http://www.bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

I would suggest you skip the introduction until you’ve read through the rest of the catechism at least once. It’s mostly discussion of the historical context in which Luther found the need to set down sound, biblical doctrine in a short and easy form – “As the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household.”

In most Confessional Lutheran churches today, children are still required to memorize the small catechism before confirmation.

I realize I am coming in on the middle of this conversation but I must say I agree with everything and also disagree with everything.

The one thing I know is that no church or religion is perfect in anyway if humans are in charge. No matter how spirit filled, evangelical or sacramental any one is, if they are human and considered to be mankind we will never get it right.. We are flawed everyone of us.

But if you read the word of God he uses words like friend, relationship. The didciples gave themsleve to meet in the courts everyday, breaking bread together, communing with one anothe and studied the teaching and doctrines of the Apostles.

My understanding from Isaih is that obedience is better than sacrifice and it is a matter of a broken heart and a contrite spirit that God comes to any one. Personal relationship with Jesus is the only thing they ask and to be worshiped and glorified however it may fit.

We all have gifts and talents put in us be the creator his self and he is expecting each one of us to use them for his glory and to lift up the son. Religion really has no place in what kind of relationship you have with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit was the gift Jesus sent to us to guide us in all truth and to know the will of God and how he would have us worship him. We all have different personalities and I think God realizes that since he created us.

I am evangelical but I have a strong reverence awe and honor for God and his house of worship. He has called us to mingle and meet with fellow christians regardless of the temporal things here on earth. Some day I want to dance like David danced before God. One day I want to sing praise of worship to God just as the Psalmist did.

I am only voicing my opinion and concern for what the Bible says we should do and how we should act and raise the banner of God as the standard we all stand on.

If you love God have faith and believe that Jesus is his son then trust him to lead you to the places HE has consecrated and made the sacrament viable. It is not the man made things we shuld be worrying about but it’s the spiritual everlasting and eternal things we should be focusing on. And yes if you read your bible it will tell you the do’s and don’ts; and that within itself is a sacrement consecrated by God through his Holy Spirit, Son and his Holy Word.

Personal relationship, Do you know Jesus? Have you been saved through grace and the santification of the Holy Spirit. You can’t begin to understand until you have made the leap into faith through grace. No ritual sacrement or whatever will ever make sense to anyone unless they first love God and have been saved through grace by faith. Then they have the leading of the Holy Spirit that will guide them into alllll truth concerning the things of God.

Thank for your time.