witnessed in their lives ndash be neat about it because people might read this thousands of years from now) Remind them of the lost ldquoQrdquo source written earlier Paulrsquos letters written earlier too

Written by John Mark who was probably about 13 years old when Jesus was crucified He followed along as one of the disciples and ran away when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 1451) So hersquod be in his forties when he starts writing Hersquos a helper to Peter who is probably 20 years older than Mark so hersquos writing down a lot of what Peter tells him since Peter is soon to pass on Mark writes fast It is a fast exciting read

Mark is written to explain Christianity to the wider Greek-speaking community around the Mediterranean Sea The readers are not expected to be Jewish

Writing (in Greek) is cruder than that of Matthew or Luke It is history remembered by the participants It is a proclamation of the historical events told by eye-witnesses

Read and discuss Mark 11-8 ndash as well as the quoted text from Isaiah (read the original Isaiah 403 and Exodus 2320 and Malachi 31) What image comes to mind

John the Baptizer was an Essene rabbi a cousin of Jesus 6 months older Lived and preached near the Jordan River Draw the map of Israel (Sea of Galilee and Dead Sea connected by Jordan) Discuss all these places Does anybody have maps in the back of your Bible Compare everyonersquos maps

Flip through Mark and see what is covered and how short it is End with Mark 1619-20 The last word should be ldquoAmenrdquo It is missing in some original texts so it may or may not be in your Bible What does Amen mean

The word amen is a most remarkable word It was transliterated directly from the Hebrew into the Greek of the New Testament then into Latin and into English and many other languages so that it is practically a universal word It has been called the best known word in human speech The word is directly related -- in fact almost identical -- to the Hebrew word for believe (amam) or faithful Thus it came to mean sure or truly an expression of absolute trust and confidence

ἀμήν in Greek אמן in Hebrew Pronounced (in both) ldquoAh-Manerdquo

Note that the Western Church seems to generally say ldquoAh-Menrdquo or ldquoAy-Menrdquo while the Eastern Church sometimes uses ldquoAh-Meanrdquo In Islam the pronounciation is ldquoAy-Meanrdquo These are just differences in pronounciation ndash accents dialects ndash itrsquos all the same word throughout the world

Session 5 Matthew Bridge Between Old and New (Read Study Bible Notes or Wikipedia on Gospel of Matthew)

Matthew is a record of the remembrances of Matthew the tax collector (read Mat 99-13) ndash one of the twelve apostles Perhaps written by an old Matthew but more likely by a younger scribe recording the old manrsquos remembrances (much like John Mark did for Peter)

It was written most probably around AD 70-80 but we really donrsquot know exactly when because nobody put dates on their papers back then People hadnrsquot figured out time yet

Matthew had Markrsquos Gospel as a reference as well as his own memory the ldquoQrdquo Source and oral tradition

Matthew expands on what Mark hurridly wrote down Matthew is written from the Jewish perspective for Jewish readers and is very much influenced by

Jewish tradition So if Matthew was written after Mark why is it first Ahhellipthatrsquos because it bridges the Old Testament

with the New Testament the best It is a more complete history than Markrsquos account and it is written from the Jewish perspective See how it startshellip (Read Mat 11-18) Any familiar names in there Talk about Abraham Isaac JacobDavid Solomon All fathershellipbut notice that Jospeh is husband of Mary who is the mother of the Messiah And that deportation to Babylonhellip that happened around 587 BC

The ldquoMessiahrdquo ndash whatrsquos a Messiah Messiah literally means anointed (one) In standard Hebrew The Messiah is often referred to as המשיח מלך Meacuteleḫ ha-Mašiacuteaḥ (pronounced Meacuteleḵ haMMāšicircordfḥ) literally meaning the Anointed King In Islam Isa (Jesus) is also called the Messiah (Masih) who will come back to earth a second time before the last day

Matthew tells us of the birth of Jesus and of the visit by the Magi (wise men) from the east and of fleeing to Egypt All of these are important from the Jewish point of view Jewish readers would read this and understand the importance of all this because it links to the Old Testament

Of special note in Matthew is the most complete record of the Sermon on the Mount in Chapters 56and 7 Itrsquos most complete because Matthew was probably there taking notes Wersquoll be reading these in detail this year Read Mat 65-14 for the Lordrsquos Prayer Note that this instruction is given at the Sermon on the Mount Check out Mark 1125 ndash thatrsquos all Mark has to say about that Maybe Mark wasnrsquot at the Sermon on the Mount Maybe he was in school

Flip through Matthew and look at the paragraph titles if your Bibles have them See how much longer it is than Mark Letrsquos meet at the end once yoursquore through at Matthew 2816-20 Read and discuss that passage

Session 6 Luke Healing for the Nations (Read Study Bible Notes or Wikipedia on Gospel of Luke)

The Gospel of Luke is the last of the synoptic and is written by Luke a gentile physician who is a Christian Whatrsquos a gentile Whatrsquos a Christian Luke is a Greek-speaking Syrian Physician who lived in Antioch Find Antioch on a map As a physician his writing tries to heal the Nations (the Gentiles) bringing them together in recognizing the Christ Jesus He accompanies St Paul as an evangelist throughout the Meditteranean Sea area in the first Century Whatrsquos an Evangelist Wikipedia has a tough time with this one Evangelon (εὐαγγέλιον in Greek) means Good News ndash Gospel in English) So an Evangelist is one who spreads the Good News about Jesus Herersquos something neathellipcut and paste the Greek εὐαγγέλιον into a Blue Letter Bible search and the word will automatically change to ldquoJesusrdquo

Luke is not one of the apostles but he is a learned man who is a disciple of Jesus Luke also writes the Acts of the Apostles which yoursquoll study in the 8th grade

Luke is written for Greek-speaking populations (gentiles) It is very elegantly written in Greek and gives us the best historical account of the life of Jesus and the works of the apostles

Read and discuss Luke 11-4 Reads and discuss Acts11-5 Who is Theophilus Θεόφιλος Theo-philos God-FriendTheophilus is a friend of God Are you a friend of God This book is written to you Jesus has this book and all other books of the Bible written for youhellipexpect to be encountered by Jesus when you read any book of the Bible

Luke also includes an account of the Lordrsquos Prayer Read Luke 111-4 Note that this version is not placed at the Sermon on the Mount Luke most probably wasnrsquot therehellipbut Matthew was Note also though that when the disciples later ask Jesus to teach them to pray he uses essentially the same words he used during the Sermon on the Mount Matthew has the fuller account because he was probably there taking notes (he was a tax collector afterall real good bout taking note of things)

Flip through the pages of Luke and meet at the end Read and discuss Luke 2450-53 So when Jesus physically left the earth in the Ascension he blessed the disciples Blessing as in the

Greek εὐλογέω eulogeō That is repeated each Sunday in the blessing we receive at the end of worship Traditionally the words are from Numbers 622-27 Read and discuss these then end your prayers with them Who was Aaron After the bendiction and final hymn we are told to ldquoGo in Peace Serve the Lordrdquo and we respond ldquoThanks be to Godrdquo Note that in Luke 2453 the disciples end up in the temple blessing God Same Greek word but here in context the meaning is to praise to celebrate with praises -- kind of like eulogy at a funeral asking Godrsquos blessing on the life departedhellip

εὐλογέω eulogeō 1) to praise celebrate with praises2) to invoke blessings3) to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers

a) to ask Gods blessing on a thingb) pray God to bless it to ones usec) pronounce a consecratory blessing on

Session 7 John The Word (Read Study Bible Notes or Wikipedia on Gospel of John)

