Simplified Catechism[1]

B IBLE T EACHINGS (Simplified Catechism) By Sandra Greenfield and Ardis Koeller

B IBLE T EACHINGS (Simplified Catechism)

By Sandra Greenfield and Ardis Koeller

Multi-Language Publications Bringing the Written Word to the World

Prepared by the Special Education Committee of the WELS Committee on Special Ministries. The Simplified Catechism © 1987 Northwestern Publishing House, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Translated by WELS Multi-Language Publications Committee with the permission of NPH. Copyright © 2004 WELS-BWM Published in 2004

Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 The Ten Commandments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 The Apostles’ Creed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 The First Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 The Second Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 The Third Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 The Lord’s Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 The Sacraments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Baptism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 The Lord’s Supper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Confession

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INTRODUCTION

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1. What is the Bible? The Bible is God’s Word. 2. Who wrote the Bible? All the words in the Bible are God’s words. Men wrote down the words that God told them. 3. What does the Bible tell us about sin? The Bible says that all people are sinners. We sin when we do not do what God says. God gave us ten rules to tell us what he wants us to do and what he does not want us to do. The rules are called the Ten Commandments. We all sin against God, and the payment for sin is death. 4. What good news does the Bible tell us? The Bible tells us God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to pay for our sins. Jesus kept God’s commandments for us. Jesus paid for our sins when he died on the cross. Those who believe in Jesus will go to heaven.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

What does God say about the commandments? God says that we all sin. No one keeps all the commandments. God promises to bless people who love him and keep his commandments. This Means God wants us to know that he hates sin. The Ten Commandments show us our sin. All people sin. We all need Jesus to save us from sin. People who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell. God forgives and blesses people who believe. He does this because Jesus paid for our sins. God promises to help us love and obey him. The Ten Commandments tell us what God wants us to do and what God does not want us to do. God’s Word Romans 3:23. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23. The wages of sin is death. John 3:16. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

Love God most of all. This Means Have no other gods. God wants us to love him more than anyone or anything. God’s Word 1 John 4:19. We love [God] because he first loved us. 1 John 5:3. This is love for God: to obey his commands. God’s Story Daniel 6:1-23. Daniel loves God most of all.

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THE SECOND COMMANDMENT

Do not use God’s name in a bad way. This Means Do not use God’s name to curse, swear or lie. God wants us to use his name to: - pray to him - praise him - thank him - tell other people about him God’s Word Psalm 50:15. Call upon [God] in the day of trouble. Psalm 118:1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. God’s Story Luke 17:11-19. Only one man says thank you to Jesus.

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT

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Worship God. This Means Hear and learn God’s Word. God wants us to: - be happy to hear and learn his Word - believe his Word - do what his Word says God’s Word Luke 11:28. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Psalm 122:1. I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” God’s Story Luke 10:38-42. Mary listens to God’s Word.

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THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

Love and obey your parents. This Means We should obey our parents. We should obey other people who care for us. God wants us to: - love and help our parents - love and help people who care for us God’s Word Ephesians 6:1. Children, obey your parents in the Lord. God’s Story Luke 2:41-52. Jesus obeys Mary and Joseph.

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT

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Do not murder. This Means Do not kill anyone. Do not hurt anyone. Do not hate anyone. God wants us to: - be kind to one another - take care of our own bodies God’s Word Ephesians 4:32. Be kind and forgive each other just as in Christ God forgave you. God’s Story Luke 10:25-37. The good Samaritan helps a man who was hurt.

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THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT

Do not commit adultery. This Means People do not have sex unless they are married to each other. We do not think or talk about anyone’s body in a shameful way. God wants us to use our bodies in a way that pleases him. God wants husbands and wives to: - love each other - stay married to each other God’s Word Romans 13:13. Let us behave decently. Genesis 39:9. Joseph said, “How can I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” God’s Story Genesis 39. Joseph obeys God and runs away from sin.

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT

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Do not steal. This Means Do not take anything that belongs to someone else. God wants us to: - know that everything we have comes from him - use what we have to show our love for him - help other people keep what belongs to them God’s Word Ephesians 4:28. He who has been stealing must steal no longer. 2 Corinthians 9:7. God loves a cheerful giver. God’s Story Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus learns about Jesus’ love and stops stealing.

