Sermon Notes for June 25

FIRST THOUGHTS + They say, "confession is good for the soul." When we say, "confession" that can mean bringing out the sins we committed in order to be forgiven. Or, we could be confessing our faith. Jesus says, "whoever acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge before my Father" (Matthew 10:32). Faithful confession of Jesus Christ is what we are celebrating this Sunday. 

On June 25, 1530, the "protesting" princes and theologians led by Philip Melanchthon presented their confession before Emperor Charles V. It was time to take a stand for the teachings of Martin Luther that were inspiring reform in the church. At the beginning of the confession is the reason not only for reform, but the church's very existence:

Furthermore, it is taught that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God through our merit, work or satisfactions, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ's sake through faith when we believe that Christ has suffered for us and that for His sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are give to us.

 - Article 4 of the Augsburg Confession. 

What does this mean? Are there still reasons for making this confession today? How do we acknowledge Jesus in church practice and in the lives of our members? We'll explore that a bit when we gather to celebrate the anniversary of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession.