Luther’s Small Catechism: 3rd Article of the Creed. I believe that I can not believe.

I believe that I cannot believe in Christ by my own reason or strength (I Corinthians 12). The progress of faith is completely a gift of God’s Work so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a comfort to know that He calls us, gathers us, enlightens us, makes us holy, and keeps us with Him so that we know the completeness of the Gospel. All Him and not us. We know that we receive the Holy Spirit by the Word & His Sacraments (Acts 2:38-39). These gifts point us away from ourselves and to the hope in the life, death, and the resurrection of Christ so that we confess Jesus as Lord and receive His forgiveness, life, and salvation. Thanks be to God that He gives us faith in Christ and gathers all believers back to Him now and on the Last Day.

Rev. Matthew Richard, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minot, ND joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 3rd Article of the creed in Luther’s Small Catechism.

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.