When we talk about the ldquoWord of Godrdquo we mean Jesus Jesus is the Word made flesh When we talk about the ldquoWord of Godrdquo we also talk about the proclaimed Word of Godhellipas the

apostles and disciples proclaimed after they had witnessed the resurrection ndash and some like John the Baptizer and Peter proclaimed before the resurrection

When we talk about the ldquoword of Godrdquo we also talk of the written word ndash the Bible The church put the Bible together officially in AD 325

So in the beginning was the Word then the Word became flesh and dwelt among us then we proclaimed the Word then we put together the written word ndash the record of Godrsquos influence on mankind from the beginning of history (stuff people can remember) through the birth of the early church in response to the Resurrection of Jesus Because Jesus is risen we believe in God the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit

Read and discuss John 11-18 Jesus is Life Jesus is Light Jesus is Grace Jesus is Truth Jesus is the beginning and the end The

one who is and who was and who is to comehellipthe Almighty (Read Revelation 18) Who wrote Revelation (John) Who wrote the Gospel according to John (John) Who wrote the 1st

2nd and 3rd letters of John (John) Like Moses John writes five books of the Bible The Gospel according to Saint John is not a synoptic Gospel It is all about Jesus but it is not written

as a history of Jesus It is written as a study of who Jesus is What we call a ldquoChristologyrdquo It is the Christology that really has differentiated all the various denominations of Christendom in the

early church The big questions were is Jesus God who came down from heaven or is Jesus a man who did such good works that God claimed him as his Son Is Jesus divine or is he human The Council of Nicaea in 325 agreed on the Nicene Creed that emphasizes that Jesus is BOTH fully human and fully divine Find and read the Nicene Creed in the LBW Hymnal Note the emphasis on the humanity and divinity of Jesus

Flip through John reading the paragraph headings and meet to read and discuss John 2030-31

Session 8 John Why is this Good News (Read John 11-34 and John 31-36)

John 11-18 is so important wersquore gonna read it again (and a little more) And then wersquoll read the whole 3rd chapter Once wersquore done reading I will ask each of you to explain your understanding by answering the questions Why is this NEWS And why is it GOOD

Read John 11-34 and John 31-36 Ask the questionshellipwhy is this NEWS and why is this GOOD Whatrsquos the most well known verse in the whole Bible John 316 Read it again Issue a Teen or

Tract copy of Max Lucadorsquos 316 The Numbers of Hope for each confirmand to have Discuss some of Pastor Maxrsquos main points

What is the difference between a hope and a wish Hope includes a reasonable expectation that the hope will be fulfilled A wish does not carry that expectation When you put your hope in Jesus you can expect that hope to be fulfilled Read John 1413-14 (Mat 77 Mar 1124 Luk 119)

II Who is Jesus (Prophecy lineage birth)

Session 9 Gospel links to Old Testament Prophecies of the Coming One (Read Isaiah Chapters 714 96-7 Micah 52 Jeremiah 235 Zech 99 Isaiah 52-53 Isaiah 611-2 Psalm 23)

Session 10 The Lineage of Jesus the Christ (Read and discuss Matthew 11-17 and Luke 3)

Session 11 The Birth of Jesus (Read and discuss Matthew 118ndash25 and Luke 1-220)

Session 12 Read and discuss The Song of Simeon (Luke 221-38)

Session 13 A Light to Lighten the Gentiles (magi) (Read Matthew 21-12)

So how do you think Jesus grew up with Mary and Joseph as his parents Was it an easy life of luxury or were they a refugee family on the run Can you think of refugee families today Do you think Jesus knows what itrsquos like to be a homeless refugee living in fear What are we called to do to help families who live in great peril How does our church help them What can you do

Session 14 Christmas The Holy Family and their Travels (Read Matthew 213-23 Luke 239-52)

In Matthew an angel tells Joseph in a dream to escape to Egypt In Luke the whole escape to Egypt and return in not discussed In both the Holy family ends up in Nazareth in Galilee where Jesus grows up Where is Bethlehem Jerusalem Egypt Nazareth Trace the path

Seems like angels communicate with Joseph while hersquos asleep Do you ever get ideas while sleeping and wonder ldquowherersquod that come fromrdquo

After the escape to Egypt Matthew is the only writer to tell us about the murder of the innocents by King Herod

How do you suppose Matthew knows about the dream of Joseph the flight to Egypt and about the murder of the innocents while the other Gospel writers apparently donrsquot

Matthew was a ldquoG-manrdquo (Government man) ndash a tax collector Do you think maybe Matthew interviewed Joseph and had access to Government records or local

knowledge that none of the others did Matthew 2-18 references Jeremiah ndash find the original scripture in Jeremiah (Jer 3115) Where is Ramah (small town 8km north of Jerusalem) Who is Rachel (Wife of Jacob (Israel)) Talk through the murder of the innocentshellipdo we still have such evil in the world today Talk through

some examples (holocaust Pol-Pot Rwanda pre-invasion Iraq etc) Tough topic How do you think the Holy family supported themselves while in exile in Egypt Maybe the gold

frankincense and myrrh helped Luke 240helliphow are you doing in growing and becoming strong DO you feel the grace of God upon

you Jesus was a kid toohellipand he grew to be an adulthellipjust like you are doing Do you think he went to confirmation class

Luke 241-49hellipJesus liked confirmation class He participated He read and learned and taught adults

Luke 250-252 Jesus parents did not understand what he was saying Anybody have that problem But Jesus went to Nazareth and WAS OBEDIENT TO HIS PARENTS Mary treasured all these things in

her heart What does that mean What things WowhellipGod is with ushellipwhen you kiss your child you kiss the face of God

Do you think maybe Luke interviewed Mary after the Resurrection as the new church was being formedhellipafter Joseph had passed on Is that how he knows all these things that Mary treasured in her heart

III Baptism and Beyond (The Crossroads of History and Hope)

Session 15 There was a man called John (Read Mark 11-8 Mat 31-12 Luke 31-20 John 16-28)

Mark starts with John the Baptist No discussion of the birth and childhood of Jesus Because of this the Eastern church (Greek and Russian Orthodox) often place more emphasis on Jesus after his Baptism ndash thought in Christendom that Jesus grew and then became fully God again in his Baptism)

All the Gospels agree on John the Baptizer donrsquot they Who was he Essene Rabbi contemporary of Jesus son of Elizabeth and Zechariah (Elizabeth is a relative of Mary Zechariah is a priest) Tough guyhelliplives in the desert beyond the Jordan Baptizes in the Jordan river What is this baptism all about How is it similar to ourshelliphow is it different Then water for forgiveness of sins from the coming wrath of God now sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever We are baptized into LIFE not into death Baptism is not about forgiveness so much as it is about being grasped by the Holy Spirit for abundant life Jesus changed everything

Why did Herod the Tetrarch (Herod Antipas son of the Herod who killed the kids) have John arrested (Because John preached against the evil doings of the Herods)

Many thought that John the Baptizer was the ChristhellipJohn had to work hard at pointing folks to Jesus instead

Session 16 The Baptism of Jesus (John 129-34 Mark 19-14 Mat 313-17 Luke 321-23)

John proclaims Jesus as the Messiah ndash What a powerful testimony of John the Baptizer as recorded by John the Apostle Read it through againhellipslowly and picture yourself as one of the congregation who hears this

129 ndash ldquoThe Lamb of Godrdquo ndash in Greek Amnos Theos (ἀμνός θεός) What does it mean to be the ldquoLambrdquo ndash what would people who heard this think

Yeshelliplambs were sacrificial Takes away the sin of what The world In Greek its ldquotakes away the sin of the kosmosrdquo