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THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT

Do not say bad things about people; do not tell lies. This Means Do not say bad things that will hurt people. Do not tell lies about anyone. God wants us to: - say kind things about people - tell the truth God’s Word Colossians 3:9. Do not lie to each other. Ephesians 4:25. Each of you must speak truthfully. God’s Story Mark 14:53-65 and Luke 23:33,34. Enemies of Jesus tell lies about him. Jesus asks God to forgive his enemies.

THE NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS

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Do not want what belongs to someone else. This Means Do not want to have other people’s things. God wants us to: - help people keep what they have - be happy with what we have - thank God for what we have God’s Word Hebrews 13:5. Be content with what you have. Galatians 5:13. Serve one another in love. God’s Story 1 Kings 21:1-16. King Ahab wants Naboth’s field for himself.

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THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1. Why do we say the Apostles’ Creed? We say the Apostle’s Creed to: - tell others what we believe about Jesus - help us remember what we believe about God 2. What good news is in the Apostles’ Creed? God made us and cares for us. God sent his Son, Jesus, to save us from sin and the devil. God puts faith in our hearts to believe that he did all this for us. 3. What does the Bible tell us about God? The Bible tells us that there is only one God. The Bible tells us that God is three persons: - God the Father - God the Son (Jesus) - God the Holy Spirit 4. How can God be three persons? We do not know. We can ask God when we get to heaven.

THE FIRST ARTICLE

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I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. This Means God made us and the world and everything in it. Sin came into the world, but God made a plan to save us. God cares for us by giving us everything we have and need. God wants us to thank him by the way we live. God’s Word Malachi 2:10. Have we not all one Father? Did not one God create us?

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THE FIRST ARTICLE

I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. This Means God made us and the world and everything in it. God’s Word Psalm 119:73. Your hands made me and formed me. Exodus 20:11. In six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth. God’s Story Genesis chapter 1 and 2. God makes all things.

THE FIRST ARTICLE

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I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. This Means Sin came into the world, but God made a plan to save us. God’s Word Romans 5:12. Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin. John 3:16. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God’s Story Genesis chapter 3. God makes a plan to save us.

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THE FIRST ARTICLE

I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. This Means God cares for us by giving us everything we have and need. God’s Word Isaiah 41:13. I am the Lord, your God. I will help you. Acts 14:17. He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. God’s Story Genesis 3:15 - 4:2. God cares for Adam and Eve after they sinned.

THE FIRST ARTICLE

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I believe in God the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. This Means God wants us to thank him by the way we live. God’s Word Psalm 106:1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. 1 Corinthians 10:31. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. God’s Story Genesis chapters 7 and 8. Noah thanks God.

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THE SECOND ARTICLE

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. This Means Jesus is God’s Son. Jesus is true God. Jesus was born of Mary, and he lived on earth. Jesus is true man. Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins. Jesus is alive. Jesus rose from the dead and went back to heaven. Jesus is the King of heaven and earth. Jesus is protecting us and praying for us in heaven. On the Last Day, Jesus will come back in the same way he went up to heaven. Jesus will take the people who believe in him to heaven. The people who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell.

THE SECOND ARTICLE

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I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary. This Means Jesus is God’s Son. Jesus is true God. Jesus was born of Mary, and he lived on earth. Jesus is true man. God’s Word Luke 2:11. A Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord. John 3:16. God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. God’s Story Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-20. Jesus is born.

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THE SECOND ARTICLE

I believe in Jesus Christ, who suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. This Means Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins. God’s Word 1 John 1:7. The blood of Jesus purifies [cleans] us from every sin. 1 Timothy 1:15. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. God’s Story Matthew 27:31-66; Mark 15:20-47; Luke 23:26-56; John 19:17-42. Jesus suffers and dies to pay for our sins.

THE SECOND ARTICLE

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I believe in Jesus Christ, who rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven. This Means Jesus is alive. Jesus rose from the dead and went back to heaven. God’s Word John 14:2,3. I am going [to heaven] to prepare a place for you. John 14:19. Because I live, you also will live. God’s Story Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 24:1-8, 50-53; Acts 1:1911. Jesus rises from the dead and goes back to heaven.

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THE SECOND ARTICLE

I believe in Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. This Means Jesus is the King of heaven and earth. Jesus is protecting us and praying for us in heaven. On the Last Day, Jesus will come back. Jesus will take the people who believe in him to heaven. The people who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell. God’s Word John 14:2,3. I am going [to heaven] to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me. 1 John 2:1. If anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ. God’s Story Matthew 25:31-46. Jesus will come to judge the world.

