Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Matthew 15:1-9

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Matthew 15:1-9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Church 

Many similar examples may be gathered from the histories, in which it appears that differences in human observances do not injure the unity of faith. Still, what need is there of discussion? The adversaries do not understand the righteousness of faith and the kingdom of Christ at all, if they consider as necessary the uniformity of practices in food, days, clothing, and the like—things that do not have the command of God.

Pulling It Together: I like to sing the “Kyrie” in worship. For that matter, I love to sing the entire liturgy, including the intonation of the Psalm. Some of our churches do not sing the liturgy; they speak the words. Now, if I considered my musical preference to be a commandment instead of a tradition, I could cause a great deal of confusion and harm. The crucial thing here is not my preference but instead, that God is worshiped in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Otherwise, a danger looms: that my preferences, traditions, and practices become what I worship. 

Prayer: Help me to hear your command and obey you, Lord. Amen.

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