How does John the Apostle know of John the Baptizerrsquos proclamation Sounds like he was there as a disciple of John the Baptizer and heard it first-hand

Compare the first-hand account in John with the historical accounts in the synoptics Mark Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the Jordan Jesus saw heaven torn

open and the Spirit descending like a dove A voice from heaven ndash you are my Son whom I love with you I am well pleased

Matthew Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John John said I need to be baptized by you but you come to me Jesus said let it be so now it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness Jesus saw heaven torn open and the Spirit descending like a dove and landing on him A voice from heaven ndash this is my Son whom I love with him I am well pleased

Luke When all the people were being baptized Jesus was too As he was praying heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove A voice from heaven ndash you are my Son whom I love with you I am well pleased

Why arenrsquot all these accounts of the same event the same Does each one add a little more completeness to what happened that day

What does it mean in Matthew when Jesus says ldquoto fulfill all righteousnessrdquo Righteousness In a broad sense state of him who is as he ought to be righteousness the condition acceptable to Goda) the doctrine concerning the way in which man may attain a state approved of Godb) integrity virtue purity of life rightness correctness of thinking feeling and acting

Since Jesus is God why does Jesus need to get baptized Jesus is both fully God and fully man He is setting the example for all of us to follow As a man he is showing us what people should do to try and be acceptable to God As God Jesus knows that because of our sin all people are unacceptable yet He accepts us anyway because as The Lamb he has taken away our sin

Read John 135-51 to close out The rest of the storyhellipwhat happened the next day This part is only recorded by John (since he was there) I tell you (singular as in ldquoNathanrdquo) the truth you (plural as in ldquoyrsquoallrdquo) shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man

Session 17 The temptation of Jesus in the Wilderness (Mar 112-13 Mat 41-17 Luke 41-21 Isaiah 611-2)

Mark The Spirit sends Jesus out to the wilderness for 40 days being tempted by satan (satan in Greek and Hebrew) HE was with the wild animals and angels attended to him

Matthew Jesus led by Spirit to be tempted by the devil (diabolos in Greek) After fasting 40 days He is hungry The tempter (parazo in Greek) temptshellipif you are the Son of God

o Turn stones to breado Jump off the templeo Bow down to the devil and all the earth can be yours

In each case Jesus resists and fights the devil with Scripturehellipthen the devil leaves him and angels attend to him

Luke Jesus led by Spirit to be tempted by the devil (diabolos in Greek) After fasting 40 days He is hungry The tempter (parazo in Greek) temptshellipif you are the Son of God

o Turn stones to breado Bow down to the devil and all the earth can be yourso Jump off the temple

In each case Jesus resists and fights the devil with Scripturehellipthen the devil leaves him until an opportune time

Is the devil still prowling around actively today Where do you see the devil in action Name some evil things that have happened around the world hellip What force is it that drives men to do eveil

What will you do when you are tempted Fast and pray Quote scripture Tell the devil to go to hell

Jesus returns to Galilee and news about him spread through the whole country He went to the temple in Nazareth and stood up to read the Scriptureshellipthe scroll of the prophet Isaiah Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing

Isaiah 611-2 How would this be understood by those at the time What do Mark and Matthew say about what happens after the wilderness

o Mark John in prison gt Jesus goes to Galileeo Matthew Jesus hears John is in prison gt returns to Galilee and begins to preach and call

disciples Footnotes on Mat 416 (read it to close out)

Session 18 Water and Wine (Read John 21-11)

Session 19 Calling the Disciples (Who before what) (Read John 135-51 Mark 116-20 Mat 418-22 Luke 612-16 Mat 101-4 Mark 313-19)

Session 20 Teaching Sermon on the Mount in the Temple Transfiguration (Read Matthew Chapters 5-7 Mark 37-13 and Luke 617-49)

Session 21 Healing Women Children Centurions and Lazarus (Find examples of healing in all 4 Gospels ndash each confirmand should find 7 examples to share and read) End with raising of Lazarus (John 111-John 1211)

Session 22 Palm Sunday Passion Hosanna (Read Mark 111-11 Mat 211-11 Luke 1928-40 and John 1212-19)

Session 23 The New Covenant in My Blood (Read Mark 14 Mat 26 Luke 22 John 13)

Session 24 Crucify Him (Read Mark 15 Mat 27 Luke 23 John 19)

Session 25 He is Risen He is Risen Indeed Alleluia (Read Mark 16 Mat 28 Luke 24 John 20)

Session 26 Midterm Review (Review the Gospels and have each confirmand choose three favorite verses)

Session 27 The Ascension (Read John 21 Mar 1614-20 Mat 2816-20 Luke 2444-53)

IV Church History The Great Commission and the Early Christian Church

Session 28 The Great Commission and the Acts of the Apostles 1-11

Session 29 Acts of the Apostles 12-28

Session 30 ICTHUS and the three Creeds (with emphasis on Apostles in session 30 Nicene in session 32 Athanasian in session 33

Session 31 Rome and Persecutions

Session 32 Constantine and the Council of Nicaea

Pentecost

Summer Break

EIGHTH GRADE CURRICULUMBecause Christ is Risen I Believe in God the Holy Spirit

Session 2 Service at Worship as a Lector or Communion Assistant (Large Group in Sanctuary)

Opening prayer Liturgy ndash Work of Godrsquos People ndash arrive prepare pray ndash sacred solemnity Gathering ndash Light and Cross of Christ enters the sanctuary procession reverence Word ndash Readings Gospel Preaching Sacrament ndash Baptism Holy Communion Sending ndash Light of Christ is sent into the world Adjourn to small groups for practical application (lectoring and communion) discussion and prayer

I The Rest of the Story Now What

This year will be a study of the New Testament after the Resurrection of Jesus For sessions 3 4 and 5 read through the three creeds of the church and find the biblical references This is a great review of the Bible The Apostles Creed is first and must be memorized for confirmation The Nicene Creed is similar The Athanasian Creed is rarely used and very long but a great explanation of the Holy Trinity Find the creeds in the hymnals Read through each creed with a one-page handout of the creed for each confirmand to write on Have them together find Bible verses that support each part of each creed Apostles Creed bible verses are done for you just read them through Then in the next two weeks have them do the other creeds together Have an electronic bible resource present to help in word search along with concordance ndash recommend httpwwwblueletterbibleorg

Session 3 The Apostles Creed (Read each related Bible verse together and discuss)

The Apostles Creed as we now have it dates from the eighth century But in truth its roots are in the ldquoOld Roman Creedrdquo which was used in some parts of the ancient church as early as the third century Before the Old Roman Creed in turn were variations rooted in the New Testament itself While this creed does not come from the apostles (Jesusrsquo followers sent to share the good news) its roots are apostolic (in keeping with the teaching of the New Testament apostles) The creed describes the faith into which we are baptized and therefore is used in the rites of Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism

1 I believe in God the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth (Gen 11 2Cor 618)

2 I believe in Jesus Christ Godrsquos only Son our Lord (John 316 335) who was conceived by the

Holy Spirit (Mat 120) born of the virgin Mary (Luk 126-31) suffered under Pontius Pilate (Mar

151-15) was crucified died and was buried (Mar 1537-47) he descended to the dead

(1Peter318-22) On the third day he rose again (Luk 241-7 John 2010-20) he ascended into

heaven (Mar 1619 Luk 2450-51) he is seated at the right hand of the Father(Mat 2664 Mar

1462 Luk 2269 Col 31) and he will come to judge the living and the dead (Acts 1042 2Tim

41 1Pet 45)

