The Trinity
What does "Trinity" mean?
Three-in-one. (i.e. Three persons in one God)
Who wrote the book of Matthew?
MATTHEW was inspired by GOD
From conception, all human being are ______ by nature
Sinful (Psalm 51:5)
The GOSPEL in WORD and SACRAMENT (what the Holy Spirit uses to create and strengthen faith)
The growth that the Holy Spirit gives to our New Man through continuously giving the gospel, expressed in our thankful lives of praise to God for what he's done. (John 15:1-5)
The person of the Trinity ascribed with creation, preservation, and providence
God the Father
The two main teachings that run throughout Scripture are
Spot the error: "All one needs to do to be saved is to accept Christ into their heart"
This is impossible without the Spirit's work. It commands us to do something we cannot do. (1 Corinthians 12:3)
What happened at your baptism?
You were reborn (John 3:5), saved (1 Peter 3:21), given a new identity (Titus 3:5), made a disciple of God (Matthew 28:19) -- all because the Gospel was applied to you through water and the Word
Why do we go to church?
Believers gather together around the Word and Sacrament, to receive the gospel, to grow in our faith and fellowship with other believers, and to praise and thank God for his goodness (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:23-25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The person of the Trinity ascribed with inspiration, conversion and sanctification
God the Holy Spirit
What are the three uses of the Law?
1) Mirror (shows our sin), 2) Curb (checks our sinful nature), 3) Guide (gives the New Man a way to give thanks)
Spot the error: "Jesus came to teach us how to live under God's Law"
Jesus came to live FOR US (Galatians 4:4-5), and die FOR US (John 3:16), and freed us from the Law (Colossians 2:13-14)
Why should we take communion?
For the forgiveness of our sins (also acceptable: because Christ commands it). (Matthew 26:28)
What's going to happen when you die?
My soul will go directly to heaven (Hebrews 9:27, 2 Corinthians 5:8), while my body awaits the resurrection (Philippians 3:19-21)
The person of the Trinity ascribed with creation, the incarnation, redemption, and who is coming in the future to judge the earth
God the Son
Recite Romans 3:23-24 and identify which part is Law or Gospel
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (LAW) and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (GOSPEL)"
For whom did Jesus die?
All people of all time (Romans 3:24)
Who should receive Communion?
Believers who are 1. Able to recognize the Real Presence, 2. united in confession of faith, and 3. approach with a repentant heart. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29)
Spot the error: "Life is easy for a strong believer. If you have hardship, you do not trust enough."
We suffer because of our faith (1 Peter 4:12-13). We struggle against temptation (Galatians 5:17). But we continuously trust in and rely upon Christ for deliverance and strength (Romans 7:24-25) -- not ourselves.
Explain the Trinity in a way that is A) logically satisfying and B) leaves no room for misunderstanding
This is impossible, BUT God reveals this truth for our comfort
Who wrote the book of Revelation?
The Apostle JOHN was inspired by GOD to write it
How do you know you're going to heaven?
Because Jesus has saved you and given you faith in him (John 3:16-17)
"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."
Recite 1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."