The Sunday class is a little behind from last week. Instead of beginning our topic on the Second Coming of Jesus. We will continue with the topic of holy living.
1) We are saved by grace, not by obedience to the law. Are the Ten Commandments still important to Christians?
The answer is pretty simple. If a Christian is confused about how to live a life that pleases God, but they are not sure how; point them to the commandments. While we do not depend on obedience for salvation, the law still shows us our sin, and guides us in how to live. Not to mention that there are many other common sense benefits. (i.e. not murdering people is great for society.)
How would you teach the Ten Commandments to your children?
2) How does Jesus help us to live a holy life?
http://heaintthroughwithmeyet.wordpress.com/2007/03/04/be-imitators-of-christ/
1 Thessalonians 1:5 mentions imitating Christ. After reading the devotion from the link above; how can imitating Christ help you live in a God-pleasing way?
3) In the last post, I posted a link on sanctification. Sanctification on a personal level, is the Holy Spirit bringing you to recieve God's grace, and empowering and guiding you to serve Christ.
Some denominations say that in order to prove that you have the holy Spirit you need to speak in tongues, or preform other miracles. How is that different from what we, as Lutherans, believe about the work of the Holy Spirit?
Read the story below:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-05-23-tongues-brain_N.htm
Lutherans are cautious about speaking in tongues. It does not show that you are more sanctified than anyone else. It is not necessary to prove that you have the Holy Spirit, and it may not be edifying to the entire church. The article above showed the confusion that can be caused by putting a heavy emphasis on speaking in tongues over all of the other spiritual gifts.
Paul speaks clearly on this in 1 Corinthians 12 posted below:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=12&version=31
The Holy Spirit helps us to overcome sin and the devil, as well as, giving us gifts to serve the Church. These gifts do not have to be spectacular or miraculous. They can be ordinary and everday things that do tremendous good.
What gifts do you have?
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