3 I believe in the Holy Spirit (Mat 2819 John 2022 Acts 12) the holy catholic Church (Mat 1618

Acts 2028 Col 124) the communion of saints (Eph 318 Eph 618 Heb 121) the forgiveness of

sins (Mat 2626-28) the resurrection of the body (1 Cor 1542) and the life everlasting (John

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

Note on the word ldquocatholicrdquo -- The word catholic is derived (via Late Latin catholicus and French catholique) from the Greek adjective καθολικός (katholikos) meaning universal The word derives from the Greek phrase καθόλο (kathholou) meaning on the whole according to the whole or in general and is a combination of the Greek words κατά meaning about and όλος meaning whole It was first used to describe the Christian Church in the early 2nd century to emphasize its universal scope After the reformation some protestant denominations substituted ldquoChristianrdquo for ldquocatholicrdquo to break more cleanly from the Roman church Lutherans retain ldquocatholicrdquo because thatrsquos what we meanhellip it really is one whole church ndash the body of Christ ndash throughout the worldhellipeven if people try to break it up

Session 4 The Nicene Creed (Go through this creed and mark down the related Bible verses)

The Nicene Creed was first adopted by church leaders in 325 at the First Council of Nicaea Later that century at the Council of Constantinople (381) some minor changes were made and it was again reaffirmed at the Council of Chalcedon (451) This ecumenical creed is the most widely accepted creed in the Christian faith and it is an essential part of the doctrine and liturgy of Lutheran churches Historically it has been used at Holy Communion on Sundays and major feasts

1 We believe in one God the Father the Almighty maker of heaven and earth of all that is seen

and unseen (2 Cor 418)

2 We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ the only Son of God eternally begotten of the Father God

from God Light from Light true God from true God begotten not made of one Being with the

Father through him all things were made For us and for our salvation he came down from

heaven was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human For our

sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate he suffered death and was buried On the third day he

rose again in accordance with the Scriptures he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right

hand of the Father He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom

will have no end

3 We believe in the Holy Spirit the Lord the giver of life who proceeds from the Father and the

Son who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified who has spoken through the

prophets We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church We acknowledge one Baptism

for the forgiveness of sins We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to

come Amen

Session 5 The Athanasian Creed (Discuss this creed the meaning of each articlehellipwhat does this mean to you)

This creed is of uncertain origin It was supposedly prepared in the time of Athanasius the great theologian of the fourth century but many scholars have theorized that it seems more likely that it dates from the fifth or sixth centuries because of its Western character It communicates two essential points of Bible teaching that Gods Son and the Holy Spirit are of one being with the Father and that Jesus Christ is true God and true man in one person Traditionally it is considered the Trinitarian Creed In many congregations it is read aloud in corporate worship on Trinity Sunday the Sunday after Pentecost

a Whoever wants to be saved should above all cling to the catholic faith

b Whoever does not guard it whole and inviolable will doubtless perish eternally

c Now this is the catholic faith We worship one God in trinity and the Trinity in unity neither confusing the persons nor dividing the divine being

d For the Father is one person the Son is another and the Spirit is still another

e But the deity of the Father Son and Holy Spirit is one equal in glory coeternal in majesty

f What the Father is the Son is and so is the Holy Spirit

g Uncreated is the Father uncreated is the Son uncreated is the Spirit

h The Father is infinite the Son is infinite the Holy Spirit is infinite

i Eternal is the Father eternal is the Son eternal is the Spirit And yet there are not three eternal beings but one who is eternal as there are not three uncreated and unlimited beings but one who is uncreated and unlimited

j Almighty is the Father almighty is the Son almighty is the Spirit And yet there are not three almighty beings but one who is almighty

k Thus the Father is God the Son is God the Holy Spirit is God And yet there are not three gods but one God

l Thus the Father is Lord the Son is Lord the Holy Spirit is Lord And yet there are not three lords but one Lord

m As Christian truth compels us to acknowledge each distinct person as God and Lord so catholic religion forbids us to say that there are three gods or lords

n The Father was neither made nor created nor begotten the Son was neither made nor created but was alone begotten of the Father the Spirit was neither made nor created but is proceeding from the Father and the Son

o Thus there is one Father not three fathers one Son not three sons one Holy Spirit not three spirits

p And in this Trinity no one is before or after greater or less than the other but all three persons are in themselves coeternal and coequal and so we must worship the Trinity in unity and the one God in three persons

q Whoever wants to be saved should think thus about the Trinity

r It is necessary for eternal salvation that one also faithfully believe that our Lord Jesus Christ became flesh

s For this is the true faith that we believe and confess That our Lord Jesus Christ Gods Son is both God and man

t He is God begotten before all worlds from the being of the Father and he is man born in the world from the being of his mother -- existing fully as God and fully as man with a rational soul and a human body equal to the Father in divinity subordinate to the Father in humanity

u Although he is God and man he is not divided but is one Christ

v He is united because God has taken humanity into himself he does not transform deity into humanity

w He is completely one in the unity of his person without confusing his natures

x For as the rational soul and body are one person so the one Christ is God and man

y He suffered death for our salvation He descended into hell and rose again from the dead

z He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father

aa He will come again to judge the living and the dead

bb At his coming all people shall rise bodily to give an account of their own deeds

cc Those who have done good will enter eternal life those who have done evil will enter eternal fire

dd This is the catholic faith

ee One cannot be saved without believing this firmly and faithfully (Luk 1826-27 Hebrews 116)

Session 6 The Acts of the Apostles Epistles and Revelation (Skim the New Testament)

The New Testament following the Gospels is a record of the early church in the first century There are 27 ldquobooksrdquo in the New Testament Take out the first four Gospels and there are 23 remaining books or letters (epistles from the Greek ἐπιστολή (epistole) is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of people usually a letter and a very formal often didactic (teaching) and elegant one

Discuss each book or letter itrsquos author the intended audience and the purpose of the book or letter Fill out the chart below and discuss each one The first three are done as an example often the purpose of the letter follows the salutation Point to the location of the audience if known on a map

Book Author Audience Purpose

1 Acts Luke Theophilus To record a history of the Apostles after the Ascension

2 Romans Paul Church at Rome To edify (build up) the church and teach about Jesus

3 1 Corinthians Paul Church at Corinth To rebuke division and immorality and to seek unity in Christ

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

II The Acts of the Apostles (Read Acts Chapters 1-2)

Session 7 Acts Come Holy Spirit Come

Written by Luke to record the history of the early (first century) church Luke writes down the experiences of the early churchhelliphe is the ldquochurch historianrdquo

The Gospel of Luke was about Jesus Acts is about the Church of Jesus Both volumes probably written around the same time (AD 80-90)

Both Acts and the Third Gospel are written to Theophilushellipwhich means what Friend of God In Greek Theo means God Philos means Friend or Lovehellipas in ldquoBrotherly Loverdquo Which is why Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love Philos = Love Adelphos = Brother or Adelphe = Sister

In Acts 116 and Acts 229 Peter uses the term brethren (adelphos) to speak of those men made brothers in the church through our Lord Jesus Brothers and Sisters can be used togther to erfer to the body of Christ which is the church (as in Pauls use of both terms in 1 Cor 715) In Strongrsquos reference numbering system (called Strongrsquos Exhaustive Concordance) sister (adelphe) is G-79 brother (adelphos) is G-80 G stands for Greek H for Hebrew in Strongrsquos (published in 1890 by Dr James Strong of Drew University) See if anyonersquos Bible includes Strongrsquos reference numbers Talk through concordances and compare everyonersquos study bible notes

Where do you see Jesus in Acts Chapter 1 and 2 What is the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is God as are Jesus and the Father One God three persons

