Augsburg Confession: Chief Articles of the Faith. Article 15 & 16: Church Ceremonies and Government

When we follow certain ceremonies in the Church are they distracting to the Gospel or do they help the proclamation of Christ? When we live in the world, how do we engage our government without sacrificing our beliefs? The Concordians asked the question, “What does Scripture say?” and “Where is your hope?” The Christian can follow ceremonies and participate in the government with a clear conscience as our hope is in Christ and clinging to the promises of His Word. “Built on the Rock the Church shall stand, Even when steeples are falling. Crumbled have spires in every land; Bells still are chiming and calling, calling the young and old to rest, But above all the souls distressed, Longing for rest everlasting.” LSB #645, st. 1

Rev. Tim Sims, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the truth of Church Ceremonies and Civil Government.

Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.