Why a Lutheran?

The Large Catechism, A.K.A. What it means to be Lutheran

We often hear how spiritually unformed and biblically illiterate most Lutherans are these days. Well, that condition is not unique to us in St. Louis or in this century. We are starting a Bible Study on the basics of the faith. And what better place to turn to for that than the writings of Dr. Martin Luther himself?

His Large catechism is the basic text of spiritual formation for “heads of households” to use in instructing his children and those who work for him so that they might know and practice the most basic parts of the Fatih. And, of course, this is less about Martin Luther than an expansion on the scriptures themselves and basic theology.

I would like to ask you to:

• Consider attending the 9:00 am Bible study even if you ordinarily don’t. This is pretty basic to the faith and I strongly suspect that most of us here at West County could use a bush up on that…
• Read the first part of the Large Catechism. The section on the Ten Commandments. That is what we will be discussing Sunday. To find a copy, either go to Amazon.com or point your browser to:https://bookofconcord.org/large-catechism/
• Pray about how this ancient document might still shape your spiritual life today. Thankfully, Luther wanted us to do more than read and know things. He actually intended for the Large Catechism to be a practical instructions guide for the basic Christian life. We are at our best when we do not solely rest on our knowledge, but actually practice what we believe. The Large Catechism has just that level of instruction for us in a way that we should be able to translate into 21st Century life.

So, come! Show up having read as much of the Large Catechism section on The Ten Commands as possible. Come even if you choose not to read it. Just come and join in your fellow followers of Jesus as we grow in confidence in the faith that we was once passed on to us.

A Quote from the Preface:

“For this reason alone you should eagerly read, recite, ponder, and practice the Catechism, even if the only blessing and benefit you obtain from it so to rout the devil and evil thoughts. For he cannot bear to hear God’s Word…”

We will follow this schedule for now:

June 25 – The Ten Commandments 

July 2 – The Apostles Creed

July 9 – The Lord’s Prayer

July 16 – Baptism

July 23 – No 9:00 am Bible Study (Pastor on vacation)

July 30 -Communion

August 6 – Wrap up and next topic discussion