The Holy Spirit is the power of God presented by Jesus to the Church What are some other names for the Holy Spirit The Spirit Comforter Advocate Eternal Spirit

Breath of the Almighty Holy Ghost Spirit ofhelliptruth prophecy wisdom grace judgment understanding etc The Glory of the Lord The Peace of God which passes all understanding (Philippians 47) Shekhinah (note that in Hebrew Shekhinah is a feminine gender word)

What metaphors are used to reveal the spirit Wind breath flame dove fire cloud

Holy in Greek is Hagios -- ἅγιος Spirit in Greek is Pneuma ndash as in Pneumatic -- πνεῦμα Where is the Spirit made manifest (evident to the senses) in your life Where do you feel the Spirit in

your life Prayer hymns Holy Communion Baptism helping others preaching giving of your offering reading the Bible climbing a mountain feeling the wind in your face

How about that ldquospeaking in tonguesrdquo thinghellipwhat does that mean Speaking in tongues (Greek =

glossa γλῶσσα simply means speaking in the language of others The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the ability to communicate with other cultures throughout the world Read Acts 21 -24 again

How about those tongues of fire Yep same Greek word glossa Note that these tongues ndash the ability to communicate in other languages ndash appeared to the disciples like fire after the sound of the wind Shekhinah Godrsquos Holy presence made manifest to them just as Jesus said They could feel the presence of God (remember Moses and the burning bush and Moses face shining after his exposure to the presence of God)

Note Peterrsquos quoting of the Septuagint translation of Joel 228-32 and Psalm 168-11 Who is the audience of Peterrsquos speech and how do they understand what he says More on Peter next time

Session 8 Acts Peter Paul and James (Skim Acts Chapters 3-12)

Who were these three Peter (Acts 3-5) Paul (Acts 8-9) and James (The Great) and James (The Just) (Acts 12) or is it James (The Less) (probably not) and are those two the same James (probably not) Donrsquot spend too much time on this the church has been discussing it for almost 2000 years now

PETER Remember this is Simon the fisherman brother of Andrew who Jesus nicknames ldquothe Rockrdquo (Cephas in Aramaic or Petros Πέτρος in Greek) Read and discuss Acts 31-421 and Acts 512-16 Peter and John and the Apostles are TEACHING and HEALING The Jewish authorities at the time (High Priest (Caiaphas) and Sadducees since they didnrsquot believe in the Resurrection) were jealous

PAUL This is Saul the Pharisee and persecutor of the church who is chosen by Jesus converted to by the Risen Christ to Christendom and made an Apostle Read and discuss Acts 81-4 Acts 91-31

JAMES Peter James and John are the three Apostles closest to Jesus They are present at the Transfiguration and in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus is always taking them aside as his closest disciples James the Great is what the church has come to call the first James mentioned in Acts 12 (Read Acts 121-4) He is brother of the Apostle John the two of them being the Sons of Zebedee James the Just is the second James mentioned in Acts 12 (Read Acts 125-17) This James is the brother of Jesus (later son of Mary) who leads the early church in Jerusalem This James is the author of the Epistle of St James

If you have time go back and read and discuss Stephen (Acts 6 and Acts 751-60 ndash skip the history lesson Stephen gives them but make note of it) Lutheran Stephen Ministers and diaconal ministers throughout Christendom draw lineage to Stephen

If you have time also read about Philip and the Eunuch (Acts 85-40) How are we doing in proclaiming Jesus and making disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Seems like wersquove got over 2 billion of the worlds 6 billion people baptized

If you have time Also Read Acts 932-43 and Acts 101-48 Cornelius the centurion a devout man who prayed to God constantly and gave alms What are alms

End with Acts 1218-25 and set the stage for Paulrsquos journey next time

Session 9 Acts The Journey of Saint Paul (Skim Acts Chapters 13 ndash 28 reading the first and last few verses of each chapter) Have a map available of the Mediterranean

I The Epistles of Paul Peter and James

Session 10 Paulrsquos Letter to the Romans (Read and discuss Romans Chapters 1-2 and Romans 321-31 and skim the rest of Romans)

Session 11 Paulrsquos Letter to the Romans (continued) (Skim Romans and review Read and discuss Romans Chapter 15)

Session 12 Paulrsquos Letters to the Corinthians (Skim the two letters to the Corinthians)

Session 13 Paulrsquos Letters to the Philippians (Skim the letters to the Philippians)

Session 14 Midterm Review Advent Christmas What is ldquoX-Massrdquo ldquoCrossing the threshold of History and Hoperdquo

Session 15 Paulrsquos letter to Philemon (Read and discuss the letter to Philemon) How might this relate to Christmas

Session 16 The Letters of Peter (read and Discuss both letters)

Session 17 The Letter of James (Read and discuss parts of James)

II The Letters and Revelation of John

Session 18 The Letters of John (Read the 3 letters of John)

Session 19 The Revelation to John (Skim the Revelation Read the first and last chapters)

III Church History The Reformation and Beyond

Session 20 Pre-Reformation Roman Catholic Church

Church closely aligned with state Papacy was corrupt (Julius II ldquoWarrior Poperdquo) Nepotism ndash Making a ldquoPapal Dynastyrdquo Unwillingness to allow Bible to be printed in the vernacular Sale of Indulgences (emphasis on salvation through merit) Emphasis on teachings of man (the Church) vs teachings of God Clergy served as intermediaries between man and God Seven Sacraments

Session 21 Early Luther and the Age of Exploration (Film clips from Luther)httpwwwresurrectionpeopleorgresourcesstudiesmartinlutherindexphp

The seas are explored mapped and navigated by great explorers such as Columbus The New World is discovered and the Gospel is spread New Ideas are brought forth during the Renaissance Era (Humanism Church Reforms ndash Erasmus) Erasmus ndash ldquoLaid the Egg that Luther Hatchedrdquo ndash Introduced reforms within the Catholic Church

(within not outside) Stressed a life based on Jesus (Philosophy of Christ or ldquoWhat Would Jesus Dordquo) Lutherrsquos father wished for him to become a lawyer Luther gets caught in a thunderstorm and asks for Godrsquos guidance in the promise of becoming a monk Luther is frightened by God who is portrayed as unloving at that time and tries to do everything that

the Church says he must do Yet he feels that no matter how hard he tries his salvation can never be assuredhellip Sounds like there might be something wrong with the system here eh

Luther begins to distrust the Catholic Churchrsquos teachings and ldquoexploresrdquo the Bible Validates only two of seven sacraments (Communion and Baptism) finding inadequate proof to the

sale of Indulgences Sacrament Instituted by Christ using earthly elements Salvation through Faith Alone (Romans 323-24)

God has Luther translate the Bible into the common language in order to save humanity Noah is instructed by God to build an ark to save humanityhellip See the parallel

Session 22 95 Theses and the Diet of Worms

httpwwwprojectwittenbergorg Show clips from the movie Luther Read some of the funnier theses (like 11 about the Bishops being asleep) and link them back to Scripture

Luther posts the 95 Theses on the doors of the Castle Church at Wittenberg ndash a list of arguments against the Roman Churchrsquos teachings and selling of indulgences

The 95 Theses were not intended to spread as far as they did but the Holy Spirit called some determined townrsquos folk inspired by the arguments of Luther to make copies With the help of Gutenbergrsquos printing press Lutherrsquos ideas spread like wildfire (kind of like e-mail) thus sparking the reformation

Lutherrsquos ideas did not sit too well with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (the state) who was closely allied with the pope (the church)

Talk about two mandates of God Church and State and how each is a necessary corrective to the other (Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Paul Tillich) For example Aaron and Moses Ezra and Nehemiah Caiaphas and Pilate

