Dr. Luther’s Small Catechism lesson for the week of July 19, 2015:
[II] THE CREED
IN THE PLAIN FORM IN WHICH THE HEAD OF THE FAMILY
SHALL TEACH IT TO HIS HOUSEHOLD
THE FIRST ARTICLE: CREATION
“I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth”
What does this mean?
Answer: I believe that God has created me and all that exists; that he has given me and still sustains my body and soul, all my limbs and senses, my reason and all the faculties of my mind, together with food and clothing, house and home, family and property; that he provides me daily and abundantly with all the necessities of life, protects me from all danger, and preserves me from all evil. All this he does out of his pure, fatherly, and divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness on my part. For all of this I am bound to thank, praise, serve, and obey him. This is most certainly true.[1]
[1] Tappert, T. G. (Ed.). (1959). The Book of Concord The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. (pp. 344-345). Philadelphia: Mühlenberg Press.