THE THIRD ARTICLE

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I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy Christian church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. This Means God the Holy Spirit give us faith to believe in Jesus. The Holy Spirit keeps us believing in Jesus. The Holy Spirit shows us what God does for us. The Holy Spirit helps us love and obey God. The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to do his work in our hearts. People who believe in Jesus are called the holy Christian church, or the communion of saints. The Holy Spirit teaches us that: - God forgives us because Jesus died to pay for our sins. - God will make our bodies live again after we die. - We will live forever with God in heaven.

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THE THIRD ARTICLE

I believe in the Holy Spirit. This Means God the Holy Spirit gives us faith to believe in Jesus. The Holy Spirit keeps us believing in Jesus. God’s Word 1 Corinthians 1:2,3. No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:39. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. God’s Story Acts 1:8-11 and chapter 2. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit.

THE THIRD ARTICLE

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I believe in the Holy Spirit. This Means The Holy Spirit shows us what God does for us. The Holy Spirit helps us love and obey God. God’s Word John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Galatians 2:20. I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me. God’s Story Acts 8:26-39. God sends Philip to show a man from Ethiopia what God has done for him.

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THE THIRD ARTICLE

I believe in the holy Christian church, the communion of saints. This Means The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to to do his work in our hearts. People who believe in Jesus are called the holy Christian church and the communion of saints. God’s Word Romans 10:17. Faith comes from hearing the word of Christ. Ephesians 5:23. Christ is the head of the church of which he is the Savior. Ephesians 5:25. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. God’s Story Acts chapter 2. The holy Christian church grows as people hear God’s Word and believe in Jesus.

THE THIRD ARTICLE

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I believe in the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. This Means The Holy Spirit teaches us that: - God forgives us because Jesus died to pay for our sins - God will make our bodies live again after we die - We will live forever with God in heaven God’s Word John 14:26. The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Ephesians 1:7. In Jesus we have the forgiveness of sins. 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. The dead in Christ will rise. We will be with the Lord forever. God’s Story John 14:15-31. Jesus tells his friends that the Holy Spirit will come to teach them.

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THE LORD’S PRAYER

We pray to our Father in heaven as Jesus taught us. 1. What is prayer? Prayer is talking to God in our minds or with our voices. 2. Who may pray to God? God listens to everyone who believes in Jesus. 3. Where may we pray? We may pray at home, at church, and everywhere. 4. When does God want us to pray? God wants us to pray anytime. God wants us to pray often. 5. What words should we use to pray? We may pray in our own words. We may pray prayers that we learn.

THE ADDRESS OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

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Our Father in heaven. This Means God is our dear Father, and we are God’s dear children. Jesus paid for our sins, so God will always hear us. We will want to talk to God our Father often. God’s Word Galatians 3:26. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Psalm 91:15. The Lord says, “Call upon me, and I will answer.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Pray continually. God’s Story Matthew 6:5-15 and Luke 11:1-4. Jesus teaches us how to pray.

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THE FIRST PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

Hallowed be your name. This Means God’s name is already holy. We pray that God will help us keep his name holy. We keep God’s name holy when we: - learn what the Bible says - do what the Bible says - tell people what the Bible says God’s Word Psalm 103:1. Praise the Lord. Praise his holy name. Luke 11:28. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. God’s Story 1 and 2 Timothy. Paul tells Timothy to remember God’s Word and do what it says.

THE SECOND PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

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Your kingdom come. This Means God’s kingdom is all people who believe that Jesus died to save them. God puts people in his kingdom even when we do not pray. God wants us to pray that we will always believe in Jesus and that many other people will believe in Jesus. How does God’s kingdom come? God uses his Word, the Bible, to give us his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit puts faith in our hearts to believe God’s Word and do what God’s Word says. God’s Word Luke 17:21. The kingdom of God is within you. Luke 11:28. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it. God’s Story John 1: 29-50. Andrew and Philip learn about Jesus and tell others.

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THE THIRD PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

Your will be done on earth as is heaven. This Means God’s will is what God wants. We learn what God wants from his Word, the Bible. The angels in heaven always do what God wants. We pray that God will help us do what he wants. God wants people to: - learn about Jesus and be saved - obey his Word - tell other people the good news about Jesus our Savior God’s Word John 6:40. My father’s will is that everyone who believes in [Jesus] shall have eternal life. Psalm 143:10. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. God’s Story Jonah chapters 1 through 3. Jonah learns to do what God says.