In January of 1521 Leo X excommunicated Luther Charles V summoned Luther to the Diet (assembly) of Worms (a city in the Holy Roman Empire) to

publicly recant his ideas on the 18th of April 1521 The Pope sent Cardinal Cajetan as his representative and lead examiner

Luther witnesses to the power of the Gospel and says ldquoHere I Stand I can do no other God Help Me Amenrdquo

The Holy Roman Empire was a cluster of many small states ruled by a local prince who had considerable autonomy The princes being fed up with the Emperor being involved in local affairs answered Godrsquos call to support Luther

Luther was captured by Frederick the Wise and was taken for safe keeping at the castle of Wartburg He lived under the name Knight George growing a beard in disguise While there he translated the New Testament into the vernacular (German) Give them a Bible and have them start translating into a language of their choice

Empowered by the Gospel the people revolted against the Church and the State Martin Luther married to Katherine Von Bora Lived and preached the Gospel until his passing in 1546

Luther called the church the Church of the Gospel before others began to call them Lutherans

Session 23 Finish Luther Movie Luther and Zwingli and the Marburg Colloquy

Session 24 Finish Luther Movie Calvin in Geneva and the Counter Reformation

Session 25 Augsburg Confession and the Book of Concord

Session 26 The Lutheran Church comes to America ndash Your Christian Library ndash Bonhoeffer Tillich King Lucado Manning et al

Session 27 ELCA and LWF - Synod and ELCA websites

Session 28 Pastor on Faith Statements

Session 29 Pastor on the Ten Commandments

Session 30 Pastor on the Lordrsquos Prayer

Session 31 Pastor on the Apostles Creed

Pentecost

Live lives of witness and service as Ambassadors of the Risen Christ

GlossaryA good glossary linked to the King James Version of the Bible can be found at

httpwwwkingjamesbibleonlineorgFree-Bible-Dictionaryphp

A great 1200 page concordance is available on-line at

httpwwwarchiveorgstreamanalyticalconcor00younuoftpagen5mode2up

Another good resource is Wikipedia to learn about Strongrsquos Concordance

httpenwikipediaorgwikiStrong27s_Concordance

OKhellipherersquos a Lutheran glossaryhellip

AAprocryphaThe Apocrypha is a collection of 12 books found in the Greek translation of the Old Testament called the Septuagint and in the Latin Bible called the Vulgate but not in the Hebrew Bible Lutherans understand these books to be important documents of the faith but do not consider them to have the authority of the Bible These books are called deutero-canonical (or second canon) books

Associate in Ministry (AIM)Associates in ministry are laypeople called and commissioned for service in congregations agencies schools and institutions of the ELCA Their primary areas of service are education youth spiritual formation campus ministry outdoor ministry music and the arts administration service and general ministry For more information visit Associates in Ministry in Rostered Leadership

Back to TopBBaptismOne of two sacraments for Lutherans the other being Holy Communion Baptism is the entry rite into Christian faith It is an act instituted by God performed using water in the name of the Father Son and Holy Spirit whereby the baptized is united with Christ

BibleThe Bible is a collection of writings that Lutherans believe to be the written Word of God It is accepted as inspired by God and the authoritative source and norm of the churchs faith For more information visit the BibleBishopA bishop is a pastor an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA who is elected to a six-year term to provide pastoral care and oversight for the congregations and leaders of an ELCA synod The bishop is the chief executive officer of the synod and may be reelected To learn more visit ELCA Conference of BishopsBishop PresidingSee Presiding Bishop

Book of Concord TheThe Book of Concord is a collection of 16th century confessions of the Reformation churches Within it is the Augsburg Confession which the ELCA accepts as a true witness to the Gospel as well as other confessional writings that the ELCA considers further valid interpretations of the faith of the Church (ELCA Confession of Faith)

Back to Top

CCallFor Lutherans ldquocallrdquo or ldquocallingrdquo refers to the vocations of every Christian mdash the roles in which they live out their faith such as family member citizen worker church member In the context of public ministry a call is an official invitation to become a public leader in this church A pastor deaconess diaconal minister or associate in ministry receives a call as he or she begins serving a congregation institution or agency of the church For more information visit Life as Vocation Living Our Call Each and Every DayCandidacyCandidacy is the process through which individuals explore their own sense of being called to public leadership in the church and through which representatives of this church determine if the individual is suited for this public ministry The candidacy process includes a period of discernment and preparation and concludes when a person is approved for service Synods are responsible for overseeing the candidacy process To learn more visit Become a LeaderCandidateA person officially preparing for rostered ministry in the ELCA A formal positive entrance decision is made by a synod candidacy committee in order to be designated as a candidate The candidate must then complete all requirements and also receive an endorsement decision and an approval decision Learn more in CandidacyCatholicDerived from a Greek word meaning universal may therefore be used to apply to all Christians When it is used this way it begins with a lower case c when used with a capital C this word usually refers to the Roman Catholic ChurchChaplainA pastor or a theologically trained lay leader who serves in an institutional setting such as a hospital nursing home prison college or the armed forces Learn more in ChaplaincyChurchThis word is used to refer both to a local congregation (for example Trinity Lutheran Church) and to the organization that includes congregations institutions and agencies (for example the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) When capitalized it usually refers to the whole Christian Church around the world and throughout historyChurch CouncilThe Church Council of the ELCA is its board of directors serving as the interim legislative authority between meetings of the Churchwide Assembly The Church Council meets at least two times each year and is composed of 33 members who are elected to six-year terms by the Churchwide Assembly together with the four churchwide officers (presiding bishop vice president secretary and treasurer) Learn more in Church CouncilChurchwide AssemblyThe Churchwide Assembly is the ELCArsquos highest legislative authority It reviews the work of the churchwide officers and churchwide units It establishes ELCA policy and adopts the budget for the churchwide organization It has sole authority to amend the constitution and bylaws of the ELCA The Churchwide Assembly meets biennially in regular session Learn more in Churchwide AssemblyChurchwide OrganizationThe churchwide organization is one of the three expressions of the ELCA It functions interdependently with congregations and synods of the ELCA It is responsible for developing churchwide policy standards for leadership including ordained and rostered lay ministries and affiliation of institutions and the coordination of the work of the ELCA both globally and throughout the territory of the ELCAClergyIn the ELCA the term ldquoclergyrdquo is normally used to describe those who are ordained pastors of the church Learn more in Ordained MinistryCommunion or Holy CommunionOne of two sacraments for Lutherans the other being Baptism In Holy Communion also called the Eucharist Lutherans recall the saving acts of God through Word bread and wine and are connected with Christ and with Christians of all times and places In this sacrament we are fed with the Body and Blood of ChristConference of BishopsThe Conference of Bishops is composed of the bishops of the 65 synods the presiding bishop and the secretary of the ELCA The conference meets at least two times each year and is a forum in which goals objectives and

strategies may be developed and shared concerning pastoral oversight care and counsel for the synods Learn more in Conference of BishopsConfession of FaithA confession of faith is a brief statement of a grouprsquos beliefs The ELCA Confession of Faith confesses the Triune God Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the written Word of God accepts the Apostlesrsquo Nicene and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of this church and accepts the Augsburg Confession and the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord as valid interpretations of the faith of this church View the ELCA Confession of Faith in its entirety

The Confession of Faith is also a normal component of Lutheran worship The assembly affirms its own faith and their connection to the church catholic by saying the words of one of the ecumenical creedsCongregationA community of believers who assemble regularly for worship and who nurture organize and carry out ministries among members and the neighborhood As one of the three expressions of the ELCA congregations cooperate with and support the wider church to share Godrsquos boundless love with the world Find a Congregation near youConstitutions Bylaws and Continuing ResolutionsThe basic commitments of the ELCA as well as its organizational outline structural patterns and rules of governance

are expressed by itsconstitutions bylaws and continuing resolutions These documents govern the life of the ELCA as congregations synods and churchwide organization

