Catechesis for October 15, 2006 18th Sunday after Trinity

Begin with Luther’s Morning Prayer

Recite the Books of the Bible Moses wrote the Pentateuch – first five books. 12 books of history, 5 books of poetry, 5 major prophets, 12 minor prophets. Gospels – first 4 books of the New Testament. Acts is the only NT book of history. Followed by the 13 Pauline Epistles which are arranged by length. Followed by 8 general epistles. Ask how many books in the OT (39), NT(27) and entire Bible (66). Ask what language the OT was written in (Hebrew and Aramaic). What language was the NT written in (Greek).

New Lesson This is the Trinity season. It is the non-festival part of the church year. The color on the altar is green because this is considered ordinary time – the time of growth. It is the longest part of the church year and we are more than half way through the Trinity season. This Sunday is the 18th Sunday after Trinity. What do you think next Sunday will be called? We are quickly approaching a Sunday which will be called something other than a Sunday after Trinity. Do you know what it is?


Memory Review:

What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s Word.

Which is that word of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

What benefits does Baptism give? It works forgiveness of sins, rescues us from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.

Which are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16

How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith, which trusts this word of God in the water.

NEW MEMORY WORK For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three:

Explain, read and enact the Gospel lesson Matt 22:34-46 (This is what Jesus has done for us. The Pharisees wanted to do something to earn salvation. Jesus loved the Lord perfectly [first table of the law] and He loved his neighbor perfectly [second table of the law] In Baptism, we are given that perfection of Christ.)

Memorize TLH 297 The Gospel Shows the Father’s Grace Sing all the verses.