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Shaped by Word and Sacrament

Explore the transformative power of Word and Sacrament in shaping our faith journey, leadership structures, and use of means of grace within the church. Discover the significance of Confession and Forgiveness, Holy Baptism, and Holy Communion in guiding our Christian life and communal fellowship.

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Shaped by Word and Sacrament

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  1. Shaped by Word and Sacrament March 20, 2019

  2. Confessional definition of church • “The church is the assembly of saints in which the gospel is taught purely and the sacraments are administered rightly.” • CA VII [Lat.], 1 • The church has three primary characteristics: • An assembled group of people made holy by Christ • Proclaims the (Law and) Gospel of Jesus Christ • Offers the sacraments to a world in need

  3. Pattern of leadership in the church • Congregations are most often led by pastors • ELCA Constitution: Pastor = “Minister of Word and Sacrament” • Primary responsibilities of our “professional leaders” are preaching the gospel and administering the sacraments • Other “rostered leaders” in the ELCA include deacons and bishops • Deacons = Ministers of Word and Service • Bishops = Ministers of Word and Sacrament (with an additional ministry of oversight) • The structure of the church is intended to support synods and congregations in fulfilling their primary responsibilities

  4. Use of the means of grace • “We now want to return to the gospel, which gives guidance and help against sin in more than one way, because God is extravagantly rich in his grace: first, through the spoken word, in which the forgiveness of sins is preached to the whole word (which is the proper function of the gospel); second, through baptism; third, through the holy Sacrament of the Altar; fourth, through the power of the keys and also thought the mutual conversation and consolation of brothers and sisters.” • SA, Part 3, Art. 4, “Concerning the Gospel”

  5. The Word as “Law and Gospel” • As Christians, we are called to set ourselves under God’s Word (Bonhoeffer) • This word comes to us as both Law and Gospel • Law = Restrains our worst impulses, reveals our weakness and sin (and drives us to Christ), and guides us in being conformed to Christ’s likeness • Gospel = Declares what God in Christ has done, announces our freedom from sin, opens up possibility for a future with hope • We are shaped by these two expressions of God’s Word for us

  6. Holy Baptism • Baptism is our entrance into life “in Christ” • Romans 6 – we are baptized into Christ Jesus (and into his death), so that we share in his life • Baptism grounds us in the promise and presence of God • “You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” • Baptism provides a purpose and direction for our life • Live among God’s faithful people • Hear the word of God • Share in the Lord’s Supper • Proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed • Serve all people, following the example of Jesus • Strive for justice and peace in all the earth

  7. Confession and Forgiveness • “Repentance, therefore, is nothing else than a return and approach to baptism, to resume and practice what has earlier been begun but abandoned.”* • LC, “Baptism”, p. 466, para. 79 • Confession is an acknowledgement of our human brokenness, and the announcement of forgiveness is a reminder of God’s promise never to leave us or forsake us.

  8. Holy Communion • The Sacrament of Holy Communion shapes us as individuals and as church • In bread, wine, and word, we receive the promise of forgiveness and renewal • We are joined with Christ, whose very body and blood are really present to us • We are joined to one another by our participation in the meal • Because we receive Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion, we are freed to become Christ’s body in the world • “O God, we give you thanks that you have set before us this feast, the body and blood of your Son. By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” • ELW, p. 114.

  9. Shaped by Word and Sacrament • We find our beginning in the Word of God who created all things • Our life in Christ is made possible because of the call of God through the work of the Holy Spirit • The Gospel is proclaimed • We enter into life in Christ through the gift of Holy Baptism • We return to Baptism through the practice of Confession and Forgiveness • We are sustained on our journey through the gift of Holy Communion • We are upheld by our fellowship/partnership in the Gospel • In all these things, we who are made in God’s image are conformed to Christ’s likeness, so that we can be Christ for the world!

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