Back to TopDDeaconessA theologically trained professionally prepared woman who is a member of the ELCA Deaconess Community and the underlying ELCA roster of lay women serving in ministries of Word and service These ministries are an outgrowth of the European deaconess movement of the 19th century Deaconesses are called and consecrated to serve in congregations agencies and institutions of the ELCA and theEvangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) To learn more visit Deaconess Community

Diaconal MinisterA member of the ELCA Diaconal Ministry Community and the underlying ELCA roster of lay men and women in ministries of Word and service This roster was established in 1993 ELCA diaconal ministers are called and consecrated and they serve in congregations agencies and institutions of the ELCA Their focus for ministry is the extension of the churchrsquos ministry of witness and care into the world

DiscipleshipDiscipleship is being called to walk with Christ equipped to love like Christ and sent by Christ to love and serve others in the world

Back to TopEEcclesiasticalOf or relating to a church (ldquoekklesiardquo in Greek) especially as an established institution This term is often used to refer to the organizational and legislative functions of the church

EcumenicalA reference to the whole Christian church including denominations and groups The beliefs and practices of those who desire and work for worldwide unity and cooperation among all Christian people Learn more about the ELCArsquos approach to ecumenism in Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsEndorsementEndorsement is a step in the ELCA candidacy process in which the synod candidacy committee and the seminary the candidate attends evaluate and affirm the candidates continued growth in preparation for and sense of call to

rostered ministry It is also part of the approval process of those preparing for ministries in specialized pastoral care and clinical education Learn more in CandidacyEucharistFrom the Greek word for ldquothanksgivingrdquo Eucharist also known as Holy Communion or the Lordrsquos Supper is one of two sacraments for Lutherans the other being Baptism ldquoThe Eucharistrdquo is also used as the name for the liturgical celebration of this sacramentEvangelicalThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America understands evangelical as emphasizing the gospel or good news of salvation received apart from human works and based on this the ELCA values worship forms and confessions of faith of the historic Christian tradition In the United States the term ldquoevangelicalrdquo is often associated with a religious and cultural movement known as evangelicalism that came to prominence in the 19th century and stresses individual conversion the authority of the Bible and moral and social reformEvangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW)Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006) is the primary worship resource for use within the ELCA It was preceded by Lutheran Book of Worship (1978) Learn more about ELCA worship resources in WorshipEvangelizingThe act of spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ by word and deed Used specifically for the activity of inviting people to learn about Jesus Christ Learn more about evangelizing activity in the ELCA

Back to TopFFederal ChaplaincyELCA chaplains serving in federal prisons Veterans Administration hospitals and the Armed Services (Army Navy Air Force Marines and Coast Guard their Reserves and the National Guard) To find a Federal Chaplain or for more information visit Federal Chaplains

Full CommunionA full communion relationship between denominations is an acknowledgement that there is enough agreement on matters of faith and life between denominations to commit to joint ministry witness and service The ELCA has full communion agreements with The Episcopal Church the Reformed Church in America Presbyterian Church (USA) the United Church of Christ and the Moravian Church Northern and Southern Provinces Learn more about the ELCArsquos full communion partners in Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations

Back to TopGGospelGospel which is a translation of the Greek word for ldquogood newsrdquo tells us of God who created and sustains everything of Jesus Christ who lived died and was raised from death to give us life and salvation and of the Holy Spirit who gives us faith and makes us holy The four gospels are books in the New Testament that document the life and teachings of Jesus Christ You can learn more about the gospel by visiting the Bible

GraceThe dictionary defines grace as unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification a virtue coming from God Martin Luthers emphasis on grace not our own works was the keystone of the 16th century Reformation based on a related key Bible verse Ephesians 28 For by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not your own doing it is the gift of God

Back to TopHHoly SpiritThe Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity in addition to God the Father and God the Son Jesus Christ We believe that the Holy Spirit calls gathers enlightens and sanctifies us in the faith

Holy CommunionOne of two sacraments for Lutherans the other being Baptism In Holy Communion also called the Eucharist Lutherans recall the saving acts of God through Word bread and wine and are connected with Christ and with Christians of all times and places In this sacrament we are fed with the Body and Blood of Christ

Back to TopIInterfaithActivities of dialogue and cooperation among Christians Jews and Muslims Interfaith and inter-religious are sometimes used synonymously although interfaith is usually a term used with specific reference to the three Abrahamic faiths mdash Judaism Christianity and Islam To learn more visit Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations

Interim MinistryWord and Sacrament ministry following the resignation or retirement of a congregations pastor Interim pastors serve for a specific period of time or for the duration of a pastoral vacancy and some are specially trained to assist with transition following an extended pastorate or for resolution of recent or long-term conflicts Learn more in Interim Ministry

Back to TopJJesus or Jesus ChristJesus Christ Lutherans believe was the son of God who was born lived died and was raised from the dead in the first century AD Fully human and fully divine Jesus Christ is one of the three persons of the Trinity along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit

Back to TopLLay LaityA term that refers to the people of God This word is typically used to refer to those who are not members of the ordained clergy The collective community of laypeople is sometimes called the laity For more information visit Life as Vocation Living Our Call Each and Every Day

Lifelong LearningAll members of the ELCA are encouraged to engage in lifelong learning through participation in Sunday school and other Christian education opportunities in the congregations or other offerings through higher educational institutions of the church Learn more inLifelong LearningLiturgyFrom the Greek word for public service liturgy is sometimes called the work of the people of God It is the rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship a set order of worship used by the liturgical churches such as Orthodox Catholic Anglican and Lutheran churches all over the world

Luther MartinMartin Luther 1483-1546 was trained as a monk and a priest in his native Germany His efforts to bring reform and renewal to the church were part of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century Though he never wanted a church named after him he is considered the founder of the Lutheran faith tradition To learn more visit Martin Luther in HistoryLutheran Book of Worship (LBW)Until the release of Evangelical Lutheran Worship in 2006 Lutheran Book of Worship was the primary worship resource for use within the ELCA Since its release in 1978 it has been supplemented by other worship resources Learn more about ELCA worship resources inWorshipLutheranismThe beliefs and form of church governance associated with the 16th-century Reformation and Martin Luther There

are presently more than 68 million Lutherans around the world in over 150 Lutheran church bodies of which the ELCA is one To learn more visit What Lutherans Believe

Back to TopMMinisterThe word means ldquoservantrdquo and is sometimes used as a synonym for ldquopastorrdquo or as a title for lay people who perform certain duties within the congregation such as communion minister It can be used as a noun or a verb and it refers to the work of all Christians mdash to share Godrsquos boundless love in the world

MinistryThe ELCA affirms the shared mission of all its baptized members and commits itself to the equipping and supporting of all its members for their ministries in the world and in this churchMinistry in Daily LifeGods people fulfill their shared mission in a variety of ways Lutherans believe that we are called to serve others in all our roles or offices mdash for example as parents children citizens of a nation and the world as workers employers retirees students congregation members and more Clergy are called to the public office of preaching the Word and administering the sacraments According to Martin Luther the mission of every Christian is to pray for each other to listen to and heed their neighborsrsquo cries of distress to speak Gods cheering word of forgiveness and consolation and to share Gods love by ministering to the poor and oppressed Learn more at Life as Vocation

