Author: CJ Ransdell

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The Lord’s Prayer – The First Petition

The Lord's Prayer - The First Petition

Read Luther’s Small Catechism.

Hallowed be Thy name.


What does this mean? 

God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.
How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).

Now read Luther’s Large Catechism.

Reading and Reflection

After having read everything above, fill out the answers and submit this form. Don’t forget the Bible Margins. They are on the bottom of this page. 

Print the margins below and place them into your Bible.

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The Lord’s Prayer – Introduction

The Lord's Prayer - Introduction

Read Luther’s Small Catechism.

Our Father who art in heaven.

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.


Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).

Now read Luther’s Large Catechism.

Reading and Reflection

After having read everything above, fill out the answers and submit this form. Don’t forget the Bible Margins. They are on the bottom of this page. 

Print the margins below and place them into your Bible.

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Apostles’ Creed – The Third Article

The Apostles' Creed - The Third Article

Read Luther’s Small Catechism. Notice the emphasize on what God does in the life of the believer and in the life of the church. Because it is God who is at work here, we can always be confident and sure that we really and truly have what is mentioned here. It is ours, not because we did enough to earn it. We have it because this is God’s work in our lives. When God does something, God always does it right.

The Third Article – SANCTIFICATION
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).

The Bible Project

Watch the video below. Notice how it describes the Holy Spirit and the ways He works in and among creation. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a sign of God’s great love and care for us, and assures us that we truly are His children and are loved greatly by Him. 

Luther's Large Catechism

Notice how Luther expanded on the article here. 

Reflection and Reaction

After having read and watched everything above, fill out the answers and submit this form. Don’t forget the Bible Margins. They are on the bottom of this page.

Bible Margins

Print the margins below and put them in your Bibles.

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Apostles’ Creed – The Second Article

The Apostles' Creed - The Second Article

Read Luther’s Small Catechism. Notice the emphasize on what God has done and continues to do for us. We respond to what God has first done for us. It is not us trying to win or earn something from God.

Luther's Small Catechism

The Second Article – REDEMPTION
And [I believe] in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).

The Bible Project

Watch the video below. Notice how it describes Jesus and why it was necessary to come. As we saw with the first article, the focus is on what God first does for us. God does this for us because God loves us so very much. Because of what Jesus did for us we have life and live that life in relationship with God. 

Luther's Large Catechism

Notice how Luther expanded on the article here.

Reflection and Reaction

After having read and watched everything above, fill out the answers and submit this form. Don’t forget the Bible Margins. They are on the bottom of this page.

Bible Margins

Print the margins below and put them in your Bibles.

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Apostles’ Creed – The First Article

The Apostles' Creed - The First Article

Read Luther’s Small Catechism. Notice the emphasize on what God has done and continues to do for us. We respond to what God has first done for us. It is not us trying to win or earn something from God.

Luther's Small Catechism

The First Article – CREATION

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

What does this mean?
I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.

Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 1991).

The Bible Project

Watch the following video. Notice how the video tries to explain that which is ultimately unexplainable. That is why it is easier to understand who God is through relationship. While we may not be able to understand how God can be triune, we can understand creator, provider, father who loves us. 

Luther's Large Catechism

Notice how Luther expanded on this article here.

Reflection and Reaction

After having read and watched everything above, fill out the answers and submit this form. Don’t forget the Bible Margins. They are on the bottom of this page.

Bible Margins

Print the margins below and put them in your Bibles. You do not need to reprint any that you already have in your Bibles.