1. Lesson 4 Divine Communication
Confirmation Class
Lesson 4
Divine Communication

2. Prayer
O God, you taught us by your holy apostle that we are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that just as he was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in newness of life. Grant that I may walk in the grace of my baptism, so that the old Adam in me may be drowned and destroyed by daily sorrow and repentance, together with all sins and evil lusts, and that again a new person may daily come forth and rise, who shall live in the presence of God in righteousness and purity forever; through Jesus Christ, your well-beloved Son, our Savior. Amen.
Martin Luther,

3. Communication Model

4. How does God Communicate with us?
How did God create the world?
By his Word
What is another name for Jesus?
The Word
Genesis 1
John 1:1,14

5. Source of Scripture
God through verbal inspiration “breathed into” the prophets and apostles the exact words he wanted them to write in the Bible

6. Purpose of Scripture John 20:31 2 Timothy 3:15-16
That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ so that you have life in His name.
To make you wise for salvation through faith. It is also for: teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

7. How does faith come to a person
Romans 10:17
The Holy Spirit works through the Word and the waters of baptism to create faith.

8. Verbal Inspiration…
Luther’s Catechism glossary…
The miracle by which God “breathed into” the prophets and apostles what he wanted them to write in the Bible.

9. God forbids…
Anyone to add his own ideas, visions, or teachings to the Bible
Anyone to subtract from the Bible by leaving out what he doesn’t want to believe or teach.
Anyone to change the Bible by twisting its meaning or by saying that it is a collection of cleverly invented stories.

10. The Bible is Unique Old Testament New Testament Writers
Old Testament
New Testament
Writers
Moses, Kings, Prophets
Apostles, evangelists
Language
Hebrew (some Aramaic)
Greek
Books
History, poetry, prophecy
History, letters, prophecy
Time
1400 B.C.-400 B.C.
40 A.D.—100 A.D.
Content
History of God’s people and promises of the Savior to come
The Good News (Gospel) of Christ’s life and letters for the Christian churches

11. Law and Gospel
The purpose of the Law is to show us our sins and need for the Savior, and after conversion, guides us in thankful living.
The purpose of the Gospel is to show us our Savior and creates saving faith in Him, and after conversion inspires thankful living.

12. Romans 3:19-23
Righteousness ours by: By faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe
Salvation is ours by: The Gospel

13. Sermons
Law
Gospel

14. Principles for interpreting the Bible
1. Let Scripture interpret Scripture
This principle states that less clear passages are to be interpreted in light of clear passages.
2. Know the context
Make sure what subject is being addressed, who is speaking, and who are the recipients. Is this section descriptive (telling us about events or people—even sinful activities and people) or is it prescriptive (telling us about God’s will for all people).
3. Know what the original text says.
One should be certain to use a modern English translation that accurately and readably translates the original language (NIV84, NIV, ESV, NASB). It is good to compare translations. It is also good to use Bible commentaries that abide with these principles of interpreting the Bible (The People’s Bible Commentary series by NPH).

15. Discussion
Always be a student of the Scriptures
Acts 17:11

16. Our Communication with God
Daniel 9:3, 19
Prayer

17. Isaiah 1:15
I Peter 3:12
God hears the prayer of the believer. God does not listen to the prayer of the unbeliever.

18. Who should we pray for? Everyone
What should we pray about? Everything
How often should we pray? Continually

19. Homework Write out Luther’s Morning prayer
Complete homework section.
See homework. Do homework. Including…
Write out Luther’s Morning prayer
Write out Luther’s evening prayer
Write out prayer for class.

20. Small Catechism: To Say Grace
Quiz
Review lesson # 4
VIP # 5
VIC #1-5
Small Catechism: To Say Grace

21. Test on October 28 (end of month)
Test includes anything on the quizzes referring to the lessons.
VIPs
VICs
(It does not include Luther’s Catechism pieces).