THE FOURTH PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

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Give us today our daily bread. This Means We pray that God will help us remember that he gives us our daily bread. Daily bread is everything we need to take care of our bodies. God gives us daily bread even when we do not ask, because he loves us. God wants us to thank him for giving us food and all the other things. God’s Word Acts 14:17. [God] provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. Psalm 118:1. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. God’s Story Matthew 6:25-34 and Luke 12:22-34. God gives us everything we need.

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THE FIFTH PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. This Means We sin when we do not do what God says. Jesus died to pay for our sins, so we can ask God to forgive us. We ask God to help us forgive other people when they do bad things to us. God’s Word Ephesians 1:7. In Jesus we have the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 4:32. Be kind to one another. Forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Psalm 51:2. Clean me from my sin. God’s Story Genesis chapter 37 and chapter 45:1-14. Joseph forgives his brothers.

THE SIXTH PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

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Lead us not into temptation. This Means Temptation means someone is trying to get us to sin. God does not try to get us to sin. Who tries to get us to sin? - the devil - other people - ourselves We pray that God will help us say no and do what is good. God’s Word Romans 8:31. If God is for us, who can be against us? Matthew 26:41. Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. God’s Story Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-12. The devil tries to get Jesus to sin.

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THE SEVENTH PETITION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

But deliver us from evil. This Means We pray that God will save us from the devil and all bad things that happen to us. God knows what is best for us. God uses all things, even bad things, for the good of people who believe in Jesus. We ask God to bring us safely to live with him in heaven. God’s Word 2 Timothy 4:18. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom [heaven]. Romans 8:28. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. God’s Story Acts 16:16-40. God takes care of Paul and Silas in jail.

WORDS OF PRAISE IN THE LORD’S PRAYER

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For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. This Means We praise God because: - he promises to hear our prayers - he uses his almighty power to answer our prayers - he always gives us what is good for us Amen means, “Yes, God will hear our prayers and answer them.” God’s Word Psalm 17:6. I call on you, O God, for you will answer me. Psalm 150:2. Praise God for his acts of power.

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THE SACRAMENTS

1. What sacraments did Jesus give us in the Bible? Jesus gave us these sacraments: - Baptism - the Lord’s Supper 2. What is a sacrament? A sacrament is a special act that Jesus wants Christians to do. Jesus told us to use God’s Word together with: - water for Baptism - bread and wine for the Lord’s Supper 3. Why did God give us the sacraments? God gave us the sacraments to: - forgive our sins - make our faith grow - lead us to heaven 4. What does God use to give the sacraments such great power? God uses his Word in the sacraments to give them this power.

BAPTISM

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Jesus told us to baptize people by putting water on someone and saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This Means In Baptism, God: - washes away our sins - makes us his own dear children - saves us from living with the devil forever - gives us a new life with him on earth and life forever with him in heaven God’s Word Acts 22:16. Be baptized and wash your sins away. 1 Peter 3:21. Baptism saves you. God’s Story Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21,22. Jesus is baptized.

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THE LORD’S SUPPER

Jesus said, “Take and eat. This is my body. Take and drink. This is my blood.” This Means Jesus gives us his body when we eat the bread. Jesus gives us his blood when we drink the wine. In the Lord’s Supper, God gives us forgiveness for our sins. God uses the power that is in his Word to do this. God’s Word says that God forgives people who believe that Jesus is their Savior. God’s Word Matthew 26:26,27. Jesus took bread, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, saying, “This is my blood, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins.” God’s Story Matthew 26:17-29 and Mark 14:22-26. Jesus gives his friends the Lord’s Supper.

CONFESSION

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God wants us to confess our sins to him. This Means God wants us to tell our sins to him. We believe God will forgive all our sins. God wants us to confess our sins to each other also. If you have been bad to another person, say to that person: - I was bad to you - I sinned against God - please forgive me God wants us not to sin anymore. God’s Word 1 John 1:9. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins. James 5:16. Confess your sins to each other. God’s Story Luke 15:11-32. A son tells his father that he has sinned, and the father forgives him.

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THE APOSTLES’ CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

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