Back to TopOOrdained MinistryELCA members believe that God has instituted the office of ministry of Word and Sacrament within the people of God To carry out this ministry the ELCA affirms the call and ordains qualified people who are referred to as pastors To learn more visit Ordained Ministry

OrdinationThe rite by which a person becomes a minister of Word and Sacrament in the church of Jesus Christ In the Lutheran church a person is only ordained when he or she has been prepared and approved for ministry and has received and accepted a call to a particular public ministry usually a congregation To learn more visit Become a Leader

Back to TopPPastorFrom the Latin word for ldquoshepherdrdquo ldquopastorrdquo is used to describe an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament A parish pastor serves in a congregational setting The term pastor may also be used to describe an ordained minister serving in a non-congregational setting

PreachingThe public proclamation of Godrsquos love and mercy for all creation through the crucified and risen Jesus Christ Preaching is rooted in the readings of Scripture in the assemblyrsquos public worshipPresiding BishopAn ordained minister of Word and Sacrament who is a teacher of the faith of this church and who provides leadership for the life and witness of this church The term is rooted in worship (ldquothe bishop presides over the worshiping assemblyrdquo) and the presiding bishop serves as the chief pastor of the ELCA the chief executive officer of the ELCA Churchwide Organization and the chief ecumenical officer of the church The presiding bishop is elected to a six-year term and may be reelected The current presiding bishop is the Rev Mark S Hanson To learn more visit Office of the Presiding Bishop

Back to TopRReformation TheWhen capitalized the word most frequently used to describe the religious social political and economic movement in the 16th century that led to the establishment of various churches including the Lutheran church To learn more visit History

Reformed Tradition TheOne of the branches of the 16th-century Reformation Denominations that are part of the reformed tradition include various Reformed Churches the Presbyterian Church and United Church of Christ To learn more visit HistoryRegionThere are nine geographic regions within the ELCA recognized as a partnerships among synods within the region Each region is a means to coordinate responses by synods and the churchwide organization to mission and program opportunities within the region To learn more visit Synodical RelationsRepresentational PrincipleThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has determined that at least 60 percent of the members of assemblies councils committees boards and other organizations should be laypeople half female and half male and that where possible the representation of ordained ministers should be both female and male It is also strives for a minimum goal of 10 percent of the membership of its assemblies councils committees boards or other organizational units being people of color andor people whose primary language is other than EnglishRosterThe official listing of those who have been ordained consecrated or commissioned and are called to service in the ELCA Currently there are more than 17000 rostered leaders in the ELCA The ELCA has four rosters associates in ministry deaconesses diaconal ministersand ordained ministers (pastors) Learn more in Rostered Leadership

Back to TopSSacramentA sacrament is the physical sign of an unseen promise Sacraments are rites of the church that convey Godrsquos forgiveness life and salvation through words and physical means Lutherans celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion

ScriptureA word often used to refer to the Bible the sacred scriptures include the 66 books that are divided into the Old Testament and the New TestamentSeminaryInstitution that offers theological education and professional training for leaders in the church and others interested in graduate-level study of theology The ELCA has eight seminaries Find out more about them in ELCA seminariesSermonA sermon is part of worship in which the pastor proclaims the Word of God based on the written Word of God in the Bible and applying it to the worshipping community as appropriate In the Lutheran liturgy it comes right after the Bible lessons are read and before the confession of the creed the offering and the Eucharist

SynodThere are 65 synods in the ELCA A synod is typically a geographical grouping of congregations with one exception Each synod in partnership with the churchwide organization bears primary responsibility for the oversight of the life and mission of the ELCA in its territory To learn more visit Synodical RelationsSynod AssemblyThe synod assembly is the highest legislative authority of the synod with a regular meeting held at least biennially (Most synod assemblies meet annually) All ordained ministers under call and all rostered lay ministers under call are voting members as are representative lay members from every congregation within the synod To learn more visit Synod Assemblies

Back to TopTTheologyA word used to refer to the study of God and Godrsquos interaction with the world Formal study of theology usually includes study of the Bible doctrine church history ethics and worship and may also include study of the practice of ministry

Back to Top

VVision and ExpectationsIn 1990 the ELCA Church Council adopted the documents Vision and Expectations Ordained Ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Vision and Expectations Commissioned Associates in Ministry as statements of this church about the vision for rostered leaders in the ELCA and the expectations of those who serve in that ministry It is used primarily in the candidacy process

VocationFrom the Latin word for ldquocallrdquo the word refers to our many callings as Godrsquos baptized people mdash whatever our places and opportunities in life we are called to serve others with love Martin Luther emphasized for example that a shoemaker a father changing a diaper and a pastor preaching a sermon are all called by God to serve in the roles in which they find themselves To learn more visit Vocation In Service for the World

Back to TopWWord of GodThe Word of God -- read preached and sung by the assembly in worship is essential to the orders of service in the Lutheran tradition Lutherans understand the Word of God as1) Gods incarnate Word made flesh in Jesus living among us2) The word of God proclaimed and heard as law (that which convicts) and gospel (that which frees) and 3) The recorded Word of God in the canonical scripturesTo learn more visit Book of Faith

MapsMaps are a great teaching tool They give a common shared perspective for discussion and provide spatial reference for both teachers and students Some of our favorite maps follow but check this one out to starthellipyou can draw it on a whiteboard

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Herersquos another unorthodox map that may be of use

Herersquos a Google Earth image of the Holy Land Great for discussing the Exodus

Bring in a computer and look around

Herersquos a good global image for discussing the sons of Noah Abraham et alhellip

Check out these maps (and the whole PowerPoint brief) on the Journeys of Paulhellipdates are best guess as to when he wrote each epistle

httpwwwresurrectionpeopleorgresourcespaulppt

Resources

httpwwwresurrectionpeopleorgresourcesindexphp

httpwwwenterthebibleorg

httpwwwblueletterbibleorg

httpwwwelcaorgWhat-We-BelieveStatements-of-Beliefaspx

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SIXTH GRADE CURRICULUM

SEVENTH GRADE CURRICULUM

EIGHTH GRADE CURRICULUM

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sixth Grade Curriculum

I Torah (the teachings) II Nevirsquoim (the prophets)

III Ketuvim (the writings) IV Church History Grafted to the Root

Seventh Grade Curriculum

I The New Testament What So What II Who is Jesus (Prophecy lineage birth)

III Baptism and Beyond (The Crossroads of History and Hope) IV Church History The Great Commission and the Early Christian Church

Eighth Grade Curriculum

I The Rest of the Story Now What II The Acts of the Apostles

III The Epistles of Paul Peter and James IV The Letters and Revelation of John V Church History The Reformation and Beyond

Glossary

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Maps

Resources

Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Jerusalem

Resources

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41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

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41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

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41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

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Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

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Pentecost

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41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

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Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

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Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

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Pentecost

Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

Red Sea

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Jerusalem

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Summer Break

41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

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41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

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41 1Pet 45)

647) Amen (Rev 2221)

will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

Dead Sea

Jordan River

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Jerusalem

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will have no end

come Amen

4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

Back to Top

Sea of Galilee

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4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

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4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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4 2 Corinthians

5 Galatians

6 Ephesians

7 Philippians

8 Colossians

9 1 Thessalonians

10 2 Thessalonians

11 1 Timothy

12 2Timothy

13 Titus

14 Philemon

15 Hebrews

16 James

17 1 Peter

18 2Peter

19 1 John

20 2 John

21 3 John

22 Jude

23 Revelation

Pentecost

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Sea of Galilee

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23 Revelation

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TABLE OF CONTENTS - Resurrection Lutheran Churchresurrectionpeople.org/resources/confcurr.docx · Web viewOpening prayer and introduction. The